Lieutenant Governor leads list of dignitaries at surprise birthday party

Two Saskatoon women had a surprise birthday that they won’t soon forget.

Elder Mary Heimbecker, and Elder Pat Trask, who turned 90 and 89 respectively, had dignitaries including Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Russ Mirasty, Saskatoon Police Chief Troy Cooper, and Mayor Charlie Clark as some of the people who were part of the surprise birthday party.

The event featured a hoop dancer performance, as well as Metis fiddlers.

Masks and physical distancing were required for attendees.

According to the organizer, Senator Nora Cummings, keeping the birthday a surprise was the hardest part.

“It was hard to keep it under wraps in the building, people love to talk,” Cummings said. “We had to be careful about who we told.”

The party was planned for about two weeks in advance.

“They didn’t have a clue what we were doing,” Cummings added.

“It was exciting to see the look on their face, we had just told them it would be a little gathering. They had no idea there would be any dignitaries.”

Heimbecker and Trask have both done a lot for the community over the years.

Birthday banner for Mary & Pat. (Logan Stein/650 CKOM)

Heimbecker was born on the Muskeg Lake Reserve and was instrumental in numerous groups and initiatives. She received the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal in 2005 in acknowledgement of her contributions throughout the province.

Trask is a former president of the Saskatchewan Seniors Association, and is a published author. She is also known as one of the “Pie Ladies of Louise Street” who bake pies to fundraise for STARS.

“It just amazes me, the work they still do in the community,” Cummings said as she pointed to the women.

Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty was present with his wife Donna, and he praised the women for their service in the community over the years.

“Their record in terms of community service is exemplary, they are great role models,” Mirasty said. “The volunteerism. They do these things without regard to getting anything back.”

“We honoured two very special ladies today.”