Obituary of Beverley Arlene Pratt

Arlene Beverley “Bev” (Mortenson) PRATT– September 12, 1953 – February 16, 2016. Beverley was born on September 12, 1953 and raised on a farm in the Govan area. She and her siblings took a role in raising their Dad’s prize-winning swine and Bev helped with the display and shows at Agribition. She graduated from Carl Fredrickson High School in Govan in 1971. During high school she was a noted curler, along with sister Lois. She was a 4-H member and this led to many years of involvement with the 4-H program, particularly as a lifeguard at Camp Rayner. It was through 4-H that she met her husband Jim. Bev moved to Swift Current in 1976 to become Regional 4-H Rep. She continued to be a curler of note, and spent several years playing softball with teams in the Ladies Softball League. She probably had one of the shortest soccer careers on record, breaking her kneecap in her first game at University. Bev graduated from the School of Agriculture at the U of S in 1981. She and Jim were married on April 19, 1980. In 1984, she teamed up with good friend Deanne (Crash) Larson to establish Signs ‘n Such and was a partner until selling her share to Crash in 1996. Bev was made a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #56 in 2002. She served on the Executive for many years and was a Past President. She ran the Poppy Campaign for several years and convened the Tuesday Dinner for many years as well. Both Bev and Jim took part in many Legion activities. Bev was a noted dart player and was part of the Provincial runner-up team in 2000, along with Jim and good friends Viv and Norm Hiebert. Bev was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve for 25 years. She began her Cadet career with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps #259 Drylander as a civilian instructor in 1981. She received her Commission in the Canadian Armed Forces as Midshipman in 1983. She rose to the rank of Lt. (N) and served as Commanding Officer of Drylander for several years. She mentored many Cadets during her tenure and for years after she retired, she loved hearing about her Cadet’s achievements and their many visits when they came home. Of particular note were the achievements of the Anderson, Baumann and Cannon kids. A highlight of her military career was when she was appointed Honorary Aide-de-Camp to Lt. Governor Jack Wiebe in 1994. She served in this capacity for five years and thoroughly enjoyed the reconnaissance trips to organize Vice Regal visits to the Southwest and time spent with Mr. and Mrs. Wiebe. Bev was very pleased to be asked by the Premier’s Office to attend the luncheon in 2014 when his Highness Prince Edward visited Swift Current. Bev was an animal lover and always had a house cat since before she was married. She was a supporter of the SPCA and fostered many kittens, particularly very small kittens that had to be bottle-fed. For years she helped her Dad and sister show sheep at Agribition and at the Provincial Sheep Show. This love of showing sheep continued until she was no longer able to assist. Bev and Jim traveled extensively for several years. They owned time-share in Hawaii and made many trips to Hawaii with friends Wally and Gloria Dyck. The time share was traded on various occasions to California, Arizona, Nevada, Florida and places in Mexico. They also traveled with Bev’s Mom to the Associated Country Women of the World Convention in The Hague, Netherlands in 1992 and spent time touring Holland, Germany and Belgium. In 2005, Bev was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, and thus started her 11-year battle with cancer. In 2006 she had thyroid cancer, having her thyroid removed in two operations. In November 2011 she had a bout with breast cancer. The breast cancer metastasized to her sternum and in 2015 she had a brain tumor removed. She never fully recovered from the brain tumor and cancer just seemed to keep picking away at her body. Bev is survived by her husband Jim of Swift Current and her mother Shirley Mortenson of Regina. Also by sister Lois (Larry) Trowell of Saltcoats, brothers Don (Carolyn) Mortenson of Govan and Howard (Brenda) Mortenson of Duval. Also survived by nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews, cousins and in-laws as well as a tremendous number of good friends cultivated over the years through her activities in business, community service, Cadets, 4-H and her out-going personality. She was predeceased by her father Ward Mortenson in September 2015. Bev will be interred in the Veteran’s Plot of Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Swift Current, SK. She always said she wanted to be buried there so the Cadets would have to weed her for eternity! Bev won several battles with cancer, but ultimately lost the war. Cancer can no longer ravage her body. May she rest in Peace. Memorial donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #56 Building Fund c/o RCL Branch #56 239 – 1st Ave. N.E. Swift Current S9H 2B3 would be appreciated. For further information or to sign the family book of condolences, visit www.parksidefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home – Ryan Cappelle.