Obituary of James McDowell Hastings
Pioneer resident dies at 92
A pioneer farmer and businessman in Saskatchewan, James McDowell Hastings, 92, of 945 Cameron street, died Tuesday in a Regina hospital.
Born in Whitchurch, Ont., five years before Confederation, he came to Indian Head as a homesteader in 1880. A few years later, he helped lay the first railway line across the prairies and into Kicking Horse pass. He was present at the ceremony when a golden spike was driven into the track by Lord Strathcona to mark the completion of the Canadian Pacific line.
Mr. Hastings married the former Mary Jane Sherrick in 1895 and a year after went into the flour and feed business in Indian Head, later being active as a grain buyer and operating a fruit store. In 1900 he ran a general store in Sintaluta, along with the post office and an elevator.
He bought a ranch in the Qu' Appelle valley, 25 miles north of Regina, which he operated until his retirement in 1942. He later lived with his wife at Regina, Port Alberni, Vancouver Island, B.C., and Moose Jaw. He returned to Regina in 1952.
Besides his wife, Mr. Hastings is survived by two sons, Howard, Vancouver, and Clifford, Toronto; four daughters, Mrs. Marion Clark, Nelson, B.C.; Mrs. Jean McDonald, Vancouver, B.C.; Mrs. Margaret Walker, 205 Gordon block, and Mrs. Hazel McOuatt, 945 Cameron street, one sister, Mrs. Jennie McLaughlin, Vancouver, a brother, Hugh Hastings, 1336 Retallack street; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by four sons and one daughter.
Funeral service will be at Bremner's funeral chapel Friday at 1:45p.m. with Rev. G. Heffelfinger officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Memorial Park.