Hall, Wayne “Long Hall”
Wayne “Long Hall” Hall
“I was born; I blinked; and it was over.”
It pains to admit, but apparently, I have passed away. Everyone told me it would happen one day, but that’s simply not something I wanted to hear, much less experience. I made 86 years without acting my age so now I wonder how I got so damn old so quick.
My parents Lawrence and Doris (née Walz) and older sister Darlene celebrated my birth. I was introduced to all as “Lawrence Wayne Hall”.
We lived on the family homestead south of Moose Jaw. As a child I walked or rode a pony to the local country school. I attended high school in Moose Jaw at what is now knows as Peacock. I completed my grade 10. Full of myself I informed my dad I had quit school. My dad informed me that I couldn’t live there, unless I was working so I had better get out and get a job.
I did, not just one but many…labourer, farmer, trucker, business owner and snowplow operator just to name a few. I knew how to work hard, and I loved it. I was very successful at work. (I also knew how to play hard and was very successful at that as well). My favorite career was farming. I was born on this land and was still on the land, when God decided he needed a bass player and an entertainer in heaven. At 86 years old I was still able to be part of the 2024 seeding and spraying crew. There was no “taking the farm” out of this old country boy.
There was no stopping me, I wanted to see all and do all. And I did, till age and illness wore the body out but not the mind. I loved travelling, I loved rodeos, horses, tractors, tall tales and pranks. I loved pranking people but seemed everybody liked pranking me more. I think I got them this time; they have to attend my funeral, but I won’t be at theirs.
I love being a member of a club. Not just a card playing member but a titled member. I was two-time provincial grand president of the Saskatchewan Elks Association, Exalted ruler of the Moose Jaw Branch, Proud member of the Moose Jaw Shrine Equestrian unit, Affordable Travel Club and South Saskatchewan Wildlife Association. Award winner of many red first place ribbons from the SSRR club, lifetime member of the Canadian Cattleman Association and a loyal Moose Jaw Warriors fan. I loved being busy and around people.
I didn’t own a Herschel hemi half ton, but I sure knew how to play it. I loved playing bass in many bands through the years. I just loved life.
Speaking of titles… I’ve had a few in my day. I’ve been a devoted son, an energetic teenager, a loving husband of almost 66 years to the best thing and the love of my life “Saint” Dorothy (nee Schulties) …I hit the lottery the day I net her in the hospital when I was getting my tonsils out. She tried sneaking out the back door, but I tracked her down. Tried to be a good father, a little too stubborn at times but loved my children Shelly and Brent. I loved them unconditionally. Brent brought another Shelly into the picture, her four children and three grandchildren…and the best butter tarts I have ever tasted.
A spoiling teasing grandpa to my two “jackasses” Keegan and Karsten. A true and loyal friend… and if you don’t believe me, just ask me, oh wait, I’m afraid it’s too late for questions I’m up playing my next gig and visiting my friends and family who went ahead to warn God that I was coming; (sister Darlene and her husband Bill Bernard; Dorothy’s sisters and their spouses, Julie (Allen), Ruth (George), Martha (Art), Doris (Carl), Fran (Harry), Betty (Chuck), Shirley , Carolla and Jenita; brothers, Gordon (Clara), Ken, Elmer, Don and Walter.
Left to mourn me and sing my praises as to what a wonderful, obedient husband, perfect person I was is my wife, although I hated leaving, I could never have managed without my Dorothy, so I needed to go first. She was my rock, my love and the one who knew me the best. My daughter Shelly, a female version of myself (what else can I say) she will continue to be a force to be reckoned with. My son Brent, I know the farm is in good hands, you got this. My “Jackasses” Keegan and Karsten, my pride and joys, you enriched my life, could take my teasing and dish it right back to me. I was truly blessed. Debbie, Bonnie, René, Noel and their families, numerous Walz cousins. Dororthy remaining brothers, sisters and in laws…Donna (Kevin), Sharon, Chuck (Carole), Doug, Ernie, Gladys and Ed
There will be no buildings named after me. No monuments erected in my honour (a few plaques but no monuments), but I DID have the chance to know and love each and every friend as well as many family. How much more blessed can a person be.
If you want to you can look for me in the evening sunset or in the morning dew, with the ripening of the crops, amongst the birds and the animals and of course happy hours. You know I’ll be there in one form or another. Of course, that will probably comfort some while antagonizing other, but you know me…it’s what I do.
I’ll leave you with this…please don’t cry because I’m gone; instead, be happy that I was here (or maybe you can cry a little bit, after all I have passed away).
I will be there in spirit at my Last Farewell Party which will take place on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds, 250 Thatcher Drive East with Pastor Marvin Seaborg officiating. Although I always liked having the last word, I am giving everyone the opportunity to tell everyone what a great guy I was and share your stories at the open mic that will follow the service…so have your stories ready! Those not able to attend may view the service virtually by going to https://youtube.com/live/z4_pZUwWRLs.
Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Most heartfelt condolences to all Wayne’s family. We have lots of great memories of him. RIP Wayne Woody & Vern Lynds
I send my sincere condolences. The Bible promises that your loved one will come to life again on a beautiful paradise earth when there will be no more death in John 5:28, 29 and Revelation 21:4.
Our sincere condolences to your loss. Wayne was quite a character and will be missed.
Condolences the the whole family ! Sad to hear !
Our sincere condolences to Wayne’s family on his passing. We hope all your happy memories will be a comfort to you in the days ahead.
Dear Dorothy
So very sorry to know that Wayne has passed.
My deepest condolences to you and family.
Rest in peace Wayne.
Dear Dorothy and family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Even though it has been many years since I have had the honour of seeing you both I have never forgotten Wayne’s laughter and joyous nature. And most importantly his love for his beautiful Dorothy and his children. I always told Wayne I hoped to find a lasting love like he had as I admired your undying love for each other. Lorne’s and my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
We were so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. Our deepest condolences to Wayne’s extended families. We have very fond memories of with Wayne, Dale and Charlotte Strandlund.
I would like to offer condolences to all of his family at this tough time. We spent years together in elementary school until it was closed & lots after that. You will certainly have lots of fond memories of being around with him. Sister Maida keeps me posted on SK news as I have inAB
Sincere condolences to Dorothy and family. Many good times years ago, too numerous to mention.while I lived in Plenty. We all attended many Elks functions together throughout the province! RIP Wayne
Dear Dorothy and family, our deepest condolences on the loss of Wayne. He was a larger than life kind of guy who lived life to the fullest. We always enjoyed talking to him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Clayton and Joan Leugner
my mom always shared so many stories of her good friend Wayne. childhood friends from school, riding horses together as kids and at the gymkannas and a shared love of music playing the piano and singing at the campfire. I remember one time as kids we were planning a horse show and we wanted to go and ask long-haul trucking for a trophy donation.
we walked in there all nervous and we greets us at the door and we asked if he would give him a trophy and he looks at us and he laughs and he says one trophy hell I’ll give you kids ten of them. his sparkling eyes and that great laugh of his will sure be missed.
I remember one day when my daughter was little she ran out in the field and flagged Wayne down on the combine, and he shuts down. The combine in the middle of harvest, brings her up in the combine and takes her for a little joyride around the field.
that’s the way he is so kind and compassionate and caring of others
another time in the middle of haying our old Baler breaks down and along comes Wayne and says I’ve got a Baler just like that over at the homeplace come and get it I’ll give it to you.
and my dad and Wayne and the shenanigans that are better left untold haha
a wonderful neighbour and friend to our whole family. and will sure be missed. you are in our thoughts.
Dear Dorothy and family, My deepest sympathy on your loss. I’m sure I would have met Wayne but it would have been probably been at least 40 years ago. I have not seen family for so many years but think fondly of your Mom and all your family.
So sorry to hear of your loss…thinking of you Dorthy and your family at this time..take care. Hugs yvonne and terry
Our deepest condolences to the Hall family. My heart hurt when I read about your loss. Memories of Wayne so many places laughing with my Dad most clearly at our kitchen table at the farm when he was hauling grain. I’m certain they’re reminiscing today. He was one of a kind. May he rest in peace.
Glennys Peterson Burns and the entire Peterson family.
Sending comfort and strength to Aunt Dorothy, Shelly, Brent and family.
Some certain truths in life such as death are hard to accept but memories will always remain, cherish those moments.
Heather, Kim, Dawn, Todd and family.
Dear Dorothy, Brent, Shelley and family. Sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing, my condolences. thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Dorothy and family remember the good times and Wayne will always be with you. Thoughts and prayers for all of you at this time and as things stand at the moment I have other commitments so I cannot be at the memorial but will be thinking of you.
I was 16 when I met Wayne,Dorothy and Shelly.They lived upstairs from me .Every AM Wayne would knock on my door to wake me up for work.1 morning he just knocked and knocked.I went to the door and he was tired and beaming.Dorothy had just given birth to Brent.Proud papa.When they came back to the main floor of that house,I remember all the wonderful music.I just saw Wayne at Great West a few days before his passing.We had a wonderful visit.
I’m sending my deepest condolences to Dorothy, Shelley Brent and all the family’s on your loss of Wayne. He was one of a kind and you should be proud of him. Hugs to all
Dorothy and Family we would like to express our sympathy for your loss. Our time knowing Wayne was mostly at the Elks
curling events. He enjoyed life and will be greatly missed
To Brent and family my condolences gut your dads journey has just begun he is having a good old time just like he could always turn nothing into something and always having fun doing it . . Greg Nicholls
To Brent and family my condolences. Your dad will be gearing and steering with a smile on his face . He could take nothing and make it into something and have fun doing it.
Wayne Hall. Proof that nobody is invincible. If anyone was going to be, it would have been Uncle Wayne.
Condolences to Dorothy, Shelly, Brent, and the kids. Wayne’s larger than life presence will leave a giant hole, may he rest in peace.