All posts by Dan Senick

Davidson, Obituary

DOROTHY ANN ZDUNICH (1947-2026)

Dorothy Ann Zdunich, 78 of Kenaston, Saskatchewan, past away on April 28, 2026, after fighting a hard battle against Cancer. Dorothy was born on December 23, 1947 to Aileen and James Sanderson in Saskatoon. Dorothy grew up in the Kenaston/Hanley area and attended both Kenaston and Hanley Schools. Dorothy married Louis Zdunich in 1966. They moved straight to their farm they had purchased. It is here where they raised their four children Debra, Kenneth, Michelle and Jason. Dorothy remained here until she went to the Davidson Health Centre. Dorothy was a great farm wife, she went to the field, cooked meals, looked after the yard and garden, and raised a family. She was always busy gardening, canning and running children to sports. She was involved in the Zid School Community Club, and CWL. After her children grew up and left she started catering, making quilts, buns and running her grandchildren to sports when needed.

Dorothy is predeceased by her husband Louis, parents James and Aileen Sanderson,parents-in-law Tony and Marie Zdunich, son-in-law Dean Blenkinsop. Dorothy is survived by her Children, 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Dorothy will be held on May 22, 2026at 11:00am at St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church in Kenaston, Saskatchewan. For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Dorothy may be directed to St. Andrew’s Cemetery or the Davidson Health Trust Fund (cheques to the Health Trust payable to the Town of Davidson). Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements. 

Davidson, Obituary

EDITH ELAINE RINK

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Edith Elaine Rink on

April 8, 2026.

Edith was born on the family homestead at Young, Sask. It is there, working alongside her father, that her love of farming began. Edith married Walter Rink on November 7, 1959, they enjoyed 52 wonderful years together. They purchased a farm in the Arm River area, where they farmed side by side for 49 years, before moving into Watrous for their retirement.

On the farm, Edith’s love of driving began, a passion she continued until she passed. Edith loved to stay busy, she always had somewhere to go, someone to see or something to do. She loved to travel, taking trips were always a highlight. She traveled the province to see grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their many activities. She will be remembered for her generosity and kindness that touched everyone who knew her.

As to her wishes, a graveside service for the family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Edith may be directed to Telemiracle.

We cannot express enough gratitude to the Watrous Hospital, Dr. and nurses, Hanson’s Funeral Home, her dear friends at Jubilee Court, Cancer Centre and to all the many family friends for all their love and support.

Edith was predeceased by her parents, John and Katherine Dempsey, Father and mother-in-law Henry and Theresa Rink and husband Walter Rink. Edith is survived by her children: Son Daryl (Joan) Rink, daughters Tammy (David) Remmen and Raelene (Grant) Aseltine; Grandchildren Justin Rink, Daris (Becca) Rink, Kristy (Blaine) Struck, Colton (Stephanie) Rink, Tiara (Tony) Calverley, Kaylee (Luke) Stephanson, Austin (Alysha) Remmen, Brayden Remmen and Kade Aseltine; Great-grandchildren Noah, Emmett, Adleigh and Beau Rink, Acey Toye, Bentley, Dash and Duke Struck, Thomas, Evelyn, Hannah and Clara Rink, Alexis, Josh, Tegan and Kamden Calverley, Lachlyn, Norah, Lexson and Rhett Stephanson, Eli, Athena, Ansel and Teller Remmen; Sisters Shirley Deneiko and Lois Didur and Brother Jim (Tena) Dempsey.

For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Edith may be directed to Kinsmen Telemiracle, donations may be made online at telemiracle.com

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

Davidson, Obituary

GERALD CLIFFORD LUCKI (1955-2026)

In Loving Memory of Gerald Clifford Lucki
November 25, 1955 – April 11, 2026
of Hawarden, Saskatchewan

Gerald Clifford Lucki of Hawarden, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the age of 70 years.

Gerald was born on November 25, 1955, and built a life centered around family, hard work, and the people he loved most.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years, Rhonda; his daughters, Denise (Neal) Sanderson and Crystal (Jason) Zdunich; his cherished grandchildren, Tyson and Cole Sanderson, Jessica (Adam) Zacharias, and Shannyn, Matthew, and Justin Zdunich; and his great-grandson, Charlie Zacharias.

Gerald will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

A private family interment will take place at a later date.

Donations may be directed to the Outlook and District Wildlife Federation https://swf.sk.ca/…/outlook-district-wildlife-federation/  or Lung Saskatchewan https://donate.lungsask.ca/.

To share memories and express condolences, please visit outlookfuneralchapel.com. The family is being cared for by Outlook Funeral Chapel (306.867.8255).

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Davidson

Historic carving returns to woodworker’s family

A story of craftsmanship and community mindedness has found its wings again and continues a long-lasting legacy of a Girvin farmer. Ross Fawell was a jack-of-all trades but his passion for wood- working continues to take flight to this day as his hand carved airplane returns to his family. Born at the end of March 1927, Fawell grew up on the farm his grandfather homesteaded in 1904. Resourcefulness was a necessity of that generation, but Fawell took it to a higher level finding utility in everything and being able to fix anything.

The Second World War Wellington is proudly displayed at the Spelliscy home. “That’s what my dad flew in the Second World War,” said David Spelliscy. ” And we wanted to give him something for Christmas. So, her dad made my dad this airplane, doing all the research and figuring out, how do we build these things.”

He did electrical wiring, carpentry, plumbing, mechanics, and welding. He had redone many houses during his life but in later years he leaned more heavily into his artistic skills and carved detailed models. “The first things that he was making were horses with buggies and grain carts and little stagecoaches and things like that,” said his daughter Colleen Spelliscy, who lives in Davidson. “So, he would carve the horses from hand and make the harness, the leather harness from hand. And he did all that work himself.” Then, seemingly out of the blue, Fawell started carving planes out of old telephone poles. He constructed 1:25 scale airplanes like the Avro Lancaster and the Vickers Wellington, two Second World War bombers with strong Canadian history. He would spend anywhere from 20 to 50 hours etching out a replica based solely on pictures and whatever limited information was readily available. Being colour blind, Fawell would pass off the finished piece to his wife, Marie, to complete the painting. “A lot of them became weathervanes out in people’s yards,” said Spelliscy. “And he donated them to the auctions, and they would sell for $400 to $1,000 every year to raise money to help build the new rink or whatever was going on in town.”

Colleen Spelliscy was delighted with the restoration Gordon McRae did on the Avro Lancaster model her father carved from a telephone pole.

When Sandra Zoerb was cleaning out her garage, she came across a model Lancaster that Fawell had built many years ago. Recognizing the historic value of the piece but unsure of what to do with it, she gave it to Gordon McRae to help the plane find its way. McRae, a member of the Royal Canadian Royal, remembered Fawell and his airplanes fondly. “I’d be ashamed to throw it away and not give it back to the family,” said McRae. “It’s just one of those things where I felt it’s a good idea to restore it and give it back to the family.” The Lancaster had suffered some damage during its life with a broken wing and missing engine. McRae set about getting some cedar from Saska- toon to replace one of its four engines, patch the wing, and other cleanup. As McRae was carving a new motor for the craft, it became readily apparent how much effort Fawell put into his work. “And I just thought, wow. That’s a lot of work because he built all those airplanes and a lot of passion went into it. “I give Ross a lot of credit for it,” he continued. “It was a hobby he took on and he enjoyed it.” April 2, McRae reunited the airplane to the maker’s daughter. “I think I always appreciate seeing my dad’s work come back because that just shows that other people appreciated it very much as well,” Spelliscy said.

Spelliscy plans to give the plane to their grandson, saying he’s “very interested in war memorabilia and all kinds of things that went on in the war. It’s a generational thing. It gives the young people appreciation for what he did.” Fawell passed away 84 years to the day he was born, but his memory, passion, and work lives on for generations to come.

Davidson, Obituary

ARNOLD MORRIS TAYLOR (1943-2026)

Arnold Morris Taylor passed away peacefully at his home North East of Kenaston on March 4, 2026 . Born January 7, 1943, to Jacob and Pearl Taylor of Kenaston, SK, Arnold lived a life defined by agriculture, community, and family.

Arnold was educated at the Zid School, Kenaston School and went on to study at the University of Saskatchewan.  He later earned his Certified Medical Representative (CMR) credential. 

Arnold married his beloved wife, Sharon (Stratton), on September 4, 1965. In 1972, they established their farm in Kenaston. Arnold was a devoted father to Brad, Lisa, Doug, Meaghan, Daniel, and Wendy, and a proud grandfather of nine and great-grandfather to one.

Arnold loved his community and was active in it right up until he died.  He coached hockey, was a long standing member of the Lions Club, and volunteered for local community organizations including Super Draft, Santa Clause Day, Kenaston Dinner Theatre, Anglican Church council, PFRA pasture board, National Farmers Union, the Kenaston Cemetery Board just to name a few.  His volunteerism wasn’t limited to local endeavors but included both national and international initiatives. 

Arnold transitioned to organic farming, becoming a passionate global advocate for organic agriculture. He was invited to speak around the world including Australia, England, Costa Rica, Mexico and various places around the United States and Canada.  He served and held various leadership positions including  Organic Agricultural Protection Fund, Saskatchewan Organic Directorate, Canadian Organic Growers, and more.  He received the Organic Hero Award in 2018. 

Arnold found joy in simple things: farming, gardening with Sharon, reading history, birdwatching, playing bridge, coffee row and playing pool.

A funeral service was held at Kenaston Place on March 12th.  We are deeply touched by the support of the community and Arnold’s many circles.

Davidson, Obituary

EMILY SCHMALTZ (1923-2026)

It’s with love and gratitude for a life well lived; we announce the passing of our mother Emily Schmaltz on February 26, 2026 at 102 years of age. 

Emily was born on May 21, 1923, at the family farm near Liebenthal, Sask. She was the 4th youngest of 14 children born to Mary Eva and Frank Mastel. Her sisters: Pauline (Mike) Moser, Melonia (Gregory) Weinberger, Veronica (Peter) Scherger, Mary (Mike) Hittel, Rose (Paul) Kuntz, Gertrude Mastel. Brothers: Mike (Anne) Mastel, Joseph Mastel, Maynard (Katie) Mastel, Pius Mastel, Eugene (Tracy) Mastel, Cecil (Stacia) Mastel. The Mastel family farm remains in the hands of Emily’s brother Maynard’s son, Keith. 

On June 2, 1942, she married Frank Schmaltz.  They lived on the family farm at Glidden, SK for six years then moved to Gem in April of 1948, then Tilley in November of 1948. In 1952 moved to Millington’s Dairy farm in what is now part of Echo Dale Park outside of Medicine Hat. In 1953, they were on the move again to the PFRA in Glidden, SK, managing the Newcombe Pasture where they stayed for 13 years. In July of 1966 they moved to Consul, SK, to take over the Nashlyn Pasture. In 1973, they headed to Davidson to take over the Wilner and Elbow Pastures. Each move created a lot of hard work but allowed them to provide more for their family. During all these moves not only was she having and raising babies, she was gardening or cooking and baking up a storm for her family and hired men. In her spare time, she was the secretary/treasurer for the PFRA pastures that Dad managed. She also held many executive positions in the Catholic Women’s League and was recently presented with her 80-year pin. Mom loved to sing and shared that love with her children. She made sure that each of her kids had an opportunity to learn to play the guitar or chord organ. Emily and her youngest daughter Cyndy provided the music at Saturday night mass at Davidson for many years. Every family gathering and or birthday party always included mom singing with some family member whether it was her sons Ray and Cecil or her daughter Cyndy and Granddaughter Stacey.  Dancing was another love she shared with her family.  There were many nights spent teaching the kids to dance in the kitchen after supper.  Family dances were always a hit. Mom and Dad loved visiting. Many weekends were spent on the road visiting or hosting extended family. What fun we had listening to the grown ups in the kitchen, as long as you were seen and not heard, as they visited and played cards. Mom was a competitive card player and the amount of laughter in the air always told you whether the women or men were winning! She kept her ear on the news and didn’t mind telling you what she thought on a topic no matter what it was. In 1979, Mom and Dad retired to Medicine Hat with their two youngest in tow. Mom continued to cook up a storm for anyone who came to visit whether family or friends.  It gave her an opportunity to stay in touch with Mom and Dad’s siblings and their families that lived in the area. They made their rounds to all their children’s homes to help out however they could. Usually that meant cooking and taking care of grand kids and of course teaching them how to play cards. Mom has spent the last many years making new friends and spending her time dancing and singing and becoming a celebrity thanks to the Meadowlands billboards. Thank you to all of you that allowed her to continue doing the things she loved especially Gladys, Angie and Arlene and the A&W gang who continued to make her laugh. 

Emily was pre-deceased by her husband Frank, sons Donald and Gerard, daughter Theresa, Grandbaby Jamie Siroski, son-in-law Bill Thomson and grandson-in-law Chris Smith, as well as her parents and all of her siblings and their spouses.

Emily leaves to cherish her memory, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren: Raymond (Gail) Schmaltz– Joel (Shannon) Schmaltz: Tyler and Luke Schmaltz, Michael (Kathy) Schmaltz: Sierra and Kaleah Schmaltz   Patricia Thomson – Tim (Lisa) Thomson: Taylor and Matthew Thomson Sheri Thomson-Whiting:  Colton (Daphne) Whiting: (Annabelle, William and Noah), Wyatt Whiting, Dustin (Amy Dolynny) Whiting, Dallas (Kendall Krawchuk) Whiting – Lori (Dallas Millard) Biggs: Ernie (Teagan Wilms) Biggs, Josh Biggs, Danika Biggs, Sophie Millard Cecil (Betty) Schmaltz– Annette (Calvin Sack) Smith: Tristan Smith, Michaela (Sheldon) Barbar, Cheyanne (Ian Leach) Smith, Jesse (Jaylynn Giroux) Smith – Cory Schmaltz: Denovah Boser, Cassidy Foulds, Jadace Mann, Breanna Schmaltz  Jason Schmaltz, Donna (Jim) Siroski– Stacey Siroski: Layne and Grayson Siroski Brett (Brenna) Siroski: Reagan, Nolan, Amy Siroski, Sandra (Lorne) Zentner– Kent Zentner, Kristine (Monty) Koopman: Bronx, Emerson, Holden, Sutton Koopman, Cynthia (Darren) Lutz, Gary (Tammie) Schmaltz – Lauren (Tyler) Murray: Emily and Zoey Murray Jordan (Ashley) Schmaltz: Quinn and Riley Schmaltz.

Prayer Service – Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel – 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB, Friday May 15, 2026 at 7pm. Live Stream available at www.saamis.com

Funeral Mass – Holy Family Parish – 1451 Strachan Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB,                  Saturday May 16, 2026 at 11 am. Interment to follow mass at Hillside Cemetery.