Saskatchewan remembers former Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield

(Damian Smith / CTV News)

Saskatchewan’s former Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield was honoured with a state funeral on Saturday at Living Hope Alliance Church in Regina.

Family, as well as those in the military, paid their respects to Schofield, who passed away at the age of 82.

“From the beginning, it has been overwhelming, but such a relief to have the protocol office and the lieutenant governor’s office take this on,” said George Solomon-Schofield, Vaughn’s son. “It absolutely exceeded all of my and my family’s expectations, the way that they put this together and gave her an amazing tribute. It’s going to take a little while to absorb it.”

Solomon Schofield passed away from a “short illness” a few weeks ago, after a brief stay in hospital.

Before serving as Saskatchewan’s 21st Lieutenant Governor from 2012 to 2018, Solomon Schofield was appointed as the Provincial Chair of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council and served as Honorary Colonel of 10th Field Artillery Regiment.

• Vaughn Solomon Schofield, former Saskatchewan’s lieutenant governor, dead at 82

Dozens of police, firefighters, those in EMS, as well as every military branch stopped by in uniform to pay their respects.

“My dad was a police officer, but to have them give up their time to be here on a Saturday, it speaks to her, what she was about and how she touched so many people,” said George.

In 2013, Solomon Schofield established the Lieutenant Governor’s Military Service Pin, which have been awarded to more than 8,000 acting or former military members living in Saskatchewan.

“I think she loved this province and this country, I don’t think people necessarily understand that,” said George. “People do their jobs, and they volunteer for things, but she really loved Saskatchewan. We lived 3,000 miles away for the good portion of my life, and it was a countdown every time we got back there to when we were coming here and when we moved here, it was the happiest she had ever been.”

Solomon Schofield spent a large time of her life in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., but she always wanted to return home to Regina Beach.

Growing up, Solomon Schofield grew up in the area, sharing a cabin with her sister, creating life-long memories.

“She loved being in the sun and loved the water and just loved the town,” said George. “She spent more time there as she slowed down and battled illness. As many times as we tried with my mom to convince her that maybe it would be better for her to move to the city where she could be closer to hospital or doctors, Regina Beach was her home right up until the end.”