Averill Rudolph Froberg

Averill's family is sad to announce his unexpected death on Sept 30,2026 in Saskatoon. He leaves behind two daughters, Marnie and Darlene, sister Joyce Finch, and sister in law Pat Derbowka, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, their children and many friends. He is predeceased by his wife Mary, parents Viola Froberg and Adolph Froberg, and brother in law Stan Finch.

Averill (Abe) was a man who wore many hats, both figuratively and literally. That he collected hats related to his interests was well known to his friends and family but many of the hats also related to his work and involvement in social events and groups.

Abe was born in Shehoe Saskatchewan on the farm of his grandparents, to Viola Froberg-nee Bode and Adolph Froberg and raised during the depression on a farm. Those were difficult times and dad learned the value of people working together and helping each other through those tough times. That was a lesson he carried with him throughout his life. He was the kind of person who would be the first to volunteer and the last to leave only after the final tasks were completed. He never shirked on what he felt was his responsibility. That sense of duty and integrity made him a popular person who was often sought out by others who needed a hand or wanted someone to participate in an activity or just to go have coffee.

He grew up and went attended Dunrobin School near Kandahar Saskatchewan where his mother had obtained work as a housekeeper. He helped work the farm of his mother's employer, Olaf from that time doing chores as a young lad to later, when his mother inherited Olaf's farm, helping every planting and harvest season on that farm until she eventually gave it up.

During his early life away from home he had his first job, hired because he was a big strong prairie lad, at a pulp and paper mill in Nipigon, Ontario. He later moved on to Ontario Hydro, then did some work on tug boats in Lake Superior and eventually came to Saskatoon for a few construction jobs and then got on with Canadian National Railroad Express which over the years expanded to become the CN Intermodal division which shipped goods all over the world. While working at the CN in Saskatoon he met Mary on a blind date. Their relationship grew and they were married in 1955 and reached their 65th wedding anniversary in May 2020, a few months before Mary passed.

During the time he worked for the CNR he also joined Civil Defence Police which was an auxiliary volunteer force set up after WWII. He moved on to join the Canadian Army Reserves in the Engineering Corps in the 1960s where he earned the rank of Sergeant and received recognition from the Canadian military with the Balcaen cup for excellence.

For many years he organized events for CN Pensioners including Christmas dinners and a coffee club. He was also involved in the local Scandinavian club.

Dad enjoyed dancing, playing guitar, horseshoes, card games especially cribbage, family get togethers, local history, for which he made presentations to various local groups, and at one point he and mom took a trip to England. They travelled quite a bit in Canada too, from Victoria, Ottawa, Vancouver, Medicine Hat and many points in between. This was aided by the CN rail pass that was one of the benefits accorded to employees. When not travelling by rail Mom and dad were frequent local travellers to see small town Sask museums, historical sights and fairs. Later they also particularly enjoyed an Alaskan cruise.

After retirement he and mom joined the Wandering Wheels Trailer Club which held events around the province, and he was also involved with the Pensioners and Pioneers and served on the board.

Dad was the main caregiver to mom in her final years. When she passed he moved into a Bethany Manor independent apartment and as health issues arose moved on to Oliver Lodge Special Care Home where he spent his last few years and where he greatly enjoyed the outings, music programs, and the company of the other residents and staff.

Abe's family would like to express their gratitude to Oliver Lodge staff for the exceptional care and the warm, welcoming environment they provided to dad. We would like to acknowledge current and former residents of Oliver Lodge for their good company. All of them meant a lot to dad.

He will remain in our memories through his stories, some of which were very elaborate and through the photographs he took over the years, all 19 albums of them. He will be greatly missed but remain in our hearts through his sense of humour, kindness and generosity of spirit.

The service of remembrance will be held on Friday, October 16th at 2pm, followed by a tea, at the Edwards Family Center 333 4th Ave North, Saskatoon (across from the Saskatoon Funeral Home where parking is available)

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions may be sent to the Oliver Lodge Angels of Care Fund in Averill's name.