June 5, 1915 – May 7, 2010
With much sadness the family of Suzanna (Susan) Thomas announce her peaceful passing on Friday, May 7, 2010 at the age of 94 years. Susan will be lovingly remembered by her children, Richard (Sandy), Larry, Lorie (Ken) Semanski; grandson Chad. She will also be remembered by her sisters, Paula Kenny, Leona Gartner; brothers, Paul LePoudre, Octave (Fern) LePoudre and numerous nieces and nephews.
Susan was predeceased by her mother and father, Marie and Jules; husband, Peter; infant daughter, Maureen; sisters, Godelieva and Andrea and brothers, Andrew and Clifford.
Susan was a hard working woman who enjoyed all aspects of farm living. She loved to garden and enjoyed spoiling her neighbours with fresh produce including mouth-watering strawberries. She also loved to bake and enjoyed playing bingo and cards.
The family would like to thank the Davidson Health Care Centre staff for the incredible care extended to Susan and the family during her stay. As requested by Susan, a graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 5 at 2 p.m. followed by lunch at the Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Davidson Health Care Centre or to a charity of your choice in memory of Susan.
Arrangements entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Services Ltd., Davidson, Sask.

• On Friday morning, May 21, as the rising sun shone on the dew-covered grass outside the window of Davidson Health Centre, Paul Kenneth Howard silently drew his last breath with his wife Verona and step-daughters Catherine and Karen by his bedside.
  Paul was born in Ohio on August 15, 1934. On completing high school, he served in the U.S. Military for some time in Germany. He then worked with a shipping company where he spent time in Japan.
  Early in his first marriage he built, entirely by hand, a log house in Washington. In this marriage he had two step-daughters and his pride and joy Tony was born.
  His move to Brentwood, California found him driving a semi which he did until retirement and coming to Davidson.
  Paul married Verona Topping on Nov. 20, 1999 and loved as his own Catherine (Gerry) Offet, Karen Tweed, Darren (Linda) Topping; grandchildren, Stephen (Jessica) Tweed, Brittany (Justin) Levac, Reece and Sawyer Topping and great-granddaughter Seanna Levac. Last but not least the “little heart beat at his feet” Sara.
  As Paul requested, an informal Memorial Celebration was held on Tuesday, May 25 with spiritual words by Rev. Derek Nicholls of Regina and a family reflection by Darren with friends welcomed to share their thoughts and memories of Paul. Karen Tweed sang “Summertime”, the song that she sang to Paul each night in the hospital.
  Refreshments were served to all that shared in the Celebration of Paul’s life.
  Hanson’s Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

• Robert James (Bob) of Kisbey, Sask. (formerly of Craik, Sask.): It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father on May 3, 2010 at the age of 85.
  Dad was born on June 20, 1924. He was predeceased by his wife Freda; his parents, William and Maggie Edwards; brother, Bill; sister-in-law, Eunice Edwards; brother-in-law, Warren Bogart; the mother of his children Sylvia and his special pet Sweet Pea.
  He is survived by his children, Jim (Carol), Grande Prairie, Alta.; Tom (Robin), Saskatoon; Dennis, Craik; Sue Blight, Kelliher; Linda Edwards, Edmonton, Alta. He is also survived by his very special friend, Faye Seivewright; brother, Doug, Craik; his sister, Peg Bogart, Calgary, Alta.; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.
  Dad was born and raised in Craik where he managed the farm after his dad’s death in 1943. He had to grow up fast as did many in those days. He eventually headed out on his own and married Sylvia Sanden in February, 1948 and together they raised five children. Unfortunately the marriage ended. Dad married Freda Storey and moved to Kisbey, Sask. in 1980 where he farmed until the fall of 2009. Freda passed away in 1990 and dad later began a special relationship with Faye that has lasted until his passing. Dad loved animals and loved the land. One of his proudest achievements was that he had operated his own farm for 65 years. Dad was a man that people looked up to. He worked hard. Harder than maybe he should have – not taking the doctor’s advice when he was told to take it easy and let his body heal. He would say, “There’s work to do and if I don’t do it, who will?”
  He will be sadly missed by us all. Dad…You’re one of our heroes!

Betty Morrison of Davidson, Sask. passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at the Davidson Health Centre, Davidson, Sask. at the age of 86 years.
Betty was born in Davidson on Aug. 3, 1923. She received her education at Maple Valley and Farrerdale Schools. She enjoyed farm life. In her youth she attended many country schoolhouse dances, being very adept at the “Jenny Lynn Polka”. Other hobbies of hers were crocheting and embroidering.
Betty and her mother moved to Davidson in 1955 and Betty worked for a time at Prairie View Lodge and Davidson Hotel. She also helped some of Davidson’s older citizens in their homes.
Betty is survived by brothers, Arthur (Kathleen) of Davidson and Bert (Elsie) of Saskatoon; sisters-in-law, Leona of Davidson and Justina of Maple Creek and numerous nieces and nephews.
Betty was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Florence Morrison; brothers, Harold and Jack Morrison; and sister, Hilda Ringrose.
Anglican funeral service was held on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 in Davidson United Church officiated by Rev. Derek Nicholls.
Arrangements were in care of Hanson’s Funeral Home.

Harry Bruce Spratt of Melville, Sask. passed away on Friday, March 19, 2010 in Regina Pasqua Hospital, with his family at his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 51 years of age.
Harry was born on July 7, 1958 to Rose (Weigel) Spratt and the late Bruce Spratt in Davidson. He attended Davidson School and was a member of the Boy Scouts and had his very own paper route. Like any true Canadian boy, Harry loved hockey. He began his hockey career as a goalie playing minor hockey in Davidson. Eventually, Harry would trade in his goalie pads for a set of “real hockey gloves” playing defense for the Girvin Gophers. Harry was a hard worker on and off the ice. Growing up, he built bins for his uncle Wes Hodgins with Monarch Lumber, pumped gas and was a farm hand for Don Schmiedge and a custom combiner for Don Beckie. Harry would set off on a south of the border adventure with Joe Arend as a custom combiner at the age of 16. Harry eventually returned to Davidson where he began his employment with the Davidson Co-op.
In 1980 Harry met Davidson school dental assistant, LaVerne Harcourt. On July 3, 1982 Harry and LaVerne were married in Quill Lake. Harry and LaVerne made Davidson their home and were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Amy Michelle and Briana Lauren. In 1990 they moved the family to Melville as Harry had accepted a transfer to Prairie Co-op as Lumber Manager. In 1993 the Spratt family expanded, they were blessed with a son, Carter John Bruce.
Harry thoroughly enjoyed watching hockey teams of all ages play, including the Melville Millionaires, but especially whatever teams his favourite player happened to be on … Carter. He was a dedicated coach and spectator throughout Carter’s sports career. Harry also shared his passion for hunting and the outdoors with Carter, son-in-law Kurtis and good friends “Rempel”, “Glines”, “Sparky” and “Snake”. In recent years Harry and LaVerne fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a cabin at Marean Lake.
Harry was very active in his community. He was a member of the Kinsmen Club in Davidson for many years and a member of the Melville District Agri-Park. Between work and various activities, Harry was blessed with many good and true friends over the years.
As much as Harry loved the game of hockey and the outdoors, more than anything Harry loved his family. Harry was always there to lend a helping hand. Whether it was helping his daughter Amy build her dream home, building the ultimate firepit with his daughter Briana, or helping his best friend and brother-in-law Lyle, you knew you could depend on Harry.
Predeceased by his father, Bruce Spratt and his father-in-law Jack Harcourt, Harry leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife LaVerne; children Amy (Kurtis) Lopinski, Briana Spratt (Dave Bergeron) and Carter Spratt; mother Rose Spratt and mother-in-law Bea Harcourt; sister Callie (Grant) Greenshields, Charlotte, Tom (Ashley) and Kathryn; sister Janet (Lyle) Kowalski, Rich, Chris and Mike; brother-in-law Keith (Wendy) Harcourt, Astrid (Chad) Woodard, Fynn, Paxton, Kallie (Jordan) Calhoun and Brynley; sister-in-law Noreen (Darryl) Manz, Brady and Britney (Jared); brother-in-law David (Inge) Harcourt, MacKenzie and Logan.
Harry’s Mass of Christian burial was held on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church in Melville, presided over by Rev. Fr. Antoni Degutis. Harry was interred at Davidson Cemetery on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 with Rev. Fr. Steve Ripplinger and Rev. Fr. Joseph Gyim-Austin presiding.

June 26, 1953 – March 3, 2010
Edgar Richert Martens was born in Central Butte on June 26, 1953, to Jake and Helen Martens of Elbow, Sask. Living on the farm east of Elbow gave him opportunity to be involved with the cattle, horses, and field work at a very early age. Edgar started farming with his Dad at age 18.
Edgar married Louise Mielke on October 26, 1974 and they moved to the family farm two miles east of Elbow shortly after. Edgar and Louise continued to farm and raise their sons, Jason and Nathan.
Edgar really enjoyed animals, riding horses in his youth, caring for the farm cattle, and bringing the dogs into the house for treats of cookies and ice cream. He also had a strong work ethic and felt it very important to pass that desire on to his sons, starting by taking them to the field while they were still very young. Edgar also thought it was very important for the boys to be self-sufficient and spent many days teaching them how to butcher and process meat. Edgar was very proud when his sons decided they wanted to farm and he took great pleasure in working the fields alongside them, continuing the farming tradition from his father.
Edgar enjoyed taking the family to Saskatchewan tourist attractions, especially ones about history, and along on lots of visits to family and friends. It was important to him that his children get to know their family roots. He also made a point of taking time to go for early coffee every possible morning to see his friends, catch up on the news, and share in the latest joke. Edgar found history and genealogy very interesting and spent many hours reading and researching family history. As the boys took more responsibility on the farm over the last several years, he and Louise were fortunate to travel to B.C. to get to know distant extended family.
In spite of being diagnosed with and treated for skin cancer five years ago, Edgar continued to work in the fields as much as he was able. While undergoing re-treatment in the spring of 2009, Edgar still tried to work as much as he could and was a vital help during seeding and harvest. Edgar wanted to travel back to B.C. during this winter, but his health did not allow it.
Edgar passed away in the Outlook and District Health Centre on March 3, 2010. He is survived by his loving wife, Louise Martens; his sons, Jason (Jen) Martens and Nathan (Jennifer) Martens, all of Elbow; his mother, Helen Martens of Saskatoon; his brother, Ronald Martens of Elbow; and nephew, Cal (Trina) Martens and their children, Kathrine and Jacob of Moose Jaw; uncles, Peter Martens and Henry (Agnes) Martens of Elbow; and numerous cousins and in-laws.
He was predeceased by his father, Jake Martens; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and in-laws, Fred G. and Mary Mielke.
Funeral service was held Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Elbow, Sask. with Pastor Mike Housek officiating. Margaret Langager was the organist. Interment was held in Bethel Lutheran Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Melvin Pederson, Lyle Knutson, Dwayne Richman, Bill Boyle, Del Bergman and Dale Hundeby. Ushers were Victor Bergman and Bert Bramble. Maureen Ector and Greg and Barb Martens took care of the guest register. The hymn was “I Will Sing Of My Redeemer” and special music was “Waiting On The Far Side Banks Of Jordan” by the Carter Family (taped).
Arrangements in care of Outlook Funeral Chapel.