Herb Meyer

Charles Herbert Meyer of Esterhazy passed away on May 4, 2021 at the Esterhazy Centennial Special Care Home at the age of 84 years.  “Herb” as he was known to everyone, was born on July 6, 1936 in the family farmhouse in Zeneta district.  Growing up on the family farm, he became familiar with raising domestic livestock as well as grain farming.  As a child, he raised owls as a hobby.

After leaving school and the family farm, Herb worked on the railway out of Melville, Saskatchewan.  It was here that he met the love of his life, Linda Schindel. They were married in Melville the year 1957.  They were blessed with three sons, Brian (1957), Gordon (1959), and Glen (1965).  A few years later Herb and Linda moved back to the family farm to help out.  Linda found a job at the creamery grading eggs.  Herb was also employed by Dairy Producers.  His first job was to haul cream and churn butter.  Later Herb delivered all Dairy Producers products and continued that for almost 20 years, all while continuing to farm.

After Dairy Producers, Herb worked at a number of places, Mobile Home City, Town of Esterhazy and Centennial Special Care Home.  His last employer, Alto Construction, took him to the North country, including BC, NWT, Yukon, and Ontario.  Herb retired from the farm in 1991 and he and Linda moved to the big city of Esterhazy.

Herb had a passion for hunting and fishing which he shared with his sons.  Herb and Linda also did a fair bit of travelling, camping, and fishing in the earlier years.  Later they would travel to Hawaii, Arizona, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.  They were also regular attendants of the Minot Host Fest for 25 years.  While there, they met fellow musicians and made many friends, and he became a proud member of the accordion club.  A treasured moment was playing on stage with 50+ fellow musicians.   Being avid campers and fishermen, Herb and Linda had seasonal sites at Asessippi and later Round Lake where it has been noted that numerous fish have met their demise.  Cherished friends were made in Manitoba and at “The Point” during these years.  Annual travels included trips to BC to visit with Brian, Lorraine, Erin, and Neil and wherever they went, music was ever present in their lives.

Herb was born with the gift that was brought to life at the age of 10, when his parents sold a cow to buy him his first accordion.  Herb could play accordion, piano, guitar, or just about anything he put his mind to.  Performing early on at school functions, carol festivals, care homes, weddings, thresherman shows, museums, and funerals.

Herb lived a busy adventurous life.  He was a proud Elk member for over 50 years and sat on the Housing Authority board of Esterhazy.  There were hurdles in his life which he would always overcome with his faith and the love of his family.  Loyal member of the Lutheran congregation for years, Herb and Linda were very involved.  He was particularly fond of the “Sunday school” children who referred to him as “The Music Man” and “The Licorice Man”.  Talent galore, jack of all trades, and master McGyvor, who in his own words could “make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”.  Herb truly was one of a kind.

Herb was predeceased by his father Charles, mother Amy Louise, and sister Elaine in infancy.  He is survived by his wife of 64 years Linda, sons Brian (Lorraine) of Forest Grove, BC, Gordon (Shannon) of Esterhazy, Glen (Marlene) of Saskatoon.  Grandchildren, Erin (Spencer) Dill, Neil (Katy) Meyer, Adam Meyer, Lisa (Chris) Psutka, Brayden Meyer, Austin (Jennifer) Meyer, Justin (Lisa) Fiske.  Great-grandchildren Emma and Evera Dill, Jacob and Samuel Psutka, Taylor and Mason Fiske.  Sister Betty (Ben) Forst, aunt Enid Johnson, brother in-law Henry (Monika) Schindel, and numerous nieces and nephews.