All posts by Dan Senick

ELIZABETH ILLINGWORTH PARKS (1933-2026)

 February 20, 1933 – October 2, 2026

PARKS – Elizabeth (Liz) Illingworth Parks (Hamilton) passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, in Pasqua Palliative Care, Regina, SK surrounded by family, following a short illness. Elizabeth was born on February 20, 1933 at Semans, Saskatchewan to parents, the late William and Elizabeth Hamilton. Elizabeth, known to her family and extended Hamilton clan as Bess (Aunt Bess), was raised on the family farm, alongside five older brothers.

Elizabeth attended Alexandra School in Semans. She went on to attend “Normal School” in Saskatoon graduating in 1951 as a teacher. She taught in rural schools in Saskatchewan for the next few years. In 1959 she took a position at Craik. In 1961, she married Allan Parks, a widower with a young son Larry, and they took up residence in a new home he had built in Craik. 

Elizabeth retired from teaching in 1962 to help on the family grain farm. Elizabeth grew a very large garden on the farm and was known among the nephews/nieces for her large raspberry patch that if they came to visit in season, were called upon to join in the picking. She loved flowers and gardening, trimming her yard until she moved into Regina. She always had an abundance of tomatoes and was so happy to be able to supply to friends, neighbors and family!

Elizabeth belonged to and took pride in her membership with the Craik United Church board, Eastern Star, the Craik United Church choir, and one very dear to her and Allan’s heart, the Craik & District Regional Park. Elizabeth was also a staunch supporter of the Eco Village and it’s Straw Bale Restaurant in Craik, and the expansion of the local Craik and District Golf Course.

Elizabeth was known for always having an open door or an extra plate around the table and she never wanted you to leave hungry. She made the best tarts and pies, and her special Saskatoon berry one was reserved for favorite family when they visited.

Elizabeth loved to knit and many family members as well as others, benefited from her hard working hands. She made countless baby outfits and sweaters. In more recent years, she joined Angels 4 Warmth, in Craik where they made baby quilts to deliver to newborns in city hospitals.

Elizabeth’s family were so very important to her. The ten grandchildren were her absolute pride and joy. She spent much time on roads around Saskatchewan and Alberta travelling to see them in their various activities; swimming, hockey, soccer, volleyball or basketball, concerts and graduations. She kept track of their accomplishments or their leisure activities and when they were gainfully employed, she was always asking if they were happy and liked what they were doing. It was of key importance to her always, to be sure they were enjoying life.   

Elizabeth liked watching the Toronto Blue Jays and the Saskatchewean Roughriders but especially enjoyed all Championship level curling, some of which she attended in person.

Elizabeth moved to College Park 2 care home in Regina, in 2020. She loved College Park 2 and was well known for her quick wit and humor among staff and her beautiful strong voice at their singalongs.  

Elizabeth was pre-deceased by her husband Allan, all of his siblings and their spouses, four of her brothers and all spouses and is survived by brother Gavin. She was a loving, caring, dedicated Mother, is survived by and dearly missed by her loving children; Larry (Enid) of Regina, Eileen (Lyle) Morley of Regina, Margaret (Dave) Floch of Warman, and James of Calgary, AB.

Elizabeth leaves behind ten beautiful grandchildren of whom she was most proud and will be sadly missed; Cheryl Parks, Collette (Amanda) Parks, Kevin Parks; Kiersten (Brett) Cottrill, Quinton (Quinn Anderson) Morley, Connor Morley; Keagan Floch, Kieran (Kianna Lang) Floch; and Brighton (Sara) Parks and Brock Parks. 

The family would like to extend many thanks to the staff at College Park 2 Retirement Residence in Regina, for their considerate care, love and laughter shared with “Liz” during her almost seven years in their residence. 

The family also thanks the many doctors and nurses who assisted Mom at College Park 2 and the Pasqua Hospital right through her final days.

A celebration of Elizabeth’s life was held in the Craik Community Hall on Saturday,       October 17, at 2:00 p.m.  Interment followed in the family plot at Craik Cemetery with lunch at the Craik Community Hall. 

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

For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Elizabeth may be directed to; 

the Craik & District Regional Park or the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan Inc.

GARY MARVIN KELLER (1942-2026)

April 8, 1942 – October 11, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Gary Marvin Keller, who passed away on October 11, 2026 at the age of 84 years. 

Gary was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Jack Keller and his wife  Doreen Keller. He leaves behind his only daughter Bonnie and her husband Art Hosie and their family-Eric (Julia) and their son Isaac, Jeff (Heather) and Kyla  (Martin) and their son Louis. Gary was able to meet both of his great grandsons Louis and Isaac before he passed away. Gary is also survived by Doreen’s family of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

Gary was always a hard worker. He started working at a young age and went on to successfully operate a variety of businesses in Regina. Gary had a wide variety of interests and hobbies over the years. He got his pilot’s license and enjoying rebuilding a plane and flying for a number of years. He built a beautiful home at Buena Vista beach. Fishing became a new hobby. After they retired, Gary and Doreen enjoyed the snowbird life, living at the beach and wintering in 

Arizona. They loved dancing and volunteering at different events. Later he and Doreen moved to Craik SK. Daily coffee time with friends became a ritual. In January of 2025, declining health meant that Gary moved to the Craik Health Centre to live. He was happy to be across the hall from Doreen, who was already living in the Health Centre. 

Gary’s family would like to extend a huge thank you to the Craik Health Centre for all the wonderful care given to Gary during the last eighteen months. You are all wonderful people.  

In keeping with Gary’s wishes, there will be a private family interment.  Arrangements are entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson. Donations in Gary’s name may be made to Diabetes Canada. 

VICTOR R. BERGMAN (1942-2026)

August 27, 1942 – September 7, 2026

After a long and courageous struggle with COPD, Vic passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of September 7, 2026, at the age of 84.

Fittingly, Vic began his final rest on a day when the harvest was paused by rain. He was a farmer right until the very end—a fitting reminder of the life he loved and the work that meant so much to him.

Vic leaves behind his wife of almost 58 years, Vicki; his son, Del (Tedi); his daughter, Terri (Les); and, most especially, the two apples of his eye, his grandchildren, Carson (Hope)and Elena (Ryan).  He will also be lovingly remembered by numerous extended family members and friends whose lives he touched along the way.

A casual coffee time to celebrate Vic’s life will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at the Harbor Golf Community Center in Elbow, Saskatchewan.

In keeping with Vic’s spirit, please come as you are, share a cup of coffee, a story, a laugh, and a memory.

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

DARRELL GILL (1952-2026)

Aug. 28, 1952 – Sept. 27, 2026

“Forever 74”

Darrell will be deeply missed and always loved. 

He is survived by his wife Sharon; son Clayton and children Breanne, Tylan and step-daughter Samantha, Clayton’s wife Lisa and her 3 daughters, Cori (Julian), Jordyn and Brandyn; daughter Shelly and children Luke and Brooke. Shelly’s husband, Joe Stopanski, passed away on June 5, 2026. 

Darrell was predeceased by his parents, Edwin and Dorothy Gill. 

Darrell spent the last 3.5 years in the Craik Health Centre suffering from Alzheimer’s. 

A Celebration of Darrell’s life will be held at a later date. 

For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Darrell may be directed to a charity of choice. 

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

DOROTHY-JEAN SHARP (COLPITTS) MITTELHOLTZ (1928-2026)

Dorothy-Jean passed peacefully at F.H. Wigmore hospital, August 14, 2026 at the age of 98. Dorothy was born on January 6, 1928 in Moncton, New Brunswick.

Predeceased by her father Earl Colpitts, her mother Florence Garnet, brother Earl Colpitts, her favorite aunt Eleanor Moore and baby daughter Linda.

Dorothy was full of love and kindness. She volunteered for many organizations, fulfilled leadership roles, from teaching to guidance. A once active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, she enjoyed the many friendships and responsibilities the organization brought to her.

Dorothy and Vern pioneered in Peace River, Alberta with their two sons Ronald and Lynne for three years, then returned to Aylesbury, Saskatchewan to farm with Vern’s dad, Edmond. Upon retirement they spent thirteen years in the Athabasca Towers before moving to The Bentley.

Dorothy enjoyed many hobbies and was an extremely talented seamstress, as well as crocheting and knitting. Her most recent passion was watching the Blue Jays, Saskatchewan Roughriders and curling.

Dorothy is survived by her husband of 78 years Vern Mittelholtz, her children Ronald, Lynne, Brenda and Kenneth. She was blessed with 15 grand children Jeffrey, Tracey, Leanne, Rebecca, Robert, Erika, Amanda, Devin, Kristin, Robyn, Jess, Kara, Shaun, Kelsey, Amanda, many great grandchildren and great great Grandchildren. 

She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.

NORMAN JOHN AMUNDRUD (1934-2026)

In Loving Memory of Norman John Amundrud

On September 7, 2026 Norman John Amundrud,

a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at the age of 92.

On August 5, 1934, Norman was born on the family farm near Aylesbury, Saskatchewan, to Oscar and Grace Amundrud. He was the second youngest of six siblings. While working at the grain elevator in Pasque, Saskatchewan, Norman met Margaret. They were married on November 11, 1961, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Following their marriage, Norman and Margaret settled in Davidson, Saskatchewan. In 1974, they moved to the farm outside of Aylesbury, where Norman farmed grain and raised their children. During their years in Saskatchewan, Norman and Margaret enjoyed being active in their community through the Davidson Kinsmen. They fondly remembered the many friendships they made and the events they attended.

In 2000, Norman and Margaret retired, sold the farm, and moved to Stony Plain, Alberta. Norman owned his own airplane and enjoyed travelling throughout Alberta, as well as across the United States and Mexico. He loved camping, playing cards, reading, and watching golf. He was also an avid supporter of the Riders, Oilers, and especially the Blue Jays. Norman especially enjoyed hopping in the truck with his son Jeff and his furry friend, Luna, as they travelled the roads together while trucking.

Above all, Norman loved his family. He took great joy in his grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them.

Left to cherish Norman’s memory are his children, Jeff Amundrud of Woking, Alberta, and Nancy (Mike) Dalueg of Stony Plain; his grandchildren, Stephanie (Scott), Brandon, Kyla, Gregory, and Allyssa; and his great-grandchildren, Riley, Mason, Payton, Oakland, and Lucas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

Norman was predeceased by his beloved wife, Margaret; his parents, Oscar and Grace; his brothers, Gordon, Ken, and Howard; and his sisters, Marjorie and Marlene. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ross Dunbar, the staff at Misericordia Hospital, and the staff at Westview Hospice for the quality of care Norman received. In lieu of floral tributes, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Westview Health Centre – CT Scan Fundraiser, 4405 South Park Drive, Stony Plain, Alberta T7Z 2M7.