The Legacy Trout Pond officially opened to the public on Aug. 7. A small gathering at the pond enjoyed a free hot dog and drinks.

Anyone wishing to try their luck at catch- ing a trout is more than welcome. No license is required. All we ask is to respect the resource and do your part to keep it clean. Other than that, enjoy! Happy fishing and good luck to all.

The Arm River Wildlife Federation would like to thank the following: The Rands Family, Logan Tennant, Kevin Eddie, The Manz Family, Gerrid Gust, Murray Hodgins, Jim Siroski, Wayne Obrigewitsch, Steve Low, Mike Heinrich, Jason Boyd, Rob Allan, Rick Millman and anyone that has purchased trees and anyone else we forgot. Thank you all.

(Information Submitted)

By Kevin Gilby
There was a buzz at the Davidson Airport on July 13 and it wasn’t the many airplanes that landed at the runway.

Pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and even those with an interest in Second World War fighter aircraft were drawn to the Blue Hanger just off Highway 44 west of Davidson.

Fast Toys for Boys hosted its second annual Fly-in, Drive-in, or Walk-in event, which showcased an up-close and personal look at ‘in-progress’ restorations of three 1944 P51 Mustangs, as well as the personal automobile and airplane collection of owner/operator Terry Dieno.

Hanger doors opened at 9 a.m. with beautiful flying conditions which encouraged at least 15 single engine flights to visit the airport and discuss aviation with like-minded individuals.

For those bound firmly to the Earth, the day granted guests a chance to see a multitude of different types of airplanes, exchange stories with the pilots, and take in some plane spotting when not indoors to view the displays. Dieno is a self-proclaimed Davidson boy, a 1960 Davidson School graduate, and a long-time entrepreneur attracting business to Davidson province-wide in his many ventures.

He worked for over a decade for the government in Regina before returning to Davidson in 1976, where he took over the operation at the Esso Gas Station.

In following years, he opened a Ford dealership, the largest Polaris dealership in North America in the 1990s, most recently he built the A&W, Tim Hortons, Dairy Queen and the Esso that populate the commercial area just south-east of Davidson on Highway 11.

“I’ve been a busy boy,” he said. But throughout the years, he had another desire beyond building successful businesses.

“I just had a love for speed from when I was a teenager and bought my first (Pontiac) GTO back in the muscle car days.”

“I was a drag racing fool,” he said without a hint of exaggeration.

Perhaps realizing the folly in street racing, or perhaps to legally quench that thirst even more, he became interested in getting his pilot’s licence.

Tired of waiting to learn to fly with his fellow car enthusiasts, he set off on his own and got his licence in 1973. Years later, after having returned to Davidson, he soon found himself wanting to fly even more.

“The only thing I could do to fly more was to crop spray,” he said. “I bought a spray plane in Missouri, a big spray plane that had a radial engine and two wings and started spraying with that.”
Before long, the spraying business was taking off and he was flying with two of his brothers and collectively they had four running spray planes.

In the 1980s, he further enhanced his prowess in the air with aerobatics training. Any Davidson resident of the time could attest to the skills he obtained.

His love affair with the Second World War fighter planes was opportunistic. He bid on a wrecked P51 Mustang in California. To his surprise, he won the bid and a new project was born – to restore the plane to ‘as built’ flying condition. After thousands of hours, and at least a decade, the job was complete and soon the flying machine found a new owner in the United States, who wasn’t shy about sharing his admiration of the restoration work done in small town Saskatchewan, Canada.

Then, in June of 2023, Dieno suffered a life-threatening stroke.
“I got out of the hospital Aug. 16 last year, and was home for maybe an hour when my phone rang.

“This perfect English voice said, ‘I’m so-and-so from London, England. A group of buyers in Europe had flown to Montana and looked at a World War II fighter plane restored and we can’t believe the quality of the work.’”

Later in the conversation they discussed their desire to have Dieno’s team build some aircraft for them. Despite having been stripped of his driver’s and pilot’s licences due to his stroke, his passion for flight remained constant and he accepted the challenge. Dieno is now in the process of building six P51 Mustangs, three of which were on display at the open hangar event in various stages of restoration. Some of the planes are waiting for V12 engines to be built to spec, others for a set of wings, but all well underway.

The Mustang was initially an American-built long-range, single-seat fighter that underwent a few development cycles and subsequently became popular with the Royal Air Force as a tactical-reconnaissance aircraft and fighter-bomber. Its long range and high-altitude capabilities led to it escorting bombers in raids over Germany and helped ensure Allied air superiority in 1944.

Almost a year after being discharged from the rehabilitation ward of City Hospital in Saskatoon, Dieno is still without his wings, but has proven himself still capable of supervised flight and sees licensed solos in his future.

“I’ve got airplane disease and it’s incurable,” he said.

This need to keep active in his passion undoubtedly aided in his recovery.

While Dieno might take partial ownership of his stroke recovery, he extends the majority of the credit to health care providers at the Davidson Health Centre, Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, and the stroke recovery ward of City Hospital.

“I’m fortunate, a nurse from Elbow, that I still have to go meet, was there (at the Davidson Health Centre) and she knew something was going on. She said to (my son) ‘I’ve called RUH hospital, I’ve called the ambulance. We’ve got to get him to Saskatoon right away or we’re going to lose him.’

“I owe my life to that girl who stepped above and beyond, and the rest is history.”

Therapists have cautioned him not to expect recovery too quickly but have told him that many patients that experienced similar trauma have recovered almost fully one to four years after the injury.

There’s only on direction Dieno wants to go . . . and that’s forward to regaining his wings. In the meantime, it’s the get-togethers like the fly-ins and restoration projects that keep pushing him.

“It was a very good turnout,” Dieno said of the recent. “We’re trying to make the next one an even better one. It helps put Davidson on the map and it brings people into town that will maybe come again to shop, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”

February 29, 1944-July 7,2024

Lucille passed away at the age of 80 with her husband and children at her side in the Davidson Long Term Care Centre, where she had been residing since March 2024.

Lucille was the only child born to Donald and Jean Knox of Davidson, Sask. in the Maple Valley district. She lived on the farm with her parents until her own mom passed away suddenly when she was 3 ½ years old. She then was cared for by her father, as well lived with her grandparents, a friend Audrey Murphy, and her Aunt Elda in Calgary. She attended school at Maple Valley, Davidson and LCBI in Outlook where she met and married the love of her Life, Alex (Ted) Murfitt April 20, 1963, on the farm where they spent 61 years together. They farmed and raised five children plus a nephew Lorne Murfitt.  Lucille was diagnosed with M.S. shortly after the youngest child was born in 1971 and was able to live with this diagnosis and its challenges in her own home until Feb 2024 with the dedicated care of her husband, assistance from Home Care as well as family and friends.

Lucille will forever be remembered for her amazing smile, loving everyone, and choosing Joy over despair at every opportunity. Lucille loved having her family come and spend time at the farm, there was always lots of food, fun, laughter, and room for tears. Her true happy place was sitting on their deck listening to the birds and enjoying a coffee with a visit.

Lucille is survived by her husband Alex (Ted), sons Edward, daughter Jean (Dave), Chris (Dorothy), Cal (Dianne) and Randy (Kim). Grandchildren: Dalton, Landon (Breanne), Martina (Taylor), Corbin, Chelsea (Devon), Greg, Braden (Ashley), Tara (Brennan), Alicia, Cole (Kyela), Clay (Dakota), Paris, Sedrik. Great-grandchildren: Libby, Emerson, Harper, Aliza, Ruth, Brynn, Braelynn, Everlee, Rhett, Theodore, Nathan, Maddyson, Maria, August, Collier, Abbigail, Edward-Jaxon, Lillianna. Sister-in-laws Judy (Howard) Saelof, Bev Murfitt, Rose Murfitt. As well as many nieces, nephews and extended close family members.

Lucille was predeceased by her parents Donald and Jean Knox, Fred and May Murfitt, Kenny, Stan, and Fred Murfitt.

A Celebration of Life was held July 13,2024 at Davidson, Sacred Heart Catholic Church- United service.  Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements. Donations can be made to M.S. Canada, Davidson Heath Trust Fund (payable to the Town of Davidson) or Telemiracle (Kinsmen Foundation Inc).

May, 1965 – July, 2024

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Darlene Beatrice Goethals at her home on July 30, 2024, at the age of 59 years, Darlene was born in Imperial, SK., on May 5, 1965. Darlene grew up on a farm and had a special love for her farm pets. She loved bugging her two older brothers…they not so much. Darlene moved to Moose Jaw once school was completed. She worked many jobs in Moose Jaw and grew to know many people. She loved to travel and took many bus tours to the Unite States and came back always having made friends along the way. Darlene spent her last years in High Park Towers and “coffee row”. Darlene had a special fondness for her great nephews, Owen and Brennan whom she loved very much.

Darlene leaves to mourn her sister-in-law, Deb Fincaryk; nephews, Theo Goethals and Jorde Goethals (Jodi, Owen and Brennan) and many friends. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Irene Goethals; brother, George (1988) and brother, Kenny (1980).

She will be missed by us all and we loved her very much. As per Darlene’s wishes, she will be interred in Imperial Cemetery at a private family ceremony. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550. www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

“Those we love don’t go away

They walk beside us every day

Unseen, unheard, but always near

Still loved, still missed and always dear”

February, 1934 – July, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Cornelius “Cornie” Edward Penner, announce his passing on the morning of Friday, July 12^th, 2024.

Cornie was born February 9^th, 1934, to Abraham and Elizabeth (née: Dueck) Penner on Sec. 7, TWP 20, Range 7 West of the 3^rd, Saskatchewan.  He was the third child in a family of nine.

He was predeceased by his father, Abe Penner; mother, Lizzie Penner; his aunts and uncles; sisters: Olga Comeau, Tillie Finch, Diane Cunningham, and Lorraine Schinold; brothers: Ernie Penner, Henry Penner, and Johnny Penner; son, Glen Penner; and granddaughter, Breena Penner.  Cornie is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Dorothy Penner; daughters, Beverley Kwakernaak (Harry) and Rhonda Penner-Futros (Ed); daughter-in-law, Debbie Ducharme (Greg); as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

As a young man Cornie worked for various farmers, the pipeline, on the construction of the Gardiner Dam, and he also had his own mixed farming operation in the Elbow, SK area.  He retired from farming in 1976 and moved to Central Butte, SK where he was employed by the Co-op, did some yard maintenance, and he completed his working career as an operator on the Riverhurst Ferry.

Cornie enjoyed playing guitar with various bands in his spare time.  This was probably one of his greatest joys besides casting a fishing line and reeling in a “big one”. 

In 2014 Cornie and his wife Dorothy relocated to Moose Jaw, SK and have been blessed with a very close-knit community in Crestview Manor.  He always said this is the best place to live.

Cornie had a great sense of humour and always loved a good joke.  He never left a visit without first telling you a little story.  He was an honest man, kind, caring and always enjoyed offering a helping hand to anyone in need.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Palliative Care Team and the nursing staff at the Dr. F H Wigmore Regional Hospital for their exceptional end-of-life care for Cornie.

The Funeral service was held on Wednesday, July 17^th, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. at Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  Cornie’s favorite colour was blue and it would be appreciated if you can don some blue clothing in his honor.  For those so wishing, donations in Cornie’s name may be made to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre c/o Pasqua Hospital, 4101 Dewdney Ave, Regina, SK S4T 7T1 or to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, 55 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw, SK S6J 0C2.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

It is with great sadness that the family of Margie Bort announce her passing at the age of 71 on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon. Margie is survived by her two children, Stephanie Inglehart and Colton (Erin) Inglehart, her beloved grandsons Carter and Braden Inglehart, her sister Barbara Weinberger, her sister-in-law Melanie Thomas, her brother-in-law Martin (Donna) Bort, her step-daughters Trina Kavanagh and Trista Bort, and her step-grandchildren, Nolan, Joseph, Sylvie and Aoife Kavanagh, as well as her extended family and many honorary children and grandchildren. Margie was born on February 16th, 1953, to Wendell and Katherine (Eckel) Thomas, in Davidson, SK, where she grew up and attended school. She was in a car accident in 1970 which left her quadriplegic but that didn’t slow her down. With a great deal of determination she learned to care for herself and attended Saskatchewan Technical Institute in Moose Jaw, the University of Saskatchewan and many correspondence courses in business management and librarian courses. She married Alfred Inglehart in 1978 and was blessed with her two children. In 1996 she married her second husband Ronald Bort and joined their families together.  Through the years she had many jobs and her last career was with the Saskatchewan Association of Community Living (SACL). Once she was unable to maintain full time work, Margie spent much of her time volunteering. She won an award with the Council of Canadian Disabilities for her work with the Saskatchewan Voice of People with Disabilities and received the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal in 2005 from the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. Margie also volunteered with North Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre, the Canadian Paraplegic Association, Sea Cadets, Navy League Cadets, 107 Spitfire Squadron Air Cadets and the Saskatoon Seniors for Continued Learning where she took many classes through the university. Margie and Ron jointly volunteered as Airport Ambassadors for 12 years at the Saskatoon Airport and for their beloved Bridge City Rider Fan Club.  Margie loved her grandchildren and was very involved with them. She and Ron loved to travel in their outfitted van, driving to many places to visit family and friends and, of course, to cheer on their Riders in Regina. She loved to read and frequented non-profit book fundraisers to add to her To-Be-Read pile. Margie loved her plants, flowers and beautifying her yard every summer.  Margie was predeceased by her husband Ron, her parents Wendell and Katherine, her step-father Albert and step-mother Beatrice, her children’s father Alfred, her brother Bill, her brother-in-law Sonny, grandson Nathan, great-nephew Christopher, her parents-in-law Henry and Drusilla, and many aunts and uncles.  The family would like to thank St. Paul’s Hospital ICU staff for their care during this last visit and the many visits before. A Celebration of Margie and Ron’s lives was held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 26th, 2024, at Windsor Chapel (704 Windsor Street, Saskatoon), interment followed at Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon. In lieu of flowers please send any donations to The Ability Hub YXE (formerly NSILC) or to Saskatchewan Voice of People with Disabilities in Margie’s memory.  Arrangements entrusted to Thea Katchmar-Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.  To share memories of Margie or send condolences please visit www.mourningglory.ca .