Category Archives: Davidson

Davidson, Obituary

GERALD CLIFFORD LUCKI (1955-2026)

In Loving Memory of Gerald Clifford Lucki
November 25, 1955 – April 11, 2026
of Hawarden, Saskatchewan

Gerald Clifford Lucki of Hawarden, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the age of 70 years.

Gerald was born on November 25, 1955, and built a life centered around family, hard work, and the people he loved most.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years, Rhonda; his daughters, Denise (Neal) Sanderson and Crystal (Jason) Zdunich; his cherished grandchildren, Tyson and Cole Sanderson, Jessica (Adam) Zacharias, and Shannyn, Matthew, and Justin Zdunich; and his great-grandson, Charlie Zacharias.

Gerald will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

A private family interment will take place at a later date.

Donations may be directed to the Outlook and District Wildlife Federation https://swf.sk.ca/…/outlook-district-wildlife-federation/  or Lung Saskatchewan https://donate.lungsask.ca/.

To share memories and express condolences, please visit outlookfuneralchapel.com. The family is being cared for by Outlook Funeral Chapel (306.867.8255).

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Davidson

Historic carving returns to woodworker’s family

A story of craftsmanship and community mindedness has found its wings again and continues a long-lasting legacy of a Girvin farmer. Ross Fawell was a jack-of-all trades but his passion for wood- working continues to take flight to this day as his hand carved airplane returns to his family. Born at the end of March 1927, Fawell grew up on the farm his grandfather homesteaded in 1904. Resourcefulness was a necessity of that generation, but Fawell took it to a higher level finding utility in everything and being able to fix anything.

The Second World War Wellington is proudly displayed at the Spelliscy home. “That’s what my dad flew in the Second World War,” said David Spelliscy. ” And we wanted to give him something for Christmas. So, her dad made my dad this airplane, doing all the research and figuring out, how do we build these things.”

He did electrical wiring, carpentry, plumbing, mechanics, and welding. He had redone many houses during his life but in later years he leaned more heavily into his artistic skills and carved detailed models. “The first things that he was making were horses with buggies and grain carts and little stagecoaches and things like that,” said his daughter Colleen Spelliscy, who lives in Davidson. “So, he would carve the horses from hand and make the harness, the leather harness from hand. And he did all that work himself.” Then, seemingly out of the blue, Fawell started carving planes out of old telephone poles. He constructed 1:25 scale airplanes like the Avro Lancaster and the Vickers Wellington, two Second World War bombers with strong Canadian history. He would spend anywhere from 20 to 50 hours etching out a replica based solely on pictures and whatever limited information was readily available. Being colour blind, Fawell would pass off the finished piece to his wife, Marie, to complete the painting. “A lot of them became weathervanes out in people’s yards,” said Spelliscy. “And he donated them to the auctions, and they would sell for $400 to $1,000 every year to raise money to help build the new rink or whatever was going on in town.”

Colleen Spelliscy was delighted with the restoration Gordon McRae did on the Avro Lancaster model her father carved from a telephone pole.

When Sandra Zoerb was cleaning out her garage, she came across a model Lancaster that Fawell had built many years ago. Recognizing the historic value of the piece but unsure of what to do with it, she gave it to Gordon McRae to help the plane find its way. McRae, a member of the Royal Canadian Royal, remembered Fawell and his airplanes fondly. “I’d be ashamed to throw it away and not give it back to the family,” said McRae. “It’s just one of those things where I felt it’s a good idea to restore it and give it back to the family.” The Lancaster had suffered some damage during its life with a broken wing and missing engine. McRae set about getting some cedar from Saska- toon to replace one of its four engines, patch the wing, and other cleanup. As McRae was carving a new motor for the craft, it became readily apparent how much effort Fawell put into his work. “And I just thought, wow. That’s a lot of work because he built all those airplanes and a lot of passion went into it. “I give Ross a lot of credit for it,” he continued. “It was a hobby he took on and he enjoyed it.” April 2, McRae reunited the airplane to the maker’s daughter. “I think I always appreciate seeing my dad’s work come back because that just shows that other people appreciated it very much as well,” Spelliscy said.

Spelliscy plans to give the plane to their grandson, saying he’s “very interested in war memorabilia and all kinds of things that went on in the war. It’s a generational thing. It gives the young people appreciation for what he did.” Fawell passed away 84 years to the day he was born, but his memory, passion, and work lives on for generations to come.

Davidson, Obituary

ARNOLD MORRIS TAYLOR (1943-2026)

Arnold Morris Taylor passed away peacefully at his home North East of Kenaston on March 4, 2026 . Born January 7, 1943, to Jacob and Pearl Taylor of Kenaston, SK, Arnold lived a life defined by agriculture, community, and family.

Arnold was educated at the Zid School, Kenaston School and went on to study at the University of Saskatchewan.  He later earned his Certified Medical Representative (CMR) credential. 

Arnold married his beloved wife, Sharon (Stratton), on September 4, 1965. In 1972, they established their farm in Kenaston. Arnold was a devoted father to Brad, Lisa, Doug, Meaghan, Daniel, and Wendy, and a proud grandfather of nine and great-grandfather to one.

Arnold loved his community and was active in it right up until he died.  He coached hockey, was a long standing member of the Lions Club, and volunteered for local community organizations including Super Draft, Santa Clause Day, Kenaston Dinner Theatre, Anglican Church council, PFRA pasture board, National Farmers Union, the Kenaston Cemetery Board just to name a few.  His volunteerism wasn’t limited to local endeavors but included both national and international initiatives. 

Arnold transitioned to organic farming, becoming a passionate global advocate for organic agriculture. He was invited to speak around the world including Australia, England, Costa Rica, Mexico and various places around the United States and Canada.  He served and held various leadership positions including  Organic Agricultural Protection Fund, Saskatchewan Organic Directorate, Canadian Organic Growers, and more.  He received the Organic Hero Award in 2018. 

Arnold found joy in simple things: farming, gardening with Sharon, reading history, birdwatching, playing bridge, coffee row and playing pool.

A funeral service was held at Kenaston Place on March 12th.  We are deeply touched by the support of the community and Arnold’s many circles.

Davidson, Obituary

EMILY SCHMALTZ (1923-2026)

It’s with love and gratitude for a life well lived; we announce the passing of our mother Emily Schmaltz on February 26, 2026 at 102 years of age. 

Emily was born on May 21, 1923, at the family farm near Liebenthal, Sask. She was the 4th youngest of 14 children born to Mary Eva and Frank Mastel. Her sisters: Pauline (Mike) Moser, Melonia (Gregory) Weinberger, Veronica (Peter) Scherger, Mary (Mike) Hittel, Rose (Paul) Kuntz, Gertrude Mastel. Brothers: Mike (Anne) Mastel, Joseph Mastel, Maynard (Katie) Mastel, Pius Mastel, Eugene (Tracy) Mastel, Cecil (Stacia) Mastel. The Mastel family farm remains in the hands of Emily’s brother Maynard’s son, Keith. 

On June 2, 1942, she married Frank Schmaltz.  They lived on the family farm at Glidden, SK for six years then moved to Gem in April of 1948, then Tilley in November of 1948. In 1952 moved to Millington’s Dairy farm in what is now part of Echo Dale Park outside of Medicine Hat. In 1953, they were on the move again to the PFRA in Glidden, SK, managing the Newcombe Pasture where they stayed for 13 years. In July of 1966 they moved to Consul, SK, to take over the Nashlyn Pasture. In 1973, they headed to Davidson to take over the Wilner and Elbow Pastures. Each move created a lot of hard work but allowed them to provide more for their family. During all these moves not only was she having and raising babies, she was gardening or cooking and baking up a storm for her family and hired men. In her spare time, she was the secretary/treasurer for the PFRA pastures that Dad managed. She also held many executive positions in the Catholic Women’s League and was recently presented with her 80-year pin. Mom loved to sing and shared that love with her children. She made sure that each of her kids had an opportunity to learn to play the guitar or chord organ. Emily and her youngest daughter Cyndy provided the music at Saturday night mass at Davidson for many years. Every family gathering and or birthday party always included mom singing with some family member whether it was her sons Ray and Cecil or her daughter Cyndy and Granddaughter Stacey.  Dancing was another love she shared with her family.  There were many nights spent teaching the kids to dance in the kitchen after supper.  Family dances were always a hit. Mom and Dad loved visiting. Many weekends were spent on the road visiting or hosting extended family. What fun we had listening to the grown ups in the kitchen, as long as you were seen and not heard, as they visited and played cards. Mom was a competitive card player and the amount of laughter in the air always told you whether the women or men were winning! She kept her ear on the news and didn’t mind telling you what she thought on a topic no matter what it was. In 1979, Mom and Dad retired to Medicine Hat with their two youngest in tow. Mom continued to cook up a storm for anyone who came to visit whether family or friends.  It gave her an opportunity to stay in touch with Mom and Dad’s siblings and their families that lived in the area. They made their rounds to all their children’s homes to help out however they could. Usually that meant cooking and taking care of grand kids and of course teaching them how to play cards. Mom has spent the last many years making new friends and spending her time dancing and singing and becoming a celebrity thanks to the Meadowlands billboards. Thank you to all of you that allowed her to continue doing the things she loved especially Gladys, Angie and Arlene and the A&W gang who continued to make her laugh. 

Emily was pre-deceased by her husband Frank, sons Donald and Gerard, daughter Theresa, Grandbaby Jamie Siroski, son-in-law Bill Thomson and grandson-in-law Chris Smith, as well as her parents and all of her siblings and their spouses.

Emily leaves to cherish her memory, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren: Raymond (Gail) Schmaltz– Joel (Shannon) Schmaltz: Tyler and Luke Schmaltz, Michael (Kathy) Schmaltz: Sierra and Kaleah Schmaltz   Patricia Thomson – Tim (Lisa) Thomson: Taylor and Matthew Thomson Sheri Thomson-Whiting:  Colton (Daphne) Whiting: (Annabelle, William and Noah), Wyatt Whiting, Dustin (Amy Dolynny) Whiting, Dallas (Kendall Krawchuk) Whiting – Lori (Dallas Millard) Biggs: Ernie (Teagan Wilms) Biggs, Josh Biggs, Danika Biggs, Sophie Millard Cecil (Betty) Schmaltz– Annette (Calvin Sack) Smith: Tristan Smith, Michaela (Sheldon) Barbar, Cheyanne (Ian Leach) Smith, Jesse (Jaylynn Giroux) Smith – Cory Schmaltz: Denovah Boser, Cassidy Foulds, Jadace Mann, Breanna Schmaltz  Jason Schmaltz, Donna (Jim) Siroski– Stacey Siroski: Layne and Grayson Siroski Brett (Brenna) Siroski: Reagan, Nolan, Amy Siroski, Sandra (Lorne) Zentner– Kent Zentner, Kristine (Monty) Koopman: Bronx, Emerson, Holden, Sutton Koopman, Cynthia (Darren) Lutz, Gary (Tammie) Schmaltz – Lauren (Tyler) Murray: Emily and Zoey Murray Jordan (Ashley) Schmaltz: Quinn and Riley Schmaltz.

Prayer Service – Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel – 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB, Friday May 15, 2026 at 7pm. Live Stream available at www.saamis.com

Funeral Mass – Holy Family Parish – 1451 Strachan Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB,                  Saturday May 16, 2026 at 11 am. Interment to follow mass at Hillside Cemetery.

Davidson

FRANCES “FRAN” HASSETT

Frances “Fran” Hassett, age 93, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, in Moose Jaw, SK. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who will be deeply missed.

Fran was reunited with her husband, Jim, who passed six months earlier.

She is lovingly remembered by her children Wade (Cathy), Gail (Rockey), Ted (Delee), and Tracy (Brian); grandchildren Andrea (Larry), Ryan (Amy), Craig (Donnalee), Alison (Noel), Melissa (Marcus), Derik (Kendel), Tyler (Chelsea), and Kevin (Erin); 19 great-grandchildren Connor, Mackenzie, Summer, Aubree, Rylee, Coen, Amelia, Hailey, Tiernan, Austynn, Huxley, Hendrix, Kale, Wyatt, Sarah, Lincoln, Cooper, Heaton, and Hudson.

A memorial service will be held at Craik Legion Hall on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

Davidson

ANN KOWALSKI (1922-2026)

August 29, 1922 – January 13, 2026

With deep sadness, the family of Ann Kowalski announces her peaceful passing on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the age of 103, at the Davidson Health Centre, surrounded by the love of her family.

Ann is lovingly remembered by her five children: Virginia (John Blerot), John (Susan), Frank (Corinne), Mary Ellen (Garnet Davis), and Lyle (Janet); her eleven grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Leo Kowalski; her parents, John and Mary Krpan; her four sisters and their spouses; Helen (Paul Kerpan), Kay (Bill Burgess), Cecele (George Cebuliak), and Isobelle (Ivan Duda); and her brother, Ken Krpan. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Val Krpan, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Born on August 29, 1922, on the family farm near Bladworth, Ann was the second of six children. Farm life taught her the values of hard work, prayer, responsibility, and caring for others—qualities that guided her throughout her life. While attending Silver Lake School, she developed a lifelong love of reading.

In 1943, Ann married Leo Kowalski, and together they shared 59 devoted years of marriage. They began their life on a farm near Kenaston before moving to a farm near Bladworth, where they raised their five children. Life on the farm was busy and demanding, but Mom and Dad were true partners in all they did. Along with farm chores, Ann kept a spotless home, cooked and baked for her family, sewed and knitted, tended a large garden, and preserved the harvest through canning, pickling, and making jam. She often took hot meals out to the field, turning them into family picnics. The children helped with chores and enjoyed a carefree farm childhood, while Ann quietly showed them what strength, patience, and dedication looked like. During these years, she also lovingly cared for her parents as their health declined. Sundays were treasured as a day of rest, spent visiting with family and sharing meals, and there was always room at the table for guests.

In 1980, Ann and Leo moved into a newly built home in Davidson, built by Leo and Lyle with help from family and friends. Though it was a change from farm life, Ann made the house a warm and welcoming home. She took pride in her yard, garden, and small orchard, and enjoyed early mornings tending to them before the heat of the day. With the church and school close by, her days often began with morning Mass and the rosary, followed by visits with grandchildren after school—usually accompanied by cinnamon buns or pizza pops. As Leo’s health declined, Ann devoted herself to his care, guided by her faith and her belief that she would do all she could and leave the rest in God’s hands.

After Leo’s passing, Ann continued to live independently until after her 100th birthday. She remained active and determined, spending her days in prayer, walking, knitting, reading, and watching the Blue Jays or curling. When she moved to the Davidson Health Centre, she was grateful for the kind and compassionate care she received and formed close bonds with staff and residents. Over time, it truly became her home.

Ann will be remembered for her unwavering faith, strong work ethic, independence, and quiet generosity. Her life was long, full, and well lived, and her legacy continues through the many generations she leaves behind.

Services:

Prayers: January 30, 2026 7:30PM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Davidson

Mass of Christian Burial: January 31, 2026 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Davidson