The following is a speech written by Bill Murray. It was read aloud at the sign presentation that took place on July 1, 2024. The signs for Howard Wright, Jim Lewthwaite, and Christian Sutter were fully sponsored by Bill. Thank you for helping us honor these remarkable men.
Our veterans were of a great generation returning from the horrors of the war. The men and woman were finally reunited with their families to begin their lives anew. Through the years, joined with fellow citizens in building our community, province, and country.
Returning from the war J.R. Rob Robins and his wife Annabelle moved to Redvers in 1946, and the population was 230. The average salary was $1600.00 per year. Rob began his career as secretary treasurer of R.M. 61, and soon was asked to be secretary of the village. As a result, he provided the insight and cooperation needed. For the next 38 years he would guide the community and RM through the years of growth, working with Councils.
Hotel owner Wally Millan campaigned for office in favour of bringing water and sewer to the community, the cost of the project was $250,000.00. Rob was instrumental in Redvers incorporating as a town rather than a village for better funding for the project. In the 50’s and 60’s, Redvers and area experienced exceptional growth and was recognized as one of the fastest growing communities in the province.
The opening of the Redvers & District Union Hospital in 1948 served the growing needs of the community and area, which added to growth.
Today we look back and remember citizens that made a difference in the lives of this community. In 1960 Mrs. Ann Way, Public Health Nurse, saw the need of families to have their children with special needs to attend schooling in Wauchope under the car of sister Bernadette Chouinard and sister Mathilda Chouinard.
In 1963 it was decided to move the school to Redvers. In 1975 plans were made to provide group homes for clients. Employment programs were developed, enabling clients to live independently in the community. Today we honour the Way family for Ann’s profound effect she had in the lives of the residents and their families. The Activity Centre remains as a jewel in the history of this community.
In many homes’ grandparents live with their families. A board was appointed to organize a special care home. In August of 1967 J.R. Robins cutting the ribbon with chairman Jim Lewthwaite and Matron Helen Smith. In 1965 the old rink was destroyed by fire. A year later citizens rallied to build the recreation centre with the town and RM working together to build and expand the facility. Rob advised in the planning of the swimming pool and artificial ice.
In the early 60’s rural schools were closing and students joined town class mates. This required a new school to be built and was named Garnett Way High School to honor Mr. Way who was secretary for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Way had three sons. Ervin was a teacher and principal; his wife Anne was a nurse at the hospital and became the public health nurse. Their son James Way was killed in the war. Their son Doug operated the grocery store until his passing. Through the years businesses and organizations served this community and area.
In the 100-year history four families were mentioned that still operated their business, they were Curle’s (1906), Murray’s Store (1907), as well as the Bailey and Dangstorp families. Today any wish would be for Bill Curle’s to be here. Bill and Leona became the third generation and carried on a business, and Bill’s grandfather Dick Curle was respected for the financial support during the early years. Bill was Mayor in 1980 and throughout his life he gave his best to this community.
Our love foes to his wife and business partner Leona, daughters Debra and Christine. We miss Bill every day.
Three families that were so important to this community were the Pensenti’s and Murphy’s who looked after three generations of us, and also Dr. Staden, our veterinarian for 35 years and who authored a book about living here.
As we celebrate the past 120 years and honor three wonderful families, we that were born after this war are remembering our families.
In a world that seems so divided, we were born into a loving, caring community. Growing up in a multicultural community, our legacy with British French, Danish, and Norwegian pioneers enriched our lives and taught us acceptance. We were not divided by religion; our churches brought our families closer together in worship. Our families and citizens greatest investment was education. That gave us the ability to achieve our goals. Our greatest strength came from our mothers, a legacy of love that was passed down through generations. As our mothers and gathers held us in their arms when we were born, we hold them in our hearts today.
Today in seeing you I can’t help that those values and friendship is a reminder o the love your families gave to the Murray Family through the years.