Didur

Ivan Walter

Ivan Walter Didur of Kenaston passed away peacefully at the Davidson Health Centre on June 11, 2012 after a short illness with cancer.

Ivan was born in Davidson on Feb. 26, 1946 and later married Donna Butler of Bladworth on October 28, 1967 in Bladworth.

He is survived by his loving wife Donna; children Randy (Shawna) of Saskatoon and Bryon of Kenaston, as well as extra special friends Ben and Raylene Collins of Hanley; grandchildren Cassandra, Christina and Patrick of Saskatoon and Dawson of Elk Point Alberta; great-grandchildren Reece, Jersey, Paelyn and Aurora; brothers Paul (Joan) and Allan (Doris); mother-in-law Gene Butler; brother-in-law Ross Butler (Michelle); as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

Ivan was predeceased by his parents Mike and Lillian Didur; brother Steven; sister Irene Bruynooghe-Brown; father-in-law Carmen Butler; brother-in-law Daniel Bruynooghe and sister-in-law Laurel Butler.

Ivan received his education at Meuse and Kenaston schools.

In his earlier life he worked for farmers and was a bookkeeper in Toronto for six months. When he returned home Ivan and Donna were married and he worked for a farmer at Imperial. Ivan and Donna then moved to Saskatoon where he worked on construction of the Midtown Plaza for a year. Ivan and Donna then moved to the farm, as Ivan loved farming. Ivan then began repairing elevators for a year or so, in addition to farming, until his health started failing him. He then went to work for his neighbor.

Ivan and Bryon joined the Bladworth Elks about six years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Another joy of his life was camping at Manitou Beach at campsite #99 every year for many years. He also loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and special dog Halley. Ivan was always there to help anyone that asked or needed it.

The funeral service for Ivan was held on June 15, 2012 at the Bladworth Community Hall at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Gene Whitehead presiding. Ivan was laid to rest in the family plot in Bladworth Cemetery. The pallbearer was Ivan’s nephew Phillip Bruynooghe.

Ivan will be deeply loved and sadly missed by his wife, family and many friends and neighbors.

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

Spilchak

Donna Rebecca (nee McJannet)

December 2, 1956 – June 16, 2012

After a lengthy struggle with Multiple Sclerosis, Donna passed away peacefully on the morning of June 16. She is predeceased by her parents Helen (nee Bryan) and John R. McJannet and father-in-law Sam Spilchak. She is survived by her husband John; children Tanya and Jason; beloved dog Patra; and many close friends.

Donna was born in Davidson, Sask., the third of four children, growing up on the family farm and attending school in the area. After graduation, Donna attended the U of S to receive her teaching degree. In 1977, she left this occupation and married the love of her life, John Spilchak, with whom she had two children Tanya and Jason. Donna took great pride in her family’s accomplishments and loved volunteering at the school when able. In 1988, she was diagnosed with MS which caused a slow deterioration of her body, functioning and meant ongoing pain for many years. Despite these struggles, Donna remained positive and was always ready with a joke or laugh. Donna was always a creative soul, engaging in various crafts, painting and music. She was also very outgoing and sociable and loved spending time with her family and friends. Donna leaves us with a legacy of love, smiles and laughter.

A private funeral will be held, attendance by invitation. Memorial donations may be made to the MS Society of Canada.

Arrangements entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson, Sask.

Shirkey

Earl James, August 9, 1916 – June 4, 2012

Earl James Shirkey passed away on June 4, 2012 at the age of 95 years. He was predeceased by his first wife Agnes, son Ray Shirkey, sisters Bernice Parks, Evelyn Seaman and Mildred Rombough and brother Ray Shirkey. Left to cherish his memory are his loving partner, Lorrain Baade; his children Carole (Norman) Wardlaw, Ronald (Elizabeth) Shirkey, Daryl (Shelagh) Shirkey; Lorrain’s children Evelyn (Joe), Ruth (Rick), Laura Lee, Cyril (Carol) and Marian (Gord); Earl’s siblings Joyce Hodgins, Howard Shirkey and Donna Pritchard and Lorrain’s brother Ken (Phyl) Raymond, along with numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family and friends.

Earl resided in Imperial and farmed in the Imperial district his whole life. He enjoyed his farm site on the edge of Imperial where he maintained a large garden until his passing. The Shirkey family wishes to express gratitude to Lorrain and her family for the wonderful years and extended life that Earl enjoyed.

For those so wishing donations to Long Lake Valley Foundation, Box 94, Imperial, Sask. S0G 2J0 would be appreciated. Earl’s family thank you for attending and for joining them for lunch following the graveside service. The Funeral Service was held in the Imperial Community Centre, Imperial, Saskatchewan on Saturday, June 9 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating was Rev. Alison West. Honourary Pallbearers were Jack Rimmington, Rick Pritchard, Bill Lewis, Ken Raymond and Cyril Baade. Pianist was Sharon Crittenden. Special Music “Glow Worm” was provided by Carole Wardlaw. Pallbearers were David Wardlaw, Stuart Kunaman, Ron Shirkey Jr., Brent Pritchard, Tim Shirkey, David Baade and Brent Shirkey. Eulogy was given by Daryl Shirkey and Evelyn Baade. Interment took place in Imperial Cemetery. Following the graveside service a luncheon was provided by the ladies auxiliary. Fotheringham – McDougall Funeral Service of Watrous and Nokomis in care of arrangements.

Cruise

Edward Isaac (Ike) September 17, 1910 to May 22, 2012.

Born in Craik, Saskatchewan to Sam and Annie Cruise, Ike was the first in a family of four boys. After attending Cullyton school which was situated on the Cruise homestead quarter, Ike worked on the farm with his dad and on community threshing crews. He was interested in carpentry from an early age and his mother used her scarce resources to buy him tools. The combination of his enquiring mind and the resourcefulness required to survive early days on the prairies meant Ike could turn his hand to almost everything but he was attracted to carpentry. He farmed throughout the thirties working carpentry jobs during the off seasons. This trade took him to construction work on many local homes and businesses as well as projects like the Balcarres Hospital and the special needs Training School in Moose Jaw. The promise of long-term work on a large project took him to BC where he spent four years working on the construction of the hydro dam at Brilliant. Known widely for the quality of his work, the sharpness of his wit and his unbelievable memory, a visit with Ike always left you with some hearty chuckles, a fresh perspective on the world’s problems and, more than likely, a reminder of some foible in your past that you wish he had forgotten! He will be fondly remembered as he left a rich legacy of strong families, good work, favourite stories and many personal quips that never fail to bring a smile. Until his heart problems the first week of March, 2012, at the age of 101, Ike was living on his own in his home in Imperial, driving his truck (legally) and amazing everyone with his witty commentary and his genuine philosophy of life – genuine because he lived it. After 65 years of marriage, Ike was predeceased by his wife Lyda in 1996, two brothers George (2001) and Fred (2009) and sister-in-law Mildred (2010). He is lovingly remembered by his three children, son Larry (Elaine), daughters Anne (Terry) Harrison and Sharon (Bert) Reeves; ten grandchildren, Teresa (Melvin) Strachan, Les (Glenda) Reeves, Lori (Blair) Crawford, Rhonda (Steve) Petryk, Cheryl (Vern) Archibald, Myrna (Dean) Bittner, Michele (Dennis) Pratchler, Heather (Bill) Detwiller, Charles (Janelle) Cruise, Dwayne (Daphne) Cruise; twenty-four great-grandchildren, Tracy (Jason) Federspiel, Kathleen (Chad) MacLellan, Mitch Strachan, Zachary and Jared Reeves, Rylan, Tyler and Liam Crawford, Jordan and Nicholas Petryk, Deidre Harrison, Kemp Archibald, Rory and Emma Bittner, Bethany and Nathan Pratchler, Marci, Dawson, Daphne and Brayden Detwiller, Breanna and Tannis Cruise and three great-great-granddaughters, Chloe Federspiel and Siara and Paisley MacLellan. Also remembering Ike is his brother Ben and wife Isabel and sister-in-law Ruth Cruise, nieces, nephews and many cousins.

The funeral service for Edward Isaac (Ike) Cruise, aged 101, was held Saturday, May 26 at 2 p.m. at Imperial Community Centre, Imperial, Sask.

Officiant was Rev. Marilyn Keerak with Terry and Anne Harrison giving the eulogy. Pallbearers were Rylan Crawford, Tyler Crawford, Liam Crawford, Rory Bittner, Dawson Detwilller, Brayden Detwiller, Mitch Strachan and Jared Reeves. Ushers were Bill Lewis and Harvey McLane. Register attendants were Shirley Kelly and Cheryl Huebner. Sharon Crittenden was the pianist with the quartet of Mel McGifford, Craig Burgess, Ken Williams and Don Emde. Interment was at Imperial Cemetery.

May 9 (5:36 P.M.), 1971 – May 9 (5:36 P.M.), 2012

It was with great courage, strength and determination that Kirk (Target) crossed the finish line of this leg of his race on his 41st birthday at 5:36 p.m., the same day and time he entered this world in 1971.

The memory of Kirk “Target” will always be cherished by his loving wife and best friend Cindy (Aiello) of Calgary and their children Markus and Taiya; his mother, Arlene (Ray) Pelletier of Sherwood Park; his father, Dennis Schmiedge of Surfside, Costa Rica; sister Dana (Scott) Seebach and nieces Samantha and Madison Seebach of Sherwood Park; and his grandmother, Jean Schmiedge of Vernon, B.C.  He will be remembered forever by his in-laws, Ronald and Denise Aiello, sisters and brothers-in-law, aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Kirk lived life with no regrets and always honored what was important to him. He was an incredible husband and father who enjoyed sharing his love of sports with his family. Target was a national water polo player, an avid cyclist and a passionate hockey goalie. He was an inspiration to not only his many teammates but also his family, friends and fellow Calgary Police officers. Kirk dedicated, loved and took great pride in being a respected member of the Calgary Police Service. It was a blessing that he found a true calling in so many areas of his life.

We will never forget how he touched our lives. In lieu of flowers, Kirk established a sports fund for his children to be able to continue his legacy. Donations can be made through The Kirk Schmiedge Fund at Calgary Police Credit Union (5111 – 47 Street N.E., Calgary, Alta. T3J 3R2)

Those wishing to pay their respects were able to do so at McInnis & Holloway’s Crowfoot Chapel (82 Crowfoot Circle N.W.) on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Funeral Services were held at RockPointe Church (Corner of Lochend Road and Hwy 1A) on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.

In living memory of Kirk Schmiedge, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.

Foster 

Ruth Myrtle

It is with great sadness that the family of Ruth Myrtle Foster announces her passing on the 4th day of May, 2012 at the age of 87 years.

Ruth will be lovingly remembered by her children, Gary (Sandy), Brenda (Gary), Wendy (Henry), Joan (Troyha), David (Kelly) and Joy (Dave). Ruth will also be fondly remembered by her six grandchildren, Kaelene, Jeff, Cole, Christine, Jaimie, Tyler and numerous great-grandchildren. She will also be missed by her brother, Ralph Johnson (Maureen) and sister-in-law, Peggy Johnson.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents, Axel and Beda Johnson; husband, William; brothers, Ernie, Roy, George, Earl and infant sister, Anna.

Funeral services in memory of Ruth were held on Saturday, May 12th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Davidson, Sask.

Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Ruth to the Parkinson’s Society Saskatchewan, PO Box 29018, Saskatoon, Sask.,  T4N 4Y2.  To send condolences, please visit: www.connelly-mckinley.com