E and J Roszell Children, Youth, and Families Legacy Fund
This fund is designed to promote the well-being of Saskatchewan children, youth and families: their physical, mental, educational, creative, social and other needs. Possible recipients might include the Salvation Army, Rainbow Youth Centre, the Regina Public Library, public and private mental health initiatives, heritage language schools, and opportunities to develop musical, artistic, craft and other skills.
This fund is designed to promote the well-being of Saskatchewan children, youth and families: their physical, mental, educational, creative, social and other needs. Possible recipients might include the Salvation Army, Rainbow Youth Centre, the Regina Public Library, public and private mental health initiatives, heritage language schools, and opportunities to develop musical, artistic, craft and other skills.
Eleanor and Jack Roszell's Story
Eleanor and Jack grew up in the Abernethy area. Jack served 5 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. Upon his return to Abernethy, he and Eleanor married and moved to the Kenlis district, south of town, where they farmed for 30 years. They grew wheat and other grains and raised livestock. Those were tough financial years for farming. Like their neighbours, they “tightened their belts”, worked hard and made-a-go-of-it. Each challenge was met with courage, creativity and humour.
Eleanor left public school early to study practical nursing in Winnipeg. She dreamed of a nursing career, but then was called home to care for her mom who’d had a stroke. Jack also left school early to help support his family. Stories like theirs were common in the 1930’s and 40’s.
Both Jack and Eleanor valued learning greatly. They took advantage of the provincial government and Pool Elevator lending libraries for rural families and worked to establish a small library in their home. Books were common birthday and Christmas presents.
Both had great affection for children and youth. Eleanor’s vision for her 90th birthday party was to have all the little children in her extended family sing for her. Sadly, she died before this could take place, but her love of children will not soon be forgotten. Just recently, her daughter was reminded how Eleanor used to bake cookies and have pop in the fridge ready for whenever the neighbours’ children would stop by.
Like his compatriots, Jack came home from the war a changed man. He’d seen too much. He believed that Hope came in the form of young people; that it was the responsibility of adults to encourage, support, and provide opportunities for them. He would always look for that spark of life and interest in a young person and do his best to foster it.
Eleanor and Jack were part of what is now called the “great generation”. They did everything they could to encourage and support those who came after them and to build a good future for them. I, their daughter, have established this legacy fund with the desire to emulate and continue their work.
