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Outlook connections to Queen Elizabeth revealed

Royal connections to the Irrigation Capital of Saskatchewan have been discovered in the wake of the Queen's passing.

OUTLOOK - With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II being felt around the world, connections to Her Royal Majesty are being felt right here at home.

A special tribute section devoted to her was organized by the Outlook & District Heritage Museum, on display over September 9 & 10 and highlighting so many moments of her life that are remembered by generations of Canadians.

As well, in a photo provided to The Outlook by Shantell Dolman (Stranden), the Queen's impact could be seen on local people through the years in her visits to Saskatchewan. Shantell, who is originally from Outlook, met Queen Elizabeth when she was seven years old, being granted a once-in-a-lifetime chance to deliver a rose to the Queen.QueenShantellDolman

"(On) June 28, 1990 I was taken by the hand of security and able to deliver a rose to the queen," she said. "What a day for me...I just remember waiting so long and playing with the rose. Queen Elizabeth swooped it up and was so kind to speak with."

QueenSonyaBowey

In another photo provided by Outlook resident Sonya Bowey, the Queen can be seen speaking with a man identified as Thelmer Stranden, the father of Neil Stranden and grandfather of Shantell Dolman (Stranden). According to Neil, Thelmer was born, raised and died in the Nary district that's located north of the Outlook and Broderick areas. The photo is from July 1959, taken in the nearby community of Hanley.

Neil got in touch with us to provide some clarity on this particular photo.

"The picture stated as Joar Updaul of the Hawarden/ Hanley district, is actually the picture of my Dad, and Shantell Dolman ( Stranden ) grand father, Thelmer Stranden, born, raised and died in the Nary district north of Outlook/Broderick. He did farm in the Hanley area after WW2 and our, my home quarter in the RM of Rudy. The conversation was about London during WW2. Joar Opdaul, is in a separate picture talking to the Queen at the same time. Joar lied about his age to go overseas in WW1 and he volunteered, as stated, in WW2."

It goes to show that the people whose lives the Queen touched can stretch from very far, but also very near.