Lyle Derdall is our “Great neighbour”

Part of this contest was also to get people to say nice things about each other. Here are all the other entries and the kind words written.

Sherman Myrah from Brandon nominates his neighbour, James Frank. Sherman writes: “Well Jay, in these times when everything revolves around the dollar, I have a neighbour who is priceless. He has made large bales for me and would never think of charging for the work. His reply is, “You can do some repair work or welding.” We work together as much as possible. Sometimes my equipment is at his farm, sometimes at mine. Never is there a, “Do I owe you for fuel”, etc. He is a regular for coffee most days, showing up with my mail and paper, saving me a trip. He is always checking to see if I need help, as I keep a few head of cattle. At 60 years, he is a great help to me and others close at hand. I could fill pages with kind things, but you get the picture. P.S. I just passed my 79 on March 25, and still enjoy farming.”

Jason Hodson from Virden, Man., nominates his neighbour, Gary Hunter. Jason writes: “This was an easy one for me. I would dearly love to recognize my neighbour Gary Hunter. He has spent his whole life serving the community and helping his neighbours. He has his own small grain and livestock farm yet he always makes time to help a neighbour in need.  Whether it be to help roundup our herd and medicate the fall run of calves, help repair a neighbour’s tractor, provide his labour to build an addition to the shop, pitch in to do chores while a neighbour is away or sick, mow the community cemetery and ball diamonds, prepare the ice for the local skating and curling rink, Gary always seems to be available to lend a hand. He also volunteers with the Legion and local fire department. People like Gary are such a blessing to a neighbourhood. He is my choice for the Great Grainews Farm Neighbor Contest.” 

Marilyn Beres nominates her “great neighbours and friends,” Vince and Sandy Somogyi of Willowbrook, Sask. Marilyn writes: “They farm a mixed farm with cattle and grain. They are always available to all their neighbours and keep everyone connected.  They have three daughters and one son who they follow and encourage in their endeavours to all limits. One took engineering at the U of S, and is now in Calgary on a work term. The second daughter is at U of A playing hockey on the university team. The third daughter is graduating, and achieving heights in volleyball. She obtained scholarships for the upcoming year at different schools. Their son is in grade 10  and excels in volleyball, curling and Ukrainian dance. All children were coached by Vince and Sandy in baseball and never missed a game. They are involved in curling, and are fundamental in keeping our small community rink of two artificial sheets of ice going, as well as organizing bonspiels and spearheading the bonspiel suppers. Our small village of Willowbrook is kept together by their dedication to keeping the community together.  When the school was closed five years ago, they were definite leaders in taking the school over as a community. Today it is used for Ukrainian dance, wildlife and social functions, all keeping the community together. 

They have time for everyone and have an upbeat spirit at all times to make the most out of whatever might come their way. They are not rich in wealth, but rich in friends (more than anyone I know).  They can make you feel good about yourself.  I would love for them to win and be able to take them out for a well-deserved meal. They are the true hub of our small community and should be recognized for their dedication and contributions. Vince is president of the Lions Club in Willowbrook, and they do great things for those in need.  The saying, "Ask a busy person to do something, and it will get done,” sums up Vince and Sandy.”

Clarence Worona of Beausejour, Man., nominates his neighbour Eric Lefko. Eric and his family bought and rent some of Clarence’s land. “We co-operate. I took out an old fence between our properties and now in the spring when Eric is seeding, he just crosses over and seeds my land at the same time. I also help him with the farm work. We help each other. And in the winter, if I need snowblowing done, he’ll do it.”

Maureen Johnston of Calahoo, Alta., nominates her neighbour, Sharon Fetherston. Maureen writes: “Sharon is the best!  She would lend you her car, make you a meal, look after your animals, watch your house or just be there for a chat. But the best example happened recently. She answered the phone only to hear laboured breathing. Instead of just hanging up, she noticed that caller ID showed the name of a neighbour. Realizing that this middle aged lady lived alone and had a bad heart, she rushed over to find the neighbour collapsed just inside her door (it was a -30 day). Sharon arrived in time to call the paramedics and get the lady to the hospital in time.”

Bernie Stadnyk of Alvena, Sask., nominates his neighbour Elmer Michalko. Bernie writes: “Elmer is there when I need him to help and to celebrate — what more can you ask for in a great neighbour?! Our families have a lot of heritage and when tough times hit he is there to lend a hand, and when things are good, it is always great to see and talk to him about what is happening on his farm. I am happy to have Elmer as my neighbour, and think that farm life would be a better place if everyone had an “Elmer” nearby.

Garry Klassen of Arborg, Man., nominates his neighbour Dennis Burkholder. Garry writes: “Dennis is the greatest neighbour and best friend. He’s a dairy gladly gives up his already over-packed schedule to help us out anytime of the day or night. He picks up stuff in town, helps out in the haying season, and helps working cattle. He reads every word of Grainews then recycles the paper to clean his cows’ udders.”

Jerry and Josie L’Heureu of Cherry Grove, Alta. nominate Wendell and Donna Johnson from just across the border at Pierceland, Sask. The L’Heureus write: “Wendell and Donna Johnson are the greatest neighbours. They are willing to help out people in a minute’s notice. They are such positive upbeat people and a pleasure to be with. If they do offer anyone advice, it is good sound advice and always given for the right reasons and with a positive spin. We would like to win and take our neighbours oout for supper because they are a great couple and deserve it.”

Eugene Syrotiuk of Moosehorn, Man., nominates David Fenning. Eugene writes: "I have a neighbour that I feel is a really great person. He is over 80 years old. Seventeen years ago we bought a place next to his property and he makes sure every winter out driveway is clear of snow. Sometimes two or three times a week he'll clean our driveway and wouldn't take a penny for it. It is really wonderful for a man of his age to do what he does."

Hilda and Gordon Peters of Wymark, Sask., nominate Pete and Leona Peters. Hilda writes: “The other day I was out for a cross-country ski and decided to stop in at Leona's to catch my breath before the return trip. It made me realize that though we may have business dealings with some neighbours, see them regularly or rarely; the very best neighbours are the one who are refreshing in a busy day and a busy world. Thanks Pete and Leona!”

Allan Enden of the Broderick area, near Outlook, Sask., nominated Lyle Derdall. Allan says, “Lyle runs a small farm himself, but people call on him all the time and he’s always there to help. He’s so handy at anything mechanical. There used to be a time when you would drop everything to help a neighbour. Lyle still lives by this principle. If anyone deserves this award, it’s Lyle.”

Helen Wiebe of Portage la Prairie, Man., nominates Onalee Wright. Helen writes: “When I read about your contest, I had no doubt that my neighbour Onalee was the one for me to nominate. She is a wife to Lorne Wright, mom to three married sons and their families.Onalee is  a great friend and neighbour to many in our area from MacGregor to Portage and beyond. We moved here, about a mile north of the Wrights, about 25 years ago and I’ve often observed Onalee's care for others. She was one to call to arrange for neighbourhood gifts for newlyweds or for those moving away. She is often serving at showers for brides or babies, and at funerals and other community events. I'll always remember how, for five or six years running, she would arrive at my house with enough warm apple pies to feed my potato harvest crew! This happened in spite of the fact that she was a very busy hands-on farm wife involved in a dairy operation. Perhaps my greatest admiration for Onalee is the fact that three of her closest neighbours are her three sons, one on the same yard, the other two very nearby. From my vantage point, Onalee is both an appreciated  friend and neighbour to her daughters-in-law and a beloved grandma! Many acts of kindness could be shared. I do feel she is most deserving of the prize supper.” 

Carolyn and Calvin Stafford of Stratton, Ont., nominate their neighbours Abraham and Petra Gerber and their children, Peter, Stephan, Ruth, Sara, Philip and Eva. Carolyn writes, “Since our daughters have grown up, it is nice to have this family with their young children close by us. They moved here from Switzerland a few years ago, and they are always the first to help out anywhere when there is help required.” 

Bernard Dease of Archerwill, Sask., nominates Blaine and Nadine Erickson and their two beautiful children, Janel and Joel. Bernard writes: “My reason for nominating Blaine and Nadine is mostly because of their extra effort and teamwork they have used to make their livestock operation a successful operation since BSE in 2003. In spite of the continued low prices and more regulations that “Carter has little liver pills,” all costing the cow-calf operation more money every time another “must do” is put in place, they continued to be successful in their operation. This takes guts and stamina. Through all this they remain great neighbours. P.S. I would also like to add that their two children can help with most operations with the cattle, doing jobs that most adults would deem too difficult.”