Hay River (Apr 19/04) - A pioneer farming couple in Hay River plans to retire from the fields.

Ben and Fran Greenfield are looking to sell their Paradise Garden farm, which they have owned and operated for 38 years.

After 38 years of working on the farm, Ben and Fran Greenfield have decided to retire. They say they will stay in town, though. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

The Greenfields say it was a difficult decision.

"It was hard, but our ages made it necessary," says Fran, 76.

Fran says they have been talking about it for two or three years. "People wouldn't believe us when we said we were going to retire."

Her 78-year-old husband stuck a small 'For Sale' sign on one of the buildings last fall to prove they were serious.

The couple say they have enjoyed their many years farming in Hay River.

"I think it's being your own boss," Fran says. "It makes the family work together."

She also enjoys the healthy lifestyle -- the exercise and the fresh air -- of farm life.

"I don't know what I will miss the most," Ben says, although he notes he loves the fresh vegetables they grow.

They were both raised on farms -- he in Ontario and she in Saskatchewan.

The couple, who have six grown children, intend to find a new place to live in Hay River once a buyer is found for the farm. They had hoped to move into the proposed seniors housing complex, but it has not yet been built.

Paradise Garden was the original farm in the scenic rural area on the banks of the Hay River, about 20km from the town's downtown. The farm gave its name to the whole area, now known as Paradise Gardens.

The 10-acre farm features Saskatoon berries and raspberries, and a garden. For about 30 years up to several years ago, the Greenfields also operated the Paradise Garden Campground.

Ben left his job as the streets and roads district foreman with the City of Calgary to come North in 1966. That was after one of his neighbours had gone to Hay River to work with the railroad, and the Greenfields had visited on holiday to see what the country was like.

"Everything looked pretty good," Ben recalls.

The couple bought the farm then and there from original owners Joe and Amy Kraus. "We made a deal and shook hands. And that was it."

The original owners operated the farm for about 15 years before the Greenfields bought it.

"I'd like to see someone carry on and keep the place in operation," says Ben.

Fran says it will really hit home that they are leaving the farm when they start to pack up. "That will be the hard part."