Three Imperial residents were charged last week as a result of an April 26 series of crimes that started in Imperial, moved up Highway 2 to Watrous and ended with police shooting one of the suspects on Highway 16 near Clavet.
Last Thursday, RCMP reported they charged three people in relation to break and enter and thefts that are alleged to have occurred during the morning of April 26 in and around Imperial and then later that morning in Watrous.
At about 2:50 p.m., April 26, RCMP stopped a vehicle on Highway 16 near Clavet that matched a description of a vehicle spotted during the break ins in Watrous. During the traffic stop RCMP shot and injured one of the male suspects.
Derek Marlon Cote, 35, as of last Thursday, was still in hospital after being shot by police. He is remanded in custody and will make his first court appearance once he is discharged from hospital. He is charged with assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, pointing a firearm, possession of firearms obtained by the commission of an offence, possession of firearms while prohibited, possession of property obtained by the commission of an offence and break enter and theft.
Two women, who were in the vehicle, are also facing charges. Erin Tootoosis, 33, and Karen Hillmer, 57, both Imperial residents, have each been charged with possession of stolen property. They will make their first court appearance on June 27 at Provincial Court in Saskatoon.
A second male, whom police arrested during the Hwy. 16 traffic stop, was released from custody with no charges.
Cpl. Rob King said an RCMP investigation is ongoing and has resulted in the recovery of nine stolen guns and numerous personal and household items including electronics and jewellery resulting from the initial traffic stop.
He said RCMP are investigating complaints of three break and enters in Watrous, two break and enter and thefts in Imperial, two more in the Imperial rural area and one attempted break and enter in the Imperial rural area.
The April 26 break ins and thefts and the shooting have shocked the Imperial community, which has a population of about 350 and is the kind of town where everyone knows everybody.
According to townsfolk, the accused have lived in the community for about two years.
RCMP and Regina Police Service continue to investigate the circumstances that lead to the RCMP discharge of a firearm. Regina police are investigating the use of force by the RCMP members and will report the results of their investigation to the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General.
No RCMP members were injured in the incident.
All posts by Tara de Ryk
Robertson, Don
Robert Donald Robertson was born on, May 31, 1923, at, Saskatoon, Sask., to Robert and Antoinette Robertson. He was the second of two sons.
Don completed his grade twelve education at Luther College in Regina. He also attended the College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. He enlisted with the Royal Canadian Signal Corp in the armed forces in 1943. He was lance corporal with the Canadian Postal Corp in the North West Europe German occupation army. This took him overseas where he met, Joyce Holt, from, Manchester, England. After the Second World War, Don and Joyce were married on the farm at Liberty on, August 1st, 1948. They had two children, Bob and Elaine. Don enjoyed music and loved to play the piano with his friends in the Liberty Orchestra. Liberty Orchestra was a fixture in Liberty and played many gigs, as Don would say. The last gig being his granddaughter, Tamara’s wedding in 2007.
Don worked diligently for the National Farmers Union. Miles of Saskatchewan roads were travelled, meetings attended and farmers visited. He worked alongside his friend, Elmer Laird, for the Back to the Farm Research Foundation. He was a member of The Liberty Optimist Club, The Masons and the Canadian Legion. He was a member of the United Church.
Joyce passed away in 1967 and Don lived alone for 11 years until finding a wonderful friend and companion, Juliette Thorson, who also was widowed. Don and Julie were married in 1982. This greatly enlarged Don’s family as Julie brought seven adult children into the family, James, Richard, John, Mary, Lori, Thomas and Peter. The amazing thing about Don and Julie was that everyone was included. All grandchildren were mutually enjoyed and shared. The clan grew to thirty grandchildren and twenty-four plus great-grandchildren.
Don and Julie shared great times together. When life got too busy watching the grandchildren, Don would say, it’s time that we got away! They would usually drive to the coast, visiting relatives along the way. Julie passed away suddenly on, April 12th 2004. Don has stayed busy helping his son, Bob, on the farm, gardening, with his children and grandchildren and playing music with his friends over the past nine years. He lived in his own home right up until this past Christmas.
In January he moved to Long Lake Valley Integrated Facility where he passed away on April 17th. He courageously fought prostate cancer, macular degeneration in his eyes and heart issues over the past two years. He lived a rich, full life and he will be greatly missed. Don was predeceased by his parents, Rob and Nettie, his brother Bill, sister-in-law Ruby, his wife Joyce, his wife Julie, a stepson Richard and nephew Arnold. Left to mourn are, Bob Robertson and Elaine (Barry) Webster, Carey (Joel) Hyndman, Jody (Mark) Fitzpatrick, Scott (Lindsay) Robertson, Aaron Webster, Joel (Alesha) Webster, Tamara (Jeff) Benjamin, Daniel Webster, Jim (Kelly) Thorson, Penny Thorson, John (Jackie) Thorson, Mary (Dave) Ross, Lori (Bill) Sproule, Thomas (Terry) Thorson, Peter (Cheryl) Thorson, Jeremy (Trudy) Thorson, Daniel (Angela) Thorson, Nicole Thorson, Jessica (Rodd) Zoerb, Chris (Sarah) Thorson, Brian Thorson, Katie (Jarrod) Carr, Michele (Jason) Ulsifer, Deonne (Stan) Hrynyk, Adam (Kathryn) Thorson, Andrea (Lonny) Setrum, Bobbi (Rob) Burford, Tony Ross, Randi (Chris) Strunk, Kerry (Darcy) Boyle, Robert Sproule, Patrick Sproule, Krystal Thorson, Vanessa Thorson, Michael Thorson, Evan Thorson, Ashley Thorson, and Matthew Thorson.
A funeral service for Don was held Sat. April 27, 2 p.m. at Liberty Memorial Hall
Liberty SK., Officiant – Pastor Paul Gosslin – Pallbearers – Scott Robertson, Joel Webster, Daniel Webster, Daniel Thorson, Adam Thorson, Evan Thorson, Tributes – Aaron Webster, Carey Hyndman, Chris Thorson, Register Attendants – Elaine Wille, Caroline Wolff, Usher – Eugene Wolff, Craig Wille, Scripture Reader – Lori Sproule, Soloist – Alesha Webster, Pianist – Brenda Robinson, Tribute Slideshow – Jessica Zoerb, Trumpet – The Last Post, Alana Gosslin, Private Famliy Interment – Liberty Cemetery
For those so wishing donations to Long Lake Valley Foundation, Box 94, Imperial, SK, S0G 2J0 would be appreciated. For online condolences and tributes, or to make a donation please visit www.fotheringham-mcdougall.com
Floyd Stanley Clark
With sadness in our hearts, but a lifetime of love and memories to cherish, the family of Floyd Clark announces his peaceful passing at the age of 85 on April 12, 2013 at the Luther Special Care Home, Saskatoon.
Floyd was born on February 8, 1928 in Davidson, Sask. to Fred and Bertha Clark. On June 19, 1954 he married the love of his life, MaryAnne Jorgenson from Regina. They farmed in the Girvin/Craik rural community where they were blessed to raise their family. In 2009 they moved to Saskatoon where Floyd enjoyed the company of many friends who came for visits and also watching his favourite TV channel “Oasis”…or as he always called it “Osoyoos”.
Floyd was a quiet, gentle and patient man. Farming was his passion but his greatest pride and joy were his family whom he cherished deeply. He blessed our lives with his kind heart and generous spirit. Through difficult times, there was never a harsh word or any self-pity, only endurance, strength of character and expressions of thankfulness and joy, always being a living example of love and kindness. The way he lived his life is the legacy he left us: He was steadfast and committed to his family and had a personal relations and strong belief in a loving God. He never lost his great sense of humour, even to the end.
Floyd ad MaryAnne spent many winters as snowbirds in Palm Springs and Hawaii. Camping in the summers were also a highlight. He also loved fishing and hunting.
Floyd is survived by his loving wife MaryAnne; his two daughters and their spouses: Marcy (Glenn) Stauffer, Calgary and Valerie (Bob) Burron), Saskatoon; and special nephew Russell (Susan) Melle, Calgary. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Chad, Brett and Kristen Stauffer; Bobby and Janelle Burron; Tamara (Royce) Lewis and children Carter, Erica and Tyson; Derek (Jill) Melle and children Caiden and Ava; nephew Lyle; nieces Sherry (Ken) Harvey and Brenda (Tim) Reich and numerous family members. He was predeceased by his mother and father, brother Fred and sister-in-law Phyllis, sister Helen and daughter Debby.
A celebration of Floyd’s life was held on Friday, April 19 at 2 p.m. at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Davidson with Rev. Mark Emde officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Teen Challenge. Special thanks go to the dedicated and caring staff at Luther Care Home, Saskatoon. Arrangements entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home, Davidson.
Masich
Frances Joan Masich passed away peacefully in her sleep with family at her side, on Good Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Watrous Health Care Centre after a brief illness. Her funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church in Kenaston.
Frances is survived by her loving family: daughter Milly (Randy) Biederman and family Curtis and Aaron, son Tony (Margo) Masich and family Tyce and Tori, and son Bob, as well as nieces and nephews and other family members. Frances was predeceased by her loving husband Louis and daughter Teresa Masich, parents Steve and Mary Siroski as well as brothers, sisters and in-laws.
Frances was born and raised in the Kenaston district. Upon leaving her family home she started working as a cook and baker. One of the places she worked was the Kenaston Hotel. It was at the Kenaston Hotel that she met her future husband, Louis Masich. Frances and Louis were married in October, 1951 and began farming and raising their four children.
Frances was an avid homemaker and gardener. She often said her garden was the perfect therapy for her, a place where she could go and relax and connect with nature. She enjoyed growing flowers, fruit and vegetables.
Frances was an active member in the St. Andrew’s Catholic Women’s League, was a lector and participated in study of Sacred Scripture.
Frances spent the past few years of her life in residence at Jubilee Court in Watrous. She enjoyed the independent living, the active social programs and the daily interaction with other residents.
Milly, Tony and Bob thank all family and friends for their outpouring of kindness, cards, gifts and good wishes and for sharing their memories of Frances. We also extend our thanks to Brian and Todd for all their support.
Foster, Gary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gary John Foster on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at the age of 64 years. Gary was predeceased by his parents William and Ruth. He will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by his wife Sandy; brother David (Kelly); sisters Joy, Joan (Troyha), Wendy (Henry) and Brenda (Gary); brother-in-law Allen (Elizabeth); daughter Christine; numerous nephews, nieces and great-nephews and -nieces; as well as many other relatives and dear friends. Gary was born and raised in Davidson, Sask. and farmed at Davidson for many years. Gary had a great love of life, and enjoyed fishing, square dancing, golfing and curling until his Parkinson’s of 20 years and Stroke of 10 years made it impossible for him to continue. A memorial service for Gary will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Regina Funeral Home, Hwy #1 East, Regina, Sask. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary’s memory may be made to the Parkinson Society of Saskatchewan, 610 Duchess Street, Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 0R1 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Regina Funeral Home (306) 789-8850.
Fenty
Dorothy Dean Fenty (Dixon) passed away at St. Paul’s Hospital on March 28, 2013. She was born in Melaval, Saskatchewan on July 29, 1928 to George and Margaret Dixon, and is predeceased by her husband John Fenty, two sisters, and four brothers. Dorothy will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her son George (Debbie) Fenty of Saskatoon, brother Ian Dixon of Moose Jaw, sister-in-law Shirley Dixon of Sylvan Lake, Alta., as well as many nieces and nephews. In keeping with Dorothy’s request, there will be no funeral service. A private burial will take place at the family plot in Rosedale Cemetery, Moose Jaw. George and Debbie are grateful to Jan Bennetto and her care home staff for their compassion and care over the past four-and-a-half years, and to the wonderful nurses on 5th Floor Medicine, St. Paul’s Hospital. For those wishing, memorial donations can be made in Dorothy’s name and may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan, 1405 Faulkner Crescent, Saskatoon, S7L 3R5. Arrangements are entrusted to Acadia-McKague’s Funeral Centre (955-1600)