Obituaries / Life Stories

Rusty Durant

It is with great sadness that we share news of the sudden passing of Rusty Durant, 58, on Sunday, February 23 of 2020. Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, and Friend, Rusty’s presence and loss is felt deeply by many.

Born on December 10, 1961 in Saskatoon Saskatchewan, to Ellen and Hans Christensen, Rusty spent his childhood, teenage, and adult years in complete adoration of his parents and brother Ian.

Having finally met his match when he came across Laura in 1997, Rusty was absolutely delighted when they married in December of 2012. She was, and is the complete love of his life.

Rusty loved a good laugh. He gave a mean Donald Duck impression. He made superior BBQ sauce and his homemade bread garnered line-ups in the kitchen. He loved camping. He was a dog guy, and loved getting dogs (his and others) worked up. He knew his way around a good string of cuss words. He worked hard and often and loved it. Still, Rusty was the master of unfinished projects. He was incredibly generous and would drop everything to help a family member, a friend, a friend of a friend. He cared about the important conversation surrounding mental health. He could be just as whimsical as he could ornery. He was also as comfortable in the theatre as he was in front of a schooner of beer and two pounds of wings. He had respect for any place that could serve up a good burger. If his t-shirts offended you, he was all the more likely to wear them and even his best shoes had paint on them. His coffee was strong and muddy. He liked the word “kiddo.” He was a jungle gym for his nephews, niece and grandchildren. He gave huge, enveloping hugs. He always ended phone calls with “bye for now.” He loved deeply, without expectation or limits.

Rusty is survived by his loving mother Ellen, wife Laura, her children Audra, Edmund (Julie) and Amy (Joe), his daughter Amanda (Benjamin), sister-in-law Tammy, nephews Brayden and Garrett, niece Cassandra, grandchildren Clark, Paul, Ivy, Constantine, Pearl, Dylan, Eric, Jordan, Anna, Prairie and Lilac, and many friends and neighbours who hold him and his memory close.

Friends and family are welcome to join in a celebration in Rusty’s honour in the Riel Room at the Ramada Hotel between 1 and 3pm, Saturday the 29th of February. We look forward to connecting and sharing the meaningful impact he had on so many.

 

Howard James Heppner

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Howard James Heppner on February 22, 2020 in Grande Prairie, AB at the age of 61 years. Howard was born on July 22, 1958 in Rosthern, SK, the eighth child and fourth son, to parents Isaac and Tena Heppner. He grew up on a farm near Waldheim, SK and attended school there as well.

 

Howard was a loving father and grandfather. He is survived by his children; Amanda Heppner (Glaslyn, SK), Chelsie Heppner (Blaine Lake, SK), Ashley Heppner (Glaslyn, SK), Brandon Heppner (Leask, SK) and 12 grandchildren, his siblings; Geraldine (Wilfrid) Gartz, Muriel Hiebert, Delores Eaton, Lionel Heppner, and Norman Heppner. Howard was predeceased by his parents, Isaac and Tena Heppner, brother Leland Heppner, sister Evangeline Heppner, and brother-in-law Jake Hiebert.

 

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Cherished Memories in Martensville, Sk.

Carroll Joan Naphin (nee Sawka)

Carroll Joan Naphin (née Sawka) passed away in her home in Saskatoon on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at the age of 72.

Carroll was born and raised in Preeceville, SK.  She was the youngest of two children and had fond memories of growing up on a farm.  She attended Beaver Bluff School and Preeceville School.  Carroll obtained her Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Saskatchewan.  Her early career in education led her to Swift Current, Red Deer, Saskatoon, and Ceylon.  Although she took time off teaching to raise her family, she later took on other part time work, most notably at the Prairieland Emerald Casino and as a substitute teacher in Saskatoon.  As a lifelong learner, she also took a variety of courses during this time.  In 1996, she obtained her Master of Education at the University of Saskatchewan.  Her second career in education as a school psychologist and counselor began with Shared Services in Prince Albert and area.  She closed her career in 2011 after more than a decade with the Regina Catholic School Division.  Her work was challenging, and she touched the lives of many children and colleagues.

Carroll married Robert (Bob) Naphin in 1971.  They raised two children in Saskatoon.  Carroll was an outstanding mother who juggled many roles including care provider, confidant, supporter, and problem solver.  She was strong-willed, good-hearted, and fun-loving.  Most people who knew Carroll fondly remember her ability to tactfully give well thought-out and articulate advice.  She was an avid Rider fan and also loved watching curling on TV.  She enjoyed reading, baking, playing cards, shopping, and travelling.  Memorable summer vacations were spent in Clear Lake, MB.  One of Carroll’s proudest moments was becoming a grandmother.  Her grandchildren were very special to her and she took pride in helping them learn and watching them grow.

Carroll was predeceased by her husband, Bob Naphin; her parents, John and Marie Sawka (Chalupiak); her in-laws, Patrick Naphin and Gladys Naphin (Tedeschi); and her niece, Angela Lindberg (Korchinski).  Left to mourn her loss are her daughter, Jill (Brad) Zdunich; her son, Joseph (Deanna) Naphin; along with her grandchildren, Logan and Janae Zdunich and Jude Naphin, as well as Drew Tillson and Eden Roberts.  Also mourning her loss is; her sister, Elizabeth Burke; her brothers-in-law, Patrick Naphin and Dennis Naphin; and her sister-in-law, Mary-Anne Naphin; as well as many nephews and nieces and their families.

The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff of Preston Park Retirement Residence, where Carroll lived comfortably for almost seven years.  We would also like to acknowledge the staff of the Palliative Home Care Program.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.  Prayers for Carroll will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2020.  Funeral mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 29, 2020.  Both Services will be held at Holy Spirit Parish, 114 Kingsmere Place, Saskatoon.  A private interment will be held later at the Columbarium at St. John’s Cathedral in Saskatoon.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services and Crematory (306-242-7888).

William Armstrong

William Armstrong was born April 16, 1930 in Leader, Saskatchewan and passed away February 17, 2020 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  William will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all of those who knew him.

Beverly Gayle Glacken (Nee: Freeman)

September 22, 1947 – February 14, 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Beverly Glacken on Friday, February 14, 2020 at the age of 72 years old.

Bev will be terribly missed by her children; son, Trever Glacken (Monica) and daughter, Kristin Classen (Josh); as well as her partner of 30 years, Ray Olekson; his children, Candace Braaten (Warren), Andrew Olekson (Bliss) and Amanda Ryan (Chris).  Bev also leaves behind a mix of grandchildren, Oaklin, Pryor, Beckett, Berlyn, Maddox, Brody, Brynn, Blake, Olivia, Claire and Nora.  She also leaves behind many siblings, Shirley Birtles, Jerry Freeman, Ron Freeman, Mavis Freeman and Phillip Freeman.

She is predeceased by; her father, D. John Freeman; her mother, Olive Caldwell; and sister, Patricia Abrey.  Of course, many other people she loved include her brother-in-law’s, sister-in-law’s, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to all the emergency responders, nurses, doctors and support staff and team at the Royal University Hospital.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer of 2020 in Saskatoon, SK. Date to be announced. Arrangements in care of Cherished Memories Funeral Services in Martensville, SK.

 

Ray J. Gurnsey

March 25th, 1935 – February 9th, 2020

It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ray J. Gurnsey.

Ray was born and grew up in the area of Ogema, SK.  After completing training in Toronto, he moved to Saskatoon where he met and married Eva, his wife of 57 years.  Ray worked as a service technician for IBM for almost his entire career.  Ray, along with Eva, loved keeping their beautiful yard, numerous do it yourself projects, and in his spare time could often be found sitting at his computer.

Ray is survived by his wife, Eva; daughter, Shauna Ives (Trevor); grandchildren, Kyra & Lyndon Ives; sister, June Matters; and brother, Don Gurnsey (Alice).  He was predeceased by his brother, Al Gurnsey (Joyce); and sister, Julia Webb (Tom).  He also leaves behind several beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

At Ray’s request there will be no service. Please remember him fondly in your hearts.

Dale Alfred Harris

Sunrise: October 6, 1939 Assiniboia SK. Sunset: January 31, 2020 Saskatoon, SK

Recently of Prince George, BC, relocating to Saskatoon in 2018 to be closer to extended family.  A prairie boy who spent most of his working life in Alberta and B.C. Dale went on one last road trip, January 31, 2020, leaving no forwarding address for Melody (Strong) Harris, his wife of 46 years.

Dale was a brother, uncle, husband, father, grand-parent, great-grandparent and a loyal friend to many.  He was also a friend of Bill W.  Dale was a dedicated union tradesman.  Initially a Journeyman Ironworker Local 720; then a Journeyman Boilermaker, with a 44 year membership with Local 146, Edmonton, Alberta.

There will be no formal service.  Dale’s ashes, will be released where he requested: a gold bearing creek in BC, joining a river and eventually the Pacific Ocean.  Dale was a decades long prospector and was happy fishing from his boat during the time he and Melody lived on Vancouver Island.

Skate on, Dale, in that endless hockey game with no rules, no refs, and no call to stop for supper.

“In the end we are all just walking each other home.” Ram Dass

Paul Charles Farbacher

Paul, age 94, died peacefully in palliative care at St. Paul’s Hospital on January 28, 2020 after a cancer diagnosis in December, 2019.

He is survived by his wife Margot (Marge), of Luther Special Care Home, and his children Paulette (Richard) DeCloedt, Joanne Farbacher, Bruce (Svetlana), Blanche (Dennis) Sully, Elaine (Glenn) Pegg and Bernie ( Wendy), and his grandchildren Jonathan (Alice), Domini (Brad), Matthew, Michael, Christopher, Catherine (Jesse), RaeAnne (Kevin), Hilary (Shane), Paige (Paul), Jeff (Naomi), Scott, Adam (Megan), Breanna , Justin, Paul, Marie-Madeleine, Nicole, Max and Anton (Alexandra), and his great grandchildren Rollo, Isabella, Liam, Jacob, Zoe, Gracelyn, Clara, Wyatt, Levi, Mia, Smith, Milo, Violet, Diana, and Veronika.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, Gaston and Jeanne (Floch) Farbacher, and his in- laws Nestor and Marie-Anna (Roy) Lemire, and his sisters and their spouses Madeleine and Germain Landry, Marguerite Farbacher and Jeannine and John Milum, and his great-granddaughter Elizabeth Rose Sully, as well as Bernard Bitz.

Paul was born at home on the family farm north of Springside on his mother’s birthday February 25, 1925.

He attended a country school and began his farming career after completing Grade 8 at the age of 14. Paul met his wife Margot at his cousin’s wedding and it was love at first sight. Dad and Mom were married in 1950 and celebrated 69 years of marriage this past October.

Dad was a kind, honest and gentle man. He was a faithful husband and proud, loving father. In his youth he enjoyed playing ball and hockey using a homemade hockey stick. As an adult he curled, coached hockey and enjoyed playing cards and dice games with his family and friends. He loved watching sports on television especially the Blue Jays and Canadian Curling Teams.

Dad had a wonderful sense of humour that even shone through while in palliative care. He was a good man and we were blessed to have had his unconditional love and support over the years

For the last six months Dad happily resided at Elim Lodge. Mom has been living at Luther Special Care Home since 2015. Thank you to the caring staff at both facilities. Our family also thanks the staff on 6200 Ward at RUH and Palliative Care Unit at St. Paul’s Hospital for their compassion and support.

In Dad’s memory and in lieu of flowers those who wish to donate may do so to Cystic Fibrosis Canada or Operation Smile Canada.

 

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 5, 2020, at 10 am, from St. Philip Neri Parish, 1902 Munroe Avenue, in Saskatoon, SK., with Fr. Michael Dechant, OMI, officiating.

Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

Larry Wayne Kaminski

March 12, 1953- January 28, 2020

It is with broken hearts and deep sadness we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved Larry on January 28, 2020 at the age of 66 years in Saskatoon, SK.  A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at Augustana Lutheran Church, 1201 Broadway Ave., Saskatoon, SK. at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 8, 2020 with Pastor Marilyn Fowlie-Neufeld officiating.

Larry was born to Minnie and Harold Kaminski in Earl Grey, Sk.  At the age of 9, after the passing of his father, he moved to Saskatoon with his Mom and sisters.  He attended Queen Elizabeth Elementary School and Walter Murray High School.  After graduating, Larry commenced a long career of 34 years with the Saskatoon School Board as an Assistant Building Operator. Though Larry retired in 2011, he still felt the need to be involved with people and to keep busy so he accepted a part-time position as a Building Operator at the condo where they lived.

Larry met his true love and best friend, Janice in 1988 and they were married in 1994.  Larry and Janice enjoyed many trips together and especially loved to go to Las Vegas.  The two were inseparable and did all things together.

Larry was a kind and gentle man who loved his family dearly and he made special efforts to be part of family get togethers.  Larry also loved looking after his two furry friends, Molly and Oliver, and the cats will miss their time with Larry reading the newspaper.  Larry enjoyed gardening and helping / caring for others, he was a true one-of-a-kind gem. He will be dearly missed by his family, relatives, friends and extended family at the condo.  His smile and friendly personality will be greatly missed in the hallways at the condo.

Larry is predeceased by his father, Harold Kaminski; father-in-law, Pius Lebold; brother-in-law, Ron McKay.

Larry is survived by his wife, Janice; mother, Minnie Kaminski; sister, Donna Kaminski; sister, Bev McKay & family Tanya, Mark (Hilarie); sister, Wendy Kohle (Gord) & family Christopher (Amanda), Landon (Melissa); mother-in-law, Myrtle Lebold; sister-in-law, Dianne Newcombe (Don) & family Ryan (Jenny), Ashley (Evan). He also leaves behind great nieces, extended family and friends.

Larry touched the lives of so many, especially the lives of family and friends, and he will be missed by all. May God wrap his arms around all of us for comfort and give us love and strength.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services.

Margaret Rose Blackburn

It is with great sadness that we announce that our Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother passed away on January 23rd, 2020, at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. She will be lovingly remembered by her two sons; John Belhumuer,  James Belhumuer (Natalie) and her two daughters; Dynelda Deitner, Diane Ritchie (Dean). Her grandchildren; Robyn, Keri, Derek, Kristine, Kimberly, Jeremy and great grandchildren; Alaysha, Grady, and her sister, Marie Barnes.

Margaret was born, raised and lived most of her life in Young, Sk.  In 2010, she became a resident of Manitou Lodge.  She had a zest for life that matched her vibrant red hair. She was a humble woman full of love, strength, determination, courage, and depth. She valued and treasured her family and friends above all else. At Margaret’s request there will be no funeral. At a later date we will have a private service with family and friends.

Eileen Agnes Olson

Eileen Agnes Olson (nee Simonson), age 79 of Saskatoon, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Saturday, January 18th, 2020.

She was born in North Battleford on July 14, 1940 to the late Simon and Agnes Simonson.

Eileen was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Jack Olson; son, Mervin Olson; two great-granddaughters, Olivia and Logan Anderson; brother, Martin Simonson and two brothers in law, Jack Sabo and Harvey Cowles.

She is survived by her three children, Alvin Olson (Nancy Olson), Laura Olson (Trevor Beckman), and Sheldon Olson (Mandy Adiwal); five grandchildren, Sarah Olson (Gareth Rowland), Caval Olson-Lepage (Alan Lepage), Mitchell Olson, Katrina Rans (Jeremy Rans) and Melissa Olson (Mike Stefanuk); three great grandchildren: Ethan Lepage, Arielle Rans and Charlotte Rans; four siblings, Isabelle Sabo (Jack Sabo), Elizabeth Cowles (Harvey Cowles), David Simonson (Gerri Simonson), and Marilyn Simonson (Gord Dobrowolosky); sister in law, Phillis Simonson (Martin Simonson) and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Eileen married Jack in Prince Albert on June 28th, 1956 and moved to Saskatoon shortly after where they remained to raise their family. Eileen soon opened a daycare at their house on Avenue L where she quickly became known as Mama ‘Leen to all the neighborhood kids.

When the kids were young, Eileen and her family spent summers at Emma Lake where the Simonson Family cabin was located. Eventually they decided to put in a pool in their backyard instead of going to the lake. Their house quickly became a central hub for everyone, especially Alvin and his family who would bike there in the summer. All were welcome for a visit, a swim in the pool and to grab a “slushie” from the bucket in freezer. Clothing optional for grandkids.

Eventually, as the kids got older Eileen closed the doors to her daycare and began working at Marquis Hall at the University of Saskatchewan for the next 15 years. Eileen was an avid curler and enjoyed curling at the Granite on Friday nights for over 20 years. She was very excited when her great grandson, Ethan took up the sport last year and could be found every weekend at the rink.  Curling wasn’t her only favorite sport, Eileen’s favorite channel was TSN and she never missed a chance to watch her “Roughies” with friends and family.

As the matriarch of the Olson family she instilled in everyone the importance of family.  She never missed the opportunity for a family dinner, especially if it was a backyard bbq, her favorite family event. Later when Mervin and his kids moved back to Saskatoon from Winnipeg, she became a second mom to them as she helped raise them as they settled into their new life. She quickly converted them to be the biggest Rider fans of the family.

Eileen loved gardening and after they sold their house and moved to a condo, she still found ways to have a vegetable garden in her kids or grandkids backyards and every spring she loved to help them buy and plant flowers in their yards.

In retirement Eileen enjoyed yearly trips to British Columbia to visit her two youngest kids, Laura and Sheldon, where she enjoyed escaping Saskatchewan winters, sight seeing, gondola rides and enjoying the west coast weather. Back at home she loved spending time with her family and friends, catching the latest sports game on TSN, and was always available for a lunch date or to go shopping especially if it included her great grandchildren, Ethan, Arielle and Charlotte.

Eileen was deeply loved and will be missed tremendously by all in her life. She will be remembered for her generous heart, quick wit, humour and the best hugs in the world.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a The Alzheimer Society of Canadaor The Canadian Cancer Society.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harold Anton Leite

December 09, 1931 ~ January 11, 2020

It is with sadness and love that we, the family of Harold, announce his death on January 11, 2020 at the Sherbrooke Nursing Home.  Harold was predeceased by; his parents, Anton and Emma; his son, Rick; and nine siblings. He is remembered by his lovely sister Sofie and her daughter Janet.

Harold leaves behind his devoted wife and best friend Winona (Nonie).  They were soul mates for 45 years.  Together they combined their families and the result was six wonderful kids. In order of oldest to youngest they are, Nancy Murdoch, Penny (Robert) Loraas, Darcy Murdock of Vancouver, Darren (Marina) of South Africa, Wanda (Allen) Braun of Vancouver and Devon (Johana). Also surviving are 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Harold was a dedicated Jehovah’s Witness and therefore has the hope of the Resurrection and living on a paradise Earth.

The Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on January 18th, 2020, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 1725 McKercher Drive in Saskatoon.

Karen Louise Bonner ~ “The Pie Lady”

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Louise Bonner. Karen was born in Chatham, Ontario on June 16, 1946, to Clarence and Patricia Bonner. She passed away peacefully in Lanigan, Saskatchewan on January 4, 2020. Karen was the seventh of nine children and grew up in a loving and bustling household. In 1964 she married Anthony Losonsky. They welcomed two children, Joan Losonsky and Richard “Ric” Losonsky in Chatham. Karen and her children moved to Saskatchewan in 1976 where she settled in Saskatoon. A few years later she bought a house on an acreage outside of Langham and ran a successful local cafe. While Karen would work any job to help the family, including construction and driving a gravel truck, Karen’s true passion was always cooking and baking. In 1987, Karen welcomed her third child, a daughter, Ashley Bonner. She built a life in Saskatoon running cafes, catering, and baking for the local farmers market. Karen developed a reputation for her flaky pie crusts, especially her bumbleberry pie, which was featured in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix, thereon earning her the title of The Pie Lady. In 1996 Karen began working at Larson Intervention House, finally bringing her passion for cooking, baking, and helping others together. She worked there for 17 fulfilling years and retired in 2013. Karen loved spending time with her grandchildren whenever possible. She was an avid animal lover, breeding and showing dogs and owning a menagerie of pets throughout her lifetime. She was a sympathetic ear, a willing confidant, and a friend to all. The coffee pot was always on, the pie and dainties were always fresh, and her door was always open. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters Joan Prentice (Barry) and Ashley Bonner. Granddaughters Amanda Losonsky-Prentice (Rick), Brittany Losonsky-Prentice (Waren), and Natasha Peterson (Robert). Grandsons Kyle Losonsky, Patrick Bonner, and Jonathan Bonner. Sisters Wilda and Patricia (Ross), brothers Richard “Ric” (Linda) and Ron. Karen was predeceased by her dad Clarence, mom Patricia, her son Richard “Ric”, brothers Gary and Doug, sisters Judy and Luanne as well as several nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life to be held January 31, 2020, from 6 pm to 8 pm, at Free Flow Dance Theatre, 224 25th St W. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Karen’s name to The Lung Association of Canada or a non-profit animal rescue of your choice.

 

Lynelle Joanne Cote

Age 48

Born on August 6, 1971, in Shellbrook, SK 

Passed Away on December 23, 2019 in Saskatoon, SK

Lynelle grew up in Leask, Saskatchewan and had a passion for helping others. She was active in organized sports and especially enjoyed being a lifeguard. Later, she worked as a special care aide where she found her passion for helping those in need. 

Lynelle will be lovingly remembered and forever cherished by: her parents Leo and Gail Cote of Calgary, Alberta; her sister Sheila (Rob McNaughton) of Calgary, Alberta; her brother Colin Cote of Watson, Saskatchewan; one nephew Grant McNaughton of Toronto, Ontario; one niece Tess McNaughton of Lethbridge, Alberta; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Lynelle was predeceased by her grandparents, George & Irene Cote and Sam & Grace Cheney.

A special thank you to all the family and friends who have provided loving kindness and support over the past 14 years. The family would also like to express sincere thanks to the staff at Parkridge Centre for providing outstanding care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Parkridge Centre by emailing parkridgecentre@saskatoonhealthregion.ca.

There will be a celebration of Lynelle’s life on Monday, December 30, 2019, at 11 am, at Cherished Memories Funeral Service, 591 Centennial Drive, Martensville, Saskatchewan.

Private family internment to follow in Leask Cemetery.

Michael Malysh

Michael Malysh (1939-2019), age 80, passed away peacefully with family by his side on December 19, 2019, at the Oliver Lodge in Saskatoon. Mike will be forever loved and deeply missed by his wife Darlene Malysh, son Dean (Nicola LaMarre) Malysh of Ottawa, daughter Dana Malysh of Penticton, brother Henry (Shirley) Malysh of Yorkton, twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents John and Elsie Malysh of Parkerview, sisters Mary and Katherine of Parkerview, and sister Alice (Bert) Feere of Winnipeg.

A Celebration Of Life will be held in Saskatoon in the summer of 2020.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mike may be made to the charity of your choice.

William John Louis Mitchell

William John Louis Mitchell

JOHN MITCHELL, 81, OF NEW TORONTO, PASSED AWAY PEACEFULLY ON DECEMBER 18, 2019 IN SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICES WILL BE HELD AT A LATER DATE.

JOHN WAS BORN IN NEW TORONTO TO LOUIS AND IRMA MITCHELL ON MAY 09, 1938. HE MARRIED CLARA LEONA SHIACH ON DECEMBER 06, 1958 IN OTTAWA ONTARIO. HE WORKED AS AN AIRPLANE MECHANIC FOR THE ROYAL CANADIAN ARMED FORCES FOR 20 YEARS. AFTER HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE ARMED FORCES HE WENT ON TO WORK FOR REGINA TRANSIT AND PART OWNER OF CLARA’S HAIR SALON.

JOHN IS PRECEDED IN DEATH BY HIS FATHER LOUIS MITCHELL, MOTHER IRMA CAVEL MITCHELL, BROTHER DANIEL MITCHELL.

JOHN IS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE CLARA LEONA MITCHELL, CHILDREN DEBBIE MITCHELL, NANCY AND ALVIN OLSON, MARY-LOU MITCHELL, GRANDCHILDREN BRIAN JOHNATHON BYERS, PATRICK BYERS, BRANDON BYERS, CAVAL OLSON-LEPAGE, KATRINA RANS, MICHAEL MITCHELL KRISTOPHER MITCHELL AND 10 GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN.

THE FAMILY OF JOHN WISHES TO EXTEND OUR SINCERE THANKS TO DR. TYMCHAK, ALL THE WONDERFUL NURSES AND STAFF AT OLIVER LODGE WHO TOOK GREAT CARE OF OUR DAD

Rick McCaig

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Rick McCaig (Popadynec). Rick was born in Saskatoon on Nov 11, 1954. He passed from this life on Dec 12, 2019 from heart complications at the age of 65.

Rick was born to Joseph and Millie Popadynec (McCaig). He lived his early years on 3rdAve moving to Ave Y in his teens. He was an avid sports guy playing basketball, hockey and softball. He met Laurette while playing for the Prud’homme Wheatkings. Rick enjoyed camping, the sun and sand of Mexico, golfing, volunteering, and hanging out with his extended family.

Rick was pre-deceased by his oldest son Gordie McCaig, biological father Joe Popadynec, his parents Bill and Millie McCaig, his mother-in-law Florence Labrecque, and his two favourite little buddies Rascal and Nikko.

Left to mourn and cherish his memory are Laurette, his loving wife of 40 years, his sons, Kelly and Scott, his daughter in -law Ismini and his grandson Vasilios; father-in-law Alfred (Carol) Labrecque; siblings Kim (Deborah), Ian (Gina), Val, Deb; in-laws Pauline (Doug); Ilda (Reg); Therese (Rick); Helen (James); and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, co-workers, as well as those lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Dennis Woznik

With great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Dennis Woznik on December 7, 2019. Dennis was the only child to Mike and Agnes Woznik, born in Petrofka, SK on June 27, 1940. One of Dennis’ great passions was farming the original family homestead and he was affectionately known as “Farmer” by his friends at Porteous Lodge, where he worked for many years until his retirement. Dennis was not a man to sit still and kept busy by working part time and farming well into his 70s. Dennis married Gloria Lebold and had an only child, daughter Wanda Woznik, in 1963. Dennis met his partner Danella Waddington in 1987 and the two were together until her passing on November 29, 2019. He was an avid fisherman and gardener and enjoyed travelling with Danella, as the two continued to explore Canada coast-to-coast in recent years. Dennis is survived by his daughter Wanda Woznik (Ernie Sawitsky), and grandsons Jesse Sawitsky (Kelsey) and Cole Sawitsky (Arielle). Dennis was predeceased by his parents Mike and Agnes Woznik and partner Danella Waddington. A service will be held on December 21, 2019 at Cherished Memories Funeral Services in Martensville, SK at 2:00 p.m. Lunch to follow.

ARTHURS, ALVIN

With sadness, we announce the passing of our dear father and grandfather with his family by his side on Friday, November 29, 2019 at the age of 93. Alvin was born on the farm near Loverna, SK on June 11, 1926 to Joe and Grace (Moore) Arthurs.

After leaving home at the tender age of 15, Al worked in the Vancouver shipyards, and in the forestry, dairy, and mining industries, before spending the last 20 years of his working career at the Veterans Home that was located on Preston Avenue in Saskatoon. He served twice with the RCAF, in the 1940s and 1950s, and was very proud of his service time where he was stationed in Germany, Japan, and northern Canada.

Al married the love of his life, Audrey, in 1960. They enjoyed 58 years of marriage until her passing in 2018. They worked and raised their children in Saskatoon until their retirements. Al enjoyed an incredible 33 years of retirement, 24 of which were spent in Abbotsford, BC. He and Audrey loved BC and its many flowers, waterfalls, walking trails, and mild winters. They also traveled widely, enjoying many foreign trips both before and after retirement.

Al loved playing cribbage and Kaiser. Many enjoyable nights were spent at kitchen tables, with his brothers and sisters-in-law, playing game after game.

Al had a life-long love for physical fitness. He was both an athlete and a coach with the wrestling program at the University of Saskatchewan and had many fond memories of that time of his life and the friends he made there. In both his working and retirement years, there was rarely a day when he wasn’t out walking with Audrey. He continued to walk daily up until this summer when his health began to fail.

Alvin leaves behind his children Eric (Marian) Arthurs and Bonita (Michael) Wong; grandchildren Darcy and Carmen Wong; siblings Neal, Helen, Laura, Vern, Colin, Alice, Clifford, and Peggy; sisters-and-brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by siblings Melvin, Allan, Olive, Edna, Joe, Trudy, and Gordon (Billy), and by his wife Audrey.

A celebration of life will be held in Spring of 2020. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the Canadian Red Cross or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Cherished Memories in Martensville, SK.

Danielle Marjorie Waddington

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and partner Danella Waddington.  Danella was born August 4, 1945, in Montreal, Quebec to Stanley and Marjorie Waddington and would become the eldest of 6 children.  By 1964 she was living in Radisson, Saskatchewan where Danella married Isaak Derksen in 1965.  They had 2 children, William and Dwayne, before Isaak passed away in 1971. Following Isaak’s passing Danella met Ernie Robin.  They were together with sons William and Dwayne until 1981 when Dwayne passed away. Ernie and Danella separated by 1986. Danella met Dennis Woznik, who was her partner until her passing.  Danella worked at Goodyear Tire, Texaco, Hudson Bay, Autotec Oil and finally Sterling Crane where she retired in 2010.  Danella and Dennis spent the next years camping and travelling, when they could, across Canada and the USA.  Danella is survived by; son, William (Patti) Derksen; his daughter, Wanda Woznik (Ernie); grandkids, James Derksen and Ashly Derksen; his grandsons, Jesse Sawitsky (Kelsey) and Cole Sawitsky (Ariel); her sisters, Mickie (Ken) Cole and Judi Waddington; youngest brother, Stephen (Julie) Waddington, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Shortly after Danella’s passing her loving partner Dennis passed away.  Danella was predeceased by Isaak Derksen; son, Dwayne; parents, Stanley and Marjorie; youngest sister, Denise; eldest brothers, Jim and Marvin Falconer.  The family would like to thank the Royal University Hospital Nurses and Doctors for her care.  A Celebration of life for Danella will be held in the Cherished Memories Funeral Home Reception Room, December 21, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.  (591 Centennial Drive North, Martensville, SK.)

Sign Up for Our Monthly Newsletter
Sign Up Now
Call Now Button