Obituaries / Life Stories

Frederich William Kraushar passed away peacefully on Friday, August 3, 2018 at the age of 89 in Langham. Fred is survived by his 6 children, Randy (Wendy), Karen Meszaros, Colleen, Janine (Terry) Wulff, Debby and Regan (Thelma); 17 grandchildren and 46 great- grandchildren; sisters-in-law Doreen Kraushar, Elvira Schindel, Levina Boor, Carol Martens and Florence Martens, Irene Kraushar ; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Alta of 67 years; parents Frederich Sr. (Barbara) Kraushar; father and mother-in-law Johann and Katherina (nee Andres) Martens; brothers George and Kenneth; son-in-law Thomas Meszaros; sisters-in-law, Alice Leier, Delphine Martens and Mildred Martens; brothers-in-law, William Schindel, Arthur Martens, Norman Martens and Ken Boor. Fred grew up fishing with his dad and his brothers on the Saskatchewan river. He also had a love of baseball and softball which he played for many years for the Saskatoon Merchants, Saskatoon Pats and the CNR Carmen softball club. Fred met his true love Alta and they were married in 1950 and they settled in Saskatoon where he worked for CNR until his retirement. As per Fred’s request there will be no funeral Services. A special thanks to all the staff at the Langham Senior Care Home.

Although it is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Elmer Plett, we celebrate a life well-lived by a man of deep, transforming faith, boundless curiosity, zest for life, and determined can-do action.

After a journey with cancer that lasted six years beyond what was expected following his initial diagnosis, Elmer leaves to miss his physical presence his beloved wife of 57 years, Pat, his children Tim (Corinne), Larry (Michelle), Greg (Char), Karen, his 10 grandchildren along with their spouses/partners, his brothers Walter (Olga), Paul, Les (Marian), Ray (Pat), sisters-in-law Irene and Joy, and his many nieces, nephews and friends.

Our sadness at his absence is tempered by our joy that his resilience gave us so many bonus years, and by our relief that his physical suffering, which he endured with such gentle determination, is over.

Elmer was a entrepreneur who ran his business, Plett Construction, in Hudson Bay, SK for 42 years. He served his churches, Canora Fellowship Chapel & Pineridge Fellowship Chapel, and his communities in many roles as a volunteer and leader with integrity and wisdom. He was endlessly creative and crafted many beautiful works of art with wood. Elmer will be remembered for his warm smile, unassuming charisma, thoughtful words, and his generosity in sharing his expertise, insight and love.

As a family we wish to thank those at St Paul’s Hospital Palliative Care who so kindly cared for Elmer in his final weeks of life. We are also grateful for the many who cared for him throughout his journey: the staff of Saskatoon Cancer Clinic, Pain Management Team, Royal University Hospital, Palliative Home Care team, and Lakeview Church.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the St Paul’s Hospital Palliative Care www.stpaulshospital.org (SPH Foundation tab) or Prairie Hospice Society www.PrairieHospice.org

The memorial service took place on Wednesday, August 8th at 1pm at Lakeview Church in Saskatoon. Interment followed at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Thoughts and memories may be sent to cherishedmemories@sasktel.net or www.cherishedmemories.ca

John Patrick Homer passed away in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan on August 1, 2018. He was born on November 2, 1948 in Regina, Saskatchewan to Ross and Pat. John will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

William (Bill) Henry Fredrick Struthers (Aug 4, 1926 – July 27, 2018) passed away after a courageous battle with cancer with his family by his side at Kindersley Heritage Manor.
Bill is predeceased by his wife Vannetta and is survived by his sister Vera Campbell, son Bill (Jeannie) and daughters Debra (Brian), Karen, Shelley (Todd), Vanessa (Glen), Sandra (Steve) plus numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Bill was an army veteran and a Legion member since 1956. He loved his jobs driving truck and moving furniture which he retired from at the age of 84 years young.
His one hobby was bird watching.  He had a book with the breeds listed and he sat on the deck and fed and watched them.
Bill and Vannetta’s Celebration of Life will be announced shortly.
Thank you to the Nurses and Doctors of the Kindersley Heritage Manor and the Kindersley Hospital for the care of our Dad.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

With Heavy Hearts we share the passing of our Beloved Gwendolyn Ann, Daughter, Sister, Mother, GrandMother and True Friend to all of those that loved her. Gwen passed away peacefully with Loved ones by Her side. She will be sorely missed by all that knew Her. Gwen touched the lives of many, With her love for Family and Friends, Her passion for music, Her outstanding sense of humour and her Dedication to being an absolutley amazing and wonderful person.
We are truly blessed to have had her in our lives.
Until we meet again Gramma, We love you!
Keep Smilin’ cuz it Looks SO good on you!!
A celebration of life was held at 2:00 PM on 2018-08-14 at the Delisle Town Hall.

We regret to announce the sudden passing of Ric. Ric was born on June 5, 1967 and passed away at the age of 51.

Please join his family; Natasha, Kyle, Linda – Karen – Tony, Lynda – Joan, Barry, Amanda, Rick, Brittany, Waren – Ashley, Patrick and Jonathan, as we celebrate his life at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Hall, 300 8^thAvenue South in Martensville, Saskatchewan on August 6, 2018 at 4:00pm.

Ric is fondly remembered for his sense of humour, his love of his furry companions and his inability to say no to anyone who needed a helping hand.

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Kenneth Wayne Gullen announces his death, on July 18 2018, in Saskatoon, SK after a courageous battle with cancer.

Ken was born in Maple Creek, SK at 11:30 pm on Christmas Eve 1951,and in his words, “almost a saint.” He complained, to anyone who would listen, about what a rip off if was to be born this close to Christmas. “A flashlight for your birthday and batteries for Christmas, 1 sock for Christmas and the mate for your birthday.” This prompted a much loved yearly friend/family celebration on December 24th that would make the December 25th celebration pale, in comparison.

He was welcomed into their farm home in Divide, SK by Bill and Julia Gullen (nee Popick) and his older sister, Diana. He resided there until the age of seven, when the family moved to Maple Creek. Ken attended Sydney Street School and Maple Creek Composite High School.  He often laughed that an inspiring principal once told him that “it took 1000 inklings to make a clue and you don’t have an inkling”.

In spite of the principal’s assessment, Ken graduated as a Water Science Technologist from the Kelsey Institute of Applied Arts & Sciences in Saskatoon in 1974 and went to work for the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs in Whitehorse, YT.

In 1977, he returned to school and graduated from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay ON, as a Chemical Engineer in 1981.

Kens engineering career path found him working for Atomic Energy of Canada in Mississauga ON, Fredericton NB, Deep River ON and Saskatoon SK. In 1995 he joined Cogema Resources (now Areva Resources) in Saskatoon, moved to SaskPower in Regina in 1999 and then on to join Cameco in 2007. His Cameco experiences took him to Finland, Kazakhstan, Africa and Australia and he retired from Cameco in July 2015. He often thought it would be kind of fun to find his  principal to argue that maybe he did have an inkling, given his accomplished education and career path in which he was highly respected by colleagues .

Ken claimed that the 3 most important events in his life were when he married Kathy, the love of his life (his words) in 1981 and when his sons Ryan and Tyler were born.

Kathy (his wife), Ryan and Tyler (his sons), Diana Gullen (his sister) , Kay Falls (mother in law),  Jill Frith (daughter in law),  and his many close and dear friends and extended family, are very much missing his significant presence. He will be missed and remembered for:  his signature laugh, enthusiasm for life, sense of humour, unwavering dedication and commitment to family and friends, reliability, strong work ethic, mentorship, intelligence, problem solving ability, love of adventure and travel, companionship, questionable golf skills, willingness to help and steady love and support.

You are invited to join friends and family for a celebration of Ken’s life at St Paul’s United Church 454 Egbert Avenue Saskatoon on August 18th at 3 pm.

As Ken liked and wore many hats, consider wearing your favorite hat in his honor.

He loved to tell and hear stories, so Ken stories, memories and tributes would be welcomed at the celebration’s open mike.

Donations would be gratefully accepted in Ken’s honor, by Elmwood Residences Inc, 2012 Arlington Ave, Saskatoon, SK S7J 2H5 , if you re wishing to do so.

With heavy hearts the family announces the passing of Jerome at R.U.H. Coronary Cardiac Unit. He was dearly loved and will be sadly missed by his soulmate Laurie, son Derek, daughter Claudette, brother Sheldon; and Susanne and Scott (Laurie’s children). He was a very special Papa to Breanne. He was predeceased by his parents Henry and Mary, and brother Dennis. Jerry was a carpenter by trade working for North Ridge for 27 years, Cairns and New Central Homes. He made many friends working at North Ridge and will be missed by all of them. At his request, there will be no funeral service. Arrangements in care of Kevin Martens of Cherished Memories Funeral Services & Crematory (306-242-7888).

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.