Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Paton/Austin family members, August 1934, near Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan. Earl Paton is the boy standing on the left.
Earl Paton was born on a farm near Gravelbourg on 24 May 1929. His arrival coincided with the first dust storm of what was to become The Dust Bowl of the 1930s. In October of that same year the stock market crashed, ushering in The Great Depression.
Earl Paton arrived in the world at the outset of the worst economic and agricultural disasters Canada has ever known.
The photo above provides some insight into the socio-economic circumstances of the time. Earl was fortunate to have shoes to protect his feet from the parched prairie soil, his cousins did not. Gnarly bushes and a bald hill stand where crops should be growing.
The Ford Model “T” car in the background, which Earl’s parents merrily drove to Oregon on their honeymoon in 1926, sometimes stands idle for lack of resources to fill the tank.
The outhouse, pictured at Earl’s mother’s elbow, was surely the bane of her existence as she faced the prospect of raising Earl and my newborn father Adrian, with limited means, through a looming prairie winter.
The look of concern on Florence Paton’s face reflects the enormity of what had befallen the family.
Today, ninety years after the photos above were taken, I had the great privilege of spending a little time with Earl.
Uncle Earl has moved into a new care facility in Saskatoon. My brother Brad, cousin Gordon, sister Val, and Uncle Jim, visited the 94-year-old there. We hoped to glean some knowledge from a man who has experienced more change in a single lifetime than most of us can imagine.
Earl Paton, with his brother Jim, March 13, 2024.
Any concern we had about Earl’s memory fading over 94 years was quickly extinguished; his recall is exceptional.
We showed him a few photographs from days gone by. Without exception, Earl identified faces and provided details of circumstances surrounding each image. He brought the photos to life as he described events and people blurred by a veil of ages.
William Paton and Earl (right) pitching sheaves, c1965.
The people and events Earl described in each of the photos were interesting, but the depth of his own character exposed while relaying the information to us, was Earl’s greatest gift of the day.
While describing the subject of each photo, Earl expressed fondness for people and events long past. He exhibited empathy, and a talent for finding joy where little existed.
Earl wore a constant smile today, which reflects the depth of his compassion.
After the visit, Earl showed us around his new lodging. The tiny closet in his apartment seemed expansive, housing only a meagre selection of shirts and pants. There was very little art on the walls, none that wasn’t created by a child, and no possessions beyond the utilitarian.
There was a television on the wall, but I would bet dollars to doughnuts that Earl doesn’t know how, or care to know how, to turn it on.
Earl’s home reminded me of something his mother said many years ago:
“I would rather fill my house with people than furniture”
Florence Paton
Earl’s room possessed a tranquil aura, a feeling of warmth, of dignity. It permeated emotions that those of us who have lived shorter, more abundant lives cannot comprehend.
Earl Paton was born in a Great Depression at the bottom of a Dust Bowl, proving that Great Character Takes Root in …
… Hollow Vessels.
Camille Ross Bell
I remember him well when he would come to the foyer daily to visit his wife . Very nice man and I will never forget his smile and speaking with him from time to time . My mother was in the foyer at that time as well and she was 5 years younger ( born 1924). I was very happy to read this wonderful story . I live in Gravelbourg .
Camille Ross Bell
I remember him well when he would come to the foyer daily to visit his wife . Very nice man and I will never forget his smile and speaking with him from time to time . My mother was in the foyer at that time as well and she was 5 years younger ( born 1924). I was very happy to read this wonderful story . I live in Gravelbourg .
Eugene Gauthier
Thanks for the wonderful write-up. I remember Earl, Jim & Grandma Paton. Brings back memories of my youth.
Russ Paton
Thank You, a trip down memory lane for sure.
Doug & Monique Mann
Truly enjoyed reading this. Earl has a heart of gold and a wealth of knowledge. We were fortunate to know him as we rented some of his land for quite a few years in Gravelbourg.i worked at the nursing home in Gravelbourg. He would come faithfully everyday to visit his wife and even when she passed away he would still come and share his stories of the past with the foyer residents…he was sadly missed when he moved away. Nice to see pictures of him.
Russ Paton
Thank you. Earl is a gentle soul.
GG
Awesome. Were you able to record his tales on your phone?
Russ Paton
Thanks. Val has been keeping a running recording during her visits. Priceless.
Judy D
What a wonderful visit that must have been! I love that you are retelling your family’s stories (especially since they often entwine themselves into my family’s stories)
Russ Paton
Yes, the photo of the boys on Halloween has all four Erskine boys in it!