Feb. 19, 1924 to July 28, 2026

It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Ivan F. Drimmie, a long-time farmer and respected community member of Liberty, Sask.  Ivan passed away peacefully at 102 years old, leaving behind a profound legacy of hard work, devotion to family, and a deep-rooted love for the farm life he cherished.

Born in 1924, Ivan was the son of Daniel and Florence Drimmie and raised on the farm west of Liberty, NE3-26-26-W2 and attended Davenport School.  He often joked that it was “uphill both ways” to the one room school house just a mile north of their farm. He was eager to share history and recalled the 1930’s, the dust, grasshoppers and Russian thistle. How the thistle would blow against the fence, the dirt would pile up and he could walk across the top. He remembered spreading poisoned sawdust from the back of a wagon to try to control the grasshoppers. He recalled welcoming relief from other provinces with apples from Ontario and salted codfish and canned herring from the Maritimes. He shared how one winter the snow was so deep and so hard that he rode is horse, Darkie, on the banks that were over the treetops. And, he shared how difficult it must have been for his parents and grandparents.

In 1945, with the help of his Dad, he purchased 160 acres of sod and rocks and bush to break up! And in 1946, he and Donald MacFarland purchased another 320 acres of prairie and broke it with an old 2 speed Model D John Deere and a 2 furrow plow. He said, “it was fun – but we were young and enjoyed it!”  They lived in an old granary while breaking with lots of mosquitoes and no OFF! They ate home canned chicken which they kept cool in a hole in the ground – but not the cake or the ants would get it!

In the winter, he tried his hand at quite a variety of jobs.  His parents came from Ontario so he would migrate back there to find work.  He delivered bread with a horse and wagon and joked how that horse made a deposit in the middle of the same intersection at the same time each day!  He also became a licensed mechanic and worked in a garage.  He enjoyed automotive work and shared these skills with his sons. In Regina, he got his chauffer’s license and drove taxi.  He also joked about the time he worked “over” Premier Tommy Douglas.  He was employed repairing the roof of the Legislative Building.

Ivan was a very accomplished problem solver and could manufacture just about anything he needed with his welder or woodworking tools. He told us about how he saved up money from skunk hides and gopher tails at 5 cents each to buy his cutting torch. He made his own cross country skis and soaked the wood in water to curl the toe ends.  He skied with his neighbour, Bob Hedwigway who lived at the farm to the west.  He made kitchen cupboards for the farm house and many other projects throughout his life. In his nineties he still made a couple of wheeled side tables with drawers for his printer and for his record player.

Feb. of 1946, Ivan experienced firsthand the introduction of the Saskatchewan Air Ambulance as he was at the first 2 flights which were both to locations west of Liberty.  The first flight, Ivan assisted with getting the plane free as it had frozen to the ground while loading the patient. These historic journeys established the world’s first formally organized non-military, government operated air medical transport service.

In 1953, he married the love of his life, Olive Jean Wheeler of Holstein, Ontario and together they expanded their farm to 960 acres.  They first lived on the “Kennedy” place and then moved to the SE3-26-26-W2.  During this time they welcomed their three children: Randy, Terry and Kelvin.  In 1972 they moved into Liberty to the “Pool” house, then in 1985 into the house Ivan lived in until 2021.  Together, they spent 56 beautiful years building a life, working the land, and cultivating deep ties within their community until Olive’s passing in 2010.

Ivan was the Reeve of the R.M. of Big Arm from 1969 – 1982 for 12 consecutive years.  At the time, that was a record number of consecutive years to be a Reeve.  He considered it an honour and enjoyed the work, the council members he worked with and the farmers in the R.M. he worked on behalf of.

Ivan loved growing crops of grains and oilseeds and tending the land.  He also had a passion for gardening crops of tomatoes, potatoes, horseradish, asparagus, raspberries, hascaps and cherry trees. He was known to share the bounty of his garden with many, including the hospital/facility.

His family at the Long Lake Valley Integrated Facility in Imperial where he resided for the past few years were truly appreciated and special to him.

Ivan was a dedicated family man who took immense pride in his children’s achievements and loved spending time with his granddaughters and great grandchildren.  He will be remembered for his quiet strength, his sense of fun and humor, his enduring commitment to the land, and the warmth he extended to neighbors and friends in the Liberty district.

He loved and supported his children: Randy William Drimmie (Arlene); Terry Lynn Drimmie; Kelvin Marshall Drimmie (Connie)

He adored his granddaughters and added to their musical education by providing Sarah a violin and Amber a piano which they learned to play and entertain Olive and Ivan:  Sarah Ann Victoria Drimmie; Amber Noel Koza-Drimmie Vibert (Scott) 

His great grandchildren brought him great joy.  He loved to hold his great grandbabies and interact with them as they grew.  He always had a handmade item that he would tease them with or give them to play with:  Holly Marilyn Olive Vibert; Brooke Barbara Noel Vibert; Ryker Kelvin Vibert

He is lovingly remembered by numerous extended family members, nieces, nephews and friends.  He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Olive and his parents Daniel and Florence Drimmie, his sisters, Inez (Glen) Allen, Mabel Alice Drimmie (died at 8 yrs) and brother, Ken (Myrna) Drimmie.

A funeral service and celebration of Ivan’s life will be held at the Liberty Memorial Hall, Interment will follow alongside his wife and the Liberty Cemetery on August 15^th at 2 p.m.

J. Ernest Spencer unexpectedly passed away in Davidson, on Father’s Day, June 21, 2026, at the age of 83.

Ernie, the first son of George and Violet Spencer, was born on December 7, 1942 in Craik. Ernie’s younger years were filled with time on the farm with his brothers, 4-H, band and good times with cousins. There are many stories of the shenanigans experienced with not only the Pound’s and the Sloan’s, but also with many of the neighbourhood kids too.

Ernie attended the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with Distinction, from the College of Agriculture in 1965 with a degree in Animal Science. After his college graduation, Ernie worked for the Government of Saskatchewan in the Department of Agriculture as an Animal Science Specialist. During this time, he was also working towards his Masters Degree, obtaining that in 1969. It was after his Masters, that Ernie took on the position of the Director of the Research Feed Testing Lab at the University of Saskatchewan. Ernie was the first director of that new program and took great pride in the work that was done there. In 1973, the family moved to Regina, where Ernie became the Assistant Deputy Minister of Agriculture. Ernie remained a very active part of the agriculture community, attending almost all of the SAGA reunions. He always enjoyed those times of re-connection with classmates.

Ernie’s passion for farming and land took him back to his farming roots in the late 1970’s. He rented some land north of Raymore and commuted to farm for the first two years, jumping in with both feet in 1979, when he moved the family to a farm near Quinton, beginning the challenges of farming full time. Ernie loved working the land, and also loved his animals. Over the years, there were cattle, pigs and even sheep. While farming, he continued to serve his communities by giving back. Ernie was an active member of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church and church council, as well, he was a member of the Optimist Club, he was a councillor and the Reeve of the RM of Kutawa.

While farming, he continued to undertake overseas trips for the Department of Agriculture, assisting in the set up and management of feedlots. In the early 1990’s, he came back to the Department of Agriculture to work, renting out the farm land, and eventually selling the land, to return to work in Agriculture. Ernie worked in Regina and eventually in Saskatoon with the University, before he retired. He returned to his roots and his home community of Craik, where he served on the Town Council and was a member of the Museum Committee.

Ernie passed his love of country music and talk radio on to his children, and even some of his grandkids. He took time to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events when he was able, even if it meant cheering against Craik, and he was extremely proud of their love of agriculture and their choices in pursuing agriculture in their studies and employment.

Ernie is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Lori Ann and Murray Frey, and their children Clay (Kloey), Rayner and Shylo, his son Michael Spencer and grandson Zackary.

He is also survived by the mother of his children, Marilyn Stobbs, his special uncle, Jim Sloan (Elaine), sister in laws Arlette Spencer and Wilma Spencer, numerous nieces and nephews, and many special cousins. Ernie was pre-deceased by his parents, George and Violet Spencer, as well as brothers David and Hilton.

Cremation has taken place. A service to celebrate Ernie’s life will be held at a later date with a reception and time of sharing for all who loved Ernie and shared in his life.

In lieu of flowers or condolences for the family, donations can be made to the Craik Pioneer Museum.

Kelvin Lester Orsen of Hanley, Saskatchewan, passed away suddenly on July 24, 2026, at the age of 61, at St. Paul’s Hospital with his wife by his side. Kelvin was a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, loyal friend, lifelong farmer, respected mechanic, and devoted dog lover.

Kelvin was born on April 19, 1965, to Lester and Agnes Orsen in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Kelvin was raised with a hard-working attitude and a deep appreciation for farm life. After graduating from high school, he attended Kelsey Institute in the Ag Tech Program. After a few years pulling wrenches, he obtained his red seal journeyman ticket. This resulted in a successful career in becoming the service manager at John Deere, and later Bobcat, which he held for 25+ years. In this role, his expertise and knowledge had customers from all over the province reach out to him for advice, which he truly loved (including the endless “fix it” questions from his kids). He did all of this while farming alongside his wife and dad. He would eventually come back to farm full-time with his kids, a lifelong dream. He also enjoyed driving school bus for his community and loved his “bus kids”. Outside of “work”, which was more of a way of life, he enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and planning extravagant murder mystery parties. He loved his old rock bands of the 80’s and was always “Taking Care of Business”, anything else was “bug music”. His humor was dry and tasteless, much like his food preferences.

Kelvin is lovingly remembered by his wife of almost 40 years, Cathy; his children, Brittany (Corey), Matthew (Melissa, Levi), Courtney (Joel), Ryan (Cassie); his cherished grandbaby, Colby; and his dogs and granddogs. He is also survived by his brother, Gary, several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we are thankful that the years he battled illness and pain are over. We are grateful for the years we shared and the memories that will remain with us forever. His guidance and support will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Kelvin’s Life will be held at 2:00 pm. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at the Hanley Community Hall. Following the program, guests are welcome to gather for refreshments and to share memories with the family. Memorial donations may be made to STARS Air Ambulance in Kelvin’s memory. Arrangements are in care of Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200. To share memories or send condolences please visit www.mourningglory.ca

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 22^th

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.

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 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.