All posts by Dan Senick

Davidson

Pauline Merkosky (neé Gerwing) (1940-2025

December 31, 1940 – December 19, 2025

Pauline was born on New Year’s Eve and joined the family of John and Amalia (Molly) Gerwing. She was the last of thirteen children.

She was raised on the farm outside of Lake Lenore.

Following her high school graduation she worked as a nurse’s aid in the hospital. In May of 1962 she married Maurice Merkosky of the St. Gertrudes community South of Humboldt. They were wed at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Lake Lenore.

Maurice and Pauline moved to Macklin. Amy was born in 1963 and Donna in 1965. They moved to Davidson, where Maurice became manager of the Co-op Hardware Store. Pauline was a stay at home mom until the girls were older. She worked at the School libray and the local dentist. She then started her career at the Davidson Credit Union. She was liked by the patrons and co-workers. She was called PM around the office. She was involved in many organizations, the C.W.L., Girl Guides, Town Coucil and Sarcan to name a few.

Following her retirement from the Credit Union, Pauline focused on her role at home as a grandmother and great-grandmother. She also took up Folk Art Painting and learned how to golf.

Pauline is survived by her loving family: husband Maurice, daughter Amelia (Clark) Puckett, daughter Donna (Phillip) Petit, grandchildren: Daniel Puckett and Tarah (Kelly) Degelman and great-grandchildren: Kaleb, Chloe, Carter, Jayla and Declan. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins.

We would like to thank the First Responders for their care and compassion on her weekly checkups and during the day of her loss. Thank-you Todd for all you do during a very difficult time. You are a treasure to our community. Thank-you to Father Joseph and the Catholic community and thanks to Larry Packet for the delicious lunch after the service.

We will miss Mom/Grandma and carry her in our hearts forever.

For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Pauline may be directed to the CNIB. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson was in care of arrangements.

Davidson, Obituary

PAUL GOLPHY (1953-2025)

January 30, 1953 – December 1, 2025

Paul was born on January 30, 1953 to Shirley and James Golphy in Fort William Ontario (now Thunder Bay). Following his parents’ divorce he and his mom moved back to Saskatchewan. Shirley remarriedand two sisters Diane and Jane and two brother Russell and Curtis followed. His mom started fostering children and two of them, Johnny and Silas, became permanent brothers in the family.

From an early age Paul’s interests were electronics, motor bikes and flying. He moved to Davidson in the early 1970’s and worked briefly at Antoine’s then to a 49-year career at the Davidson Co op. Feb 2, 1980, he married Mary Lynne Low – his best friend and soul mate. They enjoyed many trips together on the motorbike whether heading out across Canada and the US or morning bike runs with friends for breakfast around the province. From daily walks, going for coffee or heading out on the bike, Paul and Aunt Mary Lynne were truly each other’s best friend, supporter and soul mate.

He obtained his pilot’s licence in 1985 and took to the skies in homebuilt gyrocopters or rebuilt homebuilts. Whether it was remote control airplanes or gyrocopters or homebuilt aircraft, he loved building as much as flying. Of course when drones became popular he obtained his licence to fly drones and enjoyed making videos.

Paul believed everything could be fixed and his knowledge and expertise will be missed by many who relied on him for advice. He had many interests and was always on the look out for new or different projects. Building his own cotton candy machine to carving and throwing boomerangs, target shooting and everything in between. This led to a wide variety of people who he called his friends.

His determination and ability to think outside the box served him well during his battle with ALS and was able to remain at home where he passed peacefully on Dec 1, 2025.

A Celebration of Life service was held at the Davidson Town Hall on December 11, 2025, with Pastor Dave Hesje officiating. Interment took place at the Davidson cemetery.

Our sincere thanks to the many friends for the prayers, visits, hugs, calls or texts over the last year. For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Paul may be directed to Arm River Wildlife, SOS Prairie Rescue, ALS Canada or a charity of your choice. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson was in care of arrangements.

Obituary

IONE PATRICIA HOOPER (1950-2025)

September 14, 1950 – Regina, Saskatchewan

December 3, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ione Patricia Hooper, who succumbed to an eight-month battle with glioblastoma on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, in Calgary, AB. Surrounded by her family, Ione departed peacefully. She will be remembered by both her loved ones and the many friends whose lives were enriched by her graciousness, generosity, and optimism.

Ione was born on September 14, 1950, in Regina, SK, to Caroline Mary George and Noble Otto (Ted) Old. She completed her schooling in Davidson, SK, alongside her three sisters, Gloria Zdunich, Lee Old, and Bobbette Old. Academic and personal achievement led her to be awarded a full scholarship for undergraduate study at the University of Saskatchewan, Regina campus. She furthered her education at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC, earning her master’s degree in library sciences.

Drawn by an enduring appreciation for the prairies, open landscapes, and big skies, Ione made Alberta her home and, on May 11, 1974, married Harold Richard Hooper.

Beginning with cataloguing and following through to work in the Business and Rutherford Libraries, the majority of Ione’s career was at the University of Alberta. Her distinguished professional life was dedicated to fostering access to information, and she found immense fulfillment within the academic community.

Ione is survived by her three children, Christopher Peter (married to Janice Lesley Millar), Emma Patricia (married to Charles Robert Williams), and Erin Kathleen (married to Joshua Keith Macedo); as well as four grandchildren, Declan James Hooper, Stella Catherine Hooper, Aubrey Daniel Williams Hooper, and Kit Emerson Hooper Williams.

Ione’s interests were deep and diverse. She loved athletic outdoor pursuits, especially with friends and family, including running races from fun runs to full marathons, cycling events, and tours around the world, cross-country skiing, hiking, skating, and generally anything that kept her outdoors and moving. Travel and reading were two other lifelong loves. Ione eagerly sought new horizons and perspectives, by plane, train, bike, and foot, and in a constant stream of enthusiastically consumed books.

Ione exemplified the spirit of community through steadfast support, compassion, and the ability to inspire joy through adversity. She volunteered regularly for many charities and organisations, including the Calgary Reads Book Sale.

Beyond her immediate family, Ione leaves an indelible impression on an extensive circle of friends who will long cherish her unwavering positivity, thoughtful engagement, keen intellect, and deep, genuine interest in and concern for others.

Throughout life’s challenges—including those faced most recently—Ione demonstrated remarkable adaptability, resilience, and composure. The family expresses gratitude for having been part of Ione’s remarkable journey. Her enduring legacy will remain with all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Lawrence Anglican Church (5940 Lakeview Drive S.W., Calgary, AB) on January 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the church.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Provincial Office, Sun Life Place, 710, 10123 – 99 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1 Telephone: 1(866) 412-4222, https://albertacancer.ca/.

Obituary

MARIEANNE BERNADETTE WEGNER

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Marieanne (Marion) Wegner of Craik, SK on November 29th, 2025 at the age of 91 years young.

She will be lovingly remembered by her family, son Mark and Teresa Wegner – grandson Michael, Ashley and Emma; grandson Brian, Kabri, Brielle and Nolan; granddaughter Stephanie, Damien and Gage. Daughters – Wanda and Brad Harder,  grandson Wayd, Brittany, Rayleigh, Cohen and Emarie Petruic; Glenda and Darin Sekulich, granddaughter Janelle, Kaylee Hjelsing and Oaklynn Desrosiers; grandson Cory, Sarah and Willow Hjelsing; Colette and Craig McCallum; Lorna and Gary Hodges, grandson Hayden, Melanie and Leila; grandson Quinn and Shannon; her brothers, Ken and Steff Schneider, John Schneider and her sister Patrica Fox as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Arnold of 57 years, her parents John and Helen Schneider, her in laws Emil and Olga Wegner, sister in laws- Joan Schneider, Hope Wegner and Lesa Watkins; brother in laws -Arthur Fox, Arthur Wegner, George Watkins and infant great granddaughter Rose Hjelsing.

A Funeral Mass was held at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Craik SK at 2 pm Monday December 8th, 2025.

Interment followed at Craik Cemetery.  

Memorial donations can be made to Craik St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Craik Sask.

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

Obituary

GLENNYS ALLAN KORACA (ENGLAND) 1947-2025)

Glennys Allan Koraca (née: England) aged 78 years of Moose Jaw,

Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 9 th ,

2025, at the Dr. F.H Wigmore Regional Hospital with family by

her side. Born on the 13 th of June 1947, Glennys was the second

of eight children born to Percy and Lydia England.

After training in the profession, Glennys worked as a

Hairdresser and continued to grace family and friends with her

expertise after switching career paths. She worked at Valley

View Centre in the housekeeping and kitchen departments. She

was an industrious worker and remained at Valley View Centre

until her retirement.

Glennys filled her free time with multiple activities. She

enjoyed Bingo, crosswords, crocheting, and knitting. She had a

soft heart and enjoyed reading romance novels, watching soap

operas, and watching Hallmark Christmas movies.

Glennys’ greatest joy and treasure was her family, especially

her grandchildren. She enjoyed sharing in their successes and

happiness and thoroughly enjoyed the time she spent with each of

them. She could often be heard bragging to friends, family, and

even strangers about how proud she was.

Glennys visited Europe on several occasions to spend time with

extended family, dip her feet in the Adriatic Sea, and explore

the culture. She had the biggest heart and offered a helping

hand to those she knew in need. She enjoyed and appreciated

each of her friends.

She was predeceased by both her parents; husbands, William

(Barry) Small and Ljubo (Louie) Koraca; her mothers and fathers-

in-law; sister, Linda; brothers, Lyle and Edgar; sister-in-law,

Pam; and brothers-in-law, Boris and Zelijko. Glennys leaves to

mourn, her loving children: Roxie Small, Juanita Small, Trena

Hales (Corby), Renata Tkatchuk (Todd), Ivan Warn, and Brad Warn

(Sharon); her precious grandchildren and the absolute apples of

her eye: William, Jackson, Luka, Ellie, Marko, Stephen, Amanda,

Arianna, Josh, and Desiree; siblings: Barrie (Jean) England,

Everett England, Calvin (Darlene) England, and Holly (Ron)

Lindquist; sister-in-law, Holly England; numerous nieces,

nephews; extended family in Europe; brothers-in-law: Branko

(Vessna) Koraca, Ingrid Koraca, and Bruno (Anita) Rabak; as well

as many dear friends in Canada and abroad.

Glennys’s family would like to extend their gratitude and a

special thank you to the staff at Providence Place and the

Medicine Unit staff at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital

for the care they provided.

A Celebration of Glennys’ Life will be held on Saturday, March

14 th, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club,

561 Home Street in Moose Jaw. In lieu of flowers, donations in

Glennys’ name may be made to the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation,

2217C Hanselman Court, Saskatoon, SK S7L 6A8, The Moose Jaw

Humane Society, Box 1658 Station Main, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7, or

to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to

Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Cara Ashworth,

Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

Obituary

BRIAN WHYTE (1957-2025)

 December 5, 1957 – November 17, 2025

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Brian Whyte on November 17, 2025, at the Davidson Health Centre, at the age of 67 years.

Brian was the only son of Ray and Helen Whyte. He was born in Davidson on December 3, 1957, and was raised in a number of small Saskatchewan communities, including Kandahar, Lestock, and Foam Lake, before returning to Davidson as a teenager.

He spent a number of years working in Seismic oil exploration, which enabled him to travel to many great locations in both Canada and the US. He then moved on to working for Calgary Transit, and remained there until his retirement three years ago. When he retired he chose to move back to Davidson, because for him this was always home.

Brian loved both curling and golfing, but his main interest was always music and cars. Over the years he owned a number of great classic vehicles. His favourites were definitely his BMW’s.

Brian was quiet, seldom speaking unless he really had something to say. But in the right circumstances, usually while hanging out with friends, you would hear him laughing – he had such a great laugh!

At Brian’s request there won’t be a funeral service.