1925 – 2021

Katie passed away peacefully at her home in Kenaston on February 13, 2021.

Katie was born to Frank and Frances Sarich on their family farm near Hanley. She was the second of eight children. Croatian was Katie’s first language. She learned to speak English in her first year at Crescent View School and learned quickly.

After she left school she worked for a short time in Saskatoon. Katie met John, the love of her life, and they were married in 1952. They resided on the family farm near Kenaston until 1989, when they moved into the village of Kenaston.

Katie was an excellent homemaker and always so hospitable. No one could show up to her home without being fed. Katie was an avid gardener but she had an interest in almost any indoor or outdoor plant. She loved to see how they would grow. She had a huge garden on the farm and even though the garden in town was quite large it was still small by her standards. She was still gardening on her own this past year. She even started growing grapes to make her own wine, which she was proud to share with visitors.

The church was a huge part of her life. She spent many hours cleaning, doing linens and making sure the door was open for numerous functions.

Katie is survived by her husband John of 68 years, children Judy Sekulich (Roger Elliot), Kathy (Don) Matzner, Arthur (Wendy) Sekulich, Pam (Lee) Olfert, 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, sisters Margaret (Matt) Tomyn and Nora Sarich, sisters-in-law Agnes Sarich, Marj Sarich and brother-in-law Ray Young.

She was predeceased by her parents Frank and Frances Sarich, brothers Stanley, Henry and Dan Sarich, sister-in-law Jo Sarich and sisters Elizabeth and Diane.

A Family prayer service and mass for Katie was held at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Kenaston SK and Katie was laid to rest in St. Andrew’s Cemetery.

For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Katie may be directed to St. Andrew’s Church in Kenaston Sask.

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

July 29, 1927 – January 16, 2021

With heavy hearts, the family of Irene Evelyn Taylor announces her peaceful passing from natural causes on January 16, 2021 at RUH in Saskatoon, with children Lois and Glen beside her.

Irene was born on July 29, 1927, the second youngest of 13 children, to Emma and John Jackson, on the family farm at Loreburn. Irene lost both her parents at the tender age of two and six, leaving her 18 year old brother, Wilf, in charge and 13 year old sister, Vieno, to carry on as mother. Despite having very little, Irene recalls a very loving childhood, attending Bonnieview School and later becoming a hairdresser in Regina.

She married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Taylor of Strongfield on April 9, 1949 and together they enjoyed a wonderful life in Elbow, SK. They farmed and then built their family service station, “Taylor Motors”, downtown and sold Cockshutt farm equipment and GMC vehicles. They were blessed with a son Glenn in 1951 and daughter Lois in 1955.

Irene was a stay-at-home, very loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She enjoyed gardening, caning everything, including dad’s fresh fish and wild meat, sewing beautiful garments, including many mother and daughter dresses, reading tea leaves every afternoon with the same circle of girlfriends, and playing card games with friends in the evenings. She loved the Bingo in the Elbow Civic Center, was a Sunday school teacher, president/secretary of the UCW, as well as an active United Church member. Irene
loved to bake and cook (she made wild meat taste good) and always welcomed guests at her table. No hungry mouth went unfed; the more the merrier to Mom.

Irene and Bob enjoyed many fishing trips with their boat and friends up to northern Saskatchewan, also vacations to Hawaii, Holland, Rome, Jamaica and several Grey Cup trips across Canada. They were diehard Roughrider fans and had season tickets for 40 years with friends Elmer and Ruth Knutson, often flying down in Elmer’s plane. Keeping their home in Elbow, Bob and Irene moved into the Ilarion Residence 12 years ago, for the winters, and eventually sold their home in Elbow after 65 years. The Ilarion became their home, where they enjoyed many new friends and especially the Bingo nights two times a week. Bob and Irene have enjoyed 71 1/2 years of married life together. Irene was a very compassionate, caring lady and would give you the shirt off her back. It wasn’t uncommon for her to tuck a $50 bill into the grandkids’ cards and the next day win it back scratching a lottery ticket. She always stressed, “It’s better to give than receive.” Mom always set good examples for us and taught us all how to have faith in Jesus and pray. She would often say, “My mother went to her grave praying for us kids.” We can be assured that she did the same.

Irene was predeceased by her parents, Emma and John Jackson, all her siblings: Alfred, Vieno (1), Lempy, Wilfred (Josie), Edwin (Edith),
Arnie, Vieno (Howard) Homeier, Leo (Bernice), Elmer, Edna (George) Arnall, Ellen (Doug) Penny, Emil (Adeline); her in-laws, Joe (Grace and Leonore) Taylor; brother-in-law Jack (Ruth) Hotell; sisters-in-law Josie (Wilf) Jackson, Jacquie (Willard) Webb, Hope McLean and Phyllis (Al) Mammel.

Irene is survived by her loving husband of 71 1/2 years, their two children, six grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren: son, Glenn (Marilyn) Taylor, their three children: daughter, Erin (Darren) James, Matthew and Katelyn; son, Dr. Brian Taylor, son, Dr. Mark Taylor (Dr. Bev Wudel), Olivia and Gabriel. Also, their daughter, Lois (Keith) Forrest, their three children: son, Justin (Theresa) Forrest, Maximus, Capri and Jack; son, Rob (April) Forrest, Kale and Lexi; daughter, Trish (Mike) Tomlenovich, Adley and Kya. Also, her sister-in-law, Helen Jackson and numerous nieces and nephews.

Due to Covid restrictions, a private family service will be held at the Elbow United Church on January 21, 2021,with Rev. Ursula Wiig presiding. A public memorial/celebration and interment will follow on the August long weekend 2021.

Memorial donations in Irene’s memory can be made to the Ilarion Residence (Bingo Fund) 2509 Louise St., Saskatoon, SK. S7J 3L7 or to Sask Trails (Friends of the Elbow Trail), Box 220, Elbow, SK. S0H 1J0. Arrangements were in care of the Outlook Funeral Chapel
306-867-8255

Louis M. Zdunich of Kenaston entered into eternal life with his lord on December 14, 2014. Louis passed peacefully at the Davidson Health Centre after a long battle with cancer.

Louis was born in Regina on January 22, 1944 to Anton and Marie Zdunich.

Louis is survived by his wife Dorothy; daughter Debra (Lyle) Froehlich and their children Sam, Liam and Molly; son Kenneth and his children Dalton, Kara-Lee and Weylen; daughter Michelle (Dean) Blenkinsop and their children Riley, Ayslee, Thea and Maia; and son Jason (Crystal) and their children Jessica, Shannyn, Matthew and Justin. He is also survived by his mother Marie Zdunich; and siblings Gerald (Gina), Teresa (Bill Allen), David (Jo), Lorelei (Dwayne Theaker), Gene (Eileen), Mark (Kathy); mother-in-law Aileen Sanderson, brother-in-law Ji (Shirley) Sanderson, and numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his father Anton; his sister Laverne Ringdal and her daughter Elly; brother-in-law Dan Lorer and father-in-law Jim Sanderson.

Louis lived his life in Kenaston where he did what he loved, farming and raising his family. He was raised in the St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church where he was an active member and a member of the Knights of Columbus, until his illness made it too hard for him.

His funeral was held at St. Andrew’s RC church in Kenaston on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 2 p.m. Prayers were on Thursday, December 18 at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Louis memory to St. Andrew’s Church Improvement or the Davidson Health Centre Trust Fund, with cheques payable to the Town of Davidson.

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

Joanne Grace Stafford – April 7^th, 1939 – January 6^th, 2021

Joanne was born in Chaplin, Sask.  She was raised on the family farm and attended school in Chaplin.  She moved away to Gull Lake where she was a waitress.  Later she moved to Piapot to work in Bowie’s General Store.  It was after a dance one night where she met Dad. They were married November 17^th, 1961 and began their life together. 

In those early years Archie worked a variety of jobs working on Gardner Dam, road construction and as a grain buyer seeing them live in Davidson, Frontier, Macoun, Blucher and finally in 1964 back to Davidson where Archie worked on road construction and later for the Town of Davidson.

While in Davidson Mom  worked at what in those days was called babysitting.  Today it would be private day care – anyway she looked after 1 child along with her own 2.   In 1973 they moved to Craik where Archie took a position as custodian with the School Division and where they made their home after that.  Aside from being a homemaker she worked for several years as a janitor cleaning first the Royal Bank, then the Royal Bank and RCMP Detachment and lastly only the RCMP Detachment building. 

While there was never a lot of money in the household there was always enough to eat and always more than enough love and laughter which more than made up for material things that we did not have.  

Mom was not much of a traveller and stuck close to home.  They did take 2 big trips over the years; 1 on a summer vacation with the kids through Yellowstone Park and one later in life along with friends to dance to the Emeralds in Edmonton, Alberta.  Mom loved to dance and was a very good dancer.  She and Dad, along with others started the ‘Over 40’ Club in Craik and served on the executive for many years.  They met and made many friends during the dance times.  Mom also loved to play cards.  Hours too many to count were spent over games of Whist, Canasta, Rummy and various other card games.  

Mom’s first diagnosis with cancer came in about 1995 after which she never was what one could call well again.  Over the next 27 years Mom went through 2 more Cancer diagnosis’ with the last about 5 years ago.  Never once throughout all those years did she ever complain about having cancer 3 times, nor of its affects.  Even near the end when she was in so much visible pain did she complain.  She died peacefully the evening of January 6^th.  Despite all this hardship at 81 years old she hardly had a grey hair on her head or a wrinkle on her face.  

Joanne leaves to mourn her passing and celebrate her life her loving husband of 59 years Archie along with her son Rod (Carmela) Stafford and Rod’s step-children; Collen Stark, Kailey Miller, Camara Froese and Keaton Miller and their families,  daughter Debbie (Peter) Cosh, special sister-in-law Ida Stewart and numerous nieces and nephews.   She was predeceased by her parents George and Nancy Pauliuk, brother Robert (Bob) Pauliuk, brother David Pauliuk, daughter-in-law Janice Stafford and special brother-in-law Ashley Stewart, parents-in-law John Stafford and Eva Stafford and other inlaws.  

The family would like to thank Dr. Yadav and the Saskatoon Cancer Clinic, Dr. Lang and the staff of the Davidson Health Care facility.  A private family service was held January 15^th with internment in the Craik Cemetery.

Donations in Joanne’s memory can be made to either the Canadian Cancer Society or the Davidson Health Trust Fund .

Arrangements are entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home – Davidson.

On December 9, 2020  Beth McPhee of Davidson passed away at the age of 84 years. 

She will be lovingly remembered by her Husband Neil McPhee, whom she was married to for 50 years. 

Her son Brian (Elaine) McPhee and 2 granddaughters Brianna and Alyssa of Regina.  Her daughter Rhonda (Jamie) Bergquist and 2 grandsons Braydon and Justin of Shaunavon.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.  For those wishing to make a donation, donations can be made to Davidson Health Trust Fund payable to the Town of Davidson.  

The family would like to express a heartfelt Thanks to Dr. Lang and the Staff at the Davidson Heartland Regional Health Center and Hanson’s Funeral Home.

June 18, 1935 – Nov 26, 2020

It is with profound sadness that the family of Evelyn Mills (Bessey) announce her passing on November 26, 2020.

Evelyn was born in Kenaston, June 18, 1935, to parents Henry Vernon Bessey and Florence (Reynolds) Bessey. She was the youngest sibling, having 4 older brothers.

Evelyn grew up on the farm on the outskirts of Bladworth and on July 5, 1954 she married the love of her life, Ralph Mills. They moved to Kenaston and began a family, welcoming sons Douglas, Greg, Glenn and Kevin. Their days were busy, raising the boys, farming and socializing with friends. They spent many years following the boys’ sports and were very active in the community. The doors were always open to their friends and neighbours.

Many of the boys’ friends spent countless days at the farm and Evelyn became like a surrogate mother to them, often coming to their rescue when they got into precarious situations.

Ev had many passions in life, her family being number one. She loved to cook and bake , and was famous in the community for her buns, cinnamon buns, and pies. She was always an avid reader, right until the end, and later in life loved her puzzle word search books .

There was nothing better in a day for Evelyn than heading to the city and spending the days shopping. Lots and Lots of shopping, (and driving too fast to get there). She and Ralph loved to tinker in the yard, having many enviable flower beds and bushes.

Ev was a vital part of the building of Kenaston Place, and was proud of her seat on the Hall board and Rec Committee, as well as the local Sask Housing Authority. St. Columba Anglican Church was also a large part of her life. She was blessed to have so many wonderful friends, many lifelong.

Ev was so happy when the boys found their life partners. She always said she knew she would someday get her girls. Dawn, Shannon, Sue and Heather were very much loved. She was thrilled when the grandchildren started coming. Ev was born to be a grandmother and she loved them fiercely. Though Sheena and Cayden lived away, they would spend time at the farm. Candice Halter spent her childhood
living with Grandma and Grandpa. Landin, Ashton and Bryce Mills would visit almost daily, and she never missed their various sporting games, dance recitals, school Christmas Concerts, anything they
were involved in. She loved seeing pictures of her 2 great grandsons Liam and Jonah in Germany. She asked to hear story after story about Colter, and was thrilled with the news that there was another little one on the way.

Evelyn took pride in being a farm wife, a mother, and grandmother and in the last few years, a great grandmother. She moved to Saskatoon in 2016, first residing at Preston Park, and in Aug 2019 she moved to Warm and Cosy, where she was treated like a Queen. The family can not thank the care home enough for the care that was received.

Evelyn was predeceased by her husband Ralph, son Douglas, Daughter in Law Dawn, Brothers George (Joan), Fred (Amy), Gordon (Erma), and Lloyd (Madolyn); Brother in Laws Les Mills (Sylvia), Wally Melquist, and Ken Storrey, and nephew Lyle Pillipow.

She leaved to mourn sons: Greg and Shannon, Glenn and Sue, and Kevin and Heather Grandchildren: Sheena (Ken), Cayden (Linda), Candace Halter, Landin (Skylar), Ashton (Jarret) and Bryce
Great Grandsons: Liam & Jonah Mills and Colter Mills Her special Nieces Val, Lorna and Darlene, As well as many much loved nieces, nephews, and their families, and so many many wonderful friends.

The families would like to thank everyone for the flowers, cards, phone calls, texts and messages. It was a beautiful service, and we could feel the love from everyone.

The memories of Evelyn and the time she spent with her family will live in our hearts forever. Evelyn was laid to rest beside her beloved Ralph in the Kenaston Cemetery on December 2.