July 23, 1946 – September 30, 2024

Ronald passed away peacefully at his residence, Cozy Nest Care Home. He is predeceased by his parents, Bernard (Wilma) Jess, his parents-in-law Paul (Helen) Kerpan, his sister and brother-in-law Irene (Roger) Christensen and his brother-in-law Darryl Kerpan.

He leaves behind his loving wife Karen, his four children, Kevin (Pam), Bradley, Coralee (Kevin) Vollmer and Loretta (Mark) Anderson, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Ron was an avid farmer, and he loved gardening and planting flowers. They moved to Saskatoon to be closer to Karen’s dialysis until his passing. A special thank you to the staff at Cozy Nest Care Home who made his last few days peaceful.

No funeral arrangements have been made at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

M.L. Whittles of Kenaston received the Coronation Medal at a ceremony on Sept. 10. The medal was  presented to her by the Government of Saskatchewan at the King Charles III Coronation Medal ceremony in Saskatoon. The medal was awarded to recognize M.L.’s service and contributions to Saskatchewan and Canada. 

The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, which took place on May 6, 2023. It is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation. This medal is a tangible way to acknowledge significant contributions and achievements of citizens across the country while also honouring His Majesty’s service to Canada.

Kenaston residents, along with the surrounding communities, celebrate the accomplishments of M.L. Whittles. “Congratulations M.L.! We are so proud of you and look forward to your continued work with the Government and the SHA.”

(This information was submitted to the Leader.)

National Hockey League icon Lanny McDonald owes his life to three quick-thinking bystanders after going into cardiac arrest at Calgary International Airport in February 2024.

One of those honoured for saving McDonald was Davidson nurse Sheri Warkentin. Warkentin, Rajdeep Cheemaand Denise Geck, were in the right place at the right time for the former Calgary Flame and Toronto Maple Leaf winger. The three were honoured by the Calgary Police Service (CPS) on Sept. 13 in Calgary.

When recalling the incident, Warkentin told the Calgary Herald she was with her husband when they came around a corner in the airport and “things just looked weird.” They kept walking before noticing a man on the ground who appeared to be receiving CPR. She remembers handing her bag to her husband and rushing to help. “My brain was going so fast,” she said when recalling the events of the day. Warkentin didn’t know who the man she helped was until a police officer approached her later in the airport and let her know it was McDonald.

“I would have helped anyone,” she said. Warkentin and the officer exchanged information, and he later nominated her, along with the two other civilians, for the award. On the CPS Facebook page, the department shared the story of their actions on that night.

On Feb. 4, 2024, Rajdeep Cheema noticed a man experiencing a medical emergency at the Calgary International Airport, and immediately began performing CPR. Two off-duty nurses, Sheri Warkentin and Denise Geck, had just gotten off an incoming flight and were walking to their connecting flight, when they recognized the medical event in progress. Sheri and Denise quickly took over performing CPR, allowing Rajdeep to find a nearby AED. A CPS member (Jose Cives) quickly rushed over, and together, the four of them tirelessly worked to re-establish the man’s heart rhythm, alternating between CPR and using the AED, ultimately saving his life. (McDonald) was stabilized and transported to hospital where he recovered.

We are honouring Rajdeep Cheema, Sheri Warkentin and Denise Geck with the Award of Exceptional Recognition for Lifesaving,” the post said without mentioning McDonald or Cives by name. McDonald was happy to be at the ceremony with those who saved his life.

“It was an honour for Ardell and I to attend the event last night, and with pride watched my life savers Jose, Denise, Sheri, and Rajdeep receive their awards,” McDonald said. “As the recipient of not only their excellent training, but of their selflessness and care, I cannot explain my gratitude for their brave actions. 

“We were humbled to sit in a room full of heroes, surrounded by first responders and citizens alike who have made a difference in so many lives.“ I have four new lifelong friends,” he added, “and I could not be prouder to know these amazing individuals.”

(Information from the Calgary Herald and CTV Calgary.)

July 14, 1933 – September 5, 2024

Kenny was born July 14, 1933 on the Rink home place to Henry and Theresa Rink. He was the 6th child in a family of 8 children.

Kenny spent his early life farming with his family, and later with his brothers. His love for horses started at an early age as they used a team of horses for the farm work for many years. He went to Meuse School and joined the Meuse Ball Team (which he was very proud of), his favourite position was first base. He and his brother, Walter had a team of greyhound hunting dogs leading to his second love, dogs. He was never without a dog on the farm, in all the years they lived there.

Kenny also enjoyed hunting and teaching his children and grandchildren to hunt. It started with gophers with many of them advancing to hunting big game. Fishing was his time to relax and enjoy the nature with his children and grandchildren. Many of the family still share their Big Deer and Big Fish stories they shared with their Dad and Grandpa, to this day.

Kenny met the love of his life Ione “Happy” Dempsey at a dance at Danceland in Manitou Beach. He loved to dance and had a beautiful singing voice, that anyone who was lucky enough to hear him sing, would agree to.

Kenny and Happy were married on October 11, 1958. This year would have been their 66th anniversary. They started out their marriage at the home place where he grew up, living with his brother Walter. Eventually they moved to their own home place, where Kenny and a few of his brothers and brothers-in-law built a brand-new home. This was where they lived until retiring to Saskatoon.

Kenny and Happy ran Sunset Ranch with their family. It was a mixed grain and cattle farm. This included purebred Charolais cattle as well as commercial cattle. There are still lots of memories shared about chasing, treating and sorting cattle.

Kenny and Happy raised 4 children: Brad Rink; Wes (Brenda) Rink; Della (Murray) Siroski & Rod Rink.

They now have 9 grandchildren, Garrett Rink, Everet (Megan Wetherill) Rink; Tyrel (Echo Fettes) Rink, Kendra (Kevin) Koerting, Chandra (Patrick) Tumu; Blaine (Jamie) Siroski, Courtney (Daylon) Korolchuk; & Daphne Rink.

They also got to enjoy 3 great grandchildren, Bryden and Kaysen Korolchuk & Inara Rink.

Kenny is survived by one remaining sister Murial as well as many sister-in-laws& a brother-in-law, nieces & nephews.

Kenny was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Theresa; son, Rodney Rink, brothers, Walter and Raymond; sisters, Margaret, Alice, Marie and Kathleen.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kenny’s name to the Alzheimer’s Society of Sask. A funeral service for Kenny will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the farm of Kenny & Happy Rink on October 19, 2024.

With heavy hearts we announce the loving husband of Susan Prosofsky passed away Sunday, September 15^th at the age of 74.

David was born August 22^nd, 1950 to Peter and Eleanore Prosofsky of Kenaston, SK. David grew up on the family farm east of Kenaston. David loved sports, especially baseball and fastball. He loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and camping, especially at his brothers resort at Big River.

David married Susan (Sarich) in 1970 and had three children: Mike, Carla, and Wyatt. David started pipelining at a young age. His reputation was built on his work ethic, loyalty, and exceptional leadership skills. His name is known throughout the industry. David also loved farming, both grain and cattle, and working in his yard. Together he and Susan built beautiful yards that they took great pride in, naming them Eagle View Farms. He was always there to help a neighbour, family, and friends. David loved watching his grandchildren participate in various sports and activities.

David was predeceased by his parents Peter and Eleanore; mother and father in-law Mike and Lily; sisters Faye, and Lucille Wunsch; brothers Christopher, Anthony (Joey), Peter, Robert, Nic; nephew Shad Wunsch; brother in law Stan Zdunich; and sisters in-law Jewel Prosofsky, Susan Prosofsky, and Marianne Prosofsky.

He is survived by his loving wife Susan; children Mike (Alison) and their children Madison (Brett), and Marshall; Carla (Kelly) and their daughter Kabree; Wyatt (Isabella) and his children Jessica, Milayna, Oakley, and Levi. Siblings Carol (Willard), Linda (Ward), Ivan (Leigh Anne), Alfred (Pat); sisters in-law Carol Prosofsky and Deb Prosofsky; brother in-law Don Wunsch, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and his pipeline family.

Susan and the family would like to thank David’s many caregivers and all those who stopped to visit.

The family invites those able to join them for a celebration of David’s life to be held Tuesday, September 24^th at 1:00p.m. at the Hanley Centennial Hall. David valued his community and did whatever he could to help it flourish. For those so wishing, a donation in David’s memory can be made to Hanley Minor Hockey, Hanley Minor Ball, or the Hanley Fire Hall. 

Hanson’s funeral home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

It is with heartfelt sorrow that the family of Lillian Bergman announces the passing of their beloved mother and grandmother at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, with her daughter Carol by her side. Lillian was born on November 8, 1933, in Saskatoon, to George and Helen Beckie. She spent her early years as a child growing up on the family farm outside of Kenaston. After completing her schooling, Lillian pursued her training as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and began her career in Watrous. In 1956, Lillian moved to Kerrobert where she continued her work as a CNA. On June 7, 1958 she married George Bergman Jr. and together they had two children, Rita and Carol. They later separated in 1971. As a single mother, Lillian exemplified extraordinary strength, resilience, and love. She took great pride in caring for her family, and her children, followed by her grandchildren, were the greatest joys of her life.  Lillian will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and friend. Her nursing vocation was more than just a profession; it was her life’s purpose. Whether at the hospital, at home, or among friends, she touched countless lives with her kindness and compassion. Throughout her career in Kerrobert, Lillian built many lasting friendships that continued even after she moved to Saskatoon in 2020 to live with her youngest daughter, Carol. Shortly after relocating, Lillian was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Despite these challenges, her caring nature and dedication to others remained ever-present.

Lillian will forever be loved and cherished by her children, Rita (Ray) Mouly and Carol Bergman, and her grand children, Nicole (Jason) Gryba and Ashley (Mitch) Markel. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Helen Beckie.

A private Funeral Mass was held on Friday, September 13 at 1:00 p.m. Friends and extended family are invited to watch the Funeral Mass by visiting https://youtube.com/live/wIpsChMHkQo?feature=share. A private family inurnment was held in Kenaston.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Lillian can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, Parkinson Canada, or the Lung Health Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to Ryan Lensen-Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200. To share memories of Lillian or send condolences please visit www.mourningglory.ca