Category Archives: Davidson

WESLEY NORMAN CHUGG (1949-2026)

September 1, 1949 – January 4, 2026

Surrounded by his family, Wesley Norman Chugg passed away on January 4, 2026, in Long-Term Care at Central Peace Health Complex in Spirit River, AB, following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He leaves to mourn his wife of 49 years, Marion; daughters Melody Sample (Tevis) and Janet Thorstensen (George Karas); and five grandsons, Andrew, Landon, Carter, Cash, and Aden. He will also be missed by sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Wayne and Doreen Walker, Ken and Judy Walker, and Marlene Shelly; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Sadly, his sister, Alice Bilodeau, passed away three days after Wes.

Wes was a man of quiet faith in God who loved his family dearly. He was an avid sports fan all his life and especially followed the Toronto Maple Leafs, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Toronto Blue Jays. He loved horses and enjoyed attending rodeos and chuckwagon races. Wes spent much time throughout his life playing cards, fishing, and camping with family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Allan and Shirley Chugg; brothers Wayne Chugg and Gerald Chugg; and brothers-in-law Norm Bilodeau and Tom Shelly.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Spirit River Centennial Hall (4812-44 Ave) with a lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Gospel Chapel (Box 507, Spirit River, AB T0H 3G0 / https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/id/44161) or Central Peace Health Complex Auxiliary (Box 866, Spirit River, AB T0H 3G0).

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Spirit River Long-Term Care for their loving care of Wes.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com.

Pauline Merkosky (neé Gerwing) (1940-2025

December 31, 1940 – December 19, 2025

Pauline was born on New Year’s Eve and joined the family of John and Amalia (Molly) Gerwing. She was the last of thirteen children.

She was raised on the farm outside of Lake Lenore.

Following her high school graduation she worked as a nurse’s aid in the hospital. In May of 1962 she married Maurice Merkosky of the St. Gertrudes community South of Humboldt. They were wed at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Lake Lenore.

Maurice and Pauline moved to Macklin. Amy was born in 1963 and Donna in 1965. They moved to Davidson, where Maurice became manager of the Co-op Hardware Store. Pauline was a stay at home mom until the girls were older. She worked at the School libray and the local dentist. She then started her career at the Davidson Credit Union. She was liked by the patrons and co-workers. She was called PM around the office. She was involved in many organizations, the C.W.L., Girl Guides, Town Coucil and Sarcan to name a few.

Following her retirement from the Credit Union, Pauline focused on her role at home as a grandmother and great-grandmother. She also took up Folk Art Painting and learned how to golf.

Pauline is survived by her loving family: husband Maurice, daughter Amelia (Clark) Puckett, daughter Donna (Phillip) Petit, grandchildren: Daniel Puckett and Tarah (Kelly) Degelman and great-grandchildren: Kaleb, Chloe, Carter, Jayla and Declan. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins.

We would like to thank the First Responders for their care and compassion on her weekly checkups and during the day of her loss. Thank-you Todd for all you do during a very difficult time. You are a treasure to our community. Thank-you to Father Joseph and the Catholic community and thanks to Larry Packet for the delicious lunch after the service.

We will miss Mom/Grandma and carry her in our hearts forever.

For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Pauline may be directed to the CNIB. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson was in care of arrangements.

PAUL GOLPHY (1953-2025)

January 30, 1953 – December 1, 2025

Paul was born on January 30, 1953 to Shirley and James Golphy in Fort William Ontario (now Thunder Bay). Following his parents’ divorce he and his mom moved back to Saskatchewan. Shirley remarriedand two sisters Diane and Jane and two brother Russell and Curtis followed. His mom started fostering children and two of them, Johnny and Silas, became permanent brothers in the family.

From an early age Paul’s interests were electronics, motor bikes and flying. He moved to Davidson in the early 1970’s and worked briefly at Antoine’s then to a 49-year career at the Davidson Co op. Feb 2, 1980, he married Mary Lynne Low – his best friend and soul mate. They enjoyed many trips together on the motorbike whether heading out across Canada and the US or morning bike runs with friends for breakfast around the province. From daily walks, going for coffee or heading out on the bike, Paul and Aunt Mary Lynne were truly each other’s best friend, supporter and soul mate.

He obtained his pilot’s licence in 1985 and took to the skies in homebuilt gyrocopters or rebuilt homebuilts. Whether it was remote control airplanes or gyrocopters or homebuilt aircraft, he loved building as much as flying. Of course when drones became popular he obtained his licence to fly drones and enjoyed making videos.

Paul believed everything could be fixed and his knowledge and expertise will be missed by many who relied on him for advice. He had many interests and was always on the look out for new or different projects. Building his own cotton candy machine to carving and throwing boomerangs, target shooting and everything in between. This led to a wide variety of people who he called his friends.

His determination and ability to think outside the box served him well during his battle with ALS and was able to remain at home where he passed peacefully on Dec 1, 2025.

A Celebration of Life service was held at the Davidson Town Hall on December 11, 2025, with Pastor Dave Hesje officiating. Interment took place at the Davidson cemetery.

Our sincere thanks to the many friends for the prayers, visits, hugs, calls or texts over the last year. For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Paul may be directed to Arm River Wildlife, SOS Prairie Rescue, ALS Canada or a charity of your choice. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson was in care of arrangements.

James Douglas Dale (1934-2025)

Feb. 6, 1934 – Nov. 17, 2025

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of James Douglas Dale on Nov 17, 2025 at the age of 91.  Doug was born near Craik, Saskatchewan on February 6, 1934, to Bertha (nee Lee) and David Dale.  He lived on a mixed farm with his parents and sisters, going to Foxbury country school and later Aylesbury for grade 12. After attending the School of Agriculture at the U of S, he returned to the family farm in 1954. He married Hilda Schaffer in 1964 and farmed with his parents, children, and grandchildren until his death.

He was involved in many local and provincial organizations including: 4-H, the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society, the Craik Oral History Group, local and district agricultural society/board, and he was a devoted provincial and federal Conservative his whole life.  He attended the United Church in Foxbury, Aylesbury, and Craik.

He is predeceased by his parents and sister Pat Falk.  He is survived by his wife Hilda Dale, his sister Margaret (Greg) Osmond, his children Lisa Dale-Burnett (Brady Burnett), David Dale (Beth Barrett), his grandsons James (Kayla) Dale, and William Burnett (Sabrina Steele), and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life was held in the Craik United Church, Craik, SK. on Saturday, Nov 22, 2025. For those so wishing, donations in Doug’s memory may be made to the Craik United Church or charity of choice. Hanson’s Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Shirley Willner (1935-2025)

March 31, 1935 – November 20, 2025

Shirley Willner of Assiniboia, SK, passed away peacefully at the Grasslands Health Centre in Rockglen, Saskatchewan, on November 20, 2025, at the age of 90 years.

Shirley was born on March 31, 1935 on the family homestead near Davidson, SK, to Herbert and Dorothy (née Ellis) Willner. She attended Kipp School for her early grades and completed high school in Davidson. She later pursued her post-secondary education at Robertson Secretarial School.

In the early 60’s Assiniboia became home, and in 1976. the family moved to an acreage outside of town. It was there that Shirley developed a special interest in Great Horned Owls after the rare occurrence of them nesting in the shelterbelt. She later wrote an article about the owls that was published, and from that time on, her cherished owl collection began to grow.

Shirley was the secretary at the Assiniboia Composite High School and later joined Jack and Lewan’s, which became Lewan and Associates, eventually completing her career with Lewan’s and Ford. She retired in 2000, which gifted Shirley the time she treasured most, being with her grandchildren. Her house, which was just a few blocks from 7th Avenue School, became a beloved after-school home.

Shirley was musically gifted; she was an active member of the Community Band and the local Music Festivals, accompanying many students, including her own children and also enjoyed playing with the Ole Tyme Fiddlers.

Shirley is survived by her daughter Elaine (Chris) Hannah; grandson Keelan (Chantel) and great-grandchildren Briggs and Reggie; granddaughter Patsy (Jesse) and great-granddaughter Kora; her son Murray Brunt (Dawn Maclachlan); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Herb and Dorothy Willner, brother Glenn and sister-in-law Marjorie Willner.

Our Mom’s later years were marked by her courageous battle with dementia, a journey that slowly stole pieces of her warmth and humour, and the beautiful spirit we all cherished. Our family extends a tremendous and heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Grasslands Health Centre for the exceptional care and compassion they provided to our mom and grandma. We are forever grateful.

A Private Family Interment will be held at a later date in Davidson, SK.

Thomas James Blenkin (1942-2025)

Tommy was born on February 4,1942 in Sintaluta to Thomas and Janet Blenkin.  He was the fourth child and first son in a family of 15 children.

In Dad’s 45 plus years as an Ironworker, he travelled to many jobs all over western Canada.  We made many trips moving between Saskatchewan and British Columbia.  

During our years in BC, the Viker, Poitras and Leib families joined us for  birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. Our greatest memories are from the summers we all spent together camping at Whatcom Lake in Washington State.  Dad and the guys spent their time boating, waterskiing and parasailing.  

In 1999, dad, mom and Auntie Sharon opened Sugar Twins Plus Restaurant and Bakery in Pierceland, where mom and dad made new friends. Dad built the building, from the ground up, practically all on his own. He was able to do carpentry, plumbing and electrical, skills he picked up during his years in construction. Then he took classes and became the chief bread, bun and donut maker. 

Daddy took great pride in his yard and enjoyed morning coffee on the deck. He liked country music, cheering for the Riders and family get togethers. Time spent with his grandson were the most precious to him. 

When Tommy passed on October 31, 2025, he left behind Shirley, his loving wife of 59 years. His daughter Tracey, son Trevor and grandson Thomas will hold him in their hearts forever. 

He is also survived by siblings Gladys, Ila, Betty, JoAnn (Reid), Clifford, Barry (Franky), Larry (Kelly) and Kelly (Don)

He was predeceased by parents Thomas and Janet Blenkin, in-laws Andy and Mabel Nordmarken. Sisters Marion, Alice, Doris, LaVerna, LesLee and brothers Brian and Cameron.  A Celebration of Life was held at the Catholic Hall on November 8 with Reverend Tracey Taylor, and Hanson’s Funeral Home organizing the day.  Toys were donated in his name to Santa’s Anonymous.