Music at the market

By Kevin Gilby

A local quintet of Kristine Cool’s students played their first public performance of “Outlander – Main Theme/Dance of the Druids,” (From left) 1st violin Verna Urlacher, 2nd violin Millie Akre, Viola Kristine Cool, Cellos Donna Stone and Joe Stone

Vendors and bargain hunters flocked to the Davidson Hall on May 10 for the annual Davidson Skatepark Market in the Park. The annual fundraiser enjoyed a steady stream of patrons throughout the day as guests browsed for that perfect item, listened to local musicians, or enjoyed a hamburger while visiting with friends and family. “It was a good turnout,” said event organizer, and Skatepark Board member, Carol Hoehn. “We had about 20 vendors and the music was very nice to go with the market.” An ‘open-mic’ session was available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for students of Kristine Cool to perform for the patrons. Students played their favourite songs on piano, cello, or the violin. The music gave the venue a calming vibe well suited to guests taking their time to peruse vendor offerings. Burgers, hotdogs, and an iced-coffee booth gave people plenty to munch on and ample seating in front of the stage gave a chance to catch up with friends or enjoy young musicians perform. Raffle tickets were sold at the door for their Summer Fun Raffle. An estimated $1,500 in prizes are to be raffled off at Davidson Days. Tickets are still available by contacting any committee member. The committee was also taking pizza orders for its biannual Little Caesar’s fundraiser. Orders may be placed on social media or by contacting any member of the Skatepark committee.

The seating area gave people a place to recharge, grab a bite to eat, and visit with friends while enjoying local musical talent.

The Skatepark Committee is inching toward the halfway point to their goal of $300,000 for the construction of a skate- park for Davidson and area athletes to enjoy. The next big fundraising event is at Davidson Days. They will be hosting a beef-on-a-bun supper on Friday, June 20 as well as the beer gardens and bingo. The committee is then busy with their market at the AGT Centre on Saturday, June 21. With limited space still avail- able, interested vendors are invited to contact Carol Hoehn for more information.

Twenty vendors gave people plenty to browse while supporting the Davidson Skatepark. (Photos by Kevin Gilby)

Albert Elmer Reeves (1938-2025)

REEVES, ALBERT ELMER June 27, 1938 – May 4, 2025 Bert Reeves, aged 86 years of Imperial, SK passed away at Long Lake Valley Integrated Facility, Imperial SK on Sunday, May 4th, 2025. The Funeral service took place at the Imperial Community Centre on Saturday, May 10th, 2025. Interment followed at the Imperial Cemetery after the service. For online condolences, tributes or to make a donation to the LLVIF Activity Department or Auxiliary in Bert’s memory, please visit fotheringhammcdougall.com

Dorothea Exelby (Metz) (1933-2025)

Dorothea Exelby, age 91, died on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Moose Jaw.  She was born September 17, 1933 in Fox Valley, Saskatchewan.  She graduated high school in Richmound and from RN Nursing at Grey Nuns Hospital, Regina, in 1955.  

Dorothy and Ross Exelby married in 1956 followed by 7 children arriving 1957-1966.  Dorothy lived, nursed and raised her family with Ross at Craik until 2002 when the two retired to Moose Jaw.  They enjoyed a neighbourhood of many retired farmers.  After Ross passed, she moved into Points West where she made more good friends.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Ross Exelby and her son, Dennis Exelby. 

She is survived by her children Terry Smith (Jim), Willie Exelby (Dianne), Dan Exelby (Kati), Gail Quinn (Stu), Margo Exelby and Tom Exelby (Kim). 

Granny was adored by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She also leaves behind her sister Rose MacPhail and sister-in-law Esther Exelby.

A graveside service will be held at Craik Cemetery, July 4, 2025 at 2pm.  A social will follow at Craik Community Hall.  

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to one of her preferred charities, Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.

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

Trout Pond Restocked

By Kevin Gilby
The Arm River Wildlife Federation (ARWF) officially repopulated the Legacy Project with 1,000 rainbow trout on April 30.


Jeff Doyle and grandchildren Braylee and Rhyder Schmit took care to release 1,000 fish into the pond. The fish measured between five and seven inches in length. (Photo Supplied)

The trout pond, one mile west of Davidson, has continued to see ongoing beautification efforts since its official opening last season. The fish were funded in part by the ARWF and by donation from Living Sky Outfitters.

Jeff Doyle from Living Sky Outfitters, and John McJannet (ARWF) introduced the rainbow trout after first acclimating them to the water temperature for 20 minutes. It is anticipated the fish will be large enough to bite a hook by July.
The pond will officially open to the public on the August long weekend. While everyone is invited to visit the park once open, they are asked to leave their dogs at home, and observe the daily catch limit of one fish per day to take home to eat.
“The ARWF graciously asks that everyone please enjoy and respect the area as a wildlife area for now and generations to follow,” wrote John McJannet.

Doreen Elizabeth Keller (1939-2025)

April 17, 1939 – April 28, 2025

With sadness in our hearts we announce the passing of Doreen Keller of Craik, SK on April 28, 2025 at the age of 86.

Doreen was predeceased by her parents; John and Otilla (Sali) Richter; 1 younger brother and sister-in-law, Christian and (Mildred) Richter; 1 younger sister and brother-in-law, Gina (Bill) Solomon; 1 son-in-law, Raymond Parisien.

Doreen is survived by her husband, Gary Keller; her children, Gail Ell (Darrell); Barry Stroh (Linda); Cheryl Fink (Warren); Brenda Parisien; Kevin Stroh; Daniel Stroh (Pam); Shannon Cornell (Rick); Shelly Stroh; younger sister Penny Ward (Wayne); and Gary’s daughter Bonnie Hosie (Art).

22 Grandchildren and 17 Great Grandchildren – and numerous nieces and nephews.

Doreen was born on April 17, 1939, raised on a farm near Vibank, and married Bert Stroh on October 18, 1955, and moved to his farmstead where they raised 8 children. 

On January 11, 1992, Doreen married Gary Keller, and they made a life together living in Regina, then Regina Beach, and eventually settled in Craik, SK.

Doreen loved to cook and entertain family and friends.  Her table was always filled with delicious meals.  She loved to dance and enjoyed many Oktoberfests and Polka Fests.  She was an incredible seamstress and spent endless hours sewing outfits for her children when they were young, and then later for her grandchildren as well.   Above all, she treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending their various activities whenever possible. 

Doreen will be sadly missed by her family and will be lovingly remembered for her strength and the many beautiful memories she filled their hearts with.

**We want to extend a special thank you to the Craik Health Care Centre, to all the Staff for the amazing care they provided Doreen for the past 8 years.  You are greatly appreciated!

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

Laura Lucy (Cole) Rewerts (1929-2025)

August 24, 1929 – April 24, 2025

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Laura Lucy (Cole) Rewerts on April 24, 2025 at the age of 95.

She was predeceased by her husband Harland Rewerts January 8, 1977, her parents William and Annie (Wyatt) Cole, three brothers and five sisters.

She will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by Leona (Dennis) their children Taira, Tanis (Rufus) their children Allandrex, Denzara and Zandre.

Ann (Mel) their children Mathew, Michael (Lisa) and their son Charlie.

Colleen (Terry) children Lauren, Cole (Angela) and their daughter Harlynn, Cory and Lathen.

Tracey (Sean) their children Seamus, Ciara and Erin.

Mom’s family meant everything to her. She worried about all of us. She loved all our dogs and cared for them like her own.

All the children she cared for through the years were always in her thoughts.

Words cannot express how much we are going to miss her.

For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Laura may be directed to the Hanley Fire Department.

A family service for Laura will take place at a later date. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

The Davidson Leader, Davidson, Saskatchewan