All posts by Dan Senick

Davidson, Obituary

LESTER CHARLES ORSEN (1938-2026)

LESTER CHARLES ORSEN JUNE 18, 1938 – MAY 5, 2026 

Lester Charles Orsen, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Home in Saskatoon on May 5, 2026. Lester was predeceased by his wife, Agnes; parents, Alice and Marvin Orsen; sister, Myrtle; sister, Sylvia; brothers-in-law, Dick Matthews, Ken Galletly, and Bob McKee. Leaving to mourn are his sons, Kelvin (Cathy) and Gary; grandchildren, Brittany (Corey) Traynor, Colby; Matthew Orsen (Melissa, Levi); Tawny Orsen (Matt) Turcotte, Kilian, Freyja; Courtney (Joel) Peters, Ryan Orsen. Sisters, Sandra McKee, Charlotte (Roger) Kohut, Marjorie (Ken) Sinden, and many nieces and nephews. 

Lester was born on a farm near Hanley, SK, to Alice and Marvin Orsen. Lester completed high school in Hanley and then an electronics course by correspondence. He worked on crews building grain annexes. Farming was calling to Lester, so he then started to grain farm and raise cattle with his dad. Lester and Agnes were married in 1964, where they resided on the farm east of Hanley and raised their family. Lester loved checking the cows and driving around the pastures. He also loved dancing and music, playing with the Sunny Valley Band. Lester and Agnes were very well known for their wonderful dancing all over the province. Dancing was their joint passion, as well as visiting family and friends to play cards.

A private family interment to be held at a later date. For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Lester may be directed to Stars Air Ambulance. Cremation arrangements in care of Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200. To share memories or send condolences visit www.mourningglory.ca.

Davidson, Obituary

MARLENE ANN FRIESEN (1940-2026)

It is with sadness and heavy hearts the family of Marlene Friesen announce her sudden passing, April 23,2026, at the age of 85 God called her home to start a new journey as an Angel.

Mom was born Aug 5, 1940, she was the second daughter of Lyle and Evelyn Lonsberry of theWiseton/Dinsmore Area. Mom grew up on the family farm with her older sister Connie and younger siblings Mary Lou and Vernon. Our family of six moved to Davidson in 1970 where we were blessed with the addition of our brother. As a family our weekends were spent going to small town fairs-participating in chuckwagon & chariot races and gymkhana.

Mom worked at the hospital in Davidson as a Nurse’s Aide for many years. Later she moved toClaresholm, Alberta where she created many memories with family and new friends. Since returning toDavidson, she has enjoyed spending time with family and friends.Some of her pass times were watching the Toronto Blue Jays, watching curling, doing puzzles and reading. Last year was an exciting year for mom as the Blue Jays went to the World Series–and mom shared Canada’s disappointment when they lost game seven. If there was a game on you could not call her as she was too busy to take the talk. Christmas was a special time for our family as mom would setup her Christmas Village. The village holds a special place in our hearts as it was built from our mom’s love of Christmas and each of our contribution to make the dream come alive.

Mom is survived by her children Cindy (Doug), Jackie (Terry), Dianne (Garth), Carolyn (Scott) and Brent(Anne). By her Grandchildren Dwane (Crystal), Bradley (Larissa),Kyle, Kevin (Heather), Dean, Kayla(Darcy), Shane (Chalcey), and Brina (Jason). And by Great Grandchildren Dylan, Lexi, Kaden, Miller,Kohen, Elizabeth, Nyla, Mckiinley, Emmett, Atlee, Kennedy (Conner), and Brodie. Mom is also survived by her baby sister Mary Lou (Cecil), numerous nieces and nephews. Mom is predeceased by her parents Lyle and Evelyne, older sisterConnie and younger brother Vernon, Les Friesen and Reg Turner.

A family celebration will be held at a later date when we take mom to Alberta. 

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.