Skip to content

Gathering celebrates Battleford historian Don Light's 90th

A Light to the Battlefords for 90 years
Don Light's 90th web
Family at the 90th birthday of Don Light: standing, Tony Laycock, Blair Evans, Rob Fehr, Rick Raushentauler, Edna Raushentauler, Tricia Dyksman, Susan McLeod, seated, Donna Laycock, Meriel Light, Don, Pekka Dyksman and Shaun Dyksman.

BATTLEFORD — The stories of the local history of the Battlefords are quietly tucked away in a basement that Don Light’s father built.

Yet, those stories come to life loud and clear, amongst others, during Light’s 90th birthday celebration on July 16.

Scorching heat didn’t keep the community from coming out to celebrate with the local historian.

Family and friends were among those in attendance at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 9 in Battleford.

At the entrance, a jam-packed table of articles and photos of Light filled up the space.

The celebrations and stories continued beyond that initial spot, with voices and music bouncing off the walls of the legion hall.

Entertainment included a bagpipe player, a duet with the piano and violin, and an ongoing background rotating slideshow of pictures of Light's life from young childhood to where it is today.

To beat the heat, a cooler of ice-cold refreshments were available. Celebrators were also welcome to partake in a plethora of snacking options, including a delicately decorated set of sweets.

The afternoon was simply more than just a gathering to celebrate Don Light’s birthday. It was a space that illustrated how the stories of the Battlefords continue to grow and be passed on from one generation to the next.