1949 – 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mervin Wayne Yohnke on October 23, He passed away peacefully at the Regina General Hospital at the age of 71.

He will be fondly remembered, and never forgotten, by his Mother – Ilene Yohnke, Brother – Irvin Yohnke (Judi), Sisters – Darlene Palmer and Margo (Shawn) Shaw. Mervin is also survived by his sister-in-law Alison Jensen, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his Father – William (Bill) Yohnke, step Father Dale Jensen, Brother Montey Jensen, Brother-in-law John (Jack) Palmer, Grandmother and Grandfather Roy and Linda Arnold, Emel and Ida Yohnke.

Mervin was born in Edson Alberta on October 14, 1949. He was raised and grew up in several towns in Alberta and Saskatchewan during his childhood due to his parent’s work. He then, as an adult, moved and set up roots in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan, where he resided until his passing.

Mervin loved dogs (of all sizes and kinds). He classed his last two boys as his children “Casper” and “Hobo.” Mervin was also a hands-on kind of man. His passion was “The Yohnke Woodshop” which he created into a small business in a couple of shops in Tuxford Sask. He would take the drive to this little town just outside of Moose Jaw to so some woodworking, reclaiming old antique furniture or some computer graphics in his shop.

He loved the serenity of this small town and was hoping that one day he could retire and live the rest of his life in this peaceful place.

Mervin was such a kind-hearted soul. He had some very close dear friends, which he spoke of often. He loved social gatherings and his sister’s farm. He would make a day or a weekend outing, driving west of Bladworth just to spend some time on the farm. Mervin will be sadly missed forever and loved by family and friends.

“Dream as if you’ll live forever, Live as if you’ll die today.” – James Dean

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

It is with great sadness that the Family of ‘Bea’ Beatrice Prpick, announces her passing at the Davidson Health Centre on the Thanksgiving weekend, October 9, 2020.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband Stan ‘Bud’ Prpick, of nearly 62 years and her six children and their families: Vonné (Everett) Johnson, Renée Prpick White, Tom (Gail) Prpick, Rocky
(Christina) Prpick, Tracy (Brent) Bergen, Stephanie Prpick-Boss (Stephen Boss) and her twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Bea is also survived by her only sister, Marg Thompson, sister-in-law, Janet Prpick and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Cornelius ‘Neil’ & Ethel Cooney and many in-laws, including Emil & Anna Prpich.

Bea was born in Tisdale, Sask. 87 years ago. She was raised on the Salm Family Homestead, south of Valpraiso, Sk. – it was 3 generations of her family living and working together on the farm. She has one sister – Marg, who would be her life-long best friend! Together they attended Arpsville country school and they also played sports together … the girls excelled in Ball, Hockey and Tennis, winning many championships.

The Cooney’s were a very ‘close knit’ family and enjoyed time together at the lake, sporting events, the Fairs and many family gatherings.

After High School, Bea moved to Saskatoon to pursue a nursing
career rooted in St Paul’s Hospital School of Nursing. Upon graduation as a Registered Nurse, Bea worked at St Paul’s Hospital for a year. In 1957, she and her new forever friend, Madeline Dierker, set out on an adventure and moved to California where they worked as nurses at St John’s Hospital in Santa Monica.

Bud & Bea met in 1953 when they were both attendants at a family
wedding in the Bladworth area. The couple were married November 15, 1958 and then moved to their farm north of Davidson, Sk. This would be where Bud & Bea would live, farm and raise their family of 6 children.

They lived a full life rooted in family, friends and Christian values. They were dedicated members of Davidson’s Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and she was a faithful CWL member for 56 years.

The Prpick farm was a busy place; Bea always had a big garden and cooked endlessly for her large ‘bunch’. She was a busy mother who took her ‘Motherly’ role very much to heart but she was equally the ‘Fun’ Mom. She had a quick sense of humor and loved to laugh. Bea attended so many of her kids’ activities and sporting events, often with a cooler full of food to share.

The Prpicks’ were regulars at the RINK. Hockey has been an ongoing
love for generations. Bea played hockey, she was a goalie. She thoroughly enjoyed watching her sons and grand kids play the game.

Then the weddings began to happen and the Prpick Family Tree
would grow again with the addition of grandchildren: Kaden, Erik, Ian & Quinlyn Johnson, Rockwell & Danika White, Dean & Bryce Prpick, Nate Bergen and Lexi, Eve & Joe Boss.

She was a very proud grandmother who attended many of their activities. ‘Nan’ was thrilled when she became a great grandmother to Wyndsor Bea & Sutton Johnson and Harvey Prpick.

Bea & Bud built their new home and moved into town in 2011. The
couple continued to be blessed with wonderful neighbours. Bea’s family and friends were always welcome and her generous personality drew many different people, of all ages, to her. She was gentle and loving, but she was also strong and resilient as she faced challenges with her health this past few years. Her brave, positive attitude showed us her character and she practiced her Faith as she persevered.

Bea’s Funeral Mass followed Covid-19 guidelines, and was held
October 16, 2020 at Davidson’s Sacred Heart Church. Father Joseph Thazhathemuriyil officiated, organist Mary Jane Morrison accompanied soloist Karen Reich, who beautifully sang some of Mom’s favorite hymns.

Prior to the service a poem was written and read by granddaughter Eve Boss followed by a Tribute given by her 3 eldest grandsons: Kaden & Erik Johnson and Dean Prpick. Interment followed in Kenaston, Sk at St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery.

BEA PRPICK , A GENEROUS SOUL WHO LAUGHED OFTEN
AND LOVED MUCH – HER LIFE IS A BEAUTIFUL MEMORY.

1940-2020

The passing of Larry Riggall, of Elbow, Sask. occurred on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at his home in Elbow, at the age of 79 years.

Larry was born on December 2, 1940 at Balgonie, Sask. Larry worked in the Oil Industry in Calgary, Edmonton and Medicine Hat, AB. They moved to Elbow, Sask. in 2008. There he loved to play golf at Elbow and surrounding courses and fish on Lake Diefenbaker.

Music played a large part in Larry’s life. He played in the Regina high school band and then in a dance band. After retiring to Elbow, together with his wife Donna, they travelled to numerous surrounding small towns to entertain the residents in seniors’ homes with piano duets. Joining the Line 19 Community Choir was a natural for Larry as he had a wonderful singing voice. Never short of
words, Larry always had a new story from the past to add to conversations. His keen interest in technology was ever present.

He left his mark in Elbow’s Community Urban Orchard with the casting of concrete leaves used for signage in the orchard and in the peace garden. Larry’s sense of humour coupled with a ready smile and laugh will be missed by many.

Larry is lovingly remembered by his wife, Donna; two sons, Cory Riggall and Kelly Riggall (Kiersten & Megan); three sisters-in-law, Lynn (Roger) Sabourin, Peggy (Mahdee) Raies-Dana, and Joanne Riggall; brother-in-law, Ken Bobrowski; stepson, Darren Keck; and
numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Wesley & Mabel Riggall; brother, Murray Riggall; and by his sister, Marilyn (Ed) Dunnison.

A graveside service was held on Friday, October 30, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the Elbow Cemetery, Elbow, Sask. with Rev. Ursula Wiig officiating. Social distancing and masks will be required.

Memorial donations may be made to: A charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are in care of the Outlook Funeral Chapel 306-867-8255.

William (Billy) Malinski (1982-2020)

It is with great sorrow and sadness that the family of William (Billy) Malinski announce his sudden passing on September 1, 2020.

He is survived by his mother Mary, his brothers Jason and Dean and his beloved children Vernalynn, Jazmine, William (Billy), Zeus and Skyla.

William Howard Malinski was born in Melfort, Saskatchewan on October 22, 1982. Billy lived in Saskatchewan for most of his life, living in Melfort until his family moved to Clandonald, Alberta in 1990. There, Billy and his brothers would build forts near their acreage home and try to keep the gopher population down by a determined hunting effort.

In 1996, Billy’s family moved back to Saskatchewan, settling in Davidson. Here Billy attended Davidson High School and worked for Clark and Dan Puckett on the farm south of town. After his schooling, he worked for a time at Panther Packaging building pallets. He was a skilled worker who loved working with his hands.

As his life progressed, he worked on the oil rigs, did roofing and stucco projects, and operating a heavy rock crusher where an accident claimed a finger. Billy loved music, especially popular music from the 80’s and 90’s. He also loved watching good movies, something he later enjoyed sharing with his children on “movie nights” with popcorn and snacks.

Billy had a great sense of humour and loved making people laugh. He will be sorely missed by his loving family and friends. Saskatchewan has lost one of its sons and we pause to honour his life.

A graveside Memorial Service will be held at Warren’s Memorial Gardens at Swift Current, Saskatchewan on Monday October 5, 2020 at 2 pm. Clark Puckett, Certified Funeral Celebrant, presiding.
Please note there has been a change of location.

With much sadness the family of Lorie Semanski announces her sudden passing on September 5, 2020 at Airdrie, Alberta.

Lorie is survived by her dear husband Ken, brothers Larry Thomas and Richard (Sandy) Thomas plus her nephew Chad. She also is survived by many cousins and friends.

Lorie was predeceased by her mother and father, Susan and Peter Thomas, infant sister Maureen, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She also lost her two Shih Tzu puppies Zoie and Echo just recently.

Lorie grew up on the family farm near Davidson and completed schooling there. Further training in human resource was taken when they moved to Winnipeg. She worked for the Province of Saskatchewan in Regina, then with the Canadian Post Office in Winnipeg and Calgary.

In 1985 Lorie married the love of her life Ken Semanski. Ken and Lorie enjoyed traveling and visiting with friends and relatives, Lorie especially liked visiting her family, plus aunts and uncles in Davidson. They also enjoyed raising Shin Tzu puppies (Sophie, Zoie and Echo).

Due to Covid-19 concerns funeral services will be planned later.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Carol Lynn Gust of Regina, SK. Carol passed with family by her side on September 2, 2020, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

A family funeral service was held in her childhood home of Davidson on September 10, 2020. Carol was born in Edmonton, on February 8, 1966.

She lived in train stations in Lacadena, Aylesbury and Central Butte before living in a ‘real’ house in Davidson. She loved spending time visiting her Mom’s family on the farm in Southern Saskatchewan. She graduated from Davidson High school and moved to Regina where she received a degree from the University of Regina.

Carol was married to Carlton Gust on July 27, 1991; they were married 29 years and have been together for 39 years.

Carol worked in I.T. for Agriculture Canada, CGI and the Co-Operators where she made many lasting friendships. She was strongly passionate about wildlife and animals and when she wasn’t reading about them, observing them or helping them, she was spending time at the family cabin, on the beach in Mexico, attending arts and craft shows, visiting with neighbours, watching thunderstorms from the deck, and reading with her “farm” cats in the evenings.

Prior to becoming ill, she was also actively involved with the WRSoS as a wildlife rescue volunteer and planned on engaging more with them in her retirement.

Carol is survived by husband Carlton, daughter Emily (Jordan), son Brody (Alexa), mother Alfreda, mother-in-law Nina, sisters Rosemarie (Scott), Susan (Marc), half-siblings Kerry (Edz), Alaina, Kendra (Luke), Michael (Haylee), sisters and brothers-in-law, many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, as well as numerous other close family and friends.

Carol is preceded by her father Keith, father-in-law Robert, uncles
Gordon, John, and sister-in-law Sandy.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carol’s name to the
Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan (WRSoS), Salthaven West, Bright Eyes Dog Rescue (BEDR), the Regina Cat Rescue (RCR), or Early Childhood Intervention (ECIP).

The family of Carol Gust wishes to thank the Allan Blair Cancer Clinic, and the nurses, doctors and staff of the 3B unit at the Pasqua Hospital for the great care they took of Carol and her family over the past eight months. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson was in care of arrangements.