Nick Dubelt was born on December 4, 1919 to Karol Dubelt (a farmer and coal miner) and Anna (neeYacinsky) Dubelt (a housewife), in Chumale, Zbaraz, and Poland. They emigrated to Canada in 1928 and settled in the area east of Prince Albert (Claytonville, then Foxford). Nick said his education consisted of Grade three, page three. He left school and began working in the forestry business – cutting cordwood and hauling loads to the train station to ship to the cities. Nick was proud to say that he and two other men cut the road to Candle Lake in the 1930s. Candle Lake was the fun part of Nick’s life because fishing was his favourite way to spend time. He also hunted, mainly out of necessity.

    During World War 2, Nick was drafted into the army and was stationed in Calgary. An appendix attack saved him from active duty. He returned to Foxford where he was employed by CP Rail. He often compared his wage of 75 cents an hour then to present wages and commented on the value of a dollar back then.

    Farming, land clearing , operating a general store and a house theatre in Choiceland and building a hall in Foxford to show movies were some the adventures that followed. Most of these ventures were done with Uncle Frank who would do the math and book work. Fishing at Candle Lake became a favourite activity when time permitted. Nick remembered seeing his future wife Lena when she was three years old. Later, he caught her attention by building a box lunch at a dance social. His side of the story was that he told her that he was too old for her, being sixteen years older. Nonetheless, they were married on July 3, 1952. The love and joy of that marriage were well expressed in a conversation that Nick had with his brother. He said: “No matter where we go, I know that Lena will make a home for us. “

    In May 1956, Nick and Frank scouted the province looking for the best place to build a drive- in theatre. They chose Preeceville and it became their new home and   place of business. During the winter months from 1957-1959, they rented small town halls to show movies using a 16 mm. projector. They went to Hazel Dell on Friday nights, Endeavour on Saturday nights and occasionally as far away as Archerwill. The screen was attached to the roof of the car and the back seat was loaded with the projector, canisters of film and boxes of popcorn that Lena made for sale.

    In all the theatre businesses, Nick was the projectionist, Lena took charge of the concession and Frank sold tickets. Drive – Ins were prohibited from operating on Sundays during the 1950s and early 1960s. In order to keep the crowd around, until midnight, Nick and Frank built a roller skating rink. Many comical stories from those days are still told today. How many of you remember hiding in the trunk of a car to get into the drive- in, or coming back a few hours later to retrieve your beer, to be met by a German Shepherd dog.

    Aggie was born in 1953. When Ted was born in 1964, Nick snuck her in to see her Mom and baby brother because visiting hours were restricted. Nick knew what was important.

    During the 1960s, as well as running the drive- in theatre, Nick and Frank built 3 houses- 1 to live in, 1 to sell and another 1 was moved to Prince Albert. Nick used to tell the story about Aggie’s love of pounding nails. They would make sure the boards were nailed above her reach before she got home from school, so she wouldn’t be able to “help”.

    From the late 60s to the 70s, forestry was becoming a larger part of people’s lives. McMillan Bloedel and Simpson established operations in Hudson Bay. Nick and Frank packed the car full of power saws, chains, oil, files and a cooler of food that Lena prepared and they would drive up north to the logging camps to sell their merchandise and expertise. Husqvarna became well known in this area because of their salesmanship. Nick’s philosophy was “one pull is all it should take to start a motor.” Over the years, Nick was the repairman, Frank was the bookkeeper and Lena kept the house, family, yard and businesses organized.   

    The 80s and 90s brought changes. The drive-in closed and a new one was built at Good Spirit Lake. The chain saw business declined and Lena battled with cancer. She passed away in December of 1990. This was a very difficult time for the family. Frank passed away from cancer in 1993. That sad period continued with the death of Baba in September of 1995.

    Anyone who knew Nick knew how important German Shepherd dogs were to him. His last two were both named Zak. They were his constant companions, so he never really felt alone. He considered his dogs to be the best of company. He took them for truck rides and fishing trips. They were also the best for conversation, because they always agreed with Nick.

    Nick was thrilled to become a grandfather at the age of 94. Ted and Mel presented him with Lena in March 2014 and Max in August 2015. His only regret was that Mom wasn’t there to share in his joy.

    Nick was proud to keep living in his house and working in his yard. He felt a little sad when he when into Preeceville because many familiar faces were no longer around. Nick would say: “All of my friends are gone… and some of my enemies too. “

    On Friday, March 3, 2017, Nick suffered a stroke that immobilized his left arm. His speech and swallowing were not as affected. The last few weeks were ab roller- coaster ride- Nick would still share jokes on his good days. When a Ukrainian friend said that her son was marrying a German, Nick said: “their kids will be Geraniums.”

    According to the author of Man’s Search For Meaning: “We cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward. The primary human drive is not pleasure, but the pursuit of what we find meaningful.”

For Nick, this was CHILDREN, FAMILY and FISHING!”

Funeral Services were held for Nick on May 19, 2017 at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Sturgis with Father Marcin Mironiuk presiding. Interment followed at Saint Patrick's Parish Cemetery.

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