JUST A GAL FROM GLIDDEN: Welcome home Mom and Dad - a place of peace and rest
By Kate Winquist
This Mother's Day will be different for me than the previous 55 years. For the first time, I won't be able to pick up the phone and wish my Mom a happy Mother's Day.
I was able to be with Mom when she passed away in the evening hours of December 11, 2024. Two of my sisters and my brother were there as well. Mom's health had been deteriorating, but acknowledging the reality of the situation was a lot tougher than I could have imagined. She was not only my Mom, but I can honestly say she was my best friend. I miss her very much.
When I moved back to Kindersley to start Your West Central Voice in July 2020, the first column I wrote was entitled "You can always come home" (www.yourwestcentral.com/archive-2020-2021/just-a-gal-from-glidden-you-can-always-come-home). Even though Mom and Dad had preplanned their funeral arrangements for their cremated remains to be placed at a columbarium in Medicine Hat, we decided as a family to bring them back to be with their parents and siblings at the Kindersley Cemetery. I was honoured to drive by the farm at Glidden one last time with both my parents' ashes beside me in the passenger seat. We will celebrate Mom's life on Saturday afternoon, and Dad will be there so they can go home together - a few days ahead of what would have been their 70th Anniversary.
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Beverley (Bev) Drummond
August 9, 1936 - December 11, 2024
With great sadness, the family of Beverley (Bev) Drummond announces her passing on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at her home in Medicine Hat, Alberta, surrounded by her children. She was 88 years old, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.
Bev is survived by her six loving children: Pam Maitland (Scotland), Garth Drummond (Medicine Hat, AB), Valarie (Larry) Kalynchuk (Edmonton, AB), Kristine (Doug) Hood (Calgary, AB), Carrie (Don) Inman (Creston, BC), and Kate (Robert) Winquist (Kindersley, SK). Also mourning her loss are her thirteen grandchildren: Daniel (Jess) Maitland, Tim (Tamar) Maitland, Sam Maitland, Derek (Jennifer) Hollman, Amanda Kristine, Jason Hollman, Kirstie Hood, Adam Hood, Morgan Cooper, Joel Cooper, Devin Winquist, Kalen Winquist, and Jaidyn Winquist, as well as her seven great-grandchildren: Aria, Rafferty and Merryn Maitland, Cora Maitland, and Jovia, Henry, and Jonathan Hollman. She is additionally survived by her brother Danny (Dorie) Maclennan, along with sister-in-laws Louise Maclennan and Cathie Maclennan.
Bev was predeceased by her beloved husband George Drummond on November 30, 2010, her parents, Neil and Kay Maclennan, her brothers Neil and Doug Maclennan, sister-in-laws Judy Maclennan and Margaret Bews, and granddaughter Emily Cooper.
Born on August 9, 1936, in Calgary, Alberta, Bev was the eldest (and only girl) of four children. Her childhood was spent in Gull Lake, Lebret, Mankota, and Glidden, where the raven-haired beauty first caught the eye of George Drummond—whom she would marry on May 14, 1955, in Marengo, Saskatchewan. Together, they built a life on their farm near Glidden until retiring to Medicine Hat in 2002.
Throughout her life, Bev faced significant challenges with grace and resilience, including a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 1969 that led to a loss of vision in one eye. Regardless, she remained an active and vibrant individual, becoming a Life Master in Duplicate Bridge and enjoying competition in tournaments across Saskatchewan, Alberta, and even the United States.
Bev was also involved in her community, sitting on the School Division Board for many years. Bev also was a member of the CWL and the Glidden Ladies Community Club. An avid reader, she had a particular fondness for mystery novels, boasting an extensive collection of Agatha Christie works, amongst others. Her passion for literature continued until her last days. Bev had a lifelong appreciation for music, including classical music and Dixieland Jazz. Bev was a member of the Carolettes in Kindersley for many years.
Her green thumb blossomed through a passion for gardening and flowers. Early in her married life, she raised chickens and managed a vast vegetable garden, showcasing her skills as an accomplished cook and baker who even took lessons in Chinese cuisine.
Her intelligence and sharp wit endeared her to many, whether solving complex logic problems or dominating at games like Trivial Pursuit. Bev had a strong faith and could recite many Bible verses or quotes from a particular author.
Bev loved sports, especially curling and cheering on the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Toronto Blue Jays. Alongside George, she shared a passion for researching and reselling antiques, particularly glassware.
As we celebrate her life, we honour the profound legacy of love, resilience, and joy that Bev leaves behind. Those fortunate enough to have known her will forever cherish her quick wit, spirit of adventure, and deep faith. Bev will be profoundly missed but will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 10, at St. Paul's United Church in Kindersley at 2:00 PM, with a luncheon to follow at the United Church Hall. Bev's cremated remains will be placed with her husband, George, at the Kindersley Cemetery.