Low
On Saturday, December 14, with the snow softly falling, family and friends gathered at the Bladworth Cemetery to remember and honour Terry “Cash” Low. The service beautifully led by Brian Hanson, included Terry’s uncle Bill Tomyn reading Psalm 23 and concluded with all reciting “The Lord’s Prayer”. Lovingly placed by family members were red roses while grandchildren released white balloons for Grandpa. Following the service people were greeted by Don and Leslie Cunningham at the Bladworth Elks hall to celebrate Cash’s life. With some of Cash’s favourite songs playing in the background, those gathered enjoyed sharing their memories. His son Jason led everyone in a heart-warming toast while showing on a screen was a video presentation created by his daughter Jamie – a montage of photos of Cash and his family taken through the years. Terry was born in Craik to Jim and Jeanette Low and grew up in Girvin. He lived in a variety of places, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Regina, Bladworth and Davidson. Cash married his soul mate Annette Muzyka and together they raised three children Jason, Janna and Jamie. They in turn brought new family members Arlene, Charlie and Rogan and grandchildren Austin, Aiden, Farrah and Finn. He passed into eternity on November 21 at his home surrounded by those he loved.
Terry is survived by: Annette, children Jason and Arlene, Janna and Charlie Gray, Jamie and Rogan Busche and grandchildren Austin and Aiden Gray and Farrah and Finn Low, sisters Mary Lynne and Paul Golphy and Bonnie Jean Low. Also numerous aunts and uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Jim and Jeanette, in-laws Liz and Edward Muzyka, his grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Here’s to the man the world knows as Cash
And our family knows as Dad
He was friendly, loyal, loud and proud
And was the best father we could have had.
He was a gentleman, a scholar and lover of fine drink
But spending time with family and friends was his favourite I think
He would want us to be happy and not shed anymore tears
But rather tell stories and laugh over a few beers
So join me ladies and lasses and please raise you glasses
Here’s to you Dad.
He lived his life for those he loved.

Lawrence, Bernice
Nov. 29, 1911 – Dec. 9, 2013
Bernice Lawrence passed away peacefully on December 9, 2013 at the age of 102 years. She was a loving and caring mother, grandma, great-grandma and great-great-grandma who devoted herself to her family. Bernice was predeceased by her husband Norman (Ted, parents Ralph and Neva Armstrong, brothers Don and Bernard Armstrong, sisters Genevieve Hill and Geraldine Cummings. Left to cherish her memory are her sons Norman (Auldine) of Regina and Gary (Loraine) of Calgary; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law Gerda Lawrence (Hanley, Sask.), Ruby Lawrence (St. Paul, MN), and Finnie Armstrong (Surrey, B.C.), as well as many nieces and nephews. Bernice was proud to call Hanley, Sask. her home for 99 years and cherished the many friends she had there. The family would like to thank Sandra and the staff at Two Hearts Personal Care Home and Starla and the staff at The Star Treatment Home in Regina for their incredible care and compassion. A celebration of Bernice’s wonderful life took place at one o’clock Monday, December 16, 2013 at the Hanley Evangelical Lutheran Church. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

Harriet Alexandra (Tommie) Weir
April 22, 1923 – November 26, 2013

Harriet Alexandra (Tommie) Weir (née Thompson,) age 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at Hillcrest Place in Brandon, Manitoba, with her family by her side.

Tommie was born April 22, 1923 on the family farm near Davidson, Saskatchewan the ninth of Harold (Harry) and Olivia Thompson’s fourteen children. Raised in Davidson, she trained as a Registered Nurse at the Regina General Hospital. There she became better known by her nickname Tommie, a derivative of her maiden name. The name stuck; her given name common only among her extended family.

While nursing at the Regina General Hospital, Tommie caught the eye of Walter Weir, a young man from High Bluff and Portage la Prairie who was apprenticing as a funeral director with Speers Funeral Home. Walter informed his parents, Maude (Christina Maude Cox-Smith) and Dick (James Dixon) Weir, who then resided in Winnipeg, that he was bringing his friend Tommie home for Christmas. Much to their shock, Tommie turned out to be a young woman. Maude quickly changed the sleeping arrangements while Dick poured Tommie her first drink!

Tommie and Walter married at the United Church in Davidson on November 3, 1951. They moved to Portage la Prairie where Walter began work at McMaster Funeral Home and Tommie worked as a nurse at the Portage General Hospital, residing in a suite over Hill’s Pharmacy. Their first child, Leslie Enid, was born shortly after and the young family moved to Minnedosa shortly after as the new owners of Weir’s Funeral Home (complete with local ambulance service, flower shop and furniture store, a common combination at the time.) Three sons came along over the next few years; John Dixon, James Patrick and Hugh Cameron.

Walter was elected as a member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly in 1959 under Progressive Conservative Premier Duff Roblin, requiring him to be away from home a great deal. Tommie kept the family and their business on an even keel. Walter’s appointment as a Cabinet Minister led to a move to Winnipeg in 1963 and eventual sale of the funeral home to Hugh Sanderson, a long-time employee, but developed the cottage as a connection for family and community.

In November, 1967, Walter succeeded Duff Roblin as Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba, hence becoming the Premier of the Province, a post he proudly held when he presided over the official opening of the Red River Floodway in 1968 and when together he and Tommie participated in hosting Manitoba’s Centennial celebrations, including the historic visit of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1970.

Tommie weathered the highs, lows and stresses of many election campaigns by Walter’s side. They were partners in public life. Their home was a gathering place for political colleagues and respected opponents, Minnedosa constituents and people from all walks of life who enjoyed their friendship and hospitality.

Retiring from public life in 1971, Walter and Tommie made their new home in Mississauga, Ontario, where Walter became President of Service Corporation International Canada and later joined Memorial Gardens. Their three sons kept life interesting and they enjoyed new friendships with neighbours and more frequent visits with “eastern” relatives. Five years later they decided to return to their roots, moving home to Minnedosa where Walter established a financial planning and insurance business. Tommie became involved in the community, particularly enjoying her leadership role in celebrating Minnedosa’s Centennial in 1983 and the Canada Summer Games in 1997. She tended a large garden for many years that kept her busy pickling and canning things that she loved to share with others. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and crafts which will remain family treasures.

When Walter passed away unexpectedly in April, 1985, Tommie rose to the challenge of being family matriarch. She continued to be interested and involved in the lives of her children, grandchildren and her extended family. In earlier years Tommie enjoyed walks around the dam and beach road near her home in Minnedosa. She took care of and remembered countless relatives, friends and neighbours throughout the years, always finding ways to show kindness to others, whether it was funny cards, gag gifts her Halloween goodie bags, gifts of Christmas baking, decorated Christmas brooms or home-made antipasto, candy or fudge. In recent years crosswords kept her mind sharp and her vocabulary impressive. She enjoyed following sports, especially favourite players, always pleased to win a few dollars from Cam on their friendly bets.

Tommie was predeceased by her parents Olivia and Harry Thompson, husband Walter, his parents, Maude and Dick Weir, and her brother-in-law Bill Weir; her sisters, Nettie Frances, Gladys, Bertha Paintin and husband Claude, Lillian Bigg and husband Robert, Helen Hrubetz, Olivia Gillespie and husband Harold and brothers Stanley, Leslie, Alex, Robert (Barney) and his wife Margaret and their son Dale, who always had a special place in her heart.

Tommie also cherished the memory of beloved pets that were part of her family over the years, Mike, Tinkerbelle, Tuffy-Lin, Tuk, Brando, Quinn and Kayla and more recently time with Lynx, Patches and Comet.

Mom will be missed by her children, Leslie, her partner Terry Cheater and his family, granddaughter Kara Frain and husband Gord Dowhan, great-granddaughter Victoria Mary Dowhan (born after Mom’s passing), John Weir, J.P. (Pat) Weir, his partner Theressa Treloar and her family, Cam and his wife Alison Weir and their sons Nigel and Tyler as well as her sisters May Gill and her husband Bev (Unionville, ON,) Grace Halstead and her husband Ludwig (Skip) (Thomasville, Georgia,) brother Glenn Thompson and his wife Jesmond (Gimli, MB) and Leslie’s widow Elizabeth (Betty) Thompson in the United States in addition to many nieces, nephews and her vast extended family.

Leslie, John and Cam extend heartfelt appreciation to Pat and Theressa for always being there for Mom.

In accordance with Mom’s wishes, a private family service will be held and her remains will be interred next to Walter at the Minnedosa Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Should you wish to honour Tommie’s life please show kindness to someone who may be lonely or alone or make a gift in her memory to a cause you care about. Her family is thankful for her long life, well lived. Messages of condolence may be posted at www.brockiedonovan.com. Arrangements are in care of Brockie Donovan Funeral and Cremation Services, Brandon, MB, (204) 727-0694.

Lowdermilk
God has taken another angel home. Edna Mae Lowdermilk born on January 4, 1926 passed away peacefully on December 3, 2013 at the Davidson Health Centre where she lived since she moved from Kenaston in 2005. She has gone to be with the lord and to be reunited with departed family members.
Loving mother to Leslie (Marie), Linda (Richard), Lorne (Heather), Lee (MaryEllen). She will be sadly missed by ten grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, five sisters Fay, Lois, Fern, Marie, Doris and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members. Edna was predeceased by her parents Irwin and Minnie Ames, husband Bernard, grandsons Steven and Rosco Lowdermilk and sister Jean and brothers Cecil and Orville.
Edna was born in Davidson and lived on the Ames family farm until 1945 when she went to Saskatoon and took a secretarial course and lived with her sister Marie who was also attending school. She married Bernard September 1, 1949 and moved to the farm in Kenaston where they lived until 1982 when they built a new house in town and lived till moving to Davidson. She enjoyed gardening and her flowers gave her great pride. She loved spending time with her children and helping Bernard on the farm as best she could. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and loved it when they would come and stay with her. She didn’t have a lot of hobbies but did enjoy needlework. After moving to town Bernard and her were regulars at weekly bingo games. She also enjoyed carpetbowling at the Adams Centre or just going to visit with friends there. They also attended many dances at the old hall as they both liked to dance and listen to music.
The interment for Edna will be held at a later date. For friends so wishing memorials in memory of her may be directed to the Davidson Health Centre.
Hanson’s Funeral Home in Davidson in care of arrangements.

Pavelich
The peaceful death of Mrs. Emelia “Amy” Caroline Pavelich (nee Schneider), 82 years of St. Mary’s Villa, Humboldt and formerly of Davidson and Bladworth, occurred on Monday, November 18, 2013. Amy was born on May 14, 1931 at Allan to Michael and Catherine (nee Feist) Schneider. She grew up in a family of nine and attended Limestone Hill School. Following her education, she worked at domestic jobs for various families in the area. Amy met Lawrence Pavelich at a dance in Allan and they were married on October 16, 1950 in Seltz, Sask. Their only son, Peter was born in the same house in which Amy had been born. They operated a mixed farm in the Bladworth area. Amy loved gardening and tending to her many beautiful flowers, especially her red poppies, which were not only decorative but used in her baking as well. She was gifted at cooking and baking, with her specialties being buns, apple pies, kooka, cinnamon buns and perogies. Peter remembers coming home from school almost daily to a freshly baked apple pie. Amy enjoyed crocheting, making afghans and doilies. She was very meticulous with her cleaning and she kept their home spotless. Amy was a statistician, keeping accurate records of the weather for many years. She was vocal about her political views, writing many letters to the government officials, feeling that you couldn’t be heard, if you didn’t write. She also filled many little books with the many poems she wrote over the years. Amy and Lawrence loved to dance, belonging to several dance clubs and attending dances throughout the province. In 1995, they retired to Davidson, where they lived for 12 years before moving to Humboldt. In January 2013, due to Alzheimer’s, she made the move to St. Mary’s Villa. Amy’s family meant everything to her, they may have been few in number but they shared a very special bond. Amy will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her husband of 63 years, Lawrence Pavelich; son Peter (Debra) Pavelich; granddaughter Carla (Michael) Barlage and children Logan, Noah and Paige; and grandson Cory (Janelle) Pavelich and children Carter and Kenzie, all of Humboldt; two brothers and two sisters: Pius Schneider of Aberdeen, SD, Marcella Mitzel of Sunnyside, WA, Terri (Ed) Haberman of Victoria, B.C., and Lawrence (Kaye) Schneider of Stony Plain, Alta.; sister-in-law Grace Schneider; in-laws of the Pavelich family, Vincent (Pat) Pavelich and Shirley (Dale) Weisner, all of Kenaston; and numerous nieces and nephews. Amy was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Catherine Schneider; brothers and sisters: Andrew (Shirley) Schneider, Elizabeth (Ken) Christopher, Ray (Lucy) Schneider and Jerome Schneider; brothers and sisters-in-law: Pete Mitzel, Francis (Jim) Irvin, Mary (John) Howard, Ann Pavelich, John Pavelich, Helen (Bill) Kardish, Joe (Mary) Pavelich, Steve Pavelich and Andrew Pavelich. The Funeral Mass was held on Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, Humboldt celebrated by Fr. Gregory Roth. Interment followed at the St. Augustine Parish Cemetery. Memorial donations in Amy’s memory may be directed to the St. Mary’s Villa Foundation. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Malinoski & Danyluik Funeral Home, Humboldt (306-682-1622).

Kretsch
Leonard William Kretsch of Elbow, Sask., age 86 passed away peacefully on Monday, October 28, 2013 at the Davidson Health Centre, Davidson, Sask.
Leonard is survived by his loving family: wife Doreen; stepdaughter Linda Butcher; niece Sharlene Theede; brother Milton (Helen) Kretsch; sister Bernice (Norman) Monich; sister-in-law Donna Kretsch; also numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.
The Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 1 p.m. from the Bethel Lutheran Church, Elbow, Sask. with celebrants Rev. Father Stephen Ripplinger and Rev. Father Joseph Gyim-Austin officiating.
Interment in the family plot, Elbow Community Cemetery, Elbow, Sask.
For friends so wishing memorials in memory of Leonard may be directed to the charity of your choice.
Hanson’s Funeral Home, Davidson, Sask. in care of arrangements. Phone 306-567-2020; fax 306-567-2000. Email: hansonsfuneralhome@sasktel.net