June Sutton passed away peacefully, October 28, 2020 in Saskatoon, SK, age 92, with her daughter, Maureen by her side.

Born June 3, 1928, the ninth, and final, child of Freda and Bertie Mannix of Meota, June embodied the strength and fortitude of her Icelandic, Irish and English heritage. June was the beloved wife of Eric Brian Sutton (predeceased) of Meota and cherished mother of two daughters, Maureen (Alex) McIsaac, Saskatoon and Beverly Sutton (predeceased), Okotoks. June was also the treasured grandmother of Erica Maxwell, Winnipeg, Francis (Melissa) McIsaac, Beaumont, Matthew (Jessica Lydiate) McIsaac, Canmore, Chloe McIsaac, Ottawa; Kalle Sutton, Vancouver; and Briana Sutton, Kingston. Her love lives on through her six great grandchildren: Ashton and Brielle, Winnipeg; Finley and Archer, Beaumont; and Fergus and Rory, Canmore. Also left to cherish her memory is her sister-in-law May Mannix, Meota, numerous treasured nieces and nephews, and dear friends near and far.

June was predeceased by her sisters Helen (Harris) Vaupel, Runa (Roy) Jackson, Marion (Dallas) Pearson, Ella Mannix, Edna (Len) Moldon, Normandy Mannix and both brothers, Herb and John (Florence) Mannix.

A descendent of one of the settling families of the Meota area, June was a well-known figure here and in the surrounding community, where she lived most of her life. From early on, June made herself known as a hard worker. She began working at the Meota Post Office at the age of 16; she then moved on to work at the local Red & White store, and later at the town branch of the CIBC. June’s valued efforts earned her opportunities to work in CIBC branches in North Battleford, Vancouver, and later Victoria, where she spent several winters with her sisters.

In 1953, June married Brian, the love of her life, and moved to the Sutton farm where they started their family while running the farm. The panoramic views of Jackfish Lake were a lifelong pull for June. She and Brian established the Lakeside Leisure Farm Bed and Breakfast (later Sutton Lodge) in 1988, soon becoming a staple in the local tourism industry attracting visitors from across the globe. The B&B, with the later addition of the outfitting business, brought to June one of her favourite things in life: people. June’s guests soon became friends, and friends soon became like family, as was the way with everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her.

It was her love of people that made volunteering such an important part of her life. In the local community, June helped fundraise for the Meota cemetery and supported St. Mary’s Anglican Church in various ways over the years. She was proud of her community and worked to further advance area tourism industry through such efforts as committee work to establish the local Meota golf course, for school and town reunions, working on the Christmas Chronicle as a longtime member of Beta Sigma Phi, and helping organize the Festival of Trees at the Western Development Museum. While June’s efforts were often recognized by many, she was most honoured to be awarded the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan in 2005 by Tourism Saskatchewan, recognizing her significant contribution to the province of Saskatchewan. June also held several executive positions with the Saskatchewan Music Festival Association in honour of her deep and lifelong appreciation of music, which she passed on to her daughters.

A woman of constant curiosity, June loved to travel. From snowbirding in Lake Havasu City, AZ., to setting sail on cruise ships through the Mediterranean, Alaska and the British Isles, to adventuring in the Canadian North, June sought out all the world had to offer. While she would often travel solo or with friends, some of June’s favourite adventures were with Brian at her side, at times co-captaining his four-seater Cessna.

Family was always of great importance to June. She was proud of her daughters, her eyes shining brightly at the mere mention of her two girls. Grandchildren and great grandchildren were welcomed into her world with open arms and an open heart. June took great pride in telling people that she taught all her grandchildren how to drive in her Oldsmobile on the local backroads. June was somewhat of an amateur family historian — those who knew her know that June never had a story she didn’t love to tell.

Upon retiring from the farm in her 79th year, June remained a resident in the Meota community as long as possible until ultimately relocating to Saskatoon, and wintering in Victoria. When not watching curling or figure skating, or reading a good book, June continued to host friends and family from near and far. With her legacy living on in the hearts of all who knew her, June has been peacefully reunited with Brian and Beverly.

June’s family wishes to thank the care and support staff at the Sherbrooke Community Center for their kindness and compassion during her time there.

If so desired, please consider a donation to the Meota Cemetery Fund, Box 123, Meota, SK S0M 1X0, helping preserve heritage and history, which June believed important.

Due to Covid restrictions a Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

 

• Date : 2020-10-28
• Location : To be held at a future date