Dean Palmer recently admitted to a room full of cattlemen and women that he’s a worrier and that he’s an impatient man.
With such character traits as these, it’s a wonder how he wound up as chairman of the newly formed McCraney Community Grazing Corporation.
“I missed a meeting,” he told the crowd of cattle producers packed into Davidson’s community centre.
The answer earned him lots of laughs as well as a few sympathetic nods from the crowd attending the Community Pasture Patron Association of Saskatchewan’s first annual general meeting.
Palmer as well as Clint Christianson, of Lone Tree Grazing, were there to relate their experiences with the transition of community pastures process.
“If you don’t like bungee jumping or skydiving, this isn’t for you, because that’s what this is,” Palmer said.
Christianson offered a different metaphor: “We’re kind of like the sheep that got led to slaughter first.”
The two men are involved in forming patrons groups that will operate the former PFRA community pastures in their areas this spring. This is necessary because in 2012 the Harper Conservative government suddenly announced it would no longer operate community pastures. The provincial government, which owns the land, indicated it had no interest in operating the pastures either, but would lease the pastures to patrons.
A year ago patrons of community pastures formed CPPAS to represent their concerns with the goal of maintaining the long-term viability of the pastures for cattle production and cattle grazing.
CPPAS is “about all of us working together to achieve success. No one else will save our pastures,” CPPAS chairman Ian McCreary said.
The group has representation from nearly all of the affected pastures in the province and is a way of pooling resources and expertise for the patrons as well as representing patrons’ concerns to the provincial and federal governments.
The association’s first priority was to seek a delay in the transition process. McCreary said there were a number of issues that needed resolution, however, he said, the federal government denied this request.
Last year was the final grazing year for 10 federally operated pastures, including McCraney, which is northeast of Davidson and Lone Tree, in southern Saskatchewan near the U.S. border.
To read more please see the February 10 print edition of The Davidson Leader.
All posts by Tara de Ryk
McLelland, Ronald D.
The death of Ronald D. McLelland occurred at Saskatoon City Hospital on Saturday, February 1, 2014. He was born on NE quarter of 12-26-5 W3 near Loreburn on March 27, 1926 to David and Hanna McLelland. Ron loved and worked at farming his entire life. After completing the 2012 harvest, he took ill.
His sense of community was strong and he served on many boards and organizations. To name a few, Ron served on the Loreburn Town Council, School Board, Curling Club, Hockey League, Loreburn/Hawarden Pastoral charge, Board of Stewards of the United Church of Canada, the Outlook Hospital Board, Wheat Pool, and the Saskatchewan River Development.
Ron was an avid sportsman. In his youth, he was a King Scout, and played hockey with the Loreburn Tigers and baseball with local teams. He later played baseball with the Cranes, which were inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003. Ron also played hockey in Sudbury, and three seasons with the Lucknow Sepoys of the Ontario WOHA. It was in Lucknow where he met Agnes Conley. They were married in March 1951 during a break between his playoff series.
Ron was an active member of Lions International throughout his life. He was a founding member and Charter President of the Loreburn Lions Club. He received many certificates of appreciation and numerous awards for his service. Highlights included serving as District Governor, Senior Counsellor, member of the Saskatchewan Eye Bank Board, and was honoured by receiving his life membership.
Ron was active in the Masonic Fraternity for almost 60 years. He held the position of Master of Elbow View and Hawarden Lodges, and District Deputy Grand Master.
Politics was in his blood. He was an ardent Diefenbaker follower. Ron was elected to the 27th Parliament representing the constituency of Rosetown-Biggar from 1965 to 1968. He received the Centennial Medal, and the 125th Anniversary medal in recognition of significant service and contribution to the community and Canada. Ron continued to be involved in both Federal and Provincial politics until he became ill.
Ron was predeceased by his parents David and Hanna McLelland, sisters Marjorie, Eleanor and cousin Bertha. Survived by his wife Agnes; son Cameron (Eileen), daughter Marlene, grandchildren Chrysten, Kristyanne (Chun), and sister Marion.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Lions Eye Bank of Saskatchewan c/o Saskatoon City Hospital.
The family would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses of RUH, SPH, and City Emergency Departments, and the inpatient areas for their care during Ron’s illness. Thank you as well to the staff at the Better Living Personal Care Home for kindness and care of Ron over the last few years.
Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2014 at the Loreburn United Church. Arrangements are entrusted to the Outlook Funeral Chapel. A private family interment will take place at a later date.
McNabb, Robert Wayne
It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Wayne McNabb on January 5, 2014 at the Davidson Health Centre, after a courageous fight of many years with COPD. Wayne was born April 27, 1938 in Davidson.
Wayne married Glennys Caldwell in Davidson on October 22, 1960. They farmed in the Davidson area until their divorce and he then moved to Hanley where he lived for many years. He made many great friends there. He moved back to Davidson and eventually moved to the Davidson Health Centre. Wayne became quite well known as the Watkins Dealer in the surrounding area.
Wayne had two children: Janice (David) Lloyd of Davidson and Rick (Cathy Bryson) McNabb of Edmonton. He also had three grandsons: Corey and Casey Lloyd and Levi McNabb, who were the joy of his life.
He was predeceased by his parents Harry and Charlotte, his brother Orville and sister-in-law Gwen.
There was a time of sharing and fellowship at the home of Janice and David Lloyd’s on January 10, 2014. Donations in Wayne’s memory can be made to the Davidson United Church or to the Davidson Swimming Pool Fund.
Arrangements were made in care of Hanson’s Funeral Service.
Birch
Dianne Kathleen Birch (nee Bay) of Davidson, SK passed away December 19, 2013 at the age of 64 after a very brief battle with cancer. Born (April 6, 1949) and raised in Birnie, MB, Dianne met Don Birch, her future husband when they were both in elementary school though neither would ever admit who had the crush first. They married September 5, 1970 and moved to Davidson in 1974. Dianne chose to wear many hats over the course of her life; she was an RN (trained at St. Boniface School of Nursing in Winnipeg), an Administrator for the Prairie View Lodge and as well as the Davidson Hospital (Post-secondary education at U of S), worked within the health division in different capacities, a Financial Planner with Investor’s Group, and a small business owner of Reflections Clothing Emporium. She threw herself wholeheartedly into each position. In addition to her various careers, Dianne was a member of the Davidson Kinette Club for many years and served as District Governor for a year. She was involved in Telemiracle since its inception and vividly remembered being on stage answering phones at Telemiracle 1 when they hit the million dollar mark. Dianne loved the outdoors; she was an avid gardener and birdwatcher and loved walking. She loved playing the piano and singing, was involved in many choirs, and played for the Davidson United Church for many years. Dianne believed strongly in community and supported many local initiatives. Dianne was a loving and proud mother to Denise (Jason) Waldner of Whitehorse, YT and Carole Birch (Peter Swarbrick) of Calgary, AB and a devoted grandmother to Mackenzie, Taylor, and Hayley Waldner. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, her sister Margorie (Larry) Birch of Kenora, ON and various nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Dianne is greatly missed.
For those wishing to, memorial donations may be made in Dianne’s name to the Davidson United Church, the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of their choice.
Blaze destroys Davidson mobile home
The cause of a fire that destroyed a mobile home in Davidson last Tuesday morning is under investigation.
A fire scene investigator from the Office of the Fire Commissioner along with Craik RCMP were looking through what remained of the McGregor Street house trailer on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
“Cause of the fire is currently under investigation,” said Const. Kevin Morrissette of the Craik RCMP detachment.
At about 10:15 a.m. on Jan. 14, Davidson’s volunteer fire department was dispatched to the fire at 309 McGregor St.
No one was home at the time, said fire chief Clayton Schilling, nor were any pets in the structure.
Schilling said the trailer was destroyed. Firefighters sprayed water into the building through a hole in the roof. As well, firefighters ripped down all the ceilings in the building as well as pulling up some of the floor so they could get all the hot spots out.
The Davidson department had 10 firefighters at the scene and they were finished by about 1 p.m.
Outside the trailer, mobility aids, including a wheelchair and a motorized scooter were parked on a deck. A wheeled walker remained at the end of the empty driveway.
A neighbour said he saw the man who lived in the mobile home leave at about eight o’clock that morning.
The man who lived in the trailer is Michael Shumka and he is likely homeless now. He bought the structure in the fall of 2013. Acquaintances of the man said he’d previously lived in an apartment on Washington Avenue in Davidson and had two large dogs. Shumka, who arrived in Davidson a year or two ago, was new to town, having previously lived in Swift Current.
McIvor
Margaret Kathleen McIvor (nee Fawell)
December 18, 1919 – January 4, 2014
It is with deep sorrow that our family announces the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Margaret is pre-deceased by husband Allan McIvor, parents Emma and Stanley Fawell, sister Helen Warne and brother Ross Fawell. She is survived by sisters Eileen Kodak of Calgary and Fern Neilson of Winnipeg, daughter Lynda and Bill MacFarlane (Andrew MacFarlane, Caryn and Carl Fisher), son Doug and Lyn McIvor (Dan and Marcia, Russ and Marlo, Phil and Emily), daughter Nola and Don Schmiedge (Trent and Andree, Chad and Kris), son Jim and Norlaine McIvor (Rachelle, Kara, Shauna and Jeff Thomas, Krista and Tyler Alexander, Luke and Jill McIvor), and daughter Susan Churchman (Scott), along with numerous great-grandchildren. There will be a family memorial on Sunday, January 12.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr.Lang for the care he provided Mom and to the wonderful staff of The Davidson Health Care Center who surrounded Mom with their expertise and kindness during her final months.
For friends so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Margaret may be directed to The Davidson Health Care Center Foundation, The Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Canadian Cancer Society.