Mom was born with the name Willow Ione, but those who really knew her, knew her as “Happy” or Ione. Born on April 5, 1941 at the Dempsey family farm, she was the fifth daughter of John and Kay Dempsey, 10 years later they were joined by a younger brother, completing their family of six. She cherished her memories of growing up surrounded by so much love – coining her nickname “Happy” by her cousin Bud, when she was just a baby.

One of her favorite childhood traditions, which she lovingly recreated for her own children and grandchildren, was packing picnic lunches in handkerchiefs, tying them to sticks, and venturing out for a walk. They would stroll to Ed’s yard, enjoy their picnic, and then walk back home.

Mom met the love of her life, Kenny Rink, at a dance at Danceland in Manitou Beach. They danced beautifully together, always gliding across the floor. Married on October 11, 1958, this year would have marked their 67th anniversary. A testament to the love they shared, they passed away exactly five months of each other; it is a comfort to know they’re together again.

They began their married life at the Rink family home place and later moved to their own farm, where they remained until retiring to Saskatoon. Across every phase of their lives, Happy centered her love and attention to her greatest joy: her family. Her home was a safe haven for all to gather—she would fill it to the brim with everyone’s favorite meals and desserts.

If you ask any of her children or grandchildren now, they can list Happy’s menu for you. Each year, it seemed to grow—in lockstep with her family. The abundance of food would make its way into individually crafted care packages for everyone to bring home. Ironically, her famous and coveted perogies never seemed to last to this stage—uncles and cousins would sneak them off each other’s plates between visits to the kitchen.

Beyond cooking and baking, Happy was a gifted creator. She learned to knit from her mother, Kay, and grew her passion of sewing through her many years. She lovingly created clothes for her children when they were young. In later years, she poured even more love into sewing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren custom creations: jackets, coveralls, housecoats, and the matching pajamas she would sew for her grandkids every year.

Her devotion to her family, especially the children, was evident in these custom projects and handmade crafts, which are remembered and treasured with love. Beyond what was seen, she also dedicated countless hours combining, trucking, cultivating, chores and keeping the farm running.

Happy and Kenny raised four children: Brad; Wes (Brenda); Della (Murray); and Rod. They were blessed with nine grandchildren: Garrett Rink, Everet (Megan Wetherill) Rink; Tyrel (Echo Fettes) Rink, Kendra (Kevin) Koerting, Chandra (Patrick) Tumu; Blaine (Jamie) Siroski, Courtney (Daylon) Korolchuk; and Daphne Rink. They also delighted in three great-grandchildren: Bryden and Kaysen Korolchuk; and Inara Rink.

To honour Mom’s memory, we ask that you extend the brightness she shared with everyone she encountered. If you feel the urge to give her a hug, give that hug to someone else; if you wish you could see her smile again, share your own smile with someone else—just as Happy would have done.

A funeral will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Telemiracle.

Jason John “Spilly” Spilchak

April 17, 1982 – January 31, 2025

It is with sad hearts that we share the passing of a beloved brother, son, and friend. Jason passed suddenly, but peacefully, in Vancouver of natural causes. He is survived by father John, sister Tanya Fears (Tom), and many good friends. He was predeceased by mother Donna.

Jason was a talented artist, whether it be pencil drawings or vivid paintings. He had a passion for animation, and was part of the teams who worked on Smurfs, TMNT, Spider-Man (which won an Oscar and Golden Globe), and a plethora of other projects. His generosity, great sense of humor, and infectious laugh is what everyone remembers most. He will be forever loved and remembered. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the MS or Cancer Societies, as both affected his family.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lorne John Doyle, of Spruce Grove, Alberta, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the age of 76. Lorne passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and fond memories of his remarkable life.

Lorne is survived by his loving wife and soulmate, Marianne Doyle, and their sons Shaun (Danielle) and Jamie (Michelle). He will also be missed by his grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

Lorne was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Marjorie Doyle, who he greatly admired, as well as his brothers Harold and Leslie Doyle, his sister Florence Lock and his grandson Jeremy.

A service to remember and celebrate Lorne’s life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 in Edmonton. 

Merritt Hurd Old and Elsie Dorothy Old passed away peacefully at their home in Kelowna, holding one another’s hands, through Medical Assistance in Death (MAiD).

Merritt Old, born October 19, 1926, in Davidson SK, to Otto Old and Grace Callaway (nee), was a devoted husband, loving father, supportive brother, and a true Saskatchewan farmer who could fix anything and weather any storm. Merritt was the last surviving child of Otto and Grace and passed away at the age of 98.

Elsie Hey (nee), born July 6, 1928, near Bulyea SK on her parents’ farm, to Christian Fredrick Hey and Amalie Buchammer (nee), was a devoted wife, caring mother, kind sister, and a wonderful homemaker who made homemade bread and desserts for any occasion. Elsie was the last surviving child of Fred and Amalie and passed away at the age of 96.

Merritt and Elsie celebrated 72 years of marriage together, and are survived by their eldest daughter, Debra Old, as well as four grandchildren, David Willner, Donald Willner, Jessica Foster, and Brandy Old. Merritt and Elsie are also pre-deceased by their youngest daughter, Beverly Old, who passed away on January 7, 2024.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Merrit & Elsie’s lives on Monday, July 7 at the Kelowna Memorial Park at 2:00 p.m. for an outdoor memorial service at their gravesite as per their request. Feel free to bring memories, especially those accompanied by funny stories.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Bridge C14 or a charity of your choice are appreciated.

May Merritt and Elsie’s spirits of loving kindness and laughter live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.

They’ll all come to meet me. . .

It saddens me greatly to announce that my mom, Ellen, the wine diva of our family, took her last sip on January 15, 2025.  She is predeceased by my dad, Harold, July 7, 2023, my brother, Albert, July 8, 2024, and survived by me, Kim, and my husband, her second son, Ed.   My origin family is now all gone.  They knew I would clean up after the party.

Mom was born, November 25, 1927, in Davidson, Saskatchewan.  She was the youngest child of Swedish/Finnish homesteaders Esther and Carl Johnson.  Her older siblings were Viola, Norman and Albert.  They were a farming family in the time of the Great Depression and World War 2.  Along with growing up with hardship and doing without, mom had a strict father that wanted her to be a school teacher.  To get away from the restraints of life at home she left for Moose Jaw to get her teaching certificate.  Later she taught all grades in one room school houses in Hanley, Harris, and Craig as well as helping on the farm during summers.   She took a position that was still vacant in late November in the town of Goodeve.  When she arrived, she found the school and teacherage rundown with no supplies and everything in disrepair.  She was so angry about the conditions she showed up at a teacher’s meeting, went to the front where the supervisors sat, pounded on the desk demanding that it be fixed to a livable standard. That was my feisty mom.  She still had to use oil lamps and chop wood to heat the school, but her tenacity and farm work experience allowed this young woman of 24 to put together a functional school.  It was difficult living alone in what she called a Godforsaken place but she loved her freedom and especially loved her students.  From the stories she told me, I wonder what she taught them!   Being the new school teacher she had many suitors come knocking and soon met my dad.  Before long they were married and driving to the west coast in her car!  It was somewhat of a forced emigration.  My brother arrived shortly afterwards and five years later I made my entrance in Lions Gate Hospital.  They brought me home to Burrill Avenue in Lynn Valley where they lived for 53 years before moving to Campbell River in 2014.

Mom liked nice clothes, makeup, and dressing up but she wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty.    I remember coming home from school and the basement walls were torn out to make for a much larger room or the time she was butchering a whole pig on the kitchen table.  Mom was a homemaker but always worked part time to have her own spending money and afford a car.  She drove a red 67 Beaumont.  She was outgoing and fun. . . Always ready for a social drink, a song or especially a dance.  She was also happy to be by herself.  Mom said what she thought and enhanced it colourfully.   She outlived her many life long friends.  She was fearlessly independent and never complained about her aches and pains even at the end.  The only thing mom complained about was why the bottle of wine couldn’t be kept in her room!  There was an emergency text from the care home if she was running out.

It took a long time for me to recognize it, but in many ways I’m a lot like her.  Knowing this will keep the memory of her close to me. 

Leave your cares behind mom.  Dad and Albert are waiting for you with open arms.  Keep the volume up so I can find your kitchen party!

No service by request.  To share a memory of Ellen or a condolence, please go to Talford Toneff & Boyd, Campbell River, website Telfordtoneffboyd.ca or send a personal note to me kzandef@gmail.com.

It’s good to touch the green green grass of home

By Kevin Gilby

Fourteen teams from David- son and area participated in the Davidson Ladies’ Bonspiel on Jan. 10-11 at the AGT Centre. In the past, the bonspiel ran in early March. To avoid competing with the provincial hockey matches, organizers moved the event to January last year, and the new date certainly helped draw entries. Beth Booker was all in for the change, winning the bonspiel last year and again this year. “We had a good turnout,” said organizer Marla Dezotell. “Lots of teams came out for a lot of fun. Fourteen teams, three of which were out-of-town teams.”

The winners were:

First Place: Beth Booker

Second Place: Agnes Viczko

Third Place: Stacey Siroski Winners received cash prizes.

For added fun, organizers held a calcutta in which members could buy a random team for an additional chance to win. Rink entry fees covered cash prizes, food vouchers for the can- teen, plus a small contribution to league funds. “Thanks to Amber Holland for organizing the draw, Donna Stone for all her help, and every- one else that pitched in,” said Dezotell. The club is looking forward to the Farmers’ Bonspiel, which runs Jan. 24-26 at the AGT Centre. Spaces are still available for $200 a team. Interested groups are encouraged to contact Rob Stone for more information.