Manford Percy Drader
(July 24, 1925 – February 4, 2010)
Drader, Manford Percy of Estevan, SK passed away on February 4, 2010 at the age of 84 years. Manford was predeceased by his wife Clara of 54 years, his parents Percy and Evelyn Drader, brothers Welland and Clifford, grandchildren Derek Miiller and Michelle Howie.
Manford is lovingly remembered by his wife Mary, children Rick (Betty), Edmonton, AB; Raymond, Camrose, AB; Neil (Calay) Victoria, BC; Leland ( Wendy), Anola, MB; Doug, Delburne, AB; Gayle (Brad Bennett) Estevan, SK; Greg (Kristine) McBride, BC; Teresa (Craig) Howie, Estevan, SK; Miles, Estevan, SK; grandchildren Curtis, Delle, Kyle and Kole Drader; Chris and Erica Drader; Amie (Cody Kukkola) and Sarah Drader; Chelan (Ryan) Schultz and Geoff (Rachel) Drader; Joel and Cody (Jess) Miiller; Jennifer (Brent) Olfert, Becky Howie; Logan and Dawson Drader; great grandchildren Hannah and Kamri Olfert; Tallan Howie; extended Martin Family; brother Vern and sisters Lois and Dorothy; numerous nieces and nephews.
Dad was born in Estevan, SK, July 24th, 1925. He attended Mizpah School in the rural Estevan. Dad and Mom where married in July, 1948 and settled on the Drader farm north of Estevan. They raised 9 children on the farmstead.
Dad and Mom grain farmed extensively and became involved with Charolais cattle in the early 60’s, this led to travelling in North America and Europe. Manford had served as a director of the Saskatchewan Charolais Association and in his children’s younger years he was involved in 4-H.
Dad had many hobbies and interests. He enjoyed snowmobiling, which included a trip from Estevan to the Trappers Festival in The Pas, MB; the I-250 Race from Regina to Minot for a few years and various trips to the states. For a number of years Dad raised Fjord horses. Dad and Mom rode Gold Wings for 20 plus years. He loved to ride. Mom and Dad’s special biking trips involved travelling across 10 provinces and 50 U.S. states (including Alaska). On Dad’s 84th birthday he bought what would be his final bike, a 2009 Piaggio, he loved that bike, he even went as far as getting a special 24 hour permit so he could go for a ride in November of 2009. All of these interests brought long lasting friendships which were very important to Dad.
When Mom passed away in 2002 Dad experienced a very lonely and sad period of his life. Companionship was to be his once again when in 2004 he married Mary Martin. Dad was always so proud to say “I have 7 sons and 2 daughters and Mary has 7 daughters and 2 sons”.
Dad and Mary could be seen riding their motorized pedal bikes all around Estevan. They enjoyed travelling and visiting family and friends. Dad was always on the look out for those special vintage cars, including his 59 Oldsmobile which was identical to his fathers.
This past Christmas Dad and Mary were able to enjoy a trip to Mexico with a majority of his family…this will forever leave wonderful memories.
Manford’s faith was important, he was thankful for all the blessings throughout his life.
Prayers will be held on Monday, February 8th at 7:00 pm in the chapel of Hall Funeral Services, Estevan. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St John the Baptist Church in Estevan on Tuesday, February 9th at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice in memory of Manford.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Services, Estevan.
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