Sandy Manz (nee Gust)

Sandy Gust was born in Davidson to Robert and Nina Gust on January 20, 1955. She is the oldest of eight children. She met Vernon Manz in Sunday School and they started dating in Grade 9. They were married on March 3, 1973. They began their life together in Davidson and soon gave birth to their first daughter Pam. They moved to Saskatoon in 1975 and had their second daughter Krista. Not even one year later, their son Perry arrived. They lived in Saskatoon for 10 years during which time Sandy enjoyed running a daycare out of their home. In the spring of 1984, they moved back to Davidson and she began a long career of working at the local grocery store for 23 years and most recently she was employed with the Town of Davidson for seven years.

Sandy enjoyed playing and watching various sports including volleyball, basketball, swimming, softball, golfing and track. She also enjoyed 4-H, sewing and crafting. She loved singing and for years was in the Lutheran Church choir as well as Harmony Suite, and sang numerous solos at weddings and funerals. She had a beautiful voice.

In 1998, after their children left home, Sandy and Vern went on a tropical vacation to Manzanillo, Mexico and soon realized they loved the weather, beaches, snorkeling and meeting new people. They continued to go to various destinations in the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Mexico. They thoroughly enjoyed these holidays and looked forward to them yearly, especially the last few with Tory and Nikki and Bill and Joan.

In 2014, Sandy began to experience health issues and ultimately, she succumbed to cancer. Sandy was spiritual, inspirational, graceful and strong-willed until the end. She never complained about her failing health and was always more concerned about others than herself.

Sandy passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on October 25, 2016 at the Davidson Health Centre. Her family will be forever grateful for the outstanding care and compassion shown by the entire staff during her brief stay.

Sandy will be fondly remembered and forever missed by her friends and family. She is survived by her husband Vernon, her children and grandchildren, Pam and Wyatt, Krista (Shaun), Skye, Ryker, Sierra, and Ryder and Perry (Carol), Brooklyn and Luke She is also survived by her parents Robert and Nina Gust as well as siblings Les (Tammie) Gust, Sharon (Rob) Trimble, Gloria (Alan) Gieselman, Brian (Samantha) Gust, Carleton (Carol) Gust, Brad (Tammy) Gust, Trevor (Vanessa) Gust, Maxine (Ted) Skibinsky, Crystal (Neil) White, Marvin (Donna) Manz, Darwyn (Bernie) Manz, Dana Gayle (Les) Dahl, Marcia Palmer, Marla (Marvin) Dezotell and Darryl (Noreen) Manz, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, godchildren, nieces and nephews, friends and extended family. She is predeceased by her grandparents, Vernon’s parents Leonard and Joyce Manz, and brother-in-law Gary Manz.

In lieu of flowers, Sandy wished any donations be made to the Spina Bifida Association of Canada, the Davidson Redeemer Lutheran Church or the Davidson Health Centre.

On August 1, 1947, Gary Manz was born in Davidson, Sask., to Leonard and Joyce Manz. He was the oldest of 10 children.

Gary attended Campbell school, then to Davidson to complete his Grade 12 at the young age of 16. He then furthered his education in Saskatoon and Moose Jaw training as a chartered accountant.

The next years, he worked for three multi-national corporations where he excelled to executive levels. These promotions took him to various locations such as Montreal, Pittsburgh, Jamaica, etc., ending in Toronto.

Gary excelled in curling and one of his claims to fame is that he lost in the Ontario provincial finals to the famous Russ Howard team. He played, coached, and generously supported many sports teams. Gary mentored and sponsored many people with alcohol and drug dependencies.

In 2009 he was diagnosed with COPD. A year later, he moved to Davidson, which was a huge adjustment for him, but he made the best of it.

During the last six years, he helped others with his accounting expertise and was very involved in the Lutheran church.

Two of his favourite things to do were curling and playing cards. He curled for about three seasons, enjoyed it very much, and was president of the club. He regularly played bridge with the local bridge club and made many friends there.

His cheerful and always upbeat attitude gave us joy. He affected a lot of people here with his humour and friendliness. He never complained about his failing health and always cared more about others than himself.

Gary passed away Sept. 11, 2016 in the Pasqua hospital in Regina. A service was held Thursday, Sept. 15 at 2:00 p.m. at the Catholic church in Davidson. He was buried in the Davidson cemetery. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home, Davidson.

Gary will be sadly missed by his family: Maxine and Ted Skibinsky, Crystal and Neil White, Marvin and Donna Manz, Vernon and Sandy Manz, Darwyn and Bernie Manz, Dana Gayle and Les Dahl, Marcia Palmer, Marla and Marvin Dezotell, and Darryl and Noreen Manz, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Gary’s family would like to thank all of you for your support in food, cards, flowers, visits, and those who attended his service. He will be sadly missed by all of us.