All posts by Dan Senick

GORDON HOWARD PANKRATZ (1955-2026)

Passed away May 30th peacefully at the Chilliwack General Hospital.

Gord was born and raised in Chilliwack, BC, and attended Little Mountain Elementary and Chilliwack Junior & Senior Sec. schools.

He was very musical and played clarinet, piano and saxophone, was in several marching and concert bands and also formed a 

Country Rock band calledl ‘Trigger’ in his late teens. 

In 1973,  Gord joined his dad on a trip to find farm land in the prairies as a ‘retirement project’ for him and a ‘seasonal’ vocation

for Gord. They purchased land in Davidson ,SK, and built a house in town. 

Gord learned how to farm wheat, mustard and canola from his dad; the Pankratz family had immigrated to Canada after fleeing

Russia in 1923 and farmed in Menno, SK, until 1947.

After his dad’s passing, Gord continued tor run the farm along with his mother until 2017.  


Gord is preceded in death by his brother Norman (1969), father William (1975) and mother Josephine, nee Abrams (2023).
He is survived by his sister, Ellen Pankratz Powell and nieces Justine and Lauren.  

The Internment was held at the Chilliwack Cemetery on July 25th and a memorial open house will be on August 22th

at the family home in Chilliwack.

Gord’s ashes will be scattered at his favourite places including his beloved prairie home.

Donations to the BC Cancer Foundation are greatly appreciated.

JOAN SEKULICH (1940-2026)

February 16, 1940 – July 17, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Lillian Sekulich of Saskatoon, SK, at the age of 86.

Joan built a life centered on love, laughter, and family. She was known for her warm smile, contagious giggle, kind heart, and the joy she brought to those around her. She loved visiting, sharing stories, and making everyone feel welcome.

Joan was predeceased by her husband, Stan Sekulich; her infant daughter, Wendy; her parents, George and Rowena Stacey; her son-in-law, Greg Dand; her brothers-in-law, Jake Giesbrecht, Jon Hodnefield, and Phil Laliberte; and her great-granddaughter, Rose.

Joan is survived by her children: Debbie Dand; Dwayne Sekulich; Darin (Glenda) Sekulich; Dawn (Wade) Whitell; and Devin (Natalie) Sekulich.

She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Erin (David) Hoekstra, Cara (Jason) Knight (Ethan), Jill Dand, Casey (Tayrell) Dand (Ryker, Ryliegh, Emma, and Andrew), Janelle Hjelsing (Kaylee and Oaklynn), Cory (Sarah) Hjelsing (Willow), Shyanne Whitell, Ashley (Matthew) Djkowich (Bentley, Gunner, Elsie), Mitchell Sekulich, Ridge and Jensen Kopp.

Joan is also survived by her siblings Karen, Garnet (Marion), Arlene, and Betty, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Her family will forever treasure the memories they shared with her. Joan’s gentle spirit, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kenaston Cemetery. A family service will be held at a later date.
Forever loved. Forever remembered. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

MELVIN OSCAR COOL (1958-2026)

Melvin Oscar Cool passed away on January 23, 2026, in Yorkton hospital at the age of 67 years. 

He was born October 15, 1958, sixth child of Robert and Mary (Tanghe) Cool. 

Melvin grew up in Davidson, Sask. Melvin was predeceased by his parents, brothers – Norman, Joseph and Bobby, sisters – Patsy and Julie. 

A graveside memorial will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11am at the Davidson cemetery followed by a gathering at the David Cool farm.

JUDITH REED (1946-2026)

Feb. 6, 1946 – May 23, 2026

Judith Muriel Reed passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the age of 80, with her family by her side at Royal University Hospital. 

She was predeceased by her parents, Thomas Joel and Kathleen Child, and her brother, Glen Joel. She is survived by her loving husband, Ross Reed; her son, Matthew Reed (Ashley); her daughter, Ann Ward (Jason); and her grandson, Jordan Ward (Kierstyn). And her siblings Una Lewis, Larry Joel, Erik Joel and Nancy Joel. 

Judy was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and grew up on the Joel family farm near Elbow, Saskatchewan. Judy was made to be a wife and mother — it came naturally to her. As a child, she was often found inside playing with her dolls and helping with housework. 

She married Ross Reed in Loreburn on October 31, 1964. Together, they raised their family and ran the farm until eventually selling it in 2001. In retirement, they enjoyed travelling and spending time at their home in Arizona.

Her children and grandson were the light of her life, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. 

A Service of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Skudesnes Lutheran Church. Friends and family are invited to gather afterward at the Loreburn Town and Country Centre for a time of fellowship and refreshments.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations in Judy’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

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

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MERLE MANION (1939-2026)

Nov. 27, 1939 – May 19, 2026

It is with profound sadness and much love that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Merle Manion at the age of 86. Mom passed peacefully on May 19, 2026, at Stensrud Lodge in Saskatoon.

Mom was born on Nov. 27, 1939, in Bruno, Sask. to Jack and Madeline Kolinsky and attended school at the Ursuline Convent in Bruno. She then went on to attend Marvel in Saskatoon and upon completion moved to Davidson with her mother and sister. This is where she met the love of her life and best friend Lorne. They married on Oct. 10, 1959, and made Davidson their home. After completing her family, she went on to work at Bone Pharmacy for over 25 years. She was a past President of the Davidson Kinette Club and the Davidson Figure Skating Club.

Mom’s greatest joy was taking care of, and spending time with, her family. Her warmth left anindelible mark on everyone she met. She approached life with a generous heart and calm patience (which was often tested) and always knew exactly how to make you smile. Mom was the cornerstone of our family, our greatest confidante and our guiding light.

Mom will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her husband, Lorne, her children Donnie and Shayne (Diana), her grandchildren Montana (Jhonny) and Shay, her great-grandchildren Luka and Jordan and her sister Myra. She was also a loving aunt to her nephews Don (Pat) Old, Bob (Krista) Old, Scott Old and her niece Connie (Mac) Allan and their families as well as numerous friends and other family members.

Mom was predeceased by her parents John and Madeline (Stahl) Kolinsky, father and mother-in-law Harold and Hilda (Willner) Manion, brother and sister-in-law Howard and Lois (Manion) Old and her nephew Troy.

A Celebration of Merle’s life graveside service will be held at the family plot in Davidson Community Cemetery, Davidson, Sask. on Friday, June 5 at 1:00 p.m. Lunch will follow at Sacred Heart Parish Hall in Davidson.

We would like to express our gratitude to the staff at Stensrud Lodge. Todd, thank-you so much for your support and kindness during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of mom may be directed to the Alzheimers Society of Sask. or Breakthrough T1D (Type 1 Diabetes).

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

DARIS CODY RINK (1985-2026)

In Loving Memory of Daris Cody Rink January 13, 1985–May 8, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Daris Cody Rink, who passed away on May 8, 2026, at the age of 41, after a courageous battle with lung cancer following his diagnosis in May, 2024.

Daris was born on January 13, 1985, and was raised on the family farm east of Kenaston,where he developed the strong work ethic, resourcefulness and love of the outdoors that would define his life. 

Daris was the beloved son of Joan and Daryl Rink and a cherished brother to Justin, Kristen (Blaine) and Colton (Stephanie). He was also a proud uncle to numerous nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart. 

He was a devoted partner to Becca and a proud bonus dad to Acey, whom he loved deeply.

For 19 years, Daris worked at the Nutrien Allan Potash Mine, where he built lasting friendships and earned the respect of his coworkers through his dedication, skill and willingness to lend a hand.

Daris had a true passion for life and the outdoors. He loved fishing, riding his motorcycle,camping and spending time in nature. He was an avid outdoorsman with an incredible ability to fix, build or create, just about anything. Whether tending to his garden, working on a project or spending time with his beloved dogs, Daris found joy in the simple and meaningful moments in life.

He will be remembered for his strong hands, generous heart, quiet strength, his unforgettable belly laugh, his love of playing jokes and the stories he could tell that brought laughter to everyone around him.

Though cancer took him far too soon, Daris faced his journey with courage and determination, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, love and resilience.

Daris spent the final three weeks of his life at Glengarda Hospice, where he and his family were surrounded by extraordinary care. The kindness, compassion and grace shown by the nurses, doctors and staff brought comfort and peace during an incredibly difficult time and their care will never be forgotten.

Daris will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

A Celebration of Life for Daris will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Kenaston Place Community Hall, Kenaston, Sask. 
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Daris may be directed to the Hospice at Glengarda–sphfsk.ca. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.