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Centenarian Clarence Hookenson celebrates in style

On May 30 Clarence Hookenson of Kisbey turned 100 years of age. The day was a celebration at his home in Kisbey where he resides with his wife Charlotte.
Clarence Hookenson turns 100
Clarence Hookenson of Kisbey celebrated his 100th birthday on May 30. Here, he is all smiles after receiving a card from his niece, Mary Shirkie (right).

On May 30 Clarence Hookenson of Kisbey turned 100 years of age. The day was a celebration at his home in Kisbey where he resides with his wife Charlotte. His family was able to organize a remarkable and special celebration that included his many friends and associates, under the conditions that are in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

         They organized a parade that was led by the Carlyle and District Fire and Rescue’s main unit, followed by an RCMP patrol unit, both with lights and sirens going, then followed by a long parade of various vehicles, from tractors to semis, bicyclists and people on foot.

         Those greeting Clarence were treated to Tim Horton doughnuts, which were handed out as they passed by Hookenson, who was seated at the end of his driveway. Hookenson’s son, Brian, had the pleasure of serving the tasty treats with help from longtime family friend, Jack Wilson.

         Hookenson spent his life farming and raising cattle on the family homestead, which he acquired from his father at the end of World War II. His pride was raising cattle of which he had great success through the years.

         One of Hookenson’s passions was showing his cattle at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto for 15 years. In the late 60’s and early 70’s he won top honours five times with Champion steers. In 1967 he won Supreme Champion Steer which graded 96.6 out of 100 and to this date stills holds the record for highest score at the prestigious Royal Winter Fair.

         Hookenson has held many offices over his lifetime, having been elected to different positions on various boards and councils for 49 of his 100 years.

         For 30 years he was a Councilor and Reeve for the Rural Municipality of Brock #64. He spent 27 years on the executive of Municipal Hail as a Director, Vice President and President.

         For 11 years he sat as a Director of the College of Veterinarians at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. Hookenson spent 14 years as a Director of the Saskatchewan Federation of Agriculture, followed by another four years as President.

         He has fond memories of attending the World Agriculture Conferences in Helsinki, Finland in 1979 and in Trondheim, Norway in 1990, having met delegations attending from 55 other countries.

         Gary Carlson of Regina, who met Hookenson in the late 70’s and became friends during their time at the Saskatchewan Federation of Agriculture, described their working relationship, “He did an excellent job, was an excellent leader, an excellent farmer and livestock showman.”

         Hookenson was also elected twice to the Canadian Wheat Board in 1968 and 1982 for terms of four years, retiring in 1986. Hookenson described the Canadian Wheat Board as, “The best grain marketing system in the world and we lost it.” The majority of shares in the Wheat Board were sold to Saudi Arabian interests in 2015.

         The one question that is asked of every centenarian is, “What is the secret to reaching 100?” Hookenson replied, “Kisbey water.”

         Also quizzed on “how it felt to be 100?” Hookenson said he would, “Sooner back up to 50. I could run then.” Hookenson has never smoked or drank, claiming that seeing fellow soldiers receive detention in the army was a determining factor to stay away from any use of alcohol.

         He was inducted into the Saskatchewan Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2019 and was presented a lifetime membership in the Royal Canadian Legion, in March of 2020.

         “Happy Birthday Clarence Hookenson and many, many, more.”