Sibbalds forever fund their hometown

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Published on Sunday, December 17, 2017

Submitted by Donna Morken
Rivers Banner

William “Bill” Sibbald and Helen Ross began their lives together Dec. 31, 1947 — almost 70 years ago! Helen lived on the Ross family ranch, 12 miles southwest of Rivers. Bill, the handsome farmer from across the valley, kept “losing his horse,” finding it on several occasions at the Ross ranch. Bill and Helen share a love of nature and animals, and after marriage, began their farming career on the Sibbald farm. That farm is legally described as NW 1-11-22, Riverdale Municipality, located 15 miles southwest of Rivers, overlooking the Assiniboine River.

Over the almost 60 years spent farming in the district, Bill and Helen became very involved in the community, sitting on many boards and committees. Some included the board to establish Rivers Hospital, Tarbolton church board and United Church Women. Bill was a founding member of Manitoba Amateur Radio Museum and a member of Bradwardine’s Order of Foresters, a group which prominently featured philanthropy and virtue in its rituals. Bill and Helen also shared a love of music and fine arts. Bill was a very good piano player and Helen learned to play cello in her 50’s. Helen played with Rivers Orchestra for many years and later, in Brandon Community Orchestra. They were season ticket holders to Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in Brandon for many years and supported Rolling River Festival of the Arts.

Although they were not blessed with children of their own, many children came to visit the farm over those 60 years and had their lives changed by that experience. Some were relatives but many were not. Some stayed for short periods of time and others became regulars, coming back year after year. Many learned to bake, cook for a crew, drive a tractor, stack bales, round up cattle, birth calves, ride horses and cool off in the river after a hard day’s work. All who spent time at the Sibbald farm learned respect, fair play and the rewards of working together. Over the years Bill and Helen would keep helping these young people as they went off to university or started up new businesses. Giving is second nature to this couple.

Although Bill and Helen moved off the farm in 2007 and into Brandon and a personal care home in that city in 2016, they continue to care for and give to their community. The Bill and Helen Sibbald Legacy Fund, with their donation of $25,000, is directed towards agriculture, environment and fine arts. It will live on in perpetuity, continuing their caring way of helping others and will make our community a better place for all.