From the Christian Chronicle - By E.D. Webb:
Lillian was born on October 24, 1910 And passed away on August 6, 2004,
just a few months short of her 94th birthday.
The funeral was held on August 11 at the Church of Christ building in
Weyburn, Saskatchewan. E. Daniel Wieb officiated with Lowell Peterson
leading the congregation in song. Roland Olson, Clarke Storle, and Roger
Peterson participated in the service.
The Church building was filled to capacity as was expected with more
than 100 former students in attendance. Representatives of the Retired
Teachers Assoc. of Saskatchewan were present and formed an honour guard.
Interment took place in Beaubier, Sask. Overlooking the original
Torkelson homestead.
Miss T. , as she was so affectionately known, was born at Anamoose,
North Dakota to Emil and Hulda Torkelson.
The Torkelsons, Emil, Hulda, Elvin and Lillian, moved to Saskatchewan
and homesteaded near Beaubier. Their arrival at the homestead was dismal
indeed for a prairie fire had blackened the prairie and their land was
dotted with rocks which had to be hand picked before plowing could
begin. The family stayed with relatives until Emil along with uncle
Jens, and a friend J.C. Johnson could get a house built.
Those early days were extremely difficult as they were for many hard
working pioneer families. They were especially difficult for the
Torkelson as their barn burned after being struck by lightning, their
granary and chicken coop were destroyed by wind and their home burned
to the ground after the family had left the farm in 1924.
Lillian was 5 ½ years old when she started school near present day
Ratcliffe, Saskatchewan where she received most of her elementary
education. When she was but 8 years old, the flu epidemic hit
Saskatchewan and Lillian along with her mother and two siblings became
very ill. Her father did his very best to nurse them until the doctor
arrived. Lillian was the most ill of the family but survive they did and
from that time until just recently Lillian enjoyed very good health.
Her father died in 1919 and two years later her mother married Eddy
Jacobson. The family left the farm and moved to Radville.. During her
13th summer, Lillian's aunt had come to visit and invited Lillian to
spend a year with her in North Dakota where she took her grade seven
before moving back to Saskatchewan. The family moved to Radville in 1924
and this presented the opportunity for Lillian to go to high school. She
proved to be an exceptional student and in 1928 received the Governor
General's medal for academic excellence.
From grade four on, Lillian was interested in history, an interest that
would remain with her the rest of her days. After high school, Miss
Torkelson attended Regina Normal School She began teaching the next year
and taught in a number of one room schools and several smaller high
schools. In 1943, she received the Bachelor of Arts degree in English
and History from the University of Manitoba.
From 1946 to 1957 she taught at Radville Christian College, a high
school which she helped found. She was at first the only teacher and
often served in numerous ways to keep the school open and operational.
She moved with the school when it moved to Weyburn in 1957 and became
Western Christian College. She taught on both the high school and
college level until 1982 when at the age of 72, she finally left the
classroom.
Lillian was a marvelous teacher. She believed that God wanted her in the
classroom and taught with complete devotion to the task.
She was also a dedicated student. From here earliest years, she was an
avid reader. She loved books and was a capable writer. She authored a
number of histories and helped
research others. She was instrumental in the founding of Radville
Christian College and helping to start a magazine for Christian women,
entitled Sister Triangle.
Lillian had complete faith in God. She was immersed in 1926 upon her
confession of faith in Jesus the Christ. She was a dedicated and loyal
member of the Church of Christ She would never miss a service or a Bible
class if she were at all able to be present. She believed in Christian
Education and even in her retirement years after 52 years in the
classroom, she kept in touch with her former students, mentored young
teachers and was a source of encouragement to many.
Though she lived almost all of her life in Southeastern Saskatchewan,
Miss T. was a world traveler. She had several very close personal
friends who accompanied her on her journeys. She traveled extensively in
Canada and the U.S.A. She visited the land of her ancestors in Norway
and France, toured much of Europe and the Holy Land. She visited
missionaries in Papua New Guinea and attended a world's fair in
Australia. Her trips were never merely sightseeing trips. They were
learning experiences. She learned the history and enjoyed the art and
music of each area she visited. She understood Art History and even
enjoyed opera and operettas when she had opportunity to attend such.
Besides her service to the Lord through the church, Lillian served her
community. She was a member of the University Women's Club in Weyburn.
She was an honorary life member of the Saskatchewan Superannuated
Teachers Association both on the local and Provincial levels. She
received numerous awards for her teaching and is regarded by many as a
model teacher.
Her former students have recognized Miss T. in many ways as has Western
Christian College.
The Church, along with her family will miss this wonderful Christian
lady.
From the Old Paths Archive:
Lillian Marian Torkelson is the daughter of Emil and Hulda Torkelson. She was born October 24, 1910, at Anamoose, North Dakota, but came to Canada less than six months later. She received most of her elementary education at a country school near present- day Ratcliffe, Saskatchewan, and her high school at Radville, Saskatchewan. In 1929, she graduated from the Regina Normal School.
Following several correspondence courses and summer courses at Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg, Lillian attended one full year at United College, Winnipeg. In 1943, she received her B.A. degree in English and history from the University of Manitoba. Since that time, she has taken additional university courses at Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Vancouver, and Abilene.
Lillian Torkelson was in the teaching field 52 years altogether. Before teaching at Radville Christian College, she had taught at three country schools (Glen Curren 1929-30, Model, and Lein) and four small high schools (Bird's Hill 1934-37, Robsart 1937-39, Lyndale 1939-42, and Wawota 1943-46). She began teaching at Radville Christian College when the high school department opened in 1946, and moved with the college to North Weyburn in 1957. She retired from full-time teaching at Western Christian College in 1974, but continued as a part-time teacher for eight additional years. The majority of Lillian's volunteer activities have been connected with education of some kind. In 1931, she helped organize the first summer vacation Bible school at Minton, Saskatchewan, of churches of Christ in Canada, and she continued with V.B.S. work for another seven summers at Radville. She has taught ladies' and girls' Bible classes at Weyburn. Since 1979, she has been a Bible correspondence course instructor for students mainly from Nigeria, Ghana, and Jamaica.
Lillian has been a member of the alumni organization of Western Christian College since its inception in 1953 and served as its executive secretary (1963-80), and has been a member of the Women's Service Club for 30 years.
Within the Weyburn community, she has served in various capacities in the Weyburn Teachers' Organization. In 1967, she was chairman for the reunion committee during centennial celebrations and edited for publication that year, "Trail Blazers of the Chalkboard." For seven years, she served on the health and welfare committee for superannuated teachers.
As a member of the University Women's Club of Weyburn, she has served as secretary and president. She was provincial education representative for the University Women's Club for a three-year term.
In one other educational medium, Lillian has been fortunate enough to serve. She was subscription and mailing manager of the women's magazine "Sister Triangle" (1981-88).
For visiting the mentally ill at the Saskatchewan Hospital, Lillian received a Certificate of Appreciation in 1966, and she has received certificates of appreciation from the Weyburn Home Care Organization for visiting and for delivering Meals-on-Wheels. Several other honours received during her lifetime have been appreciated. She received the governor-general's medal when she graduated from high school; the college yearbook has been dedicated to her twice; she was alumna of the year 1974; she was nominated as Canadian Citizen of the Year (1989) by the University Women's Club; and has received plaques for long service from the college, but the honour she has appreciated most of all was her all-expense paid trip to Europe and the Holy Land (1970) given by her friends and college alumni. According to Lillian Torkelson, God has entrusted each person with a special mission on this earth. She considers herself privileged to have Christian education as her mission.
Lillian was born on October 24, 1910 And passed away on August 6, 2004,
just a few months short of her 94th birthday.
The funeral was held on August 11 at the Church of Christ building in
Weyburn, Saskatchewan. E. Daniel Wieb officiated with Lowell Peterson
leading the congregation in song. Roland Olson, Clarke Storle, and Roger
Peterson participated in the service.
The Church building was filled to capacity as was expected with more
than 100 former students in attendance. Representatives of the Retired
Teachers Assoc. of Saskatchewan were present and formed an honour guard.
Interment took place in Beaubier, Sask. Overlooking the original
Torkelson homestead.
Miss T. , as she was so affectionately known, was born at Anamoose,
North Dakota to Emil and Hulda Torkelson.
The Torkelsons, Emil, Hulda, Elvin and Lillian, moved to Saskatchewan
and homesteaded near Beaubier. Their arrival at the homestead was dismal
indeed for a prairie fire had blackened the prairie and their land was
dotted with rocks which had to be hand picked before plowing could
begin. The family stayed with relatives until Emil along with uncle
Jens, and a friend J.C. Johnson could get a house built.
Those early days were extremely difficult as they were for many hard
working pioneer families. They were especially difficult for the
Torkelson as their barn burned after being struck by lightning, their
granary and chicken coop were destroyed by wind and their home burned
to the ground after the family had left the farm in 1924.
Lillian was 5 ½ years old when she started school near present day
Ratcliffe, Saskatchewan where she received most of her elementary
education. When she was but 8 years old, the flu epidemic hit
Saskatchewan and Lillian along with her mother and two siblings became
very ill. Her father did his very best to nurse them until the doctor
arrived. Lillian was the most ill of the family but survive they did and
from that time until just recently Lillian enjoyed very good health.
Her father died in 1919 and two years later her mother married Eddy
Jacobson. The family left the farm and moved to Radville.. During her
13th summer, Lillian's aunt had come to visit and invited Lillian to
spend a year with her in North Dakota where she took her grade seven
before moving back to Saskatchewan. The family moved to Radville in 1924
and this presented the opportunity for Lillian to go to high school. She
proved to be an exceptional student and in 1928 received the Governor
General's medal for academic excellence.
From grade four on, Lillian was interested in history, an interest that
would remain with her the rest of her days. After high school, Miss
Torkelson attended Regina Normal School She began teaching the next year
and taught in a number of one room schools and several smaller high
schools. In 1943, she received the Bachelor of Arts degree in English
and History from the University of Manitoba.
From 1946 to 1957 she taught at Radville Christian College, a high
school which she helped found. She was at first the only teacher and
often served in numerous ways to keep the school open and operational.
She moved with the school when it moved to Weyburn in 1957 and became
Western Christian College. She taught on both the high school and
college level until 1982 when at the age of 72, she finally left the
classroom.
Lillian was a marvelous teacher. She believed that God wanted her in the
classroom and taught with complete devotion to the task.
She was also a dedicated student. From here earliest years, she was an
avid reader. She loved books and was a capable writer. She authored a
number of histories and helped
research others. She was instrumental in the founding of Radville
Christian College and helping to start a magazine for Christian women,
entitled Sister Triangle.
Lillian had complete faith in God. She was immersed in 1926 upon her
confession of faith in Jesus the Christ. She was a dedicated and loyal
member of the Church of Christ She would never miss a service or a Bible
class if she were at all able to be present. She believed in Christian
Education and even in her retirement years after 52 years in the
classroom, she kept in touch with her former students, mentored young
teachers and was a source of encouragement to many.
Though she lived almost all of her life in Southeastern Saskatchewan,
Miss T. was a world traveler. She had several very close personal
friends who accompanied her on her journeys. She traveled extensively in
Canada and the U.S.A. She visited the land of her ancestors in Norway
and France, toured much of Europe and the Holy Land. She visited
missionaries in Papua New Guinea and attended a world's fair in
Australia. Her trips were never merely sightseeing trips. They were
learning experiences. She learned the history and enjoyed the art and
music of each area she visited. She understood Art History and even
enjoyed opera and operettas when she had opportunity to attend such.
Besides her service to the Lord through the church, Lillian served her
community. She was a member of the University Women's Club in Weyburn.
She was an honorary life member of the Saskatchewan Superannuated
Teachers Association both on the local and Provincial levels. She
received numerous awards for her teaching and is regarded by many as a
model teacher.
Her former students have recognized Miss T. in many ways as has Western
Christian College.
The Church, along with her family will miss this wonderful Christian
lady.
From the Old Paths Archive:
Lillian Marian Torkelson is the daughter of Emil and Hulda Torkelson. She was born October 24, 1910, at Anamoose, North Dakota, but came to Canada less than six months later. She received most of her elementary education at a country school near present- day Ratcliffe, Saskatchewan, and her high school at Radville, Saskatchewan. In 1929, she graduated from the Regina Normal School.
Following several correspondence courses and summer courses at Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg, Lillian attended one full year at United College, Winnipeg. In 1943, she received her B.A. degree in English and history from the University of Manitoba. Since that time, she has taken additional university courses at Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Vancouver, and Abilene.
Lillian Torkelson was in the teaching field 52 years altogether. Before teaching at Radville Christian College, she had taught at three country schools (Glen Curren 1929-30, Model, and Lein) and four small high schools (Bird's Hill 1934-37, Robsart 1937-39, Lyndale 1939-42, and Wawota 1943-46). She began teaching at Radville Christian College when the high school department opened in 1946, and moved with the college to North Weyburn in 1957. She retired from full-time teaching at Western Christian College in 1974, but continued as a part-time teacher for eight additional years. The majority of Lillian's volunteer activities have been connected with education of some kind. In 1931, she helped organize the first summer vacation Bible school at Minton, Saskatchewan, of churches of Christ in Canada, and she continued with V.B.S. work for another seven summers at Radville. She has taught ladies' and girls' Bible classes at Weyburn. Since 1979, she has been a Bible correspondence course instructor for students mainly from Nigeria, Ghana, and Jamaica.
Lillian has been a member of the alumni organization of Western Christian College since its inception in 1953 and served as its executive secretary (1963-80), and has been a member of the Women's Service Club for 30 years.
Within the Weyburn community, she has served in various capacities in the Weyburn Teachers' Organization. In 1967, she was chairman for the reunion committee during centennial celebrations and edited for publication that year, "Trail Blazers of the Chalkboard." For seven years, she served on the health and welfare committee for superannuated teachers.
As a member of the University Women's Club of Weyburn, she has served as secretary and president. She was provincial education representative for the University Women's Club for a three-year term.
In one other educational medium, Lillian has been fortunate enough to serve. She was subscription and mailing manager of the women's magazine "Sister Triangle" (1981-88).
For visiting the mentally ill at the Saskatchewan Hospital, Lillian received a Certificate of Appreciation in 1966, and she has received certificates of appreciation from the Weyburn Home Care Organization for visiting and for delivering Meals-on-Wheels. Several other honours received during her lifetime have been appreciated. She received the governor-general's medal when she graduated from high school; the college yearbook has been dedicated to her twice; she was alumna of the year 1974; she was nominated as Canadian Citizen of the Year (1989) by the University Women's Club; and has received plaques for long service from the college, but the honour she has appreciated most of all was her all-expense paid trip to Europe and the Holy Land (1970) given by her friends and college alumni. According to Lillian Torkelson, God has entrusted each person with a special mission on this earth. She considers herself privileged to have Christian education as her mission.
From the Christian Chronicle - By E.D. Webb:
Lillian was born on October 24, 1910 And passed away on August 6, 2004,
just a few months short of her 94th birthday.
The funeral was held on August 11 at the Church of Christ building in
Weyburn, Saskatchewan. E. Daniel Wieb officiated with Lowell Peterson
leading the congregation in song. Roland Olson, Clarke Storle, and Roger
Peterson participated in the service.
The Church building was filled to capacity as was expected with more
than 100 former students in attendance. Representatives of the Retired
Teachers Assoc. of Saskatchewan were present and formed an honour guard.
Interment took place in Beaubier, Sask. Overlooking the original
Torkelson homestead.
Miss T. , as she was so affectionately known, was born at Anamoose,
North Dakota to Emil and Hulda Torkelson.
The Torkelsons, Emil, Hulda, Elvin and Lillian, moved to Saskatchewan
and homesteaded near Beaubier. Their arrival at the homestead was dismal
indeed for a prairie fire had blackened the prairie and their land was
dotted with rocks which had to be hand picked before plowing could
begin. The family stayed with relatives until Emil along with uncle
Jens, and a friend J.C. Johnson could get a house built.
Those early days were extremely difficult as they were for many hard
working pioneer families. They were especially difficult for the
Torkelson as their barn burned after being struck by lightning, their
granary and chicken coop were destroyed by wind and their home burned
to the ground after the family had left the farm in 1924.
Lillian was 5 ½ years old when she started school near present day
Ratcliffe, Saskatchewan where she received most of her elementary
education. When she was but 8 years old, the flu epidemic hit
Saskatchewan and Lillian along with her mother and two siblings became
very ill. Her father did his very best to nurse them until the doctor
arrived. Lillian was the most ill of the family but survive they did and
from that time until just recently Lillian enjoyed very good health.
Her father died in 1919 and two years later her mother married Eddy
Jacobson. The family left the farm and moved to Radville.. During her
13th summer, Lillian's aunt had come to visit and invited Lillian to
spend a year with her in North Dakota where she took her grade seven
before moving back to Saskatchewan. The family moved to Radville in 1924
and this presented the opportunity for Lillian to go to high school. She
proved to be an exceptional student and in 1928 received the Governor
General's medal for academic excellence.
From grade four on, Lillian was interested in history, an interest that
would remain with her the rest of her days. After high school, Miss
Torkelson attended Regina Normal School She began teaching the next year
and taught in a number of one room schools and several smaller high
schools. In 1943, she received the Bachelor of Arts degree in English
and History from the University of Manitoba.
From 1946 to 1957 she taught at Radville Christian College, a high
school which she helped found. She was at first the only teacher and
often served in numerous ways to keep the school open and operational.
She moved with the school when it moved to Weyburn in 1957 and became
Western Christian College. She taught on both the high school and
college level until 1982 when at the age of 72, she finally left the
classroom.
Lillian was a marvelous teacher. She believed that God wanted her in the
classroom and taught with complete devotion to the task.
She was also a dedicated student. From here earliest years, she was an
avid reader. She loved books and was a capable writer. She authored a
number of histories and helped
research others. She was instrumental in the founding of Radville
Christian College and helping to start a magazine for Christian women,
entitled Sister Triangle.
Lillian had complete faith in God. She was immersed in 1926 upon her
confession of faith in Jesus the Christ. She was a dedicated and loyal
member of the Church of Christ She would never miss a service or a Bible
class if she were at all able to be present. She believed in Christian
Education and even in her retirement years after 52 years in the
classroom, she kept in touch with her former students, mentored young
teachers and was a source of encouragement to many.
Though she lived almost all of her life in Southeastern Saskatchewan,
Miss T. was a world traveler. She had several very close personal
friends who accompanied her on her journeys. She traveled extensively in
Canada and the U.S.A. She visited the land of her ancestors in Norway
and France, toured much of Europe and the Holy Land. She visited
missionaries in Papua New Guinea and attended a world's fair in
Australia. Her trips were never merely sightseeing trips. They were
learning experiences. She learned the history and enjoyed the art and
music of each area she visited. She understood Art History and even
enjoyed opera and operettas when she had opportunity to attend such.
Besides her service to the Lord through the church, Lillian served her
community. She was a member of the University Women's Club in Weyburn.
She was an honorary life member of the Saskatchewan Superannuated
Teachers Association both on the local and Provincial levels. She
received numerous awards for her teaching and is regarded by many as a
model teacher.
Her former students have recognized Miss T. in many ways as has Western
Christian College.
The Church, along with her family will miss this wonderful Christian
lady.
From the Old Paths Archive:
Lillian Marian Torkelson is the daughter of Emil and Hulda Torkelson. She was born October 24, 1910, at Anamoose, North Dakota, but came to Canada less than six months later. She received most of her elementary education at a country school near present- day Ratcliffe, Saskatchewan, and her high school at Radville, Saskatchewan. In 1929, she graduated from the Regina Normal School.
Following several correspondence courses and summer courses at Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg, Lillian attended one full year at United College, Winnipeg. In 1943, she received her B.A. degree in English and history from the University of Manitoba. Since that time, she has taken additional university courses at Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Vancouver, and Abilene.
Lillian Torkelson was in the teaching field 52 years altogether. Before teaching at Radville Christian College, she had taught at three country schools (Glen Curren 1929-30, Model, and Lein) and four small high schools (Bird's Hill 1934-37, Robsart 1937-39, Lyndale 1939-42, and Wawota 1943-46). She began teaching at Radville Christian College when the high school department opened in 1946, and moved with the college to North Weyburn in 1957. She retired from full-time teaching at Western Christian College in 1974, but continued as a part-time teacher for eight additional years. The majority of Lillian's volunteer activities have been connected with education of some kind. In 1931, she helped organize the first summer vacation Bible school at Minton, Saskatchewan, of churches of Christ in Canada, and she continued with V.B.S. work for another seven summers at Radville. She has taught ladies' and girls' Bible classes at Weyburn. Since 1979, she has been a Bible correspondence course instructor for students mainly from Nigeria, Ghana, and Jamaica.
Lillian has been a member of the alumni organization of Western Christian College since its inception in 1953 and served as its executive secretary (1963-80), and has been a member of the Women's Service Club for 30 years.
Within the Weyburn community, she has served in various capacities in the Weyburn Teachers' Organization. In 1967, she was chairman for the reunion committee during centennial celebrations and edited for publication that year, "Trail Blazers of the Chalkboard." For seven years, she served on the health and welfare committee for superannuated teachers.
As a member of the University Women's Club of Weyburn, she has served as secretary and president. She was provincial education representative for the University Women's Club for a three-year term.
In one other educational medium, Lillian has been fortunate enough to serve. She was subscription and mailing manager of the women's magazine "Sister Triangle" (1981-88).
For visiting the mentally ill at the Saskatchewan Hospital, Lillian received a Certificate of Appreciation in 1966, and she has received certificates of appreciation from the Weyburn Home Care Organization for visiting and for delivering Meals-on-Wheels. Several other honours received during her lifetime have been appreciated. She received the governor-general's medal when she graduated from high school; the college yearbook has been dedicated to her twice; she was alumna of the year 1974; she was nominated as Canadian Citizen of the Year (1989) by the University Women's Club; and has received plaques for long service from the college, but the honour she has appreciated most of all was her all-expense paid trip to Europe and the Holy Land (1970) given by her friends and college alumni. According to Lillian Torkelson, God has entrusted each person with a special mission on this earth. She considers herself privileged to have Christian education as her mission.
Lillian was born on October 24, 1910 And passed away on August 6, 2004,
just a few months short of her 94th birthday.
The funeral was held on August 11 at the Church of Christ building in
Weyburn, Saskatchewan. E. Daniel Wieb officiated with Lowell Peterson
leading the congregation in song. Roland Olson, Clarke Storle, and Roger
Peterson participated in the service.
The Church building was filled to capacity as was expected with more
than 100 former students in attendance. Representatives of the Retired
Teachers Assoc. of Saskatchewan were present and formed an honour guard.
Interment took place in Beaubier, Sask. Overlooking the original
Torkelson homestead.
Miss T. , as she was so affectionately known, was born at Anamoose,
North Dakota to Emil and Hulda Torkelson.
The Torkelsons, Emil, Hulda, Elvin and Lillian, moved to Saskatchewan
and homesteaded near Beaubier. Their arrival at the homestead was dismal
indeed for a prairie fire had blackened the prairie and their land was
dotted with rocks which had to be hand picked before plowing could
begin. The family stayed with relatives until Emil along with uncle
Jens, and a friend J.C. Johnson could get a house built.
Those early days were extremely difficult as they were for many hard
working pioneer families. They were especially difficult for the
Torkelson as their barn burned after being struck by lightning, their
granary and chicken coop were destroyed by wind and their home burned
to the ground after the family had left the farm in 1924.
Lillian was 5 ½ years old when she started school near present day
Ratcliffe, Saskatchewan where she received most of her elementary
education. When she was but 8 years old, the flu epidemic hit
Saskatchewan and Lillian along with her mother and two siblings became
very ill. Her father did his very best to nurse them until the doctor
arrived. Lillian was the most ill of the family but survive they did and
from that time until just recently Lillian enjoyed very good health.
Her father died in 1919 and two years later her mother married Eddy
Jacobson. The family left the farm and moved to Radville.. During her
13th summer, Lillian's aunt had come to visit and invited Lillian to
spend a year with her in North Dakota where she took her grade seven
before moving back to Saskatchewan. The family moved to Radville in 1924
and this presented the opportunity for Lillian to go to high school. She
proved to be an exceptional student and in 1928 received the Governor
General's medal for academic excellence.
From grade four on, Lillian was interested in history, an interest that
would remain with her the rest of her days. After high school, Miss
Torkelson attended Regina Normal School She began teaching the next year
and taught in a number of one room schools and several smaller high
schools. In 1943, she received the Bachelor of Arts degree in English
and History from the University of Manitoba.
From 1946 to 1957 she taught at Radville Christian College, a high
school which she helped found. She was at first the only teacher and
often served in numerous ways to keep the school open and operational.
She moved with the school when it moved to Weyburn in 1957 and became
Western Christian College. She taught on both the high school and
college level until 1982 when at the age of 72, she finally left the
classroom.
Lillian was a marvelous teacher. She believed that God wanted her in the
classroom and taught with complete devotion to the task.
She was also a dedicated student. From here earliest years, she was an
avid reader. She loved books and was a capable writer. She authored a
number of histories and helped
research others. She was instrumental in the founding of Radville
Christian College and helping to start a magazine for Christian women,
entitled Sister Triangle.
Lillian had complete faith in God. She was immersed in 1926 upon her
confession of faith in Jesus the Christ. She was a dedicated and loyal
member of the Church of Christ She would never miss a service or a Bible
class if she were at all able to be present. She believed in Christian
Education and even in her retirement years after 52 years in the
classroom, she kept in touch with her former students, mentored young
teachers and was a source of encouragement to many.
Though she lived almost all of her life in Southeastern Saskatchewan,
Miss T. was a world traveler. She had several very close personal
friends who accompanied her on her journeys. She traveled extensively in
Canada and the U.S.A. She visited the land of her ancestors in Norway
and France, toured much of Europe and the Holy Land. She visited
missionaries in Papua New Guinea and attended a world's fair in
Australia. Her trips were never merely sightseeing trips. They were
learning experiences. She learned the history and enjoyed the art and
music of each area she visited. She understood Art History and even
enjoyed opera and operettas when she had opportunity to attend such.
Besides her service to the Lord through the church, Lillian served her
community. She was a member of the University Women's Club in Weyburn.
She was an honorary life member of the Saskatchewan Superannuated
Teachers Association both on the local and Provincial levels. She
received numerous awards for her teaching and is regarded by many as a
model teacher.
Her former students have recognized Miss T. in many ways as has Western
Christian College.
The Church, along with her family will miss this wonderful Christian
lady.
From the Old Paths Archive:
Lillian Marian Torkelson is the daughter of Emil and Hulda Torkelson. She was born October 24, 1910, at Anamoose, North Dakota, but came to Canada less than six months later. She received most of her elementary education at a country school near present- day Ratcliffe, Saskatchewan, and her high school at Radville, Saskatchewan. In 1929, she graduated from the Regina Normal School.
Following several correspondence courses and summer courses at Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg, Lillian attended one full year at United College, Winnipeg. In 1943, she received her B.A. degree in English and history from the University of Manitoba. Since that time, she has taken additional university courses at Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Vancouver, and Abilene.
Lillian Torkelson was in the teaching field 52 years altogether. Before teaching at Radville Christian College, she had taught at three country schools (Glen Curren 1929-30, Model, and Lein) and four small high schools (Bird's Hill 1934-37, Robsart 1937-39, Lyndale 1939-42, and Wawota 1943-46). She began teaching at Radville Christian College when the high school department opened in 1946, and moved with the college to North Weyburn in 1957. She retired from full-time teaching at Western Christian College in 1974, but continued as a part-time teacher for eight additional years. The majority of Lillian's volunteer activities have been connected with education of some kind. In 1931, she helped organize the first summer vacation Bible school at Minton, Saskatchewan, of churches of Christ in Canada, and she continued with V.B.S. work for another seven summers at Radville. She has taught ladies' and girls' Bible classes at Weyburn. Since 1979, she has been a Bible correspondence course instructor for students mainly from Nigeria, Ghana, and Jamaica.
Lillian has been a member of the alumni organization of Western Christian College since its inception in 1953 and served as its executive secretary (1963-80), and has been a member of the Women's Service Club for 30 years.
Within the Weyburn community, she has served in various capacities in the Weyburn Teachers' Organization. In 1967, she was chairman for the reunion committee during centennial celebrations and edited for publication that year, "Trail Blazers of the Chalkboard." For seven years, she served on the health and welfare committee for superannuated teachers.
As a member of the University Women's Club of Weyburn, she has served as secretary and president. She was provincial education representative for the University Women's Club for a three-year term.
In one other educational medium, Lillian has been fortunate enough to serve. She was subscription and mailing manager of the women's magazine "Sister Triangle" (1981-88).
For visiting the mentally ill at the Saskatchewan Hospital, Lillian received a Certificate of Appreciation in 1966, and she has received certificates of appreciation from the Weyburn Home Care Organization for visiting and for delivering Meals-on-Wheels. Several other honours received during her lifetime have been appreciated. She received the governor-general's medal when she graduated from high school; the college yearbook has been dedicated to her twice; she was alumna of the year 1974; she was nominated as Canadian Citizen of the Year (1989) by the University Women's Club; and has received plaques for long service from the college, but the honour she has appreciated most of all was her all-expense paid trip to Europe and the Holy Land (1970) given by her friends and college alumni. According to Lillian Torkelson, God has entrusted each person with a special mission on this earth. She considers herself privileged to have Christian education as her mission.
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