Category Archives: Craik

Craik, featured

Pedro the pigeon a summer guest for Craik couple

Tim and Pearl Unger of Craik took in a sickly pigeon over the summer months, nursing the bird back to health.

By Joel van der Veen

CRAIK — For Tim and Pearl Unger, a rescue mission turned into an extended visit with a new feathered friend.

The Ungers, who live in the Eco-Village east of Craik, took on the role of pigeon protectors over the summer, welcoming “Pedro” into their home.

Late this past spring, two sickly, orphaned pigeons were discovered in an old semi trailer at the north yard of Titan Clean Energy Projects, where Tim works.

One of the birds quickly died, but Tim decided to bring the second one home and attempt to nurse him back to health.

“For Tim there was no real hesitation,” said Pearl, who herself was a little more reluctant. “This bird needed our help to survive and so we needed to do what we could.”

The Ungers began feeding the pigeon JuicePlus Complete shakes mixed with water, using a syringe. He responded well to this and before long, he was beginning to thrive.

Pearl said they named him Pedro, as his plumage seemed to indicate a male bird. (Others, convinced this was a female bird, chose to call her Lola.)

Next, they set up a food and water station in the wagon in their yard.

Once he was well enough, Pedro spent the nights outside, but was welcome inside the house during the day. Continue reading Pedro the pigeon a summer guest for Craik couple →

Craik, featured

Gymkhana, horse pulls draw crowd to Craik

Emily Dixon competes in the pole bending event hosted by the Craik Ag Committee on Sept. 2.

By Joel van der Veen

CRAIK — A good time was guaranteed, and the Craik Ag Committee worked its hardest to deliver on that promise.

“Saddle Up, Shut Up and Hold On Tight” drew hundreds to the Craik fairgrounds on Sept. 2.

The afternoon event included horse pulls and gymkhana, with open and youth categories. A cold plate supper and cowboy social followed the main event.

“We were super happy with how it turned out,” said Kourtney Dixon, president of the revived Craik ag committee. “The people that have come out and supported us is phenomenal . . . We couldn’t ask for better.”

Dixon said roughly 200 paying guests went through the gate, in addition to children 10 and under, who were admitted free of charge.

The Craik ag committee became active again last year after going dormant in the early 1990s.

With permission from town council, they rebuilt the riding arena “from the ground up,” in Dixon’s words.

The arena measures 120 feet by 235 feet. Standing next to it is a building that houses the announcer’s booth and concession stand, along with a fenced-in area serving as the beer gardens.

The project was supported by a grant from Federated Co-op Ltd., as well as various local sponsors, whose names are carved into wooden planks that line the outer walls of the arena. Continue reading Gymkhana, horse pulls draw crowd to Craik →

Craik, Obituary

Obituary: McGinnis, Anne

 

Anne McGinnis (née Hrechka)
January 9th, 1949 — September 5th, 2017

Anne McGinnis passed away on Tuesday, September 5th, 2017 with her family by her side. Anne was born on January 9th, 1949 in Peesane, Sask. She was predeceased by her parents John and Stella; sister Mary Noren; brothers-in-law Jerry Noren and Leo Shull; sisters-in-law Mary Hrechka and Bev Hrechka; and father-in-law Earl McGinnis.

Anne leaves behind the love of her life, Bill McGinnis, whom she married on June 11th, 1966. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters: Wanda (Dean Sunley), Wendy (Steve Sanden), and Wanesa (Bill Dell); her grandchildren: Hailey, Jenna and Hope Sunley, Josh, Aiden and Hanna Sanden, and Paige and April Dell, who all meant everything to her; her sister Kathy Shull; brothers Mike (Darlene) and Bill Hrechka; as well as many nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed.

In keeping with Anne’s wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations in Anne’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Todd Sjoberg, Funeral Director 306-693-4550, www.moosejawfuneralhome.com.

Craik, Davidson, featured

Local Cadets return from glider school

Local Air Cadet Sgt. Emily Jones (second from right) spent six weeks at the Cadet Flying Training Centre in Gimli, Man.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — As they turn 16, many kids are aiming to pass their driver’s test and hit the road for the first time.

But Sgt. Jacob Heinrich found himself at the controls of a slightly different vehicle.

Heinrich, a Davidson resident, was at the Cadet Flying Training Centre (CFTC) in Gimli, Man., training on the Schweizer SGS 2-33A glider.

On Aug. 3, the day he turned 16, he went for his first solo flight, after weeks of flying with instructors.

“It kind of hits you and you’re like, ‘I’m up here alone,’” Heinrich recalled. “I’m not sure I know how to explain it . . . It feels quite cool.”

“It’s pretty awesome when you’re up in the air,” said his comrade, Sgt. Emily Jones of Craik. “It’s like nobody else is around.”

The two cadets attended the centre from mid-July to late August to train on the glider.

Both Heinrich and Jones began their Cadet careers with 553 Sherlock Squadron in Davidson, later transferring to 40 Snowbird Squadron in Moose Jaw after 553 was re-organized due to low enrolment.

They began the application process for the flying training centre last fall, which included ground school, a qualifying exam, and interviews with a selection board.

A total of 65 Cadets attended the centre this summer, most of them coming from the Prairie region.

“It was a very action-packed summer,” said Heinrich.

For the full story, please see the Sept. 4 edition of The Davidson Leader or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.

 

Craik, Obituary

Obituary: Spencer, Hilton

Hilton Spencer

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of the pillar of our family, Hilton Spencer of Craik, Sask., on Aug. 17, 2017, at the age of 69. With his much-loved wife and children by his side, Hilton fought until the end with the same determination and strength that he had displayed his entire life.

Hilton was born in Craik, Sask., on Feb. 2, 1948. He is predeceased by his parents, George and Violet (Sloan). Proudly carrying on Hilton’s spirit and love for his family are his wife of 43 years, Wilma (Sianchuk) and their four children: George (Barbara) Spencer and their daughter Athena of Bluffton, Alta.; Peter (Brady) Spencer and their sons Mason and Grey of Edmonton, Alta.; John (Jennifer) Spencer and their children Ainsley and Flynn of Martensville, Sask.; Rae Lynn (Dan) Crooks and their daughter Madyn of Weyburn, Sask. He is also survived by his brothers Ernest (Nancy) Spencer and Dave (Arlette) Spencer as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Hilton loved all members of his family and was unable to hide his pride as he spoke of them. He cared deeply for his wife. Hilton and Wilma set a precious and rare example for their children to carry forward into their relationships. His grandchildren were one of his real joys and Hilton always brought a new and fun experience to each child whenever he spent time with them. Although his grandchildren are spread throughout various communities in Saskatchewan and Alberta, “Grandpa” is always one of their constant topics of conversation.

Hilton was very creative, resourceful and intelligent. He could usually be found manufacturing various structures from wood and metal. Hilton loved to golf and archery hunt with his closest friends and family. He was very community-minded, serving as president of the Craik Golf Course and as the Reeve of RM No. 222 for 27 years. He fought for many ideas that he believed would make his community prosper, including keeping rural health care intact and bringing new businesses and families to the area. His entrepreneurial spirit served him well as he supported his family and the community with equipment operation through his company, Spencer Trenching, farming, raising livestock and owning his own semi and gravel trailer. In the weeks before his passing, he spoke of retiring on the farm and rekindling his passion of working with horses. We will be forever proud of Hilton’s integrity, selflessness, and countless life lessons learned by being in his presence.

A celebration of Hilton’s life was held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 26, 2017, at the Hall in Craik, Sask. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude for the medical efforts of the doctors and nurses at the Pasqua Hospital Intensive Care Unit and their compassion towards Hilton and his loved ones.

Arrangements were in care of Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson.

Craik, featured

Hundreds attend Craik summer fair

Susana Anderson rode in the Craik parade on July 29 as a colourful clown on a tricycle festooned with flowers.

By Joel van der Veen

CRAIK — Hundreds of guests flocked to the Craik fairgrounds in late July for a day of music, food and fun.

The Craik and District Lions Club hosted a fair and music festival on July 29, featuring a bill of 11 acts from across the province.

The jam-packed day of events also included a pancake breakfast, parade, slo-pitch tournament, car show, burnout competition and kids carnival.

Club secretary Gayle Skeet said more than 400 adult wristbands were sold, along with 80 youth wristbands.

“It was certainly come and go all day because of the heat,” she said, expressing her appreciation for the support from the Lions and other helpers, and all those who attended the events.

“Lots of volunteers from the community stepped up,” she continued. “We’re already looking forward to 2018.”

Music for the event was organized by director Tom Moore, with support from Sask Music and Nebulus Entertainment.

For the full story and photos, please see the Aug. 14 edition of The Davidson Leader or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.