DOLTON- Jim Dolton, beloved husband of Bonnie Dolton passed away at Preeceville Health Centre on April 27. Jim was the first son born to Fred and Frances Dolton on May 6, 1938. He attended Brookview School for a short time. When Lillian Rural School was built, he attended there until the end of his school years.

     Jim worked with his Dad and his siblings in the winters at the sawmill near McBride Lake from the age of fifteen until it closed in 1972. He worked with them on the farm during the summer months.

     Jim married Bonnie Holland in 1960.They had two sons, eventually 3 grandchildren and 2 great granddaughters. Family was very special to Jim. This included his immediate family, parents, siblings and their offspring.

      In 1972, Jim and Bonnie began farming on their own. They raised pigs for a short while, then raised beef cattle for about 20 years. They kept a few horses to help herd the cattle. Jim relied on one working mare quite often when the cattle herd grew to 300 head. Jim made his own roping saddle. He carved the saddle tree and added the trimmings himself. Jim sold most of his cattle before venturing into raising elk with a partner, Wade Hainstock.In 1987 they formed a farm corporation. After a few years, Wade sold out to pursue other interests. Jim kept the elk and increased the herd. He added a few moose and bison to the farm for a short time. In the 1990s, Jim travelled around eastern Canada and into the United States on elk buying trips. Jim sold some of these elk to other Saskatchewan elk farmers. He made new friends in the process. Jim owned elk for over 35 years.

     In earlier years, Jim grew some grain for feed and had to put up a lot of hay, which led to him purchasing the first round bailer in the area. Jim owned some trucks at times. He sold his last 2 to his son Todd last year. Jim did a lot of his own repair work. He started welding when he was 9 years old. During the last 2-3 years, he explained how to weld since he was less able to do the jobs himself.

     Jim was a rare person who seldom raised his voice or offered unasked for advice, or lost his temper. Jim could be counted on in a crisis and would fight for what was right and just. In his younger years, Jim belonged to the Etiomame Riding Club and took several first place ribbons with his horse. He loved watching Blue Jays baseball and seldom missed a game. In his younger years, Jim was a good hunter and enjoyed it. After he got his elk, hunting fell by the wayside. Jim also went fishing early and later in his life. He went on a couple of enjoyable fly in fishing trips with his good friends Julie and Grant Rourke at their cabin at a lake north of La Ronge.

      Jim liked airplanes, his friends and fishing. He was proud of the fact that that his youngest great- granddaughter had her first boat ride in his boat.

     Jim was predeceased by his father, Fred in 1981 and mother, Frances in 2002, nieces Nicole in 1978 and Jenaya Dutchak in 2012, his grandparents Jack Park in 1965, Margaret Park in 1964, Elmer Dolton in 1957 and Elizabeth Dolton in 1952. As well as several cousins, aunts, uncles and in-laws.

     He left to cherish his memory,  his beloved wife, Bonnie, son Mark ( his special friend Myra Stachiw),son Todd (Jill), grandchildren Chris ( Amanda),Matt ( Caity Hart) Kalin ( Jason Madarash), Great granddaughters Deidra and Alyssa, his sisters Marguerite ( Harold Haugen), Sharon ( Terry) Dutchak, and Lorraine Dolton, his 3 brothers Gerald ( Linda), Lorne ( Gloria), and Don ( Wendy), as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and in laws.

     Jim’s long battle with cancer began in 2001. He took treatments and beat it back until 2013 when it came back. Jim spent the past 6 months at Preeceville Health Centre in Long Term Care. He received the excellent care and compassion of the staff. Jim very much appreciated the care which he received from his sister Lorraine until his last day.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, May 13 from the chapel at Preeceville Funeral Home with Rev. Miles Russell presiding. Interment followed at Etoimamie Cemetery.  At Jim’s request, memorial donations may be made to the Preeceville Long Term Care Auxiliary. Arrangements were entrusted to Preeceville Funeral Home.

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