PREECEVILLE — Bert Fairburn of Preeceville celebrated his 100th birthday on Sept. 7. The celebration was held at the Preeceville Club 60 surrounded by his wife, three children, spouses and their families, as well as many well-wishers from the community.
“There have been many changes over the past 100 years,” said Fairburn. “We used to plow the fields using a team of four horses and pick stones by hand. Now, large equipment has taken over and replaced the good old days.
"We never had any power and had to use oil lamps. Once power came in, it made a difference in the world and our lives. The times of having to haul water and use the outhouse will never be experienced by the younger generations. When we built our house on the farm we did not have a bathroom but later, when we added the addition of the bathroom, it was huge. No more using the cold outhouse in the middle of winter.
“Neighbours were always close by to lend a hand with anything. Now, the family farms are all being taken over by larger corporations. Threshing time was always a fun highlight. It had neighbours helping neighbours, and the feasts we used to have were huge.
"Medicare and hospitalization were another significant change in history. The depression hit everyone hard, forcing rationing of food, gas and many commodities. Many could not afford a car, and if anyone took sick, we had to rely on the generosity of neighbours,” said Fairburn.
“I have no regrets in my 100 years except maybe retiring from farming. Live life to the fullest and never regret anything,” he concluded.
The event featured a celebration cake, a huge lunch and a slide presentation.
Fairburn was born and raised 20 miles northwest of Preeceville and helped out on his parents’ family farm while attending school, where he completed his Grade 8 level. He was one of six siblings and is the only surviving one.
He continued to help on the family farm and also worked at the Ushta Grain Growers elevator. Fairburn went on to work at The Pas Lumber at Reserve, falling timber. When the company was sold, he moved to B.C. with his wife Carol to continue with the same company.
Fairburn married the love of his life, Carol, in 1957, and they added three children to that union: two girls, Noreen and Shari, and one boy, Kevin.
The couple soon after moved back to Saskatchewan to take over the family farm, where he continued the mixed farming practices for 40 years. While on the farm, the couple hand-milked 12 cows and shipped cream. They only milked cows for a brief period and concentrated more on the grain aspect. The couple retired from farming and moved into Preeceville, where they currently reside.
Fairburn is an avid carpenter who has hand-built many creative things, from the kitchen cupboards to furniture. His passion for carpentry and gardening has helped him to remain healthy mentally and physically. Over the years, he has been very lucky with good health and is very optimistic about his next birthday.
The couple is actively involved in the Preeceville Club 60 Senior Centre and enjoys challenging others at shuffleboard.
