By Munden Coates
ARBORFIELD – Thomas Pelly was awarded the Order of Saskatchewan in 2002. He was recommended by members of the Good Shepherd Parish in Cumberland House because of his service to their church.
He had served as a warden and a lay reader for many years. When he conducted services he felt it was his job to make sure the congregation shared his love for Bible stories. In addition, he helped his friend, Rev. Lloyd Young, conduct services in Red Earth and in Shoal Lake. He even completed some theological studies at James Settee College at Saskatoon.
Tom lived the traditional life of the fisherman, hunter and trapper. He never married.
“Whenever I wanted to get up and go, I just went,” he explained. Later in life he lived with his nephew, Orville.
Due to failing health and limited mobility, Tom was admitted to residence in the Arborfield Special Care Lodge. He is comfortable with the care and looks forward to the meals. His sense of humour remains, especially in the company of an old friend. When they converse in Cree, every exchange is punctuated with laughter.
Picture: Tom Pelly on left, with Rev. Lloyd Young
[This article was published in the June 2016 edition of the Saskatchewan Anglican]
