The armed robbery of the Mac’s convenience store on Smith Street in December was a stark reminder of a much more horrific crime at the same location four-and-a-half years ago.
The murder of Jimmy Ray Wiebe in the early hours of June 20, 2011 was before my time in Yorkton and, although I had some knowledge of the crime, I was not aware of just how senseless it was.
In going back over the case, the thing that struck me the most is that Kyle Furness, who is currently serving a life sentence for Wiebe’s murder, will be eligible for parole in Deecember 2023, just less than eight years from now.
I am a big fan of the justice system and discretion for judges. I believe in the principles of sentencing and rehablilitation, but even to me this seems like it is coming up awfully quickly given the facts of the crime, which I will not rehash here.
Of course, just because Furness will be eligible for parole does not mean he will be released.
Wiebe’s death led to amendments to Saskatchewan’s Occupational Health and Safety Act designed to enhance the safety of late night retail employees.
I struggled a bit with what I wanted to say about this. Ultimately I decided the best thing I could do would be to memorialize Wiebe by giving up this space to reprint his obituary:
Jimmy Ray Wiebe was born in Warman, SK, on April 9, 1961 to parents, Jake and Ann Wiebe. The family moved to Yorkton in 1962.
Jim received his education in Yorkton. As a teenager, Jim delivered the Leader Post for years and was awarded for his outstanding service. Jim also enjoyed the travel involved with his employment for an exhibition midway.
He worked at Fas Gas and appreciated the friendships he made with his employers. Jim was presently employed with Yorkton This Week and Shell. He thoroughly enjoyed the socializing and wonderful conversation that was part of these jobs. He valued the many friendships made by his employment in the community.
Jim’s love for the Edmonton Eskimos and Montreal Canadians and his dislike for the Saskatchewan Roughriders was always a great topic of conversation. Jim enjoyed his daily coffee visits with friends and family.
Jim’s father, Jake, will especially miss his coffee and pizza buddy.
Jim is survived and loved by his parents, Jake and Ann Wiebe. He will be deeply missed by his three sisters, Debi (Alan) Paton and their children, Adam (Kristy) Paton and their daughter, Jagger; Brooklyn (Jason) Ungar and their son Kase; Laura (Chad) Mielke and their son Kieran; Jennifer (Randy) McCredie and their sons Lincoln and Lance.
A very dear aunt and uncle, Corney and Mary Peters, will also hold fond memories of Jim.
At the time of his passing, Jim was a dedicated night shift worker at Shell. He held this position for over ten years, never taking a sick day and often helped out co-workers by taking extra shifts.
He was never at a loss for words and his sense of humour was a great source of entertainment.
Jim was a wonderful, kind person with great respect for his mother and father. He will be deeply missed in our lives.
The Funeral Service was held on Friday, June 24th [2011] at the Chapel of Bailey’s Funeral Home, Yorkton with Envoy Roy Bladen of the Yorkton Salvation Army officiating.
The organist, Shirley Chornawka and guitarist Bill Chornawka led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”, “Safe In The Arms of Jesus” and “Sweet By and By”.
Tributes were given by Adam Paton and Garth Hilts.
A private interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery.
