All posts by Dan Senick

Riverbend Co-op donates $150,000 to childacre project

Davidson Childcare Inc. celebrated the beginning of construction for its new licensed childcare facility on June 25, with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Premier Scott Moe, among many other dignitaries. This marks a significant milestone in the community’s effort to enhance local childcare services. Following the ceremony, Riverbend Co-op, a long-time collaborator with Davidson Childcare, hosted a pulled pork supper, donating 100 per cent of the proceeds to the childcare group’s fundraising efforts. The supper was staffed by local team members, management, and various members of Riverbend’s Board of Directors, demonstrating the strong community involvement in the project. During the event, Ed Spigott, Vice President of the Riverbend Board of Directors, announced a donation of $150,000 to the childcare facility.

“This donation from your co-operative reflects our belief in the power of community and our commitment to supporting initiatives that benefit everyone,” said Mr. Spigott. “Small towns like ours thrive on the strength of our collective efforts. When we join together, we can accomplish great things.” The funds will contribute to the construction of the new Davidson Childcare Centre. Riverbend’s contribution will be acknowledged in the facility’s outdoor play area. This donation places Riverbend Co-op among a prestigious list of community members, organizations, and businesses supporting this vital project. “Developing a daycare is no small feat — it requires an enormous amount of effort, dedication, and resources,” Mr. Spigott added. “The parents and business owners of Davidson have shown an extraordinary commitment to making this dream a reality.”

Davidson Childcare Inc. will continue its fundraising efforts with Riverbend Co-op when they return to hosting a BBQ outside the Riverbend Co-op Davidson Food Store on July 19, with a follow-up event on Aug. 23, weather permitting.

(This story was submitted in the form of a news release.)

Clara pauline bagg (Chandler) (1934-2024)

April 10, 1934 – April 25, 2024

With a heavy heart we announce the passing of our Mother. Mom had just celebrated her 90th Birthday with Family and Friends. She left us with many great memories of her Birthday Week as well as those thru out our lives.

 Clara is survived by her children Marvin (Karen), Janet (Danny) Amundrud, Brad, Dwight and Carla (Mike) Lloyd. Her grandchildren Kris (Laura), Kattlyn (Irene), Kyle (Victoria), Ashley (Bryson), Klarissa, Daniel, Riley, Robbi, Mikala, Keegan and Hailee. Her great grandchildren Keenan, Kaden, Eleanor and Hugh. Her siblings Bernie (Rose) Chandler, Hazel Cook and Susan Kopeck as well as nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her husband Reg, her parents Annie and Clarence Chandler, sisters Marjorie (Everett) Gerard and Shirley (Bill) Gibb. Brothers George and Clifford Chandler, brother in law Peter Kopeck and nephews.

Clara was the 3rd of 8 children and the first child born on the Chandler homestead. She attended Arden Leigh School. She then worked for various families. While working on her sisters farm near Springside she met and married Reg. A few years later they moved to Khedive and in 1973 they moved to Aylesbury where they made their home and raised their family.

Clara purchased the greenhouse from Joe and Della Heineken for whom she had worked for several years. As well as at Munn’s greenhouse. She served many drinks at the Aylesbury Hotel over the years. She was acting post mistress until its closing in September 1986. Mom finished her paid working days as Cook for Morskey Construction for 10 years.

Clara was compassionate, generous, patient and truly selfless. She enjoyed puzzles, knitting, playing crib, curling, and spending time with family and friends. She was a member of the United Church, UCW and the Aylesbury Go Getters.

There will be a Celebration of Life July 6th, 2024 at the Aylesbury Hall followed by Lunch and Fellowship. For those wishing, memorial donations in memory of Clara, may be directed to the Aylesbury Hall or Aylesbury Cemetery. Hanson’s Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

allan joel scott (1925-2024)

February 26th, 1925 – June 18, 2024

With deep sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Allan Joel Scott on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at Preston Park II in Saskatoon. Ultimately, he accomplished his goal of remaining at his home until his final journey. Dad lived an incredible life of 99 years and 4 months, in his 100th year!

Dad was born on the Scott family farm, south-west of Aylesbury on Feb. 26th, 1925. He was raised on the family homestead with his four older brothers and one sister. Dad attended Willow Bluff School until Grade 10, and graduated Grade 12 from Aylesbury School. It was here that he met Mom – Helen Duncan. On completion of school, Dad joined the Army. A “Paratrooper Wanted” sign caught his attention at basic training, and he spent the next 5 months becoming a fully trained paratrooper. Dad was extremely proud to receive his wings and serve for his country and family.

When the war ended, Dad was discharged from the army in 1946 and returned home. Mom and Dad married on October 12th, 1947. After a short stint in Hamilton, they returned to Aylesbury in September of ’49 to take over the farm after Dad’s eldest brother passed away. The next few years proved to be challenging while starting their family of 5 children and growing a farm. In 1961, Mom and Dad bought a farm considerably closer to town on the main grid where ‘ScottLand Acres’ currently resides. During these years, Mom and Dad were very active in the community, making lifelong friends and neighbours. Social gatherings, curling bonspiels, hockey tournaments, kid’s activities and farming kept life lively! Dad belonged to the Masons, the Elks and the local Legion where he remained an active Legion member until his passing.  

 In 1993, Mom and Dad “semi” retired to a home in Saskatoon, passing the farm onto their sons Garry and Terry. Dad continued actively helping on the farm into his 80’s, and not a year went by in his 90’s where he didn’t visit the farm during seeding and harvest. In 2005, Dad proudly accepted the Century Farm Award which marked the 100th year of the Scott Family Farm (Est. 1905).

Living in Saskatoon allowed Dad to further his love of curling in the winter and golf in the summer. Dad competed in Legion and Elks curling, winning 3 Dominion Legion Championships and 2 runners-up. Not to mention, he religiously followed and cheered on family in their curling pursuits.

After Mom’s passing in 2012, Dad moved to a condo by Market Mall for 5 years where he could continue to visit his many friends and was close to Nutana Curling Club. The last 6 years, Dad lived in Independent living at Preston Park II, enjoying regular visits with friends and daily visits from family. Dad had an extra special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The pure love and joy felt in these relationships was reciprocated.

Dad was a hard working, honest farmer where the strength of the handshake is the ‘contract of today.’ Dad was kind, fun loving, friendly and a good friend to many. Friends and family bragged about him being a legend, a classic. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore, actually they never did. Dad was one of a kind.

It is never easy to sum up one’s life in a scripted page, but if one’s life successes was measured by the number of friends and family that you have, Dad was one rich man!!

Dad is survived by daughters Brenda Larson (Berwyn), Heather Scott (Len Garand), Tracy Streifel (Lloyd), Terry Scott (Emilia).  Grandchildren Shane Jones (Marcia), Troy Jones (Melissa Young), Ryan Gale, Chelsey Zunti (Ashton), Jordan Streifel (Sarah), Kristen Szucki (Adam), Shantel Scott (Trevor Todd), Jocelyn Scott (Jordan Antoniuk), Tyson Scott (Cassidy). Great grandkids Taylor, Hunter & Isla Jones, Talon & Kiana Zunti, Tucker & Boston Chin, Aiden & Nova Antoniuk, Myiah & Steele Scott.

Dad was predeceased by Helen (2012), his wife of 65 years and sons Ronnie (1947) and Garry (1993). His parents Ernest and Catherine Scott, brothers Russ (Jean), Jim (Hulda), Gordon (Dorothy), Cecil (Jean) and sister Theresa (Frank) Watkins.  

Dad’s Celebration of Life service took place Sunday, June 23, 2024 @ 1pm at Aylesbury Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Aylesbury Rec Board, Box 45, Aylesbury, Sk. S0G0B0 or Aylesbury Cemetery, Box 148, Aylesbury, Sask. S0G0B0 Arrangements are entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Services in Davidson. Special thanks to Todd Lockwood for his guidance in arranging this Celebration of Life.

Linda Rae Kearns (Lindstrorm)(1946-2024)

January 14, 1946 – June 10, 2024

With heavy hearts and much sorrow, the family of Linda Rae Kearns (Lindstrom) announce her passing on June 10th, 2024.

Linda was born January 14, 1946, to Glenn and Lida (Forbes) Lindstrom and was raised on a farm in the Lake Valley area. She was the oldest of five siblings: Patti (Joe Harvey – dec), Jackie (Terry Leggott – dec), Bobbi (Keith Mitchell) and Ken Lindstrom and their families, and Ward (stillborn).

Linda moved to Craik to complete high school and she graduated in 1964. While in school she worked at George and Aileen Carveth’s restaurant and service station. When she completed school, she immediately got a position at the Royal Bank in Regina, and in 1965 she received her transfer to Victoria, BC, to join her soon-to-be husband Clifford (Butch) Kearns.

Butch and Linda raised four children: Vicki (John) Coulombe of Medicine Hat, AB, Brad (Brandee) Craik, SK, Todd (Jennifer) of Bermuda, Jodi Kearns (Travis Wolf) of Dundurn, SK.

Grandchildren: Paige Dulle (Joel), Chad (Brittany) Dulle. Austin Dulle (Mikaela), Carson Kearns, Samantha Kearns, Sophia Kearns, Tessa Kearns, Keira Kearns, Colton Kearns.

Great Grandson: Cooper Dulle.

Linda is also survived by her sister-in-law Mary Lynn (Merlyn) Sharp and several nieces, nephews and friends.

Butch and Linda returned to Craik to farm in 1977. Not one to let grass grow under her feet, for Linda this began a lifetime of various occupations!

Linda was very involved in the Craik community. She worked many years at the bank, then as Secretary-Treasurer at the Craik Community Hospital and when the hospital became a Health Centre, she was on the Board who succeeded in getting a new state of the art building to serve the community and district.

Linda was the temporary Town Administrator for Craik for a period of time. In her “spare time” she was Secretary Treasurer of the Craik Feeder Co-op for many years as well as Manager of the Craik Housing Authority.

She worked full-time in the Craik Doctor’s office until 2012 when the office closed and then she began a new stage of her life—retirement!

Her home was her domain, she loved to paint and every year at least one room got a new coat of paint.

Despite her busy schedule, Linda always found time for her yard! It was like a sanctuary in the middle of the prairie; she definitely had a green thumb. When she really wanted to relax, she would play the piano – all by ear! Linda had a talent that was exceptional; she would hear a tune and then could sit down and play it.

 Linda was not a world traveler but she managed trips to Bermuda, Las Vegas and many provinces in Canada. She was a hockey mom and an avid “chesterfield” curling fan. Once curling season began, she marked the entire schedule on her calendar; never to miss a game.

 Family played a significant part in Linda’s life. She and Butch were married for 56 years, raised four children and although their family was scattered, there were always good times when they all came home! Her Grandchildren loved to play cards and Yahtzee with her, and everyone enjoyed her famous butter tarts at Christmas.

A private graveside service will be held on July 13, 2024, at Craik, SK.

Donations may be directed to Communities in Bloom C/O the Town of Craik, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Services, Davidson, Sk.

Davidson Days!

While rain posed an ever-present threat to outdoor events, it had no effect on the exuberance and joy that is Davidson Days. From the fireworks on Friday evening to the Sunday multi-faith church services, there was something for every interest.

Darrell Kerpan (1959-2023)

With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Darrell Kerpan of Kenaston, SK. He was a beloved father and cherished friend who left a mark on all those who knew him. Darrell’s unexpected departure has left us with a profound sense of loss, but we find solace in the treasured memories we shared with him.

Darrell spent many years farming and was an avid motorcyclist, finding joy and freedom on the open road. He had a wanderlust spirit, exploring new horizons and creating unforgettable adventures through his travels. His tales of these journeys, delivered with a unique blend of humor and wit, captivated audiences and brought laughter to every gathering.

Darrell Kerpan will be dearly missed but forever remembered for his warm heart, boisterous laughter, and his ability to write entertaining stories about life.

Survived by son Wyatt (Summer); daughter Chelsey Weiler; grandchildren Sierra, Charity, and Dawson Kerpan; siblings: Karen (Wayne) Jess; Marg (Ken) Baird; Allan (Melanie) Kerpan; nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by parents Paul and Helen Kerpan, niece Danille Kerpan.

A memorial service will be held at Kenaston Place on July 18, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. In tribute, motorcycle riders are welcome to lead the funeral procession to the cemetery.

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Shanidar Funeral Services.