All posts by Dan Senick

Doell, Arnie

Arnie Doell of Davidson passed away on August 31, 2020, at the Davidson Health Centre.

Arnie was born on a farm near Elbow, the fourth eldest in a family of five boys and five girls. As with most farm kids, he began at an early age doing chores and working in the field. He attended Rosemae, a nearby rural school for eight years.

He bought his first half-section of land while in his teens. To supplement his income he became a grader operator for R.M. of Willner. Later he operated large earthmoving equipment during the building of Gardiner Dam.

Arnie met a school teacher, Yvonne Krakowka and they were married on August 18. On July 10, 1967, their life was changed with the arrival of their daughter, Colette.

Arnie and his partner, Dan Puckett, started up a company Puckett and Doell Earthmoving, at first digging farm dugouts and then building municipal roads and parts of No. 11 highway. Arnie continued farming as well, and later with his wife Yvonne owned and operated Sam’s Steakhouse for 3 years. Never one to sit still in
retirement, Arnie enjoyed pumping gas, washing windows and visiting with customers at Gunner’s Gas, owned by his grandson Chris.

Arnie enjoyed travelling and with their young daughter Colette visited numerous vacation spots around the world. During semi-retirement they toured much of Canada and U.S.A., in their fifth wheel. Colette and her three children, Chris, Chelsea, and Chantelle, often accompanied them as well.

Arnie and Yvonne finally settled in Mesa, Arizona, where they spent the last 22 winters. Arnie enjoyed golfing and fishing. He especially enjoyed ocean fishing near Alaska and P.E.I.

Arnie is survived by his wife of 62 years, Yvonne, his daughter Colette; his grandchildren Chris (Natasha Larsh), Chelsea (Jonathan Powell), and Chantelle (Kyle Toner); his great-grandchildren Sebastien and Brielle Larsh-Cline; Isaac, Nixon, and Hudson Powell; and Ellie Toner. He is fondly remembered by his sisters Gladys (Roy)
Walters, Rose (Gordon) Biddle, Jennie Anderson and Faye Schneider and his brothers Jerry, Arthur and Wayne (Judy) Doell, and by Yvonne’s sisters Sylvia Lauderdale and Delphine Wittrock.

Arnie was predeceased by his parents Peter and Annie Doell, grandson baby Charles Cline, sister Elsie Elias, brother Lorne and brother-in-law Alf Schneider, Harry Elias, Bob Anderson, Bob Lauderdale and Tom Wittrock.

His grandchildren will remember him as their father-figure seemingly stern yet soft-hearted and generous. They could count on him for unconditional support when it was needed. A rather private person, Arnie had a few close and special friends.

A family graveside service was held at Davidson Cemetery on Saturday, September 5. Pastor Joshua Winters presided.

PERPICK, Raymond Nicholas

On August 5, 2020, Raymond Nicholas Perpick passed away at his home in Bonnington, B.C., at aged 84.

Raymond was born on September 14, 1935, to parents Emil and Anna Prpick, and raised on the Prpick family farm near Bladworth, Sask., along with his siblings Hazel, Stanley (Bud), Joseph, and James.

During his high school years he met and fell in love with his future wife, Pauline Louise Bublish. They married on June 6, 1959, and were happily together until Pauline’s death in 2018. In 1962, Raymond and Pauline moved to Humboldt, SK, where Raymond established and ran the successful Humboldt Feedlot and Auction Mart, and together with Pauline, created their family of Mary Jo (Margo), Patrick (deceased), Laura and Jennifer.

In 1978, the Perpick family moved to Saskatoon, where Raymond developed business interests in real estate, life insurance, and financial advice. From 1987, Raymond and Pauline shared their time between Saskatoon, where their daughter Laura continues to live, and travelling regularly to New Zealand, where Mary Jo (Margo)
and her family live, and BC, where Jennifer and her family live.

Jennifer and her family were with Raymond when he died suddenly. He is survived by his loving children and their partners, Hamish Kenworthy, Michael Grass and Eric Chevalier, and his beloved grandchildren, Austin Grass, Vincent and Roman Kenworthy, and Daisy and Lola Chevalier, as well as his brother Bud (Stanley).

Given the current restrictions on travel between Canada and New Zealand, and on gatherings, due to COVID-19, a service and celebration of Raymond’s life will be delayed, probably until the summer of 2021.

Special thank you to Cindy Moleski for capturing, and retrieving this special photo of Ray.

CRABBE, Betty Eileen

August 13, 1926 – August 7, 2020

Betty passed away peacefully on August 7, 2020.

Betty was born to Harold and Mabel Ames in the Bladworth district. She married Joseph Crabbe in 1950 and they lived 3 miles west of Bladworth until 1965 when they moved to Saskatoon. Betty was employed at Travelodge, Sheraton Hotel and Royal University Hospital.

She enjoyed playing cribbage, bowling and Bingo. Betty’s last home was at Central Haven Special Care Home for the last 5 years. Lois would like to thank Central Haven for the excellent care they showed Betty. Special mention on Melonie, Carol, Josalyn, Esti, Mindy, Courtney and Stephanie. Thank you, ladies.

Betty was predeceased by her husband Joseph Crabbe (1975), her parents and 7 siblings. She is survived by her daughter Lois (Jim) Campbell, 2 grandchildren Blair (Amy) Campbell and Linda Campbell, 3 great-grandchildren Olivia, Tyler and Luke, as well as 6 siblings. She will be missed by her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Haven Special Care Home (1020 Ave. I N., Saskatoon, SK S7L 2H7) or to Telemiracle.

A Private Service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2020. For those unable to attend, livestreaming is available at
https://youtu.be/6NYuUV-0SEo.

Condolences may be made at www.mourningglory.ca. Arrangements in care of David Schurr – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.

COVID-19 Update: Eight New Cases, One In Hospital, Recoveries Remain At 1,579

There are eight new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on September 6, bringing the total to 1,651 reported cases.  The new cases are located in the North West (1), Saskatoon (3), Central East (2), Regina (1) and South East (1) zones.

Of the 1,651 reported cases, 48 are considered active.  A total of 1,579 people have recovered.

One person is in hospital in intensive care in Saskatoon.

Of the 1,651 cases in the province:

  • 251 cases are travellers;
  • 834 are community contacts (including mass gatherings);
  • 488 have no known exposures; and
  • 78 are under investigation by local public health

Overall in Saskatchewan:

  • 66 cases are healthcare workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to healthcare in all instances.
  • 276 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults. 535 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 502 are in the 40-59 age range; 280 are in the 60-79 age range; and 58 are in the 80-plus range.
  • 51 per cent of the cases are females and 49 per cent are males.
  • 24 deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.
  • There are: 
    • 424 cases from the south area (217 south west, 195 south central, 12 south east)
    • 353 cases from the far north area (347 far north west, 6 far north east)
    • 273 cases from the Saskatoon area
    • 268 cases from the north area (131 north west, 71 north central, 66 north east)
    • 200 cases from the central area (164 central west, 36 central east)
    • 133 cases from the Regina area

To date, 148,876 COVID‐19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan.  As of September 4, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 105,789 people tested per million population.  The national rate was 152,592 people tested per million population.

Yesterday, 2,081 COVID-19 tests were performed in Saskatchewan.

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 testing is now available to anyone who requests it, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.  A referral for testing can be made by contacting HealthLine 811 or your physician’s office if you are experiencing worsening symptoms.  If you require urgent care, call 911.

Drive-through testing sites that do not require a referral will open September 8 in Regina and September 10 in Saskatoon.  This is in addition to the testing and assessment centres currently open.

Regina – Open as of Tuesday, September 8
International Trade Centre at Evraz Place – Hall C, 1700 Elphinstone Street
Tuesdays and Thursdays – 4 pm – 8 pm
Saturdays – 8 am – 4 pm

Saskatoon – Open as of Thursday, September 10
3630 Thatcher Avenue
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays – 12 pm – 7:15 pm
Saturdays and Sundays – 8:30 am – 4 pm

A valid Saskatchewan Health Card will be required for each person getting tested.  A Canadian Armed Forces number or Interim Federal Health identification will also be accepted.

 You will be required to wear a mask during the registration process.

The drive-through sites will be first come, first served so there may be some wait times.  You must wait in your vehicle.  There are no public washrooms available at these sites.

General COVID-19 Information

General public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca

Find the most up-to-date version of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan at www.saskatchewan.ca/re-open.

COVID-19 Update: Ten New Cases, Two In Hospital, Three More Recoveries

There are 10 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on September 3, bringing the total to 1,634 reported cases.  The new cases are located in the Saskatoon (6), Central West (2), North Central (1) and South Central (1) zones.

All of Saskatoon’s current active cases and several of the active cases in the rest of the province are directly related to out of province travel.

Of the 1,634 reported cases, 36 are considered active.  A total of 1,574 people have recovered.

Two people are in hospital.  One person is receiving inpatient care in Saskatoon and one person is in intensive care in Saskatoon.

Overall in Saskatchewan:

  • 66 cases are healthcare workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to healthcare in all instances.
  • 275 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults. 525 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 499 are in the 40-59 age range; 277 are in the 60-79 age range; and 58 are in the 80-plus range.
  • 51 per cent of the cases are females and 49 per cent are males.
  • 24 deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.
  • There are: 
    • 419 cases from the south area (216 south west, 192 south central, 11 south east)
    • 353 cases from the far north area (347 far north west, 6 far north east)
    • 267 cases from the Saskatoon area
    • 266 cases from the north area (130 north west, 70 north central, 66 north east)
    • 195 cases from the central area (163 central west, 34 central east)
    • 132 cases from the Regina area

To date, 143,451 COVID‐19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan.  As of September 1, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 102,609 people tested per million population.  The national rate was 148,714 people tested per million population.

Yesterday, 1,325 COVID-19 tests were performed in Saskatchewan.

Non-Essential Interprovincial Travel Discouraged

While Saskatchewan’s current active case number is low, all other western provinces are experiencing increased COVID-19 transmission at this time and Saskatchewan continues to have a number of cases linked to interprovincial travel.  This includes flights and by road.

While interprovincial travel is permitted, public health officials are discouraging recreational travel to and from Saskatchewan.  Essential travel, including travel for agricultural production, industry, transport, medical appointments, etc. has always been permitted and will continue to be.  However, unnecessary trips should be avoided at this time.

If you must travel, look to your destination and the posted COVID-19 case and risk information.  Other jurisdictions may have requirements and/or restrictions.  You must abide by the local public health orders in the province or territory you are visiting.  If you do become symptomatic while travelling, contact the local public health assessment line for advice; you may be required to self-isolate in place.  If you choose to travel, upon your return to Saskatchewan, carefully monitor for any symptoms and consider seeking testing.

COVID-19 Testing

 COVID-19 testing is now available to anyone who requests it, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.  A referral for testing can be made by contacting HealthLine 811 or your physician’s office if you are experiencing worsening symptoms.  If you require urgent care, call 911.

General COVID-19 Information

General public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca

Find the most up-to-date version of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan at www.saskatchewan.ca/re-open.


COVID-19 Update: Two New Cases, Three In Hospital, 16 More Recoveries

There are two new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on August 28, bringing the total to 1,611 reported cases.  The new cases are in the Far North West (1) and Saskatoon (1) zones.

Of the 1,611 reported cases, 44 are considered active.  A total of 1,543 people have recovered.

Three people are in hospital.  One person is receiving inpatient care in Saskatoon and two people are in intensive care in Saskatoon.

Investigations completed thus far have found that 20 of the 44 active cases are in communal living settings.

Of the 1,611 cases in the province:

  • 234 cases are travellers;
  • 824 are community contacts (including mass gatherings);
  • 482 have no known exposures; and
  • 71 are under investigation by local public health

Overall in Saskatchewan:

  • 66 cases are healthcare workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to healthcare in all instances.
  • 266 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults. 518 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 493 are in the 40-59 age range; 277 are in the 60-79 age range; and 57 are in the 80-plus range.
  • 51 per cent of the cases are females and 49 per cent are males.
  • 24 deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.
  • There are: 
    • 413 cases from the south area (213 south west, 189 south central, 11 south east)
    • 353 cases from the far north area (347 far north west, 6 far north east)
    • 262 cases from the north area (128 north west, 68 north central, 66 north east)
    • 257 cases from the Saskatoon area
    • 194 cases from the central area (161 central west, 33 central east)
    • 132 cases from the Regina area

To date, 136,333 COVID‐19 tests have been performed in Saskatchewan.  As of August 26, 2020, when other provincial and national numbers were available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 97,632 people tested per million population.  The national rate was 140,838 people tested per million population.

Yesterday, 1,561 COVID-19 tests were performed in Saskatchewan.

Back to School and Your Virtual Household

Whether you are a parent with children returning to school settings this fall, a student heading to post-secondary campuses or educational staff, your “bubble” is about to change.  Your current virtual household and regular contacts have been in place through summer, but your list of contacts will expand with the cohorts set out in the school plans or by your workplace.

Assess your current virtual household and regular contacts.  Do you have high-risk people within that circle?  Do you have school-age children or educational staff in that circle who will be monitoring their health more closely once school starts?

Public health will require you identify all your known contacts if you receive a positive test, as part of their contact investigations.  Consider reducing any expanded, virtual households to help keep the number of contacts to a number you can reliably report.

COVID-19 transmission within our community may increase as we move in the fall to indoor spaces and as schools restart.  Wash your hands frequently, maintain physical distancing and abide by the masking policies of that business or institution, but above all stay home if you are sick.

Please note that restrictions on gatherings remain in place:  indoor gatherings of up to 30 are permitted where space allows for two metres of physical distancing between participants.  Outdoor gatherings of up to 30 people are permitted with appropriate physical distancing.

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 testing is now available to anyone who requests it, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.  A referral for testing can be made by contacting HealthLine 811.  Contact your physician’s office if you are experiencing worsening symptoms.  If you require urgent care, call 911.

General COVID-19 Information


General public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca

Find the most up-to-date version of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan at www.saskatchewan.ca/re-open.