By Kevin Gilby
Davidson’s Annual Christmas Parade continued to unite friends and families this holiday season. Resi- dents lined the parade route which snaked through town on Dec. 16 in hopes of collecting some candy and maybe sneak a peek at Santa a little bit early. Davidson’s volunteer firefighters, local businesses, organizations and local government all participated to bring joy to the holiday season.
(October 11, 1940 – December 6, 2024)
Carole Wardlaw passed away peacefully in the presence of her family at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary on December 6th, 2024. Thank you to the staff at FMC who were professional and compassionate.
Carole was born in the town of Simpson, Saskatchewan in 1940 and grew up in the Town of Imperial with her parents Earl and Agnes Shirkey, and brothers Raymond, Ron and Daryl. She was a member of the United Church Young Peoples group in Saskatoon and forged many lasting relationships.
She attended the University of Saskatchewan where she graduated with an English and Teaching degree in 1963. Her true love was in piano performance where her natural musical ability led to becoming an Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music (ARCT) in Toronto. Carole excelled at many musical genres, from classical to improvised jazz to Happy Birthday for her family and friends. Carole could not only play from sheet music but she had the gift of playing by ear “just hum a few notes and she could play the song”. Carole was inspired by her Imperial music teacher and friend, Isabel Lewis, and honed her iconic music career.
Carole met Norman Wardlaw at the University of Saskatchewan and was married in New York in 1964 which was soon followed by a very enjoyable wedding reception in Imperial. Together they had two sons, David and Richard and settled in Calgary in 1972. While raising her family, Carole combined her teaching and musical gifts to become a well loved and dedicated teacher at Montessori School. She conducted annual Christmas concerts and assemblies that were enjoyed by students and parents alike.
Carole loved baking shortbread cookies with her granddaughters Olivia, Ayla, Sophia and Clara. She had a deep love of life and spent many joyful hours birdwatching and exploring the outdoors. She was a devoted member of the Evergreens Outdoor Club, Morning Musicale, and a competitive Scrabble group where she formed lasting friendships.
Carole was predeceased by her brother, Raymond (Maria) and her brother-in-law, Alastair (Jackie). She is survived by her loving husband, Norman Wardlaw, her sons, David (Patti) and Richard (Jennifer) and four wonderful grandchildren, her brothers, Ronald (Elizabeth) and Daryl (Shelagh) and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life for Carole will be held at Chapel Of The Bells – McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, 2720 Centre St. N, Calgary, on January 25th, 2025 at 2 p.m. In living memory of Carole Wardlaw, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.
Rest in peace, Carole. Your music will play on forever.
Register for the live stream of the funeral proceedings at the below link: https://my.forever. link/register/mcinnis-holloway/ carole-dawn-wardlaw
September 29, 1929 – December 18, 2024 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gordon Arthur Book on December 18, 2024, at the age of 95. Gordon will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Ruth, and his children: Brenda (Joel) Hesje, Judy (Brian) Brown, Reg (Phyllis) Book, Gregg Book, and Denise (Paul) Ganes. He was a cherished grandfather to 12 grandchildren and a proud great-grandfather to 13 great-grandchildren. A service to honor Gordon’s life will be held at a later date. To share memories, express condolences, or find additional details, please visit outlookfuneralchapel.com. The family is being cared for by Outlook Funeral Chapel (306.867.8255).
Davidson Playschool held its biggest fundraiser of the year on Nov. 16 with its annual Variety Fair. Vendors and guests flocked to the Town Hall to ignite the Christmas season of decorating and gift buying.
The Variety Fair raises money to keep the playschool operational. The non-profit organization gets its funding from fundraising, donations and registration fees all help their playschool continue to run. There are 19 children enrolled in the three- and four-year-old class, which is held in the basement at the United Church.
The group raised money through vendor table rentals and lunch sales. Parents donated their time to work in the kitchen and at the door. Additionally, parents donated food and drink items to support their children’s early education.
“The Variety Fair attendance seemed great. There were some amazing vendors this year; a lot of them are repeat vendors,” said president Sarah Dezotell.
“We greatly appreciate their support year after year, as well as the support of the community members who attend, buy raffle and 50/50 tickets, have lunch, and shop. Already looking forward to another successful event next year.”
Davidson Playschool is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to fostering a safe, fun, and educational space for three and four-year-olds in the community.
By Kevin Gilby
The Royal Canadian Legion Davidson Branch #51 held its Remembrance Service at the Davidson Community Hall. The service was well attended, with approximately 180 paying their respect.
Comrade Mary Jane Morrison emceed the program. Piper Nate Linsley, returned for the second year from the Saskatoon Police Pipes and Drums, accompanied the Parade of Colours with Green Hills of Tyrol. Parade Marshall was Captain (Rtd) Wayne Morrison, CD.
The service included recognition of 100 years of service of the Royal Canadian Air Force. An insert was included in the program, listing members that served in the RCAF from Davidson and area.
A special presentation was Your Loving Sun, a stage play produced by Comrade Clark Puckett based on real-life correspondence of brothers in service in Halifax and abroad, and the parents at home in small town Saskatchewan.
The play was adapted by Puckett from the collection of George King’s correspondence entitled Your Loving Son – Letters of an RCAF Navigator.
The characters read aloud their letters back and forth between family members detailing the yearning for a connection back home to the familiar farm life, the simple wants of essential items, and the growing reality of the fears of those in service.
“Those letters leading up to his death kind of present a close family, close brothers, a very loving relationship on a small family farm in a thriving little village at that time,” said Puckett. “It painted a picture of loss that was probably more evident even after the play, at the loss of George at only 21.”
The play may have been about one family, but it represented what could be anyone’s story whose name is imprinted on the cenotaph.
Lest we forget.
Stacey Siroski Belisle
Occupation: Education Assistant, Davidson School
I commit to making decisions and facing tough issues that will serve Davidson now and into the future. Updating bylaws, policies, and infrastructure to suit the needs of our community are my priorities. I believe Davidson is the place that families and businesses can both thrive. I appreciate your support.
Justin Harris
Occupation: Farm worker
I would like to see the town’s infrastructure continue to get repaired as well as grow the town’s economy. I feel the skate park and the day care will be an excellent addition to our town.
Kirby Manz
Occupation: Small business owner
Residents of Davidson, I have lived in Davidson my entire life and served on town council since 2020. I am fully committed to seeing Davidson move forward in many areas including recreation, developing and executing on a plan for the underground infrastructure and maintaining a balanced budget. I hope to have your support on November 13th.
Adrian Schmiedge
Occupation: EMS Supervisor for Davidson Ambulance
I am asking for your vote because you need people who are Committed to your Community and want to see it thrive. You need someone who is open-minded and willing to work as a group. But more importantly, you need someone who is not afraid to take a stand and make the hard decisions when needed.
Terry Epp
Occupation: Teacher I have enjoyed living in Davidson for the last six years and am married to Rebecca who has lived here her whole life. My experience and problem-solving skills will be valuable in helping to make important decisions. Davidson is a wonderful community, and I want to see it prosper.
Mason Kooy
Occupation: Nutrien Ag Solutions
My main focus is to look at how to cost effectively restore our roads, repair the towns sewer lines, which are in poor condition, utilize unused building/areas, support the upcoming childcare centre, assist in future projects for our children and keep our taxes at a reasonable rate.
Brad Morrison
Occupation: Caterer, and exterior contractor
I am running for council to make a positive impact in our community and be a voice for the citizens of Davidson. As a longtime resident and homeowner here, I want to see continued growth and keep working towards making our community a desirable place to live.
Allison Schmit
Occupation: Semi-retired small business owner
I am passionate about the Davidson residents’ concerns and they deserve to have a voice! If elected, I will be working for you, the people, in reassessing the budget and allocating funds in more of a priority selection. I feel more efficient use of our current facilities and equipment would be a great start to initiating change.
Scott Gainer
Occupation: Fast Toys for Boys trailer dealership.
My reason to be town council is too make a big difference I believe in that is about the people its what makes a town cumminity great. Gainer has a big heart getting it done. VOTE FOR GAINER
Arlene Low
Occupation: Teacher/Principal As an experienced educator and active citizen, I’ve served two terms on Davidson’s council, advocating for engagement, infrastructure, economic development, and recreation. My commitment to transparency, informed decision-making, and community connections drives my passion for our town. Your voice matters! Vote on Nov. 13.
Dan Puckett
Occupation: Heavy Duty Journeyman Mechanic
As a young man with children in their early teens, I want to run for Council so that young families have a strong voice at the table. As a father with teenage children, I want industrial growth. I want my children to have the choice to work and live here.
Gene Stangland
Employer: Western Sales
I have been a Davidson town council member for the past eight years. I am committed to making our town an even better place to live, work, and raise families. I am running again because I believe in Davidson’s future potential and want to see our community grow, while preserving the small-town values and quality of life.
Chris Storey
Occupation: Electrician, Maintenance Manger at Panther Industries.
I think people should vote for me because I am willing to put the hard work into get things done. I want to see change, make things more affordable for people and try to draw more businesses into the community.
Doug Torrie
Occupation: Retired – 20 years working for Public Works
I am running for council because I am concerned about:
My past experience will be an asset when dealing with council matters.