Category Archives: Obituary

IONE PATRICIA HOOPER (1950-2025)

September 14, 1950 – Regina, Saskatchewan

December 3, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ione Patricia Hooper, who succumbed to an eight-month battle with glioblastoma on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, in Calgary, AB. Surrounded by her family, Ione departed peacefully. She will be remembered by both her loved ones and the many friends whose lives were enriched by her graciousness, generosity, and optimism.

Ione was born on September 14, 1950, in Regina, SK, to Caroline Mary George and Noble Otto (Ted) Old. She completed her schooling in Davidson, SK, alongside her three sisters, Gloria Zdunich, Lee Old, and Bobbette Old. Academic and personal achievement led her to be awarded a full scholarship for undergraduate study at the University of Saskatchewan, Regina campus. She furthered her education at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC, earning her master’s degree in library sciences.

Drawn by an enduring appreciation for the prairies, open landscapes, and big skies, Ione made Alberta her home and, on May 11, 1974, married Harold Richard Hooper.

Beginning with cataloguing and following through to work in the Business and Rutherford Libraries, the majority of Ione’s career was at the University of Alberta. Her distinguished professional life was dedicated to fostering access to information, and she found immense fulfillment within the academic community.

Ione is survived by her three children, Christopher Peter (married to Janice Lesley Millar), Emma Patricia (married to Charles Robert Williams), and Erin Kathleen (married to Joshua Keith Macedo); as well as four grandchildren, Declan James Hooper, Stella Catherine Hooper, Aubrey Daniel Williams Hooper, and Kit Emerson Hooper Williams.

Ione’s interests were deep and diverse. She loved athletic outdoor pursuits, especially with friends and family, including running races from fun runs to full marathons, cycling events, and tours around the world, cross-country skiing, hiking, skating, and generally anything that kept her outdoors and moving. Travel and reading were two other lifelong loves. Ione eagerly sought new horizons and perspectives, by plane, train, bike, and foot, and in a constant stream of enthusiastically consumed books.

Ione exemplified the spirit of community through steadfast support, compassion, and the ability to inspire joy through adversity. She volunteered regularly for many charities and organisations, including the Calgary Reads Book Sale.

Beyond her immediate family, Ione leaves an indelible impression on an extensive circle of friends who will long cherish her unwavering positivity, thoughtful engagement, keen intellect, and deep, genuine interest in and concern for others.

Throughout life’s challenges—including those faced most recently—Ione demonstrated remarkable adaptability, resilience, and composure. The family expresses gratitude for having been part of Ione’s remarkable journey. Her enduring legacy will remain with all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Lawrence Anglican Church (5940 Lakeview Drive S.W., Calgary, AB) on January 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the church.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Provincial Office, Sun Life Place, 710, 10123 – 99 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1 Telephone: 1(866) 412-4222, https://albertacancer.ca/.

MARIEANNE BERNADETTE WEGNER

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Marieanne (Marion) Wegner of Craik, SK on November 29th, 2025 at the age of 91 years young.

She will be lovingly remembered by her family, son Mark and Teresa Wegner – grandson Michael, Ashley and Emma; grandson Brian, Kabri, Brielle and Nolan; granddaughter Stephanie, Damien and Gage. Daughters – Wanda and Brad Harder,  grandson Wayd, Brittany, Rayleigh, Cohen and Emarie Petruic; Glenda and Darin Sekulich, granddaughter Janelle, Kaylee Hjelsing and Oaklynn Desrosiers; grandson Cory, Sarah and Willow Hjelsing; Colette and Craig McCallum; Lorna and Gary Hodges, grandson Hayden, Melanie and Leila; grandson Quinn and Shannon; her brothers, Ken and Steff Schneider, John Schneider and her sister Patrica Fox as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Arnold of 57 years, her parents John and Helen Schneider, her in laws Emil and Olga Wegner, sister in laws- Joan Schneider, Hope Wegner and Lesa Watkins; brother in laws -Arthur Fox, Arthur Wegner, George Watkins and infant great granddaughter Rose Hjelsing.

A Funeral Mass was held at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Craik SK at 2 pm Monday December 8th, 2025.

Interment followed at Craik Cemetery.  

Memorial donations can be made to Craik St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Craik Sask.

Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson was in care of arrangements.

GLENNYS ALLAN KORACA (ENGLAND) 1947-2025)

Glennys Allan Koraca (née: England) aged 78 years of Moose Jaw,

Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 9 th ,

2025, at the Dr. F.H Wigmore Regional Hospital with family by

her side. Born on the 13 th of June 1947, Glennys was the second

of eight children born to Percy and Lydia England.

After training in the profession, Glennys worked as a

Hairdresser and continued to grace family and friends with her

expertise after switching career paths. She worked at Valley

View Centre in the housekeeping and kitchen departments. She

was an industrious worker and remained at Valley View Centre

until her retirement.

Glennys filled her free time with multiple activities. She

enjoyed Bingo, crosswords, crocheting, and knitting. She had a

soft heart and enjoyed reading romance novels, watching soap

operas, and watching Hallmark Christmas movies.

Glennys’ greatest joy and treasure was her family, especially

her grandchildren. She enjoyed sharing in their successes and

happiness and thoroughly enjoyed the time she spent with each of

them. She could often be heard bragging to friends, family, and

even strangers about how proud she was.

Glennys visited Europe on several occasions to spend time with

extended family, dip her feet in the Adriatic Sea, and explore

the culture. She had the biggest heart and offered a helping

hand to those she knew in need. She enjoyed and appreciated

each of her friends.

She was predeceased by both her parents; husbands, William

(Barry) Small and Ljubo (Louie) Koraca; her mothers and fathers-

in-law; sister, Linda; brothers, Lyle and Edgar; sister-in-law,

Pam; and brothers-in-law, Boris and Zelijko. Glennys leaves to

mourn, her loving children: Roxie Small, Juanita Small, Trena

Hales (Corby), Renata Tkatchuk (Todd), Ivan Warn, and Brad Warn

(Sharon); her precious grandchildren and the absolute apples of

her eye: William, Jackson, Luka, Ellie, Marko, Stephen, Amanda,

Arianna, Josh, and Desiree; siblings: Barrie (Jean) England,

Everett England, Calvin (Darlene) England, and Holly (Ron)

Lindquist; sister-in-law, Holly England; numerous nieces,

nephews; extended family in Europe; brothers-in-law: Branko

(Vessna) Koraca, Ingrid Koraca, and Bruno (Anita) Rabak; as well

as many dear friends in Canada and abroad.

Glennys’s family would like to extend their gratitude and a

special thank you to the staff at Providence Place and the

Medicine Unit staff at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital

for the care they provided.

A Celebration of Glennys’ Life will be held on Saturday, March

14 th, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club,

561 Home Street in Moose Jaw. In lieu of flowers, donations in

Glennys’ name may be made to the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation,

2217C Hanselman Court, Saskatoon, SK S7L 6A8, The Moose Jaw

Humane Society, Box 1658 Station Main, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7, or

to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to

Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Cara Ashworth,

Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

BRIAN WHYTE (1957-2025)

 December 5, 1957 – November 17, 2025

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Brian Whyte on November 17, 2025, at the Davidson Health Centre, at the age of 67 years.

Brian was the only son of Ray and Helen Whyte. He was born in Davidson on December 3, 1957, and was raised in a number of small Saskatchewan communities, including Kandahar, Lestock, and Foam Lake, before returning to Davidson as a teenager.

He spent a number of years working in Seismic oil exploration, which enabled him to travel to many great locations in both Canada and the US. He then moved on to working for Calgary Transit, and remained there until his retirement three years ago. When he retired he chose to move back to Davidson, because for him this was always home.

Brian loved both curling and golfing, but his main interest was always music and cars. Over the years he owned a number of great classic vehicles. His favourites were definitely his BMW’s.

Brian was quiet, seldom speaking unless he really had something to say. But in the right circumstances, usually while hanging out with friends, you would hear him laughing – he had such a great laugh!

At Brian’s request there won’t be a funeral service.

James Douglas Dale (1934-2025)

Feb. 6, 1934 – Nov. 17, 2025

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of James Douglas Dale on Nov 17, 2025 at the age of 91.  Doug was born near Craik, Saskatchewan on February 6, 1934, to Bertha (nee Lee) and David Dale.  He lived on a mixed farm with his parents and sisters, going to Foxbury country school and later Aylesbury for grade 12. After attending the School of Agriculture at the U of S, he returned to the family farm in 1954. He married Hilda Schaffer in 1964 and farmed with his parents, children, and grandchildren until his death.

He was involved in many local and provincial organizations including: 4-H, the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society, the Craik Oral History Group, local and district agricultural society/board, and he was a devoted provincial and federal Conservative his whole life.  He attended the United Church in Foxbury, Aylesbury, and Craik.

He is predeceased by his parents and sister Pat Falk.  He is survived by his wife Hilda Dale, his sister Margaret (Greg) Osmond, his children Lisa Dale-Burnett (Brady Burnett), David Dale (Beth Barrett), his grandsons James (Kayla) Dale, and William Burnett (Sabrina Steele), and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life was held in the Craik United Church, Craik, SK. on Saturday, Nov 22, 2025. For those so wishing, donations in Doug’s memory may be made to the Craik United Church or charity of choice. Hanson’s Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Shirley Willner (1935-2025)

March 31, 1935 – November 20, 2025

Shirley Willner of Assiniboia, SK, passed away peacefully at the Grasslands Health Centre in Rockglen, Saskatchewan, on November 20, 2025, at the age of 90 years.

Shirley was born on March 31, 1935 on the family homestead near Davidson, SK, to Herbert and Dorothy (née Ellis) Willner. She attended Kipp School for her early grades and completed high school in Davidson. She later pursued her post-secondary education at Robertson Secretarial School.

In the early 60’s Assiniboia became home, and in 1976. the family moved to an acreage outside of town. It was there that Shirley developed a special interest in Great Horned Owls after the rare occurrence of them nesting in the shelterbelt. She later wrote an article about the owls that was published, and from that time on, her cherished owl collection began to grow.

Shirley was the secretary at the Assiniboia Composite High School and later joined Jack and Lewan’s, which became Lewan and Associates, eventually completing her career with Lewan’s and Ford. She retired in 2000, which gifted Shirley the time she treasured most, being with her grandchildren. Her house, which was just a few blocks from 7th Avenue School, became a beloved after-school home.

Shirley was musically gifted; she was an active member of the Community Band and the local Music Festivals, accompanying many students, including her own children and also enjoyed playing with the Ole Tyme Fiddlers.

Shirley is survived by her daughter Elaine (Chris) Hannah; grandson Keelan (Chantel) and great-grandchildren Briggs and Reggie; granddaughter Patsy (Jesse) and great-granddaughter Kora; her son Murray Brunt (Dawn Maclachlan); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Herb and Dorothy Willner, brother Glenn and sister-in-law Marjorie Willner.

Our Mom’s later years were marked by her courageous battle with dementia, a journey that slowly stole pieces of her warmth and humour, and the beautiful spirit we all cherished. Our family extends a tremendous and heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Grasslands Health Centre for the exceptional care and compassion they provided to our mom and grandma. We are forever grateful.

A Private Family Interment will be held at a later date in Davidson, SK.