Obituary of Arden McGillivary

   Arden Joel McGillivary was born to his loving parents, Valerie Lathlin and Joel McGillivary. He was warmly welcomed home by his brother, Aiden; his maternal grandparents, Peter and Marilyn Laliberty; his paternal grandparents, Marcel and Barbara McGillivary; and many cherished family members. He was lovingly nicknamed “Charlie Brown”, “Ardo” and his grandpa Chenap used to call him “Sebastian”.
   Arden passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 3:13 p.m. at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, SK. As an organ donor, he remained on life support so that his generous gift could be shared with others.  His organ donation surgery took place on Friday, July 24, 2026, and was completed at exactly 3:13 p.m. Five organs were accepted, giving five people waiting for transplants a renewed chance at life.  After the surgery, Arden’s family and friends took part in an Honor Walk. Hospital staff, doctors, nurses, and loved ones lined the hallway in a silent and respectful final tribute, honouring Arden’s gift of life and the giving young man he was.

   Arden was an outgoing, loving, caring, and polite young man who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He often went for family visits in Red Earth and Shoal Lake and they loved his distinctive Cumberland Cree accent. He loved to “chill” with the people closest to him and was happiest outdoors. An avid hunter and fisherman, Arden also loved camping and found joy in the open sky, quiet mornings on the water, and the beauty of nature.

   Arden attended Nisto Awasisak Memorial School and later continued his education through upgrading with Sask Polytech. He had a natural talent for sketching and drawing, and he proudly shared his creative Indigenous artwork with others. His artistic ability was recognized when he won a Remembrance Day poster contest with one of his unique pieces. Arden also enjoyed playing basketball with his “homies,” as he lovingly called his friends. Arden’s milestones were always celebrated and showed how much he was loved and cherished.

   Arden was strong, dependable, and hardworking. He faced every challenge with determination and was always willing to give his best in whatever he set out to do. He loved working and building with his dad and foster dad. He worked alongside his dad on construction contracts.

   Arden leaves to cherish his memory, his parents, Valerie Lathlin and Joel McGillivary; brothers Aiden Laliberte, Park Buck Jr. and Jedidiah Lathlin; sisters Anissa McGillivary, Ryanna Laliberte, Joely and Joy McGillivary; nephew Carlos McGillivary. He will also be remembered by his grandmother Marilyn Laliberty; Foster parents Travis and Alexis Buck. Numerous uncles, aunties, cousins and extended families and all his friends.

   Arden was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Peter Laliberty, Sidney Laliberty, and Stella Lathlin; his maternal grandparents, Marcel and Barbara McGillivary; his sister, Prissa McGillivary; and numerous aunties, uncles, and cousins who were waiting to welcome him on his journey to the afterlife.

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