Page 64 - Card Photo Flipbook-December 2022

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Early 1973 was taken up with preparations for the move to Saskatoon. This was to be a true
adventure for the Cards. Helen had never been west of Sault Ste. Marie and the kids not even that
far. In late January Bob flew to Saskatoon (via Edmonton), to meet with a realtor. Three choices of
houses were on Bate, Mount Allison, and Kirk Crescents. As a sign of the Saskatchewan economy
at the time all three were vacant. Two had been owned by medical faculty members who had just
left Saskatoon (the implication was missed at the time). Eventually 56 Kirk Crescent was chosen.
The move to Saskatoon was set for late March and again the Cards worried about what
misfortunes might accompany this move. As it turned out none did! On March 20th the movers (a
different company!) took most of possessions - but not the pictures. On March 22nd Bob drove the
Torino (stuffed with things everywhere) to Toronto Union Station to be loaded on a train (“Car-Go-
Rail” – no longer available). The next day a big snow storm hit Hamilton and the family worried
about reaching Toronto airport for the flight to Saskatoon on March 24th. They got there with John
Card’s help.
March 24th, 1973 was Helen, Sharon, Mike and Geoff’s first plane flight. They were a bit leery of
flying, but got on board a jet changing in Winnipeg and on to Saskatoon (no non-stops then). The
family was well prepared for the cold of Saskatoon wearing winter clothes, only to find the
temperature was 60F. Ed Ashenhurst, neurologist, met them wearing shorts. They stayed at the
Holiday House motel until the movers arrived on March 29th, the car having arrived by CN on
March 27th. The Cards took up residence at 56 Kirk Crescent. Lou Horlick (head of medicine) with
his wife Ruth, arrived at the front door by bicycle to welcome the family to the city. Since Helen and
Bob had lived in 11 houses from 1960 to 1973 (13 years) it wasn’t clear how long they’d stay in
Saskatoon. Little did Helen realize that she would be there for the next 47 years!