On Sunday, September 24, 2006, Alvin Frederick Cunningham passed away peacefully at the Palliative Care Unit, Pasqua Hospital in Regina, Sask., at the age of 77 years.

He was predeceased by his parents, Alex and May Cunningham, an infant brother, infant twin granddaughters Chloe and Guinivere, brothers-in-law Arnold Keith, Bill Huntley, and Jack Lee, as well as sister-in-law Vi Kerr.

Alvin is survived by his loving wife, June; his children, son, Bill (Lori) Cunningham and their children, Justin (Nichole Gukert) and Jenna; daughter, Bonnie (Barry) Daku, and their children, Angela (Clint Bentz), great grandchildren, Brooke and Josie, Amanda (Eldon Hall), great grandchild Nolan, and Carey (Tara Stuntebeck); son, Fred (Joanne) Cunningham, and their children, Ian and Alex; and daughter, Wanda (Fred) Varjassy and their children, Kela, Cody and Riley. Alvin is also survived by his sister Edith Keith, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Alvin was born on the family farm on June 13th 1929. He attended school in the Kipling district and completed high school in Regina at Balfour Collegiate. Alvin attended the University of Saskatchewan obtaining a certificate in Vocational Agricultural. Alvin and June Huntley of Indian Head, were married on December 2, 1950. They spent the majority of their lives farming in the Kipling district. Alvin spent a lifetime giving of himself, as well as volunteering on numerous committees. He served on the Board and as President of Kipling Co-operative Association, as well as local director of the Inchkeith Wheat Pool. Alvin served on the Board of Stewards of Kipling United Church, as well as on the Lansdowne Church Memorial Committee.

Alvin volunteered endless hours on the planning and building of the local skating and curling rinks. He was a member of the Kipling Curling Club. He built and owned a Bumper to Bumper and Farm Supply Dealership which he ran while still farming full time. Alvin also gave of himself in many different ways. He helped June with many of her volunteer organizations: the United Church Women, the Inchkeith Home Makers and the Kipling Legion Ladies. Alvin also volunteered his time in many other community associations. Golden Ridge Community Association – planning picnics, local dances and the drama club. He was also one of the founding members of the Kipling Dance Club.

When normal people retire and begin to take it easy, Alvin kicked it up a notch and began to work on other projects. He was instrumental in forming and volunteering on the Kipling Historical Society, helping to establish the local museum. He was one of the founding members of a small group of people who decided to write the “Kipling and District History Book”. Alvin authored a personal family history and story book that he titled “Grampa, Tel Us Bout the Good Old Daze”. This he shared with his family.

In recent years Alvin received numerous awards including an award from Saskatchewan Sport and Culture in recognition of his many hours of volunteer service to his community and the province of Saskatchewan. In 2005 during the Saskatchewan Centennial Alvin was presented with the “Saskatchewan Centennial Medal” in recognition of his many contributions to the community.

The funeral service was held at the Kipling United Church, Kipling, Sask. on Thursday September 28, 2006. Elizabeth Goodson and Lynette Callfas officiating, with interment in Lansdowne Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers contributions to the Palliative Care Inc., Pasqua Hospital, 4101 Dewdney Ave., Regina, Sask., S4T 1A5 or to the Kipling United Church, Kipling, Sask., S0G 2S0.