Obituaries / Life Stories

It is with sadness we announce the passing of Darcy John Hegland. Cremation has taken place. Darcy will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

It is with sadness we announce the passing of Vicky McCormick. Vicky will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Peter Kozakavich, family at his side, on June 14, 2018. Peter was the youngest of seventeen siblings born in Goodeve, Saskatchewan. He completed schooling in Regina, relocated to Saskatoon and embarked on a 45 year career with Russell Food Equipment. For those that did business with or worked with Peter, they can attest to the fact there was a right way to do things, a wrong way, and a P.K. way. Peter enjoyed golfing, walking, gardening, travelling, playing cards with family, and spending time in Waskesiu. Peter was an incredibly giving man always willing to help anyone with anything. No matter the situation you could always count on Peter’s kind nature and smile. Apart from being a loving husband and excellent father, Pete was also loved and adored by his many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. In most recent years he was focused on being a particularly excellent Gramps, which we can assure you he was. Peter is lovingly remembered by his wife of 45 years Nancy, son Shane (Charlene ), grandson Declan, siblings Jack Kenton, Andrew Kozakavich, Alice Zwarich, Boris Kozakavich, and Elizabeth Sawchyn. At Peter’s request, there will be no service.

We are truly saddened to announce the passing of Phil Scarrow. Phil was faithfully accompanied in a loving vigil in his final days and hours.  Phil was well known and respected in the motorcycle and classic car community, which in turn was his life passion – second only to his love of family.  Phil was predeceased by his parents Grant and Grace, and his brother Steven.  Phil will be greatly missed by his life partner Rosanne, his brother Doug (Molly), his kids Chavon, Tylor (Heidi), and Trevor (Bobbi), and grandkids Shayla, Keidra, Riley, Bryne, Zaryn, Rayna, Jaylynn and numerous nieces and nephews.
Phil was a father figure to many people, he was truly selfless and tall in the ways that count.
For many years Phil was involved with the Coachmen Car Club and the Ol’ Puckers Hockey Team.  The celebration of his life began at his old shop at 627 Avenue N South at 12:00 noon on Saturday June 16th 2018.  There was a procession of vintage cars and motorcycles that departed from the shop to his memorial service at Cherished Memories located at 591 Centennial Drive North in Martensville, SK.

Johnnie Daschuk was born in Lynn Lake, Manitoba and passed away in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Johnnie will be deeply missed by all his family and friends, and all those who were honoured to be a part of Johnnie’s life.

Leo Johnson died unexpectedly on Saturday, June 2 at the age of 54.

Leo was a man of many talents, always had a joke to tell, and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Leo was a long time member of Saskatchewan Iron Workers Local 771.

Leo is survived by his children, Eric Johnson, Allan Johnson, and Carly Beaudry, his Mother Joyce and the rest of the Johnson Family near and far.

Services will be planned at a later date.

Lois Margaret Exell was born in Port Colburn, Ontario on May 3, 1928 to Alfred and Beatrice Augustine. Lois passed away in Martensville, Saskatchewan on June 2, 2018. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends.

It is with deep sadness the Family announces the passing of Jackie Reynolds of Saskatoon on June 2, 2018 at the age of 95. Jackie is survived by her daughter Nancy Broughton (John) and son Rob Reynolds (Molly). Her Grandchildren who spent many Happy hours with include Dean Broughton (Erin), Scott Broughton (Tracy), Jack and Jeannie Reynolds. Her Great-Grandchildren, Bella, Alana, Nick, Lucy and Tucker Broughton brought her Great Joy! She is also survived by her brother Maxwell Cheyne. Mom was predeceased by her husband Jack (1979) and her brother Raymond Cheyne. Jackie was born on a farm near St. Brieux, Saskatchewan to Curly and Camille Cheyne. Jackie’s Grandma who only spoke French also lived with them for a time. Therefore Jackie learned to speak French and English fluently. Jackie worked for the Auto Clearing House and then became secretary at Buena Vista Public School. She continued to volunteer at the school for many years after her retirement. While in high school she became a member of “Nellie Small’s Girl Pipe Band”. They were also a dancing troupe that represented Canada at the New York World’s Fair. Jackie loved to travel with family and friends all over the World! She served as secretary for many organizations and editor for the Saskatoon Widow Group until this year. Jackie was very active in the United Church through CGIT, UCW and taught Sunday school. Mom was very open minded and always ready to explore new adventures. She exemplified an intelligent mind as she kept abreast of World issues. Jackie enjoyed many days at Emma Lake with her family sitting on the deck with a cup of tea. Mom always looked on the “bright side” of life and was a very positive, “Happy” person who was always ready to join in! She was an amazing cook who also enjoyed entertaining. Jackie “Loved” everyone and everyone “Loved” her! A Celebration of Jackie’s Life was held on June 10 at 2:00 p.m. at the Willows Golf & Country Club.

Mrs. Hildegarde Alexandra Lejins passed away June 1^st at the age of 92.

Alexandra Hildegarde Kalnins was born on December 4, 1925 in Kraslava, Latvia.  A rebel all her life Hildegarde became a determined vegetarian at a very young age and at a time and place where such a choice was extremely rare and discouraged. She had dreamed of attending University and loved geology but circumstances made that impossible for her. Hildegarde survived the occupation of her beloved country Latvia first by the Russians, then the Germans during WW2, and then once more by the Russians after the war.  Her father was a police officer who died when Hildegarde was only six years old leaving her alone with her Mother and Grandmother. They faced many hardships before and during the war and were eventually forced to follow the retreating German army out of Latvia and into a ‘Displaced Persons’ Refugee Camp.  Her Grandmother died in the camp and after the war Hildegarde and her Mother made their way to England where Hildegarde spent two years in a sanitarium battling many health problems.  She met her husband Zigurd Lejins (also from Latvia) in England and after giving birth to a son Janis (John), they along with Hildegarde’s Mother emigrated to Canada in 1960.

A disturbing incident in England forever changed the lives of Hildegarde and Zigurd.  Hildegarde had always felt there was an important connection between humans and animals but this incident only strengthened her belief.  Immediately afterwards Zig also became a vegetarian and Hildegarde began her life’s work as a staunch animal rights activist.  When they first came to Canada they settled in Ontario where Hildegarde began her pursuit of the abolishment of animal cruelty.  She campaigned tirelessly, wrote letters, picketed, and corresponded world-wide with other people on the same mission. It was her passion and life’s purpose and her determination and stubbornness was nothing short of amazing. With Zig’s blessing her days were spent zealously in this pursuit and yet to Hildegarde what she accomplished in the animal rights movement was never enough.  Hildegarde and Zig eventually moved to the Prince Albert area in 1975 where they built a house on an acreage which soon became home to innumerable dogs, cats, squirrels, rabbits, ravens, geese etc. etc.  They raised many species of orphaned or injured animals and re-released them into the wild and when that wasn’t possible the animals stayed and found a loving home there.  I remember visiting Zig and Hildegarde and having their rescued baby squirrels run up my leg, over my head and down my other leg before scurrying away. Goslings that came to them because of some mishap to their parents quickly became full grown geese that imprinted on them and would follow Zig and Hildegarde in the yard.  As soon as a cherished pet died Hildegarde would rush to the SPCA to provide a home to yet another lucky dog or cat.  Animals were respected by Hildegarde and treated as family members to an extent that I’ve never seen…no animal was left to suffer despite the sorrow she and Zig experienced in losing them.  Hildegarde never faltered in her life’s work and many people may remember her picketing in front of fur establishments in downtown Prince Albert even in the coldest weather.  Nothing could stop her mission.

Hildegarde and Zig were horrified by the amount of excess and waste in the world and subsequently never wasted a thing…if there wasn’t a use for it now there would be a use for it one day.  Zig would laugh that when they went to the landfill with the little garbage that they did have they ended up coming back home with more than they brought. They planted a huge garden and used absolutely everything from it.  Their yard was a tangle of trees, grass, shrubs, and wildflowers and they let everything grow with abandon so as to encourage wildlife.  There was no such thing as weeds to Hildegarde and Zig as long as some insect, mouse, or bird found refuge there.  They would collect used clothing to send to the then Soviet occupied Latvia. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union they were able to return for a couple of visits to their homeland and re-connect with long lost friends and relatives.  These visits to their home that they left reluctantly 60 years ago were incredibly emotional for them.

Hildegarde and Zig’s life legacy is a fund exclusively dedicated to their mission.  The bulk of their estate is to be left to the Medical Department of the University of Saskatchewan to further the pursuit of the complete abolishment of animal testing in research.

Hildegarde was predeceased by a brother Erik in infancy, her Mother Hilda in 1967, her husband Zigurd in 2008 and her only child John in 2011.

She has no remaining family in Canada but leaves her special friends, Rosanne, Jimmy, Anne, Gwen, Dave and Judy

A special Thank-you to Travis and the Home Care Staff who went above and beyond in their care of Hildegarde making extra effort to allow her to stay in the home she loved for as long as possible. Many of the home care staff continued to visit her in hospital even after their services were no longer required…you became part of her family for which I am grateful.

Also Thank-you to the staff on the 5^thfloor of the Victoria Hospital who made her as comfortable as possible and showed much compassion during Hildegarde’s stay in hospital and especially during her final days. I have tremendous respect for what you all do every day, not only for your patients but also for their loved ones…you truly do special work.

Hildegarde and Zig’s lives were lived with conviction, courage, and honesty and I am blessed to have been their friend

At Hildegarde’s request there will be no funeral service.

Gladys Jessie Anderson (nee Moonie) was born in Nipawin on October 5th, 1932.
She was the eldest daughter and one of thirteen children born to Alexander and Emily moonie.
Gladys passed away at St. Pauls Hospital Palliative Care Unit on May 31st, 2018.

Gladys grew up in the Blue Spruce district. Being the oldest girl she was a big help to her mom with the younger children.
In the late 1940’s Gladys worked for Mick and Thelma Lidster.
In December of 1949 she married Donald Anderson. To this union four children were born.
Don (Arlene) – Chris (Melinda), Jason (Ourayvanh), Aaron (Carly).
Dale (Leatha) – Scott (Renelle), Nicole (Dean).
David – Darcie, Cory (DeeDee), Devon (Aimee), Dexter (Meghan).
Cindy (Randy Brisbin) – Devon
As well as 16 great- grandchildren

Through the years Gladys worked in retail in various positions. She was also part owner-operator of the White Fox Cafe.
Gladys enjoyed curling very much, both playing and watching on T.V.
She enjoyed watching baseball as well.
Her and Delmar spent many summers at Pasquia Park near Carrot River. They enjoyed many rounds of golf as well as reconnecting with old friends and making many new ones.
The last few years Gladys and Delmar lived in McClure Place in Saskatoon and she enjoyed being part of the community there.
Gladys was an avid crib and bingo player. She also loved the idea that she could just walk down the hall and have her hair done.
I am sure Gladys will be remembered by many for her spunk and always telling you exactly what was on her mind.

Gladys leaves to mourn:
Delmar Hanson (Dale & Kevin)
Her four children and their families.
Sisters – Hazel (Skip) Fennessy, Evelyn (Bernard) Studer, Arma Dyck, Lorraine (Al) Dodding,
Brother – Garland (Lois) Moonie, many neices and nephews as well as many other relatives and friends.

Gladys was predeceased by: Son in law – Randy Brisbin
Brothers – Mervin, Malcolm, Bryce, Grant, Floyd and Glenn
Sister – Mavis
Chosen mother in law – Anna Hanson

Internment will be held at a later date.

Marion Chornobrywy passed away on May 28th, 2018 at RUH in Saskatoon. Marion was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on July 1st, 1933. She was the second of four daughters born to Robert and Maisey Agnew, sisters Doris (Jack), Eileen (Mark), Carol (Roy). At 25 years of age, and by herself, she immigrated to Ottawa. Her parents did not say goodbye to her at the ship as they believed she would be on the next ship back home. In Ottawa she was the first woman to do window displays for a department store in Canada. It was in Ottawa where she met and married WWII Veteran and Wing Commander in the RCAF, Amil Chornobrywy. They later moved to Montreal where Marion obtained her Fine Arts Degree from Concordia University. She also owned an art gallery, named Gallerie Elite. In her later years she moved to Saskatoon to be closer to family. Marion is survived by her children Lynn (Claude) Seguin, Dennis (Johanna) Chornobrywy and extended family, Jean-Pierre (Carlyn), Aaron (Joanne), Bree, Jacynthe, Emily, Will, Camille, Victoria and Larry plus many nieces and nephews in Ireland and the UK. A memorial will take place at a later date in her beloved city of Belfast. The family wishes to thank RUH Doctors, nurses and staff who made her last days easier. Thoughts and memories may be sent to cherishedmemories@sasktel.net www.cherishedmemories.ca.

Cliff (aka Radio Man) was born in Saskatoon, SK to Margaret Sawatsky. Cliff received his education in Saskatoon and for 23 years he was employed at Prairie Machines. He was so proud of the leather jacket and the custom trophy they presented to him at his 20 year anniversary.

Cliff spent countless hours volunteering at Parkridge Centre, he loved taking the residents on outings and he loved the people.

His passion was country and western music. He could name every artist, every song and of course every announcer on the CJWW station.

Cliff loved to watch wrestling and spent countless hours with his best friends watching it on Pay Per View. Once again, he could recite the entire history of any given wrestler.

He had a fantastic ability to recall facts and dates.

Nicki was a miracle, from the day she was born to May 24th, the day she earned her wings. Though small at only 4’10” (5’ with heels), her presence and heart were big enough to fill any room. You could always count on Nicki, probably wearing pink or purple, to brighten your day with her warmth, humor, or one of her coveted hugs. She was the kindest, most caring and emphatic young lady you’d ever meet. Her passion was her friends, boyfriend and family, whom she loved fearlessly. If there was a birthday, campfire, games night or just “coffee” with friends, Nicki would be there (probably ten minutes early). Nicki was an animal lover and avid photographer, and that made for a lot of pictures of her dog Hunter. She loved to watch movies, go for walks with her boyfriend, and attend any & every family gathering. A proud auntie, Nicki dreamed of one day becoming a mother herself as she had so much love to give. Nicki was a fighter, blessed with boundless determination and inner strength that saw her beat the odds on countless occasions. She shared a special and eternal bond with her twin sister Steph, a love that will transcend this life. While she left too soon for those who loved her, Nicki went out on top – with her loved ones by her side. Survived by; her loving parents, Sandy & Kathy MacLean; siblings, Jacklyn (Karsten) Harms, Chris (Chelsey) MacLean and Stephanie MacLean; nephews, Rylan, Gavin and Hudson; nieces, Cali, Violet and Poppy; her auntie and second mom, Lynn (Syd) Bauer; her boyfriend, Calvin Nazar; his parents, Blaine & Jackie Nazar and his family; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 5th at 2:00 pm at Mayfair United Church. Heaven has gained an angel and a beautiful soul. Until we meet again, all our love, your family.

Born in Gravelbourg and raised in Leoville, the importance of family, hard work and a sense of humour were instilled in Yvette by her loving parents, Ed and Germaine Belhumeur. Yvette was a successful business executive with a 25 year career in radio with CFMC and CJWW, becoming the first female station manager in Canada. The last 10 years of her career she enjoyed with Glen Hoff Collision Centre. Time spent with family and friends at Aquadeo Beach and Meeting Lake in the summers and Mesa, Arizona in the winters were always filled with laughter and fun times creating many wonderful memories. Horse racing brought Yvette and Dennis together and provided hours of enjoyment training, caring and racing their horses. Yvette’s strength, dignity, and selfless ways, always concerned with others before herself, did not waver as she bravely lived her last year with lung cancer. Her family will cherish her fond memories including husband, Dennis Schmidt; sons Darrell (Mary Lou) and Roy (Karlene) Balkwill; daughter Tami (Kim) Golding; 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. We celebrated Yvette’s life on Saturday, June 2, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 222 Willow St., Saskatoon. Donations in memory of Yvette can be made to Prairie Hospice Society, prairiehospice.org.