Kenaston, Obituary

Obituary: Ouellette, Anne

Anne Ouellette (Strmotich)
June 29, 1940 — January 4, 2017

Anne passed away peacefully in Saskatoon on Jan. 4, 2017. She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 58 years Gerald (Gerry) Ouellette, daughter Carol Kidd (Byron), sons Perry (Betty), Glenn, Doug (Denise), grandchildren Mark, Brody (Jelena), Kimberley, Dayna, Nicole, Mackenzie, Madison, Kristina and great-grandchildren Maximilian and Tyler. She was predeceased by grandson Robin in 1982.

Anne was born on the family farm northwest of Bladworth, Sask. She attended school in Bladworth and Kenaston where she was active in school sports. As a “stay-at-home mom,” Anne provided a warm, loving environment for their four children. As a loving wife and mother, she provided support and encouragement, and was always just a phone call away. If she could, she would always help. She enjoyed sewing and making crafts, particularly her Christmas Village, a favourite project that grew every year!

For many years, while the grandchildren were still young, Anne looked forward to the family summer vacations, first at Waskesiu, Sask., and then Fairmont, B.C. In later years she enjoyed her bowling league and many friendships.

Anne is survived by her brothers George (Mac) and Frank, sisters Mary and Kay. She especially treasured her relationships with Mac and Mary. A special thank-you to a dear family friend, Pat Confrey, for many years of love and support.

Anne was predeceased by her beloved parents, Josip (Joe) and Matija (Matilda) and siblings Tony, John, Peter, Nick, Joe Jr. and Fran.

At Anne’s request a graveside service will be held at Kenaston in early spring 2017. Arrangements in care of Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson.

Davidson, featured

Local input still welcome in move to single health region

web-healthcentre

By Joel van der Veen

REGINA — Rural residents will still be heard when it comes to their health services, even as Saskatchewan begins its transition to a single provincial health authority.

That was the message from rural and remote health minister Greg Ottenbreit last week, as he spoke with the Leader about the impending changes to the structure of the province’s health care system.

Ottenbreit said Thursday that a gradual transition would be important to avoid the pitfalls that plagued other provinces like Alberta during similar transformations.

The upcoming change from 12 regional health authorities (RHAs) to a single provincial body has also prompted some concerns about a potential lack of local representation.

The minister said that community advisory committees will be able to report directly to the authority board, thus ensuring those local voices are still heard.

“There will be an avenue for communication that way,” he said. “We’ll welcome a strong voice from rural Saskatchewan.”

Part of that input will also come from rural MLAs, Ottenbreit added, saying that elected members will continue advocating for their constituents.

The Davidson-Craik corridor is served by a team of three doctors, and while the arrangement has met with success, it is complicated somewhat since the two towns are in separate health regions.

Davidson, Loreburn and Kenaston are part of Heartland Health Region, headquartered in Rosetown, while Craik is part of Five Hills Health Region, centred in Moose Jaw.

Ottenbreit said the two regions have collaborated well in this regard, but not all issues have been easily addressed.

“There’s still that border that does get in the way from time to time,” he said, adding that moving to one region would remove that boundary and the complications that come with it.

Health minister Jim Reiter announced Wednesday that the government would move forward with replacing the 12 RHAs with one single provincial health authority.

In doing so, the government is accepting the recommendations of a three-member advisory panel, established by former health minister Dustin Duncan in August 2016 to offer guidance on the future structure of the province’s health care system.

In a statement, Reiter said the change was about consolidating administration, not centralizing services, and expressed the government’s commitment to “providing high-quality health services in every part of the province.”

The report also recommended that the authority be governed by a single appointed board of directors, along with system-wide improvements such as the consolidation of administrative support and some clinical services.

The ministry of health has begun planning the implementation of the announced changes, with the goal of bringing the new health authority into being in the fall of 2017.

For the full story, please see the Jan. 9 edition of The Davidson Leader, or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.

Davidson, Sports

Close finish as Cyclones slide past Drake in 6-5 win

The Davidson Cyclones' Brett Ward shoots the puck past Drake Canucks goalie Calvin Bartel during Wednesday's game, thus reclaiming the lead in the third period.
The Davidson Cyclones’ Brett Ward shoots the puck past Drake Canucks goalie Calvin Bartel during Wednesday’s game, thus reclaiming the lead in the third period.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — A narrow 6-5 win over the Drake Canucks made an exciting start to 2017 for the Davidson Cyclones.

The teams faced off at the Davidson Communiplex on Wednesday before a modest but eager crowd.

Cyclones coach Brad Morrison said it was a solid game for both the defence and offence, though some penalties made the team vulnerable at certain points.

“Drake was really capitalizing on their power plays,” he said. “We were taking some bad penalties at the wrong times.”

Davidson’s Rhyse Dieno had the only goal of the first period with 17:45 remaining, assisted by Chad Manz and Bryce Prpick.

Carter Coben tied the score at the top of period two with a goal for Drake (18:43), followed by three consecutive goals for Davidson.

Cyclones captain Derek Allan scored the first of those (18:12), followed by a goal by Brett Ward (15:47). Allan scored again with 15:21 remaining to give Davidson a 4-1 lead.

Drake closed the period with two more goals, scored by Adam Hendry (8:59) and Matt Spafford (2:33).

The third period began with another goal for Drake, scored by Jim Bubnick (9:11), tying the score at 4-4.

Davidson reclaimed the lead with back-to-back goals, the first by Brett Ward (8:15) and the second by Chad Manz (6:43).

Jim Bubnick then scored a second goal for Drake (4:45), ensuring the game remained close right to the end.

Morrison had praise in particular for goalie Brady Willner, complimenting him on his rebound control.

Willner stopped 38 out of 43 shots on net, shutting out Drake entirely in the first period.

“Things are (moving) forward as we get more in shape and as our guys get skating more,” Morrison said Thursday.

Attendance in recent games has wavered, with some players sick with the flu or travelling over the holidays. Morrison himself had to miss a recent road game in Drake due to illness.

“It’s tough to find chemistry,” he observed. “You never know who’s going to be there for the games . . . We make do with what we get.”

Still, he added, the players are dedicated and are building that chemistry as the season progresses.

As of Friday, the Cyclones had a 7-6-1-1 record for the season so far, placing them at third out of five teams in the Long Lake Hockey League.

For the full story, please see the Jan. 9 edition of The Davidson Leader, or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.

Kenaston, Obituary

Obituary: Didur, Verla

web-obit-didurVerla Doreen Didur (nee Graham)

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved mother, Verla. After an extended stay in hospital, mom gently went to sleep on the morning of December 27, 2016.

Mom was best known for her love of people. Her quick smile, the twinkle in her eye when she was up to something and genuine interest in people was an integral part of her whole life. Even while in the hospital, mom continued to teach us lessons in kindness and unselfishness. She leaves behind many family and friends who will miss her deeply but are reminded of scriptures such as Revelations 21:3, 4 which was also a comfort to mom. Sleep well mom.

At Verla’s request, there will be no service. Arrangements in care of Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson.

Craik, Obituary

Obituary: Dixon, JoAnne

web-obit-dixonDixon, JoAnne
1970 — 2016

With great sadness we announce the sudden passing of JoAnne (Garbiar) Dixon. JoAnne was an extraordinary human being. Anyone who was welcomed into JoAnne’s home was always amazed at how she made them feel like part of the family and how everlasting that simple gesture was. There wasn’t anything JoAnne didn’t do for her family, whether it be driving to the middle of nowhere for sports tournaments and rodeos, to helping her husband Darren on the family ranch.

While raising her three kids she found the time to put herself through secondary education as a special care aide. JoAnne worked for many years in various health care facilities. JoAnne’s love for the ranch led to her raising a successful goat herd with her son Clayton, taking care of orphan calves, long cattle drives, and many date nights with her husband checking on the newborns during calving season. If JoAnne wasn’t at the ranch, you could find her in her favourite place at the lake putting her feet up and relaxing.

JoAnne’s strength was always something to be admired. At the young age of 12 she was diagnosed with cancer, but she faced it head on and became not only a cancer survivor but also a thriver. In life she always accomplished everything she set her mind to, while helping others reach their own success.

JoAnne is survived by her loving family: husband Darren; daughters Chelsey and Cortni; parents John and Carol Garbiar; brothers Joe (Lisa) and Trevor (Ginger) Garbiar; mother- and father-in-law Wayne and Pat Dixon; brother-in-law Tony (Kourtney) Dixon; and countless cousins, nieces, and nephews. JoAnne was predeceased by her son Clayton.

JoAnne’s celebration of life was a private family service on Thursday, January 5, in the Aylesbury hall at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Clayton Dixon Cowboy Crisis Fund. Donations can be sent to Box 76, Chamberlain SK, S0G 0R0.

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

Kenaston, Obituary

Obituary: Prpich, Joseph

web-obit-prpichJoseph G. Prpich
Jan. 24, 1930 — Dec. 9, 2016

Joe passed away peacefully on December 9 at the age of 86 after a brief illness. He was predeceased by three siblings in Yugoslavia, his parents Manda (’83) and Steve (’94), brothers Ivan (’94) and Sam (’07), son Mitch (’96) and grandson Tyler (’94). Joe is remembered by his wife Marion of 57 years; sons Steve (Adrienne) and their children Mike (Julia), Chris (Jenn), Jen (Derek), Nick (Mackenzie) and Brittany (Brandon); son Rock (Reagan) and children Van and Jett; son Nick (Charlene) and children Tom, Tony, Alex and Katie; as well as nine great-grandchildren. Joe was born on the farm east of Kenaston in 1930, where he lived and farmed until his passing.

The Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016 at St. Andrew’s R.C. Church in Kenaston. Memorial donations in memory of Joe may be directed to the Kenaston Fire Department and first responders or the Kenaston Community Rec. Board (KCRB). We imagine dad is sitting somewhere surrounded with family and friends who have passed before him with a smile on his face and a cold beer in his hand. Arrangements in care of Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson.

The Davidson Leader, Davidson, Saskatchewan