It is with great sadness that the family of Ronald "Butch" Peel, beloved husband of Joan Peel, of Preeceville announce his passing on Monday, December 4, 2023. He was 76 years of age.

    Ronald Graham (Butch) Peel was born June 21, 1947, at the Preeceville Hospital to Maud (Park) and Ralph Peel.

    He grew up on the family farm which was the site of the Whitehawk Post Office operated by Butch’s grandparents in the early years, making it a stopping place for people from quite a distance in all directions.

    Butch attended Waler Country School until it closed and students were transported to Preeceville, where he completed his education. Butch then began helping his dad on the farm and worked on some construction and roofing jobs in the area. He was mechanically inclined and enjoyed working on cars or machinery.

    He loved sports of all kinds and enjoyed playing goal on the Preeceville men’s hockey team, and back catching on the North Prairie, and later, Preeceville men’s fastball teams.

    Butch began dating Joan Oxley and they were married June 15, 1974, beginning their life journey together that lasted 49½ years. Their life was filled with love and laughter, good times and bad, but always together. They shared many interests including their love of music and attended many great concerts.

    On April 27, 1980, they were blessed with the birth of Nolan Graham Peel, and a new and exciting chapter began. As Nolan grew, Butch enjoyed watching his son become interested in all the things that come with growing up on the farm – tractor rides, helping with chores, bikes of all kinds and caring for the animals. Butch coached hockey through all the years Nolan was in Minor Hockey, enjoying the games as much as Nolan did. After graduating and spending some time working in the area and at home, Nolan enrolled in the agriculture program at the University in Saskatoon. Upon completion of his courses, he continued to work in Saskatoon while returning to farm with his parents. In April of 2018, Nolan married Carol Reader in Saskatoon, another happy event in Butch’s life. When Jack Alexander Peel was born in July of 2019, yet another exciting chapter began for him as a grandfather. The birth of Alina Grace Peel in May 2022, completed this picture. To Butch’s delight, little Jack shares the farming passion!

    Butch was honest, hard-working and kind. The loves of his life were his family, his friends and his farm. He truly valued all family times, and always enjoyed visits, conversations and meals with dear friends.

    Doing chores and taking care of his animals was always a priority, and their care and comfort was of great importance to him.

    Butch was predeceased by his parents, Maud and Ralph Peel; his sister, Grace Walsh; his sister-in-law, Jennifer Oxley; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Joyce and Joe Oxley.

    He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Joan; son, Nolan; daughter-in-law, Carol; grandchildren, Jack and Alina; brothers-in-law, Wilf Walsh and Hilton Oxley (Trudy); nieces, Fallyn Oxley (Brant), Sandy (Tom) Lindal and family, Kendall (Murray) Walsh Blyth and family, as well as cousins and extended family.

    We will always be thankful Butch was able to live his life in good health,  exactly the way he wanted to for 76½ years…enjoying the peace and contentment of doing what he truly loved.

We will remember the love.

He will be missed.

    Funeral services were held on December 15, 2023, from Trinity United Church, Preeceville, SK with Reverend David Mugadzi officiating. Karolyn Kosheluk played the piano while members of the Trinity United Church Choir led the singing of the hymns “Just As I Am”, “O Lord My God”, “Amazing Grace” and “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness”. The eulogy was read by Blaine Medland. Interment followed in the Preeceville Community Cemetery with Nolan Peel serving as urnbearer.

    Memorials may be made to Trinity United Church or to a charity of one’s choice as gifts of remembrance. Arrangements were entrusted to Preeceville Funeral Home.