Robert (Bob) William Lockwood was born July 12, 1943 and passed peacefully on July 22, 2022 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Bob spent 25 years as a dedicated educator, teaching across Saskatchewan before retiring as a Director of Education. Throughout his life, Bob loved fishing, golfing, playing bridge, travelling, and cheering on the Saskatchewan Roughriders. In his retirement years, Bob snowbirded in Arizona and spent the last six years happily exploring the desert with his partner Lorraine Swain.

Bob and Lorraine had shared passions for dancing and shuffleboard. Bob took great joy in growing the sport of shuffleboard, including mentoring newcomers and serving as Saskatchewan Director with the Canadian National Shuffleboard Association. He went on to win a team gold medal for Canada at the 2018 International Shuffleboard Association World Championships.

Bob was known for his energy, gregariousness, and sense of humour. As he shared with a wink to his four beloved children, “Just before I die, I am going to swallow a bag of popcorn kernels. My cremation is going to be epic.”

Bob is remembered by his loving partner Lorraine Swain; children Evan, Aaron, Andrew, and Alexis; siblings Glenys, Jill, and John; and his grandchildren, extended family, and friends.

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

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rodney Rink on July 16, 2022 in BC, after a courageous battle with cancer. Rod was the youngest child, born to Kenny & Happy Rink of Young, SK on June 7, 1969.

Rod leaves behind his Mom and Dad. Daughter: Daphne Rink. Wife: Shelagh. Stepchildren: Trent & Sophia Knjaschewitsch. Siblings: Brad Rink, Wes (Brenda) Rink, Della (Murray) Siroski. Nieces & Nephews: Garrett Rink; Everet Rink (Megan); Tyrel (Echo) & Inara Rink; Kendra (Kevin) Körting; Chandra Rink(Patrick); Blaine (Jamie) Siroski; Courtney (Daylon), Bryden & Kaysen Korolchuk. Cousins, friends & neighbours.

Rod spent most of his life farming with his Mom & Dad on the family farm. The nieces, nephews & cousins remember spending a lot of quality time with Uncle Rod on & off the farm.

He moved to BC and continued spending as much time as he could with his daughter Daphne. This is where he met and married his wife Shelagh and gained another daughter and a son. He worked at various jobs including dairies and Home Hardware.

Rod will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of His Life will be held August 13, 2022 at the family farm at 2:00 p.m. All Rod’s family & friends are welcome. Please bring your own lawn chair.

Phillp Marcial Desjardine passed away peacefully July 17, 2022 in Davidson, Sask. Phil is survived by his loving wife Pat, sons Brad and Marc, daughter Lisa (Wayne), daughter-in-law Julianne and grandchildren Cole, Jillian and Avery. Phil is predeceased by his son Clay.

Phil was a wonderful husband to Pat for 63 years and a devoted dad and grandfather. He was a hard worker all his life and an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman. He retired out to Elbow, Sask. where he spent his last years of his life doing what he loved the most, anything outdoors. 

Phil spent many hours out in his garage tinkering with anything he could find, either to fix or make. That’s where most people found him. He was one hell of a story teller and most of the stories were based on some part of his life.  If he had put his life in a book, it would have ended up on the best sellers list. Phil was a man who lived, laughed and loved with his whole heart. 

Phil fought many battles in his life and never stopped fighting. Sadly cancer won this round. Phil will be missed by many, mostly by his family. Rest in peace Dad. Say hi to Clay when you see him and give him a hug from all of us left behind.  Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care or arrangements.

Ingrid Kaldor (nee Svenning) April 24, 1919 to May 6, 2022 Yes you read the dates right. Ingrid was 103. Ingrid was not amazing just because she lived until 103 but that she lived so well, so creatively, so positively, so healthy, curious and connected in those 103 years . She was born in 1919 in the middle of prairies, on the original homestead of her Norwegian parents near Davidson Saskatchewan. She was confirmed at Skudesness Church. She grew up in the days of horse and buggy and lived to see men on the moon, the world of the internet, Skyping, emails, online shopping and she embraced change with her confidence and enthusiasm. She was an artist, a teacher, a wife, a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, an aunt, a good neighbour, and she welcomed her friends and family into her home her whole life. After attending normal school, she taught in the early thirties, and studied painting at the Emma lake art school under Kenderdine and ended up teaching there later in life. Harold Kaldor who had known her from his former home in Loreburn, arranged a room for her to stay near Emma lake at his parents’ place. He got to woo her over the summer and she married him in 1942. He would lead her to Prince Albert, the west coast during the war years and finally back to Regina close her friends and family. Raising her five kids, helping her husband get his university degree, and keeping a home going was her full time job, but there were always paintings on the wall and sketches here and there. She was an active member of Central Lutheran Church and that community and her faith was an important part of her life. She came back to painting in earnest when she returned to University of Saskatchewan to get her bachelor of Fine Arts and graduated with distinction. She was so talented. Her paintings have graced album covers, been sold to collectors. Her murals are still in Frontier and Willow Bunch. Her beautiful works are a testament to her love of the prairies. She had a way of capturing the colours and scope of the sky and that dramatic landscape. When asked where she found beauty, she replied “Everywhere”. She was in her 60s when her husband died but she picked up the pieces and carried on. She travelled, lived to see her 8 grandchildren become adults and get to know her great grandchildren. She loved her friends and extended family and kept in touch with all. She was a gracious hostess and was delighted when folks came to call. She was the last Matriarch in her clan and it felt as if she was everyone’s grandma. She lived in her own home, her independence made possible because of her son Thane. She did puzzles everyday (Wordle being the latest craze), and loved Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and Coronation Street. She loved giving presents, and seemed to keep track of everyone’s birthday. She could make the best pie in the world, and at 103 was still cooking. She was inspiring, generous, big hearted and loved a good celebration. She would be feeding you 5 minutes after your arrival. Ingrid Kaldor was extraordinary in every way and will be missed by many. The family would like to thank all her wonderful neighbours, friends and family members for the joy and connection you brought to her life. Predeceased by her husband Harold Kaldor, her daughter Dianne Morrow, and her sister Margaret Johnson. Survived by her son Thane Malabar, daughter Karen Strang (Bob Strang, Ian, Andrew, Sandi and Teena), daughter Connie Kaldor( Paul Campagne, Gabriel, Aleksi ) son Leif Kaldor,( Leslea Mair, Brianna and Teagan,) great grand children; Quillan, Leann,Casey Connor, Aidan, Nick and Paige, and many, much loved nieces and nephews including The Johnsons, Andersons, Paetch’s and Sarich’s from the Davidson area In lieu of flowers Ingrid requested a donation to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (https://www.oslregina.com) Emmanuel Cemetery. (Box 12 Bladworth, SK, S0J 0J0) Funeral service to be held Sunday, May 15 at 2:00 p.m., 190 Massey Road, Regina. Internment at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 16, at Emmanuel Cemetery West of Davidson

Friends of Robert Taylor (Formerly of Elbow) are invited for coffee
& cake to celebrate his 100th Birthday on December 14, 2021 at 2 o’clock at the Deli in Elbow.

Vaccines Reported

An additional 12,395 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 1,127,683.

The additional 12,395 doses of COVID-19 vaccine reported today were administered to residents living in the following zones: Far North West, 88; Far North East, 120; North West, 727; North Central, 539; North East, 188; Saskatoon, 5,071; Central West, 124; Central East, 648; Regina, 3,353; South West, 255; South Central, 714; and South East, 242.  There were 326 doses administered with zone of residence pending.

Eighty per cent of those over the age of 40+ have received their first dose. Seventy-five per cent of those 30+ have received their first dose.  Seventy one per cent of those 18+ have received their first dose, while seventy per cent of those 12+ have also received their first dose. 

All vaccine administration details for the province, including first and second doses, can be found at https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness.

All Residents 12+ Eligible for Second Doses

All Saskatchewan residents 12 years and older who have received their first dose of vaccine are now be eligible to receive their second dose following a 28-day interval.  With the Delta variant circulating in Saskatchewan, it remains recommended that all residents receive second dose vaccinations as soon as you are eligible. 

Remember that while one dose of COVID-19 vaccine provides good protection against transmission, two doses are required for optimal protection.  Please receive your second dose as soon as you are eligible and maintain all public health measures until at least two weeks after your second dose.

As advised by National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) on June 17, Pfizer and Moderna (mRNA) vaccines are interchangeable for second doses.  Residents who received Pfizer or Moderna as their first dose should take whichever of those two vaccines is available to them when they become eligible for their second dose.  If you received AstraZeneca as a first dose, you may also receive either Pfizer or Moderna for a second dose.  Both mRNA vaccines have been approved by Health Canada as safe and effective and allow residents to become fully vaccinated as soon as they are eligible.

Vaccination appointments can be booked through the Saskatchewan Health Authority online at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 or by calling 1-833-SaskVax (1-833-727-5829).  As the SHA is encouraging first dose vaccinations, please review clinic information carefully to ensure you are selecting the right clinic for you. 

For street addresses and hours of operation for drive-thru and walk-in clinics, see www.saskatchewan.ca/drive-thru-vax.

A map of participating pharmacies across the province is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-pharmacies.  This online tool includes links to pharmacy booking websites and provides details on the vaccine brand being offered at each location.

If you do not know the date of your first dose or have misplaced the wallet card provided at the time of your first dose, 1-833-SaskVax can provide you with that date, or check your Immunization History on your MySaskHealthRecord account.

There may be clinic options outside your community and residents are encouraged to consider those alternate locations for immunization.  More clinics will be added as new vaccine shipments are received.

During your second-dose appointment, the clinic or pharmacy will validate the timing and brand of your first dose to ensure you are receiving your second dose within the recommended timeframe.  The type of vaccine available at each location will be advertised.  Additional information on how to book your appointment is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine-booking.

Daily COVID-19 Statistics

There are 17 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan on June 28, bringing the provincial total to 48,771 cases.  Declining case numbers are a significant indicator that vaccination efforts are having an impact in the province.  In order to further reduce COVID-19 transmission now and through the remainder of 2021, residents are still encouraged to get their first and second doses of the vaccine.

The new cases are located in the following zones: Far North West, 2; Far North East, 1; North West, 1; North Central, 1; Saskatoon, 3; Central East, 1; Regina, 4; and South East, 3.  One new case is pending residence information.  Three cases pending residence have been assigned to the Far North East, 1; and North West, 2, zones.

No new deaths were reported today. 

Recoveries total 47,737 and 468 cases are considered active.

There are 76 people in hospital. Sixty-three are receiving inpatient care: North West, 6; North Central, 9; Saskatoon, 28; Central West, 1; Central East, 1; Regina, 16; and South Central, 2.  Thirteen are in intensive care: North West, 2; North Central, 3; Saskatoon, 6; and Regina, 2. 

The seven-day average of new COVID-19 case number is 43 (3.5 per 100,000).  A chart comparing today’s average to data collected over the past several months is available at https://dashboard.saskatchewan.ca/health-wellness/covid-19/seven-day-average-of-new-covid-cases.

There were 976 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan on June 27, 2021.

To date, 913,689 COVID-19 tests have been processed in Saskatchewan.  As of June 26 2021, when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 770,179 tests performed per million population.  The national rate was 961,266.

As of June 27, 12,121 Variants of Concern have been identified by screening in Saskatchewan, reported in the following zones: Far North West, 311; Far North Central, 1; Far North East, 85; North West, 808; North Central, 628; North East, 79; Saskatoon, 2,106; Central West, 146; Central East, 650; Regina, 4,796; South West, 399; South Central, 887; and South East, 1,144.  There are 81 screened VOCs with residence pending.

There are no new lineage results reported for Variants of Concern today.  Of the 7,119 VOCs with lineages identified by whole genome sequencing in Saskatchewan, 6,615 are Alpha (B.1.1.7), 316 are Gamma (P.1), 178 are Delta (B.1.617.2) and 10 are Beta (B.1.351).

Confirmed variant of concern cases may appear in both columns on the website, depending on testing for that case.  Adding the cases identified by screening and those that have received whole genome sequencing may result in double-counting individual cases.

Further statistics on the total number of cases among health care workers, breakdowns of total cases by source of infection, age, sex and region, total tests to date, per capita testing rate and current numbers of confirmed variants of concern can be found at http://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-cases.

Limit COVID Transmission in your Community – Get Tested 

Getting tested assists the monitoring of active cases in the province, particularly with variants of concern in Saskatchewan.   Even if experiencing mild symptoms, stay home and seek a COVID-19 test.  Even if you have been recently vaccinated, it can take up to three weeks for your immune system to respond from a first dose and two weeks after a second dose.  Vaccines are not a cure preventing all possible transmission and you remain at risk of contracting COVID-19 during that time. 

COVID-19 testing is available to all residents.  You can still receive a referral for COVID-19 testing through HealthLine 811 or a health care provider, and drive-thru testing sites are available without a referral seven days a week in Regina, Saskatoon, Yorkton and Prince Albert.  Information on symptoms to watch for and how to get tested is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-testing.

Saskatchewan’s Re-Opening Roadmap – Step Two Now Underway

Saskatchewan has now entered Step Two of re-opening, with in-person gathering limits increasing across a number of sectors and for private gatherings.  More information on the changes within Step Two of the Re-Opening Roadmap are available at www.saskatchewan.ca/re-open-roadmap.

Guidance for individual sectors has been updated and is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/re-open.

Saskatchewan’s Re-Opening Roadmap – All Public Health Measures to Be Lifted July 11

With more than 70 per cent of residents over the age of 18 having received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, the full implementation of Step 3 of the Re-Opening Roadmap will occur on Sunday, July 11.

That means that as of Sunday, July 11, all public health orders will be removed.  This includes the removal of the province-wide mandatory masking order, and the removal of limits on events and gathering sizes. 

General COVID-19 Information

General public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca.

Know your risk.  Keep yourself and others safe: www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-know-your-risk.