All posts by Dan Senick

James Douglas Dale (1934-2025)

Feb. 6, 1934 – Nov. 17, 2025

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of James Douglas Dale on Nov 17, 2025 at the age of 91.  Doug was born near Craik, Saskatchewan on February 6, 1934, to Bertha (nee Lee) and David Dale.  He lived on a mixed farm with his parents and sisters, going to Foxbury country school and later Aylesbury for grade 12. After attending the School of Agriculture at the U of S, he returned to the family farm in 1954. He married Hilda Schaffer in 1964 and farmed with his parents, children, and grandchildren until his death.

He was involved in many local and provincial organizations including: 4-H, the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society, the Craik Oral History Group, local and district agricultural society/board, and he was a devoted provincial and federal Conservative his whole life.  He attended the United Church in Foxbury, Aylesbury, and Craik.

He is predeceased by his parents and sister Pat Falk.  He is survived by his wife Hilda Dale, his sister Margaret (Greg) Osmond, his children Lisa Dale-Burnett (Brady Burnett), David Dale (Beth Barrett), his grandsons James (Kayla) Dale, and William Burnett (Sabrina Steele), and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life was held in the Craik United Church, Craik, SK. on Saturday, Nov 22, 2025. For those so wishing, donations in Doug’s memory may be made to the Craik United Church or charity of choice. Hanson’s Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Shirley Willner (1935-2025)

March 31, 1935 – November 20, 2025

Shirley Willner of Assiniboia, SK, passed away peacefully at the Grasslands Health Centre in Rockglen, Saskatchewan, on November 20, 2025, at the age of 90 years.

Shirley was born on March 31, 1935 on the family homestead near Davidson, SK, to Herbert and Dorothy (née Ellis) Willner. She attended Kipp School for her early grades and completed high school in Davidson. She later pursued her post-secondary education at Robertson Secretarial School.

In the early 60’s Assiniboia became home, and in 1976. the family moved to an acreage outside of town. It was there that Shirley developed a special interest in Great Horned Owls after the rare occurrence of them nesting in the shelterbelt. She later wrote an article about the owls that was published, and from that time on, her cherished owl collection began to grow.

Shirley was the secretary at the Assiniboia Composite High School and later joined Jack and Lewan’s, which became Lewan and Associates, eventually completing her career with Lewan’s and Ford. She retired in 2000, which gifted Shirley the time she treasured most, being with her grandchildren. Her house, which was just a few blocks from 7th Avenue School, became a beloved after-school home.

Shirley was musically gifted; she was an active member of the Community Band and the local Music Festivals, accompanying many students, including her own children and also enjoyed playing with the Ole Tyme Fiddlers.

Shirley is survived by her daughter Elaine (Chris) Hannah; grandson Keelan (Chantel) and great-grandchildren Briggs and Reggie; granddaughter Patsy (Jesse) and great-granddaughter Kora; her son Murray Brunt (Dawn Maclachlan); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Herb and Dorothy Willner, brother Glenn and sister-in-law Marjorie Willner.

Our Mom’s later years were marked by her courageous battle with dementia, a journey that slowly stole pieces of her warmth and humour, and the beautiful spirit we all cherished. Our family extends a tremendous and heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Grasslands Health Centre for the exceptional care and compassion they provided to our mom and grandma. We are forever grateful.

A Private Family Interment will be held at a later date in Davidson, SK.

Thomas James Blenkin (1942-2025)

Tommy was born on February 4,1942 in Sintaluta to Thomas and Janet Blenkin.  He was the fourth child and first son in a family of 15 children.

In Dad’s 45 plus years as an Ironworker, he travelled to many jobs all over western Canada.  We made many trips moving between Saskatchewan and British Columbia.  

During our years in BC, the Viker, Poitras and Leib families joined us for  birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. Our greatest memories are from the summers we all spent together camping at Whatcom Lake in Washington State.  Dad and the guys spent their time boating, waterskiing and parasailing.  

In 1999, dad, mom and Auntie Sharon opened Sugar Twins Plus Restaurant and Bakery in Pierceland, where mom and dad made new friends. Dad built the building, from the ground up, practically all on his own. He was able to do carpentry, plumbing and electrical, skills he picked up during his years in construction. Then he took classes and became the chief bread, bun and donut maker. 

Daddy took great pride in his yard and enjoyed morning coffee on the deck. He liked country music, cheering for the Riders and family get togethers. Time spent with his grandson were the most precious to him. 

When Tommy passed on October 31, 2025, he left behind Shirley, his loving wife of 59 years. His daughter Tracey, son Trevor and grandson Thomas will hold him in their hearts forever. 

He is also survived by siblings Gladys, Ila, Betty, JoAnn (Reid), Clifford, Barry (Franky), Larry (Kelly) and Kelly (Don)

He was predeceased by parents Thomas and Janet Blenkin, in-laws Andy and Mabel Nordmarken. Sisters Marion, Alice, Doris, LaVerna, LesLee and brothers Brian and Cameron.  A Celebration of Life was held at the Catholic Hall on November 8 with Reverend Tracey Taylor, and Hanson’s Funeral Home organizing the day.  Toys were donated in his name to Santa’s Anonymous.

ALLEN ERNEST LINDSTROM (1948-2025)

March 2, 1948 to October 14, 2025

Allen Ernest Lindstrom passed away on October 14th in Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, after struggling with some health issues for a few years. We as a family are very reassured by the fact that he is now at peace and with no pain in the arms of his Lord and Savior.

Allen was born March 2, 1948 to Vandel and Marion Lindstrom in Wadena, SK. He was the youngest of 2 children. He grew up on the family farm a mile north of Wadena, and attended school at Wadena Composite High School until grade 11. He worked at the Sask Wheat Pool elevator, as well as helping on the family farm. After a couple of years, he decided to go to the University of Saskatchewan for the Vocational Agriculture diploma program. 

He met his wife in high school, and they were married on March 28, 1970.   They moved to the farm and began their lives together working along side his parents.  During his time at the farm, he was involved in the Credit Union board, as well as the Farmer’s Union. On the Farm is where they raised the first 3 of their daughters before moving to Caronport in 1992, to attend Briercrest Bible College.  They rented out the farm and started a new chapter, which included the 4th of their daughters and the beginning of his stint as Mr. Mom as he was referred to, as he was the main caregiver for the first couple of years while Judy took her schooling.  He then earned a Masters in Ministries degree.

He met his Lord and Savior at the age of 32 which led him to join the Full Gospel Businessmen group and the Gideons where he sought out to learn more about his Lord and led to many good friendships. 

He spent much of his life driving, which he also loved.  That was a large part of his working life, including tractors, semis, ambulances and even a taxi for a time. After retiring he bought himself a motorhome and spent as much of his time as he could traveling about the countryside finding what he called the best kept secrets of Saskatchewan.

Allen is survived by his wife of 55 years Judy, daughters Elaine (Charles Zosel) Stokes and children Lyle Kushner, Janelle (Riley) Klinke, Braden Bagu, Kristopher Bagu; Sheri (Rob) Warkentin and children Joshua and Erika; Gayle Basky; Allison (Sheldon) Hinchey and son Mason, great-grandchildren Talia and Ezra Klinke; Sister Margaret Anderson, Brother-in-law Jim (Isabelle) Milne, Sister-in-law Ann (Doug) Richards, many nieces, nephews and their families. 

He was predeceased by his Brother-in-law David Anderson; Son-in-law Brad Kushner; Sister-in-law Ferne Kendall; and niece Carla Richards.

A funeral was held on October 20, 2025 at the Davidson Community Bible Church at 2:00. Interment took place in Wadena Sask. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation or Diabetes Canada.

COREY EDDIE (1958-2025)

It is with profound sadness that the family of Corey Eddie, announce her passing on September 14th, 2025 at the age of 66.

Corey will be forever remembered and missed by her husband of 41 years, Jay, her children Kevin (Samantha), Kristen and her grandchildren, Sadie and Jaxon, her siblings Gord (the late Wendy), Don (Holly), Sheree (Jim) and Suzie (Randy) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Corey is predeceased by her parents, Jack and Leona Findlay, her daughter, Vanessa Eddie, her mother in law Vera Eddie and her father in law Gordon Eddie.

Born on December 17th, 1958 in Moose Jaw, SK she was the second youngest out of five children. She and her sister Suzie were often referred to as the “little girls” and they both carried this nickname into adulthood.

 She graduated from Central Collegiate in 1976 and went on to pursue an education in Dental Nursing.

She began work as a dental nurse first in Leader, SK, and then in Davidson, where she met her husband Jay and this began a life full of ups, downs, love and laughter for the next 41 years.

Her education didn’t stop there as she learned what it meant to be a farmer’s wife. She had a beautiful garden, kept the books in order and made meals during harvest. She loved her community and gave generously of her time and talents.

Corey was known for her kind heart, her way with words and her love for her family. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and she would tell anyone who would listen that she was very lucky that they lived so close.

Arrangements for a Celebration of Corey’s Life will be announced at a later date.

For those wishing, memorial donations can be made in Corey’s name to a charity of one’s choice. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

JIM HASSETT (1933-2025)

Hassett, James

September 22, 1933 – September 9, 2025

Jim (James) Hassett, age 91, passed away on September 9, 2025, at Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital in Moose Jaw, SK. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather,

great-grandfather, brother and friend whose strong and steady presence will be deeply missed.

James is survived by his wife, Fran; children Wade (Cathy), Gail (Rockey), Ted (DeLee) and Tracy (Brian); grandchildren Andrea (Larry) Connor, MacKenzie& Summer, Ryan (Amy) Aubrey & Rylee, Craig (Donnalee) Coen & Amelia, Alison (Noel) & Hailey, Melissa (Marcus) Tiernan &Austynn, Derik (Kendel) Hurley &Hendrin, Tyler (Chelsea) Kale, Wyatt, Sarah & Lincoln and Kevin (Erin) Cooper, Heaton & Hudson; siblings Larry (Judy), Denny (Bernice) and Rick (Bonnie).

Born September 22, 1933, Jim’s strong work ethic and stoic nature served him well as he started a career in the Co-op system at 14 years old. He progressed into management and eventually settled in Craik, SK as a building mover and farmer. Most recently, Jim relocated to Moose Jaw where he and Fran spent just over a year at Crescent Park Retirement Village.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life Funeral Service was held at Craik Community Legion Hall on Monday, September 15, 2025.

For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Jim may be directed to a charity of choice. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson was in care of arrangements.