All posts by Dan Senick

Obituary

LORNE EDGAR WILLNER

Lorne Edgar Willner May 26 – Feb. 2 2026

Lorne was born and raised in Davidson Sk. and after high school he went to the U of S where received a Vog Ag degree. During the summers he worked on construction building some roads up north. He would send his paychecks home to buy land. While growing up he and his siblings tell many stories of the things they would get up to and made including go carts and their own swimming pool. Even at an early age he had a habit of saving things because you never knew when they would come in handy. He was a queen scout and later became a cub leader attending world and Canadian jamborees.

Lorne opened a seed cleaning plant and spent many, many hours cleaning seed for himself as well as many other farmers. He seemed to be ahead of his time when he became a certified seed grower, growing many new crops that have become the staples of what is grown now.

He was always of service to others. He was the Reeve of Arm River 252 for 35 years and spent many, many hours on the phone with farmers or with the grader operators or speaking with farmers in the yard or at the kitchen table or even on the roadside. He sat on many boards and his Queen Elizabeth Jubilee medal and various awards are a testament to his desire to help people.

-Lorne loved and respected the land and loved being on the farm. He built many things from the house, the shop, the playground, the seed plant to the very many toys he made for his children and are now being enjoyed by his grandchildren. He could fix almost anything and always said he had no time to die because he had too many projects to do or finish.

Lorne and Marilyn married in 1989 and had three children – Brady, Lyndon and Linnea. He loved and was very proud of the people his children became and he adored his grandsons. They would mosey down to the shop, hands behind their backs, to feed the cats, fix, or build something and of course riding on all the farm machinery and then coming in for a popsicle because grandpa –  said it was okay no matter what time of day it was.

Lorne’s most cherished legacy will be the ones he leaves behind – his wife Marilyn, son Brady, daughter Linnea, son-in-law Shawn and grandsons James and Theodore. As well as his family, he will be missed by his friends and the many people that he has helped guide with his words and actions.

His whistling around the whole farm will be greatly missed by everyone who heard it.

Davidson

FRANCES “FRAN” HASSETT

Frances “Fran” Hassett, age 93, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, in Moose Jaw, SK. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who will be deeply missed.

Fran was reunited with her husband, Jim, who passed six months earlier.

She is lovingly remembered by her children Wade (Cathy), Gail (Rockey), Ted (Delee), and Tracy (Brian); grandchildren Andrea (Larry), Ryan (Amy), Craig (Donnalee), Alison (Noel), Melissa (Marcus), Derik (Kendel), Tyler (Chelsea), and Kevin (Erin); 19 great-grandchildren Connor, Mackenzie, Summer, Aubree, Rylee, Coen, Amelia, Hailey, Tiernan, Austynn, Huxley, Hendrix, Kale, Wyatt, Sarah, Lincoln, Cooper, Heaton, and Hudson.

A memorial service will be held at Craik Legion Hall on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

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

Obituary

RICHARD VERNE BISSON

Richard Verne Bisson of Craik, Sask., passed away on February 17, 2026, with his family by his side at the age of 77.

He was predeceased by his parents Mae and Eddie, his brothers Merle and Ross and nephew Jason Bisson. Richard leaves behind his loving wife of 37 years Carol, children Terry (Pam) Leippi of Weekes, SK, Tina (Shawn) Hipkiss of Sherwood Park, AB, Julie Leippi of Cardston, AB, and Dustin Bisson of Rocky Mountain House, AB; grandchildren Brody Leippi, Connor and Kaiden Hipkiss, Danton, Carter and Savanna Kuntz. Richard also leaves behind four siblings, Gail (Ed), Glen (Judy), Garnold (Charlene), Elaine (Stan) as well as two sisters-in-law, Bertha and Gaille as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

Richard worked in road construction before starting his own construction and landscaping business, which he operated until his retirement in 2007. He also enjoyed helping his brother and nephew on the family farm during seeding and harvest.

Richard felt that community service was important and sat on many volunteer committees over the years. He also served two terms as a town councillor.

He enjoyed being outside in the summer months, meticulously maintaining the grass and trees in his yard, ensuring that not a single weed could be found. He enjoyed it so much that in retirement he took on the job of maintaining the Craik cemetery which he continued to do until the fall of 2025.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of Flowers and for those who wish, donations can be made to the Craik Community Cemetery. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home, Davidson, Sask.

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EDITH “MADELEINE’ RHODES (1922-2026)

September 23, 1922 – February 11, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Madeleine Rhodes of Davidson, Saskatchewan, on February 11, 2026, at the age of 103 years. She passed away at the Davidson Health Centre, surrounded by care, comfort and love.

Madeleine was born on September 23, 1922, in Bladworth, Saskatchewan, where she was raised and attended school. On July 11, 1942, she married Norman, beginning a partnership that would define her life. Together they farmed in the Girvin and Davidson areas, working side by side through the seasons, seeding, harvest, hard years, good years — always together. Their love story was steady, practical, and enduring, just like the prairie itself.

Madeleine is lovingly remembered by her three children: Joanne (Vern) Schneider; Bob (Carol) Rhodes; and Gary (Pat) Rhodes. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Lori (Rod) Watts; Vicki (Dwayne) Edel; Lisa (Andrew) Nelson; Kent Rhodes; Corrina (Brad) Riecken; Paulette (Kelly) Killoh; and Aaron (Bonnie) Rhodes.

Her legacy continues through her cherished great-grandchildren: Payton and Luke Coleman, Erica Watts and Connor McMahon; Jorja and Faith Edel; Owen and Coleman Nelson; Ryan and Shayla Rhodes, and Jenna Rhodes; Kelsey, Cody and Colton Riecken; Aimee and DylyneKilloh; Alex Rhodes and Tristen Harder; and also her great-great-grandchildren: Scottie & Sloane Coleman.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Norman in 2012; her parents, Edith and Thomas Ashby; her sister Dora Tansley; her nephew Jack Tansley; and her great-grandson Nicholas Edel.

Madeleine had a deep love of gardening, tending beautiful gardens both on the farm and at their home in Davidson. She took great joy in watching things grow and generously sharing the fruits of her labour with family and friends. Her home was always welcoming, especially to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who could count on a full cookie jar, a warm cup of tea, and a loving visit.

Dancing was another passion she shared with Norman. They were long-time members of their local square dance club, travelling to many places and forming lasting friendships along the way. In their later years, they enjoyed spending winters in Arizona, reconnecting with old friends and making many new ones.

Madeleine will be deeply missed by her family, her friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

We can only imagine the joyful celebration she is now sharing with Norman as they dance once more to the “Tennessee Waltz.”

A Private Family Service will be held at a later date. Hanson’s Funeral Service in care of arrangements.

Davidson

ANN KOWALSKI (1922-2026)

August 29, 1922 – January 13, 2026

With deep sadness, the family of Ann Kowalski announces her peaceful passing on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the age of 103, at the Davidson Health Centre, surrounded by the love of her family.

Ann is lovingly remembered by her five children: Virginia (John Blerot), John (Susan), Frank (Corinne), Mary Ellen (Garnet Davis), and Lyle (Janet); her eleven grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Leo Kowalski; her parents, John and Mary Krpan; her four sisters and their spouses; Helen (Paul Kerpan), Kay (Bill Burgess), Cecele (George Cebuliak), and Isobelle (Ivan Duda); and her brother, Ken Krpan. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Val Krpan, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Born on August 29, 1922, on the family farm near Bladworth, Ann was the second of six children. Farm life taught her the values of hard work, prayer, responsibility, and caring for others—qualities that guided her throughout her life. While attending Silver Lake School, she developed a lifelong love of reading.

In 1943, Ann married Leo Kowalski, and together they shared 59 devoted years of marriage. They began their life on a farm near Kenaston before moving to a farm near Bladworth, where they raised their five children. Life on the farm was busy and demanding, but Mom and Dad were true partners in all they did. Along with farm chores, Ann kept a spotless home, cooked and baked for her family, sewed and knitted, tended a large garden, and preserved the harvest through canning, pickling, and making jam. She often took hot meals out to the field, turning them into family picnics. The children helped with chores and enjoyed a carefree farm childhood, while Ann quietly showed them what strength, patience, and dedication looked like. During these years, she also lovingly cared for her parents as their health declined. Sundays were treasured as a day of rest, spent visiting with family and sharing meals, and there was always room at the table for guests.

In 1980, Ann and Leo moved into a newly built home in Davidson, built by Leo and Lyle with help from family and friends. Though it was a change from farm life, Ann made the house a warm and welcoming home. She took pride in her yard, garden, and small orchard, and enjoyed early mornings tending to them before the heat of the day. With the church and school close by, her days often began with morning Mass and the rosary, followed by visits with grandchildren after school—usually accompanied by cinnamon buns or pizza pops. As Leo’s health declined, Ann devoted herself to his care, guided by her faith and her belief that she would do all she could and leave the rest in God’s hands.

After Leo’s passing, Ann continued to live independently until after her 100th birthday. She remained active and determined, spending her days in prayer, walking, knitting, reading, and watching the Blue Jays or curling. When she moved to the Davidson Health Centre, she was grateful for the kind and compassionate care she received and formed close bonds with staff and residents. Over time, it truly became her home.

Ann will be remembered for her unwavering faith, strong work ethic, independence, and quiet generosity. Her life was long, full, and well lived, and her legacy continues through the many generations she leaves behind.

Services:

Prayers: January 30, 2026 7:30PM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Davidson

Mass of Christian Burial: January 31, 2026 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Davidson

Davidson

WESLEY NORMAN CHUGG (1949-2026)

September 1, 1949 – January 4, 2026

Surrounded by his family, Wesley Norman Chugg passed away on January 4, 2026, in Long-Term Care at Central Peace Health Complex in Spirit River, AB, following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He leaves to mourn his wife of 49 years, Marion; daughters Melody Sample (Tevis) and Janet Thorstensen (George Karas); and five grandsons, Andrew, Landon, Carter, Cash, and Aden. He will also be missed by sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Wayne and Doreen Walker, Ken and Judy Walker, and Marlene Shelly; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Sadly, his sister, Alice Bilodeau, passed away three days after Wes.

Wes was a man of quiet faith in God who loved his family dearly. He was an avid sports fan all his life and especially followed the Toronto Maple Leafs, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Toronto Blue Jays. He loved horses and enjoyed attending rodeos and chuckwagon races. Wes spent much time throughout his life playing cards, fishing, and camping with family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Allan and Shirley Chugg; brothers Wayne Chugg and Gerald Chugg; and brothers-in-law Norm Bilodeau and Tom Shelly.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Spirit River Centennial Hall (4812-44 Ave) with a lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Gospel Chapel (Box 507, Spirit River, AB T0H 3G0 / https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/id/44161) or Central Peace Health Complex Auxiliary (Box 866, Spirit River, AB T0H 3G0).

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Spirit River Long-Term Care for their loving care of Wes.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com.