Obituaries / Life Stories

June 2^nd, 1994 – November 28^th, 2022

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that the family of Brandon announces his passing on November 28^th, 2022. Brandon was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan at St. Paul’s hospital. Brandon attended Dundonald elementary school and then went on to attend Mount Royal Collegiate, graduating in 2012. After graduation he pursued and obtained a heavy equipment operator certificate and went on to work for several different construction companies.
Brandon was very active and greatly enjoyed many sports growing up. His favorite sports were soccer and basketball. He had many hobbies and pass times outside of his studies, including dirt biking, snowboarding, skateboarding, and enjoying time with friends and family on various trips and gatherings.
Brandon had a love for animals that was only matched by his zest for life and adventure. His cat Rarri and his dog Sosa were a source of continual joy and happiness in his life. He loved taking Sosa for walks by the river and taking his pets with him when he travelled.
Brandon’s smile, his laugh, sense of humor and outgoing personality were contagious. We will cherish all the fond memories we had with him, and the times spent together as a family. He will be forever in our hearts, and always remembered by his family, relatives, and many friends.

There will be a private gathering for Brandon to be announced at a later date for family and close friends. Cremation was entrusted to Cherished Memories in Martensville. The family asks that for those wishing, you can make a donation to mental health and addictions, the SPCA or a charity of your choice.

November 25, 1983 – November 24, 2022

Craig Vickery, 38, of Martensville, SK, died peacefully on November 24, 2022, surrounded by loved ones in the hospital in Edmonton. Craig is survived by his wife Kim of 11 years, their children, Elena and Harlan, his parents, Laureen and Adrian Barry, Colin and Marj Vickery, his bothers Gavin, Adam and Corey and his sisters Renee, Corrine, Sara, Ashley, Caroline, and Claire as well as many nieces and nephews.

Craig was known for his happy outgoing personality. He loved to talk. He was also passionate about Jesus, his work, and his video games! He was always working hard and helping others as much as he could. Craig will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.

The funeral service will be held Sunday, December 4, 2022, at 2:00 pm at the Cornerstone Church, 315 Lenore Dr, Saskatoon.

1990~2020

Megan Michelle Gallagher was born on April 9^th, 1990, at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, Sk she is the second of two daughters. Megan spent her childhood in Saskatchewan, she lived and attended to school in Saskatoon, Ile-A-La-Crosse, and Cumberland House. She had a love for cooking and she would always feed those around her. In 2019, she had the opportunity to take a course in cooking and flourished. Megan’s other love is her daughter Phoenix Rose, she was the light of her life – Megan absolutely loved being a mother. A major drive for her to pursue her passion in cooking was to make a better life for herself and her daughter.

Megan leaves to treasure her memory: her beautiful daughter Phoenix Rose Bird,  her loving parents; Ingrid MacColl (Mother), Brian Gallagher (Father), Deb Gallagher (stepmother), siblings Lindsey Bishop (Sister), Tyson Brooman (stepbrother) Jesse LaCharity (stepbrother), aunts and uncles Colin MacColl (Uncle), Dennis Gallagher (uncle), Kimberley MacColl (aunt), Wendy Sekulich (aunt) Mary Ellen MacColl (aunt) as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Megan has taken her journey to join her grandparents Freda and Colin MacColl, Vera and Joe Gallagher, Jean and Dave Holtom, Mabel Bergiven (Mama Mabel), and others that have gone before her.

Megan’s family will be celebrating her life in both Cumberland House and Saskatoon, to ensure that all who loved her in both places she called home, will have the opportunity to attend.

The Wake at Cumberland House will be from December 1-2nd, 2022 with the Celebration of Life on December 3rd, 2022 at 11:00am.

In Saskatoon, the Celebration of Life Service will be on December 6th, 2022, at 2pm at Army Navy & Air Force Veterans, 359 1st Ave N.

Megan, you will be loved and remembered, forever and always.

January 13, 1930- November 18, 2022

Don was born in the City Hospital and died at Glengarda Hospice at the age of 92.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elaine: son Ross (Erica) and 3 children of Mara, B.C.;
Daughter Wendy Bernard, Airdrie, AB; sister-in-law Lynda Baran of Saskatoon with whom he was very close; many nieces and nephews;
​​​​​​​and good friends Joanell and Wally McGunigal who Elaine and Don were together on hundreds of happy occasions.  He was predeceased by his brother Lewis, sisters Joyce and Laura and many good friends and co-workers.
Don was an excellent swimmer, lifeguard, and member of the Boxing Club at the YMCA and with friends when they were young and foolish, used to dive off the Grand Trunk Bridge into the river just for the fun of it. He was a member of the Prairie Dusters Motorcycle Club and had a 65-year pin from the Army and Navy Veteran’s Club. He loved dancing, polkas being his favorite.
Besides hunting and fishing, Don also played hockey, softball, bowling tennis and enjoyed watching golf and football on TV in his later years. He was a long-time employee of Northern Distributors and an award-winning driver with American Van Lines. Later he worked at Baron Moving and Storage.
Along with more than 150 trips by car and airplane to Las Vegas and enjoying so many free rooms and meals, Don was made a member of the Gamblers Hall of Fame at the Fremont Hotel.
He will be missed by all for his helpful and caring ways, truly one in a million.

Harold Norris Meek passed away peacefully November 9, 2022, at the age of 84. He was born September 15,1938 in Davidson, SK, to Elmer and Verva Meek.
​​​​​​​He moved to Saskatoon in 1962 and was involved in coaching hockey and ball. Norris enjoyed being Santa for many Christmas functions throughout the years.
Norris is survived by his sons Bob (Muriel), Bill, Don and daughter Pamela and her mother Diana Meek, his grandchildren, and a great granddaughter.
He was predeceased by his youngest son Ken in 2017.
A service will be held December 4th, 2pm at the Seventh-day Adventist Church at 327, Pinehouse Dr, Saskatoon.

June 5, 1988 ~ October 20, 2022

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family announces the sudden passing of Michael Peterson at the age of 34. Michael was the oldest son of Doug and Connie Peterson, and was born on June 5, 1988, in Nipawin SK.  The family moved to Saskatoon when Michael was three and stayed there until he was eleven.  They then moved to an acreage near Vanscoy and Michael completed his schooling in Vanscoy and Delisle. Michael was very active in Scouts and earned every outdoor badge available. School was always a challenge for Michael, but he excelled at anything he could do with his hands. Michael was involved in 4-H and had a passion for woodworking. He built many beautiful pieces of furniture. Shortly after high school Michael made the move to Perdue, where he built his life.

​​​​​​​Michael was never afraid of hard work.  He started working at a chicken barn at the young age of 13 and continued working there until he graduated.  After high school Michael worked as a lifeguard for the City of Saskatoon teaching young children how to swim.  He loved working with kids and had the energy and charisma to do it well.  Michael was very proud to be a third-generation crane operator following in his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps. During his lifelong career, he worked various construction jobs spanning the provinces of BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.  As recently as this past summer he was able to work on the same job site as his dad and really enjoyed that experience.  Michael thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie on the job site and developed many lasting friendships as a result.

Anyone who knew Michael knew he was a redneck through and through. Michael loved the outdoors and was happiest when he was hunting and fishing with family and friends.

Michael had a wild and free spirit, he was adventurous and enjoyed life to the fullest.  He loved thrill seeking activities such as bungee jumping and scuba diving, and as recently as September made the spontaneous decision to skydive from 10,500 feet on a whim. Michael had a unique sense of humour and was always the life of the party.  He pushed boundaries and would have done well in a time or place where there were fewer rules and laws like the wild, wild west.

Michael loved his family and friends and was well known for his huge heart, – he gave the biggest and best hugs in the world – bringing love, joy and laughter to all who knew him.

He was outgoing and loved meeting new people and developing lifelong friendships. In most cases when you met Michael, you had a friend for life.  He was always helping other people – whether he knew them or not – without concern for the cost or risk to himself.

Another one of Michael’s huge passions was animals.  His faithful dog Jake was truly his best friend. Jake went everywhere with Michael and was always with him riding shotgun. He was there for Michael through good times and bad. They were soulmates.

Michael leaves behind to cherish his memory, his parents Doug and Connie, his brother Chad (Kaillah), nephews Kylo and Kade, grandmothers Muriel and Elsie, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and hundreds if not thousands of friends. He was predeceased by grandfathers Marvin and Mervin.

Michael spread joy, light and love, and gave all that he had to those around him, but little did any of us know he didn’t save enough love for himself.

Memorial Tributes in Michael’s name can be made to: Crocus Cemetery, Box 56, Arlee, SK  or Saskatchewan Mental Health,122 3rd Ave N, Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H6

August 2, 1937 – November 4, 2022

It is with great heartache that Allan and family are to share the news that AnnaDaughn Falkingham passed away with her family, both blood and chosen by her side.
For all who were lucky enough to have known her and known her joy for life. She will be greatly missed. Each day she chose to live life to the fullest and guided by love for all. She touched every
life she met with positivity and inspiration.

“Feeling peaceful deep inside,
Facing everything in stride,
Balancing work and play,
Learning all along the way,
Choosing love and happiness,
Showing others that you care,
Finding beauty everywhere,
Knowing all you gain is giving,
Welcome to the joys of living.”
​​​​​​​

This poem reflects who AnnaDaughn was, in life and death.

Family will have a Private Gathering, the service will be live streamed at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/63626

We ask that donations be sent to Parkridge Centre, in Saskatoon. To all the amazing people who made the end of life so beautiful, as well as the last five years. Thank you to the amazing staff in the ICU at St. Paul’s Hospital.

She made so many amazing friends and people who enhanced her life and gave it so much meaning. My family and I want to thank each one of the amazing people that crossed her path.

December 9, 1934 – October 30, 2022

It is with sad hearts the family of Joseph Plaschewsky announce his passing on October 30^th 2022 at the age of 87.  Joseph was predeceased by his wife Mary Plaschewsky in 2021as well as his sister Mary and brother Stanley. He is lovingly remembered by his children Janet (Callen) Galambos, Sharon Hill, Terry (Candy) Plaschewsky and Jo-Ann Prebushewski; his grandchildren Heather, Chelsa, Megan, Lea, Taylor and their spouses; four great-grandsons and his sister Jeanette (Tom) Lehner.

Joe was extremely hard working. His chosen career and passion was the railroad. He started at 18 as a switchman in Prince Albert, SK and retired as train master in Winnipeg, MB after devoting over 35 years to the CNR. Joe was an avid reader, always looking to broaden his wide expanse of knowledge and fun facts. He also loved to collect, from coins and stamps to buttons and hats. One of his favourite pastimes was going to the casino and horse races. If you knew Joe, you knew he loved to talk. He could spend countless hours telling you just one more “short” story. Joe was extremely generous and did anything that he could to help his family and friends, when they were in need.  Joe is going to be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched.

A private family gathering will be held in lieu of a service.

It is with deep sadness the family of Mrs. Annie Pollard, resident of Saskatoon, SK formerly of Mayfair, SK announce her passing Friday, October 28, 2022 at the Hospice of Glengarda in Saskatoon, with family by her side.

Left to cherish her memory are her four children:
Daughter:  Linda Materi (Hank VanHam)
Sons:  Lorne (Chris) Pollard, Darrell (Bev) Pollard, Doug (Marilyn) Pollard
Grandchildren:  Ronnie (Marcie) Materi, Jason (Daphne) Materi, Kevin Materi (Rhonda Andreas), Tyson (Chelsa) Materi, Tanya (Shawn) Harhara, Stacey (Derek) Sieben, Lance Pollard, Mitchell (Janelle) Pollard, Adam Pollard (Chandra Medel), Preston (Carly) Pollard, Amy (James) Wingert, Carla (Christian) Lobb, Devon Young (Jennifer Faust), Ashley Young.
Great-Grandchildren:  Talitha, Joshua, Natasha, Jevin & Nevaeh Wingert; Kyle, Xzavier, Jayce, Rylan & Alexa Lobb; Bria Sieben; Ella & Liam Pollard; Brody, Bensen & Blakely Pollard; Mikayla, Kianna & Gabrielle Pollard; Adyssen Harhara; Landon Materi; Layne & Reece Materi; Zaye and Roger Andreas; Jozlynn, Wyatt & Alyssa Materi; Dexter & Blake Young.
Sister:  Eva Panchuk
Predeceased by: Husband  Orville Pollard
Brothers:     Julius, Alphonse, Albert, Peter, Frank, Dominic & Tony Saccucci
Sisters:        Mary Zarowny, Louise Leskowski,  Doris Grabowski
​​​​​​​Son-in-law:  Ron Materi

The Celebration of Annie’s life will be held on Friday, November 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church in Saskatoon with Father Matthew Ramsay officiating. Donations in memory of Annie Pollard can be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.  Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon, SK. 

November 25,1934-October 25,2022

The family of Ken Armstrong sadly announces his passing surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his 5 children, Fletcher (Melinda), Wanda (Leonard), Thelma (Regan), Vickie (Greg), and Keven,
as well as 12 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren,  sister Berna Johnson and many nieces and nephews.
Ken was predeceased by his wife Marie, his parents, 3 sisters and a brother, his eldest grandson Christopher, mother and father in law and his sister and brother in laws.
Throughout his life he had various types of employment his real passion was being a journeyman carpenter.
Some of his greatest passions were to go dancing, attend to the garden, play cards, hunt, camping and fishing with the family, or attending sports events to watch his grandchildren and great grandchildren play the sports they loved. Dad was a farmer at heart and was always curious as to how the crops were doing.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at Cherished Memories Funeral Home, 591 Centennial Dr North, Martensville, Sk. on November 12 @11:00 am with a  luncheon to follow.
Interment will be held at a later date. 

October 6, 1947 – October 22, 2022

It is with deep sadness we share the news of Norm’s passing. Norm passed away peacefully at home with his wife and daughter by his side at the age of 75, after a ten-year battle with Kidney Cancer.

Norm was born to Walter and Anne Mayers in Saskatoon, SK. He met his wife, Wendy in 1968, and the two married September 12, 1970. Their family grew to include son Shawn (Myra) grandsons Hunter and Parker and daughter Shar-Lee (Dana) grandsons Aiden and Kaelen and granddaughter Maigen.

Norm worked for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority from 1979 to his retirement in 2014. After his retirement he kept busy with part-time work for Diagio, Co-op and SMP.

He loved watching sports, among his favorites were Dale Earnhardt, the Montreal Canadians and the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

In his spare time Norm loved to play Bingo, watch his grandkids play sports, and relax in his corner at the pool (beer in hand playing lifeguard) and with Wendy on a beach in the Dominical Republic or Mexico.

Norm made friends wherever he went and will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.

Kudos to Dr. Iqbal and the team at the Blair Allen Cancer Centre and thank you to Dr. Nazir, the amazing nurses on the Oncology Ward, the Palliative Care team at RUH, the awesome staff at Glengarda Hospice, Homecare and Medavie (MD Ambulance). We couldn’t have done this without you all and the advancement of Medical Science.

May 9, 1954 – October 21, 2022

On October 21, 2022, Larry Berke went to join his parents, Victor and Gloria Berke, brothers Chris and Jeff Berke, In-laws Cliff and Doris Schultz, Sister-in-law Colleen Schultz in heaven, after a short, hard battle at Royal University Hospital from cancer complications.

Larry is survived by his loving wife Lynn, his children; Riley (Leah) Berke, Rachelle Berke (Ryan Pocha), and his granddaughters; Kali Jessen-Berke, Kaelyn Berke and Lachlan Berke.  He also leaves behind his brother Paul (Kathy) Berke, sister-in-law Wendy Berke and In-laws, Robert (Kathy) Schultz, along with many nieces and nephews.

Larry was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and raised in Dauphin, Manitoba for most of his childhood.  He was an avid hockey player, and he continued that passion watching Riley grow up and play hockey as well.   He loved going to the family cabin at Bird River, Manitoba and had many eventful stories to share of him and his three brothers and all the great family times they had there.

Larry will be remembered for his love of sports, especially the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Winnipeg Jets.  He enjoyed watching his granddaughters play soccer over the years no matter what the weather was.  He had a profound love for cooking, barbequing, gardening and jamming out to his favorite songs.

A come-and-go or come-and-stay celebration of Larry’s life will be held in Saskatoon on Friday, November 4 at Royal Canadian Legion #63; 606 Spadina Cres (Corner of Spadina and 17^th Street West) from 1:00-4:00 pm.  Please dress casual or wear your favorite sports jersey and come raise a glass (or three) with our family.  We will be having a special toast to Larry at around 3:00 pm.   There will be an open mic for anyone who would love to share their favorite memory or story of Larry.

“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts”

The family of Marilyn Stehr is saddened to announce her passing on October 20, 2022, following a recent cancer diagnosis. Marilyn was predeceased by her father John (Mantler) and is survived by her loving husband, Lionel Stehr, Mother Mary (Mantler), brother Allan (Lynda), three sons, Mitch (Stephanie), Craig, and Jeff (Ally), as well as her grandchildren, Elliot, Astrid, Alison, Harper and Maysie. She will also be missed by her former daughter-in-law Danielle James.

Marilyn was born on August 20, 1953, to John and Mary Mantler. She married Lionel, the love of her life, on December 7, 1974. Marilyn enjoyed a career as a teacher, a profession that came later in life and that she was very passionate about. She was also active in the Saskatoon German community, recently volunteering her time with the Saskatchewan German Council.

Marilyn’s life was filled with music. Throughout her life, she was active in her church choir, taught piano lessons, and imparted her love of music to her family every day.  Marilyn also enjoyed spending time with her family, whether that was giving her grandchildren (and Lionel) piano lessons, playing board games with her family, or spending quiet moments together outside. She was an active and involved grandmother and cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren. These are moments that we continue to treasure.

The family wishes to say a very special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon for their compassionate care.

A Public Visitation will be held Thursday, October 27th, 2022 from 6 pm – 8 pm, at Cherished Memories Funeral Services,  591 Centennial Drive North, Martensville, SK

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, October 28th, 2022, at 2:30pm at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, in the Garden of Last Supper,with Pastor Leyton Erickson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marilyn’s memory can be made to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan (cancerfoundationsask.ca).

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Sheila Marlene was born to Isabelle and Barry Howes on July 19, 1968, in Yorkton, SK.  As she was approaching the age of 2, she became a big sister for the first time to Beverley Gayle.  At the age of 4 she moved with her family to Calgary, AB.  There she started school and at age 6 became a big sister for the second time to Carleen Elaine.  At the age of 8 she moved with her family to a farm south of Tisdale, SK.  She attended Sylvania School where she completed grade 9 and then attended Tisdale Unit Composite School for grades 10-12, graduating in 1987. As a youth she helped on the family farm with all things farm related including feeding the livestock and milking cows and loved the family pets.   She was involved in a variety of activities including Brownies, 4-H, figure skating, ringette, baseball, cheerleading, downhill skiing, and some snowmobiling.  She babysat many youngsters, helped teach figure skating the beginners, worked in the Coop cafeteria, waitressed at the Venice House and worked as a receptionist at a local salon.  She moved to Saskatoon to attend Marvel Beauty College in the summer of 1987.  It was at this time that she met her future husband, Dennis.  She completed her Certificate in Hairdressing in September of 1988 and returned to Tisdale to work as a hairdresser at local salons prior to returning to Saskatoon.  Sheila and Dennis were married on April 14, 1990 and have resided in Saskatoon throughout their marriage of over 32 years.  She worked as a hairdresser at Eaton’s and Plus Ten salons during which time she obtained her Journeyman Certificate in Cosmetology in 1994. She then continued to do hairdressing from her home while she worked at Standard Machine doing administrative work.  She decided to return to a career in cosmetology purchasing “Studio 2000”.  In September of 2004 Sheila became a mother to Dustin Andrew – her pride and joy!  It did not take Sheila very long to decide that her new passion was being a stay-at-home mom to be with her son.  She continued to do hairdressing, nails, and other salon services out of her home and as Dustin got a bit older, she started driving school bus which she and Dustin both enjoyed.  She then embarked on a new career attending SIAST, obtaining a Certificate of Distinction Educational Assistant in 2012 and working at River Heights School.  She also then went on to obtain a certificate in Office Administration.  In her spare time, she was a Norwex consultant and loved spending time with friends and family.  She enjoyed the outdoors –camping, fishing, golfing and just sitting in the sun. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, curling, and bowling.  She was always up for a new adventure and enjoyed many travel opportunities with her family, whether it be a sunny hot destination or a getaway to the lake.  She had a very outgoing and social personality that resonated with all who met her.  Sheila is predeceased by her sister Beverley, nephews Jade and Zayne Carlson, Grandparents Jack and Elaine Howes and Janet Smith, father-in-law John Buller, brother-in-law Clayton Buller, and several aunts and uncles.  She will be deeply missed by her husband Dennis and son Dustin, parents Isabelle and Barry Howes, sister Carleen Carlson (Ron and Dominic) as well as all extended family members and friends.

Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Lakeview Church 19 Glazier Road, Saskatoon.  As part of the celebration, there will be an “open mike” opportunity to share memories about Sheila.   For anyone unable to attend the service, you can view the ceremony live or on replay at https://www.livememorialservices.com/en/diffusions/63000

Donations in memory of Sheila can be made to Kidney Foundation Of Canada, Saskatchewan (kidney.ca).

Waldine passed away suddenly at Saskatoon on October 19^th, 2022, within a few weeks of her 96^th birthday.  She is predeceased by her husband Eric and is survived by two sons (Steven and Ronald), four granddaughters and thirteen great grandchildren.  She was born in Poland on a farm near a small village.  She along with her family immigrated to Canada after surviving the events of WWII.  Much of her adult life was on a farm in Saskatchewan and later in Cranbrook BC when she and Eric retired from farming.

Waldine was raised on a farm in Poland and enjoyed a happy life until September 1939 when the war began in Poland.  In 1943 the German authorities removed them from their farm and had them move to western Poland.  During the latter stages of the war, they were refugees and survived a significant battle at the Odor River in a city called Kustrin.  Much of what she saw and endured during the war she did not want to talk about.  Because she could speak Polish, German, Russian and Yiddish, she had to become an interpreter and work in a kitchen for officers of the Russian army.  Her 10 minutes of fame occurred when she was required to serve lunch to the general and marshal of the Soviet Union Georgy Zhukov.  When the war ended, she and her family were used as farm labour by the Russians.  In 1948 the family was able to escape from the Russian occupied zone and escape to West Germany, then immigrate to Canada (sponsored by a half-sister already in Canada).  She arrived in Windsor Ontario and initially worked for a kind Jewish family, who helped greatly in getting her feet on the ground in Canada, so to speak.  Later she took on other employment to help her learn English which was an initial hardship.  Later she met Eric who was working as an automotive mechanic in Windsor and subsequently were married.  Shortly after, they took on Eric’s father’s farm in Saskatchewan near the town of Mossbank.  While in Mossbank they raised two sons on the farm.  During the Mossbank years they attended the AGC Church. They retired from farming in 1986 and moved to Cranbrook BC.  Eric died there in 1996.  Waldine continued to live in Cranbrook until 2009 when she moved to Campbell River BC to live with one of her sons.  She moved back to Saskatchewan in 2012 when her son took employment there.  She lived at the Bentley assisted living residence in Saskatoon until a sudden illness took her life.

Because she had outlived most of her people and those surviving are of advanced age and remaining family are scattered far and wide there will be no formal funeral services.  She requested cremation and that her ashes be buried nest to her husband in Cranbrook.  The family will get together sometime in late spring for a time of remembrance.

The story below is from granddaughter Olivia;

One of my favourite stories is of my grandmother’s cross necklace.

Her life was hard, and she was a survivor from the very beginning. I can’t help but realize that this month my oldest daughter is the same age as my grandma was on September 1, 1939, when war was declared and the very day the police took her father to an unknown prison camp. That day her mother sewed money into the hem of her dress and sent her to sleep in the fields of the farm so no one could find her in her house. Her childhood ended that day.

Several years later her family was caught on the eastern front towards the end of WWII. My grandmother who spoke many languages fluently (German, Polish, Russian, and Yiddish) was forced into the service of a Russian commander in an outpost. She worked in the kitchen, even serving General Zhukov her cooking once, and translated for the Russians. She was put in many awful situations and witnessed suffering and unspeakable horrors.

One day, a young German mother came to beg for milk from the Russians and asked my grandmother to speak on her behalf as she and her baby were starving. My grandma was frightened, but she approached the Russian commander and bravely asked for what she knew would not be given. He yelled at her and told her to send the young mother away and to “go ask Hitler for some milk.” My grandmother at great risk to herself found a way to regularly sneak this woman milk from the kitchen. She later insisted on giving my grandmother her cross necklace.

My grandma came to Canada not speaking a word of English. She went out for a job the day after she arrived in Windsor, Ontario. She married and had two sons. She lived a tough life on the farm in Saskatchewan and worked extremely hard her entire life. Grandma was so grateful to be accepted as a refugee to Canada and after witnessing and experiencing so much hatred she would reprimand us kids when we would ask about her German or Polish or Russian ethnicity. She would scold us and tell us, “I am only a Canadian.”

My grandma loved her family, and she was a believer. She struggled with fear her whole life, but she did not fear last night when she said she was ready to go to the Lord. We got to say goodbye.

Dad was a man who loved to visit with absolutely anyone, who loved sports, music, and movies. He adored his family, cherished his friends, and enjoyed social outings and meals out immensely.  He was very handsome and quite charming with a wonderful smile and great laugh.  He treasured his family gatherings and invitations to events.

Dad loved walking, enjoyed his coffee, loved food and anything with lemon.

His favorite singer was Paul McCartney.

His favorite actor was Robert De Niro.

His favorite athlete was Jack Nicklaus.

Dad was quite an athlete in his day, and he played hockey, lacrosse, and broomball.  He walked many miles each day and he played golf every week with his work buddies from Canada Post and his family.  He loved playing cards with the guys at “The Moose” in Ottawa – it was a huge highlight for him.  No need for google when wanting to know about music, sports, or movie trivia – he definitely was gifted.   Dad was kind, caring, very sociable, and he enjoyed his cats immensely since he was just a kid.

He has left many stories to keep us laughing for a lifetime.

Dad, Grandpa and Friend – you are now free and reunited with loved ones who went before you.

You will be missed and are deeply loved.

As Babe’s family- we would like to sincerely thank Cherished Memories and their staff, for all the support and compassion they have shown during this time.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dad, grandpa, and G.G. Ed passed away on October 14, 2022, at 5:30 am at St. Pauls Hospital Palliative Care, with his family by his side.

Ed was born on June 7, 1939, in Rose Valley to Michael and Antonia Grzes.  He attended school in Fosston.

On April 24, 1965, he married Marlene Longman from Nut Mountain, and they lived on the family farm where they raised their two girls: Kelly and Kathy.  Ed and Marlene moved to Saskatoon in 2005 for health reasons.

Ed loved farming as well as visiting with neighbours and friends. Spending time with his kids and later grandkids and great grandkids gave him great pleasure. He always looked forward to seeing them.

Dad loved to plant flowers and make the yard look nice. Ed enjoyed going to coffee row at the mall with his buddies.  Also, we all know how much dad loved to eat, he loved food-all food.

Later in life, dad really looked forward to the senior dances.  Dad met June Rush and they became inseparable for the next 8 years. June was a very faithful and loyal partner to dad right to the end.   June will always have one very special memory, one day when she was leaving dad’s hospital room, dad said to her; I’m so lucky to have you.

Dad loved to laugh and joke with family and friends.

Ed was predeceased by his wife Marlene, parents; Michael and Antonia Grzes, in laws; Max and Eva Longman, as well as other numerous relatives.

We want to thank all the doctors and nurses as well as the palliative care team at St. Pauls Hospital.

Dad, you put up a good fight, now it’s time to rest. We will miss you, but you will never be forgotten.

Donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

The family sincerely thanks everyone for sharing in their sorrow.  Your thoughtfulness is appreciated and will always be remembered.