Archie Taylor Groat - born Jan. 18, 1921, eldest child of Clifford George and Annie Nettie (Atkinson) Groat. He attended Flett’s Springs and Ethelton schools, completing Grade XII. In 1940, his family moved to Melfort, where Clifford opened a Ford dealership where he worked until Feb 1942 when he joined the R.C.A.F. He was honorably discharged and returned to work the family farm. Archie married Margaret Ellen Trawin Dec. 4th, 1943. They moved to the farm and actively farmed until 1994. He was a progressive farmer, purchasing the first Bourgault Air Seeder for sale – Serial #2 and some of the first hopper bottom cones for under his Westeel bins. Archie was community minded – believing in commitment and service. He operated the community snowplough winters months of the 50’s-70’s He received a life membership and 70 year pin from the BPOE (Elks) as well as a 50 year pin from the Masonic Lodge and still held current memberships in both Lodges. He served 25-plus years on the Melfort Rural Telephone board until it was turned over to SaskTel. He was also involved with the Melfort Exhibition Society for years. In 1957, Dad was elected as a Sask Wheat Pool delegate for the RM’s of Flett’s Springs and Star City. He declined re-nomination in 1984. Archie and Margaret were avid square dancers, members of the Melfort Square Dance Club for over 40 years. They danced in most Provinces (even dancing in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans), numerous U.S. States and countries in Europe. He also took a square dance calling course and occasionally called for a few dance clubs. The Dale Carnegie course he had taken previously helped with his confidence and presentation. They enjoyed years of summer jaunts to lakes with family and Good Sam friends. Archie fondly remembered their trips across Canada, USA and abroad as well as a cruise to Alaska. He often spoke of the 17 winters they spent in Valle del Oro RV Park in Mesa, AZ, enjoying the company of many Canadian and American snow birds. He joined the choir and served as “Ranger”, parking trailers. They sold their park model in 2002 when he turned 81; however they spent winters housesitting in Saskatoon thereafter. He was a devout member of the United Church and proud to have given their children a strong foundation in the Christian faith. Archie felt blessed in saying he was a cancer survivor. He faced his future with a quiet dignity and determination. He was often seen ‘scooting’ across the parking lot for coffee at the Co-op or Jan’s. Archie lost the love of his life Nov. 18, 2015 (2 weeks before their 73rd anniversary) – leaving him with loneliness no one else could fill. He passed away quietly in hospital June 24, 2016. He will be remembered as committed to his wife and family, a good friend to many, a man of quiet faith and for honesty in his dealings, progressive thinking, hardworking, patience and kindness, compassion, a good sense of humor, service to others, and much, much more. Archie was predeceased by his parents, sister, Audrey McPhee and brother, Mervyn. He will be lovingly remembered by his sister, Mildred Morrison, and his family: ANNE (Bill) ROBB 1. Marie (Dean) Belanger, Zachary (Cassie) Dotschkat-Belanger, Benjamin, Joshua, Katelin 2. Shane (Dee), Rhett, 3. Marla, 4. Devon (Janick) Colton, Connor, Autumn, Meirah Bender, 5. Darin (Ashley) Emma Robb, Michael Collicotte JEANNE (Dale) GRESS 1. Kent (Lorraine), Brandon (Abby), Austin & Zoey, 2. Kirk & Bryden, 3. Kelly (Chris) Zinger MARLENE (Murray) JUST 1. Jaime (Jason) Andrusiak, Ashley, Carley; 2. Jennifer (David) Lowe, Ellis & Smith ALAN (Heather) GROAT 1. Rachael, 2. Sarah, 3. Nathan Rest in Peace Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa and Great-Great Grandpa…we will miss you dearly