It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mom, Rose Frances (Weigel) Spratt. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday January 11 in the Davidson Health Center. Rose was 98 years old.

Rose was the oldest of 7 children born to Tony and Theresa Weigel. While working in Davidson she met Bruce Spratt and they were married in 1951. They welcomed 3 children to the family, Callie, Harry and Janet. Rose was widowed in 1963 when Bruce suddenly died of a heart attack. Rose’s strong faith and strength of character gave her the courage to move her family to Davidson from the farm south of town and settle into her home on Hamilton St.

Rose’s home was always a place of great love and friendship. She always enjoyed a joke and a good laugh. Her main love was her family and she eagerly welcomed her children’s spouses and then was overjoyed to have Grandchildren and great grandchildren join the family.

Rose was a true and faithful friend. She belonged to many clubs and organizations throughout her life and lived her life with kindness and appreciation for everything while enjoying her family, friends and card games.

When Rose moved to the Health Center in May 2024 she quickly made friends of the staff and residents and her room was a warm and welcome meeting place for all. Rose was an example for us to enjoy life to the fullest every day!

We will hold her in our hearts until we hold her again in heaven.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on January 17 in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Davidson SK.

Rose leaves her memory to be cherished by: Daughter: Callie (Grant) Greenshields and children: Charlotte Greenshields; Tom (Ashley) Greenshields, Emmett and Lincoln; Kathryn (Sean) Freistadt, Claire and Isabel. Daughter In Law: LaVerne Spratt and children: Amy (Kurtis) Lopinski, Holden; Briana (Dave) Bergeron,Jayce; Carter (Brittney) Spratt, Oaklynn and Huxson. Daughter:Janet (Lyle) Kowalski and children: Rich (Amanda) Kowalski, Lauren Bueckert (Steven Vanzessen), Layne Janzen, Courtney Janzen; Chris Kowalski; Mike Kowalski (Dawn Stowe), Asher Stowe, Georgia Stowe, and Tatum Kowalski. Sisters: Terry Paulson, Mary (Gary) Bourbonnie.

Rose was predeceased by her Daughter Baby Spratt (1952), her beloved husband Bruce (1962), and beloved son Harry (2010).

For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Rose may be directed to the Sacred Heart Catholic Women’s League or Sask Heart and Stroke.

Linda Joyce Griffin was born on December 7, 1946 to Burt and Gertie Hutchinson. She grew up in Strongfield helping her parents in the family store. She attended her first 9 years of school in Strongfield and finished her high school years in Loreburn. 

Linda met the love of her life, Bob Griffin, in her teenage years. They were married on March 27, 1965. They moved to their own farm east of Elbow, Saskatchewan, where they lived together for over 59 years. Linda and Bob raised 4 children, Brent, Scott, Kelly and Shawn. Having grown up in town, Linda quickly adjusted and embraced her life as a rancher’s wife. Linda cherished her family, pets, and yard – especially her beautiful flowers and garden. Linda was a dedicated mother and was so proud of all of her children. As the family grew, she welcomed everyone with open arms and couldn’t wait for the arrival of each grandchild and great-grandchild to be born. Linda was her children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan and greatest supporter. She didn’t miss many hockey games, rodeos, sports events or anything else her family was involved in.

Every holiday, anniversary, and birthday were so important to her and she wanted the entire family “home” to celebrate! There was never a shortage of food or baking at Grandma’s house. Linda was also a dedicated community person and served many years as a “Willing Worker.” She volunteered whenever and wherever needed at all kinds of community events and was happy to do it. Linda was content to be a homemaker and mother, but when her kids got older, she worked at the Elbow Hotel and later at Commutron Industries. She enjoyed her time with all her co-workers and friends that she made along the way.

Linda passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, with her family by her side, after a very courageous 7-year battle with cancer. Linda leaves to cherish her memory, her husband Bob Griffin; and children Brent (Karin), Scott (Jodie), Kelly (Trevor), Shawn (Julie); and grandchildren Jordan (Darcy) Wildeman, Chase (Tristin) Holbrook, Rylee (Riley) Beznoska, Tylan (Taylor) Holbrook, Travis Griffin (Ashley Cleveland), Derek, Connor, Emma and Casey Griffin; and great grandchildren Jessa Wildeman, Kaison, Kohen and Benson Beznoska, and Tilly and Boone Holbrook; sister’s-in-law Winn Gudmundson and Eleanor Moodie-Holmes, and numerous friends and extended family.

A very special thank you to Laurice Vollmer, Sandra O’Brien and Ellen Symington for supporting the family by taking Linda to chemo appointments throughout the years and for always being readily available to help whenever needed.  Also, a very special thank you to Dr. Lang and all the staff at the Davidson Health Centre for the loving and compassionate care Linda received.

A celebration of Linda’s life will be held on Friday, February 7th, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Harbor Golf Community Centre, Elbow SK. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Linda’s memory to the Davidson Health Trust Fun, cheques payable to the Town of Davidson. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

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.