Category Archives: Obituary

Davidson, Obituary

Masich, Dan

The Celebration of Life for Dan Masich of Davidson was held Monday, May 13th, 2019 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Davidson, SK.  Family and friends gathered to honour and remember a kind gentleman, one who greeted everyone with a warm smile and a genuine, “How are you?”.

Dan’s story is all about f words – that is family, farm, faith and friends.

Dan was born on the family farm near Bladworth, on January 10th, 1932 to Croatian parents Joseph and Mary (Balen).  He was the third of seven children.  Dan walked or went by buggy or sleigh to Rockwood school north of Bladworth, completing grade eight and earning excellent grades. He completed grade ten at Bladworth School #1491.  In 1948 after a tornado destroyed the Bladworth homestead the family moved to the Davidson district settling just south of Star School on Highway 44. Eventually Dan and his older brother Joe farmed together, with seasonal help from Larry (Saskatoon), John (Nipawin, Prince Albert), Kay (Saskatoon), Josephine (Saskatoon), Emilie (Victoria) and their families. Dan retired from active farming in 2013 (but not the farm!) and rented the land to the younger generation of neighbours.  In 1980 the Bladworth land received the Family Farm Heritage Award to honour the SE ¼ 23 28 2 W3 continuously operated by the Masich family since 1917.

Dan was a man of faith. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1963 and received the Knights 50 Year Charter Member award in 2013. He was the Grand Knight in 1988, followed by Past Grand Knight and numerous other Offices of the Order; church choir member in the 1970’s; certified Minister of the Eucharist in 1985; Chairman of the Sacred Heart Parish Council from 1987-1991. In the mid 50’s Dan and his brother Joe volunteered to help build Davidson’s new Sacred Heart Church.

Throughout the years Dan received numerous certificates of recognition for his service to the Community making many Friends along the way. He served the Davidson Credit Union as Director for 7 years from 1968-1974; was a Board member of the Davidson Co-op; received a Certificate of Recognition from the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool for 30 years as a Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Committee Member; assisted with the Boy Scouts in Davidson in 1981 and 1982; has been a supporter of the Central Saskatchewan Music Festival since 1975.

Although farming was a full time job, Dan still made time to dance! He and his wife Elaine taught social ballroom dancing for the Community College and as Round Dance Instructors were on staff at three International Square and Round dance Conventions. Together they were Leaders of Carousel Dance Club #177 from 1985 to 2016.

Dan was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Mary, his brother Joe, sisters Kathleen (Harry Meints) and Josephine (Frank Duchscher).  He is loved and missed by his brothers John (Ivy Trevena), Larry (Charleen Hartman), sister Emilie (Robert Dougans), his wife Elaine, children Theo (Sylvie Hammond), daughter Jennifer (Kevin Torgerson), five grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

Thanks to everyone who participated in or attended the Celebration, to everyone who sent words of encouragement, prayers, cards, gifts of food, to everyone who shared their memories of Dan, to everyone who offered their time and effort should we need anything.  All is a testimony to a life well lived and to the many fine people who had a connection to Dan.

Dan Masich, January 10th, 1932 – May 8th, 2019

God has you in his keeping, we keep you in our hearts.

Bladworth, Obituary

PALMER

John Lewis Palmer of Bladworth, Sask. age 76 passed away peacefully on Friday, May 17th, 2019. John had fought a long courageous battle with cancer. He finally succumbed to his illness at the Davidson hospital with his family by his side. John is survived by his loving family: wife Darlene; children Lana (Steve), Lenny (Richelle), Michelle, and Lorie; grandchildren Raila, Justin, Kelsey, Madison, Autumn, Pierce, Macy, and Mason; great-grandchildren Elena, Jaxtyn, Madison, Zaine, and Phoenix; brother Bob (Monette); sister Lois (Irv); sister-in-law Sylvia; also numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members. John was predeceased by his parents Gordon and Hazel Palmer, and brother Larry. A graveside service was held on Friday, May 24th, 2019 at 2:00pm at the Bladworth, Sask. Cemetery followed by a social gathering at the Bladworth Community Hall. For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Jack may be directed to the Bladworth Cemetery, Bladworth Hall or the Bladworth Elks. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

Hanley, Kenaston, Obituary

Zwarich, Verna Lenett

April 21, 1924 – May 24, 2019

Verna passed away on May 24, 2019 after a brief illness at the age of 95.

She is survived by her daughter Nola (Bob) Pruden, granddaughter Cheryl (Mike) Matevin, grandson Merle (Bobbie Joe) Pruden and families; daughter-in-law Gwen Zwarich, grandsons Terry (Michelle), Kyle (Taylor) and Ian (Christine) and families; sister Stella Jess and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Steve, daughter Diane, son Terry, great-grandson Quinton; parents Oscar and Julia Olson; brothers Randolph, Marvin, Stanley, Gordon and Palmer; and sisters Gladys Haight and Eunice Johnson. Verna was born and raised on a farm west of Kenaston. After marrying Steve they farmed east of Kenaston until his passing. Verna continued to manage her farm for many years. Many stories could be told of her various escapades during her long life. She loved music, the outdoors, caring for her yards and flowers and finding treasures at auction/yard sales. Funeral services for Verna will be held at the Hanley Centennial Hall on Wednesday June 5, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Memorial donations in memory of Verna may be directed to the Hanley United Church, Kenaston Cemetery or a charity of choice. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

Obituary

Barbara Grace (Magdalinski) Ulmer

Born: May 11, 1929

Died: May 6, 2019

No funeral at Barb’s request.

Predeceased by husband Alfred Ulmer and son Murray Ulmer.

Leaves behind sons: Bill Ulmer and Bruce Ulmer, daughter Marge Reece Letourneau, grandsons, granddaughters and great-grandchildren!

Thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff at the Manitou lodge! It was greatly appreciated.

Hanley, Kenaston, Obituary

Zwarich, Terry

In Loving Memory of Terry Steven Zwarich

March 4, 1960 – January 29, 2019

A Memorial Service was held for Terry on March 30, 2019 at Kenaston Place.

Terry was born on March 4, 1960 and passed away peacefully with his family and mother at his bedside in the General Hospital in Regina on January 29, 2019. He courageously battled cancer for five years enduring the pain with faith in God and a positive attitude.

Terry was trained as a plumber and had his own company. He was talented and had expertise in electrical, mechanical and roofing work.

Terry was a member of the World Cancer Organization and was an inspiration to many cancer patients in other countries.

He trusted in his Lord and was always grateful for every day. His positive attitude always saw the best in everyone.

He was predeceased by his dad, Steve, baby sister Diane and grandson Quinton, his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Left to cherish his memory are wife, Gwen, three sons Terry (Michelle) and family, Kyle (Taylor), Ian (Christine) and family, two stepsons, mother Verna, who really misses him, sister Nola (Bob), niece Cheryl, nephew Merle, aunt Stella and many cousins and friends. Verna thanks Rev. Gregg Rustulka, all those who participated in the service, the women and men on cleanup as well as everyone who attended this special day.

Craik, Obituary

Luther, Ashley

Ashley Shandrel Luther

April 15, 1988 – March 1, 2019

Ashley was born in Regina on April 15, 1988 on her father Cliff’s 33rd birthday “the best gift ever.”

Ashley enjoyed her childhood growing up with her three brothers on Stillwater Farm near Aylesbury, Sask. She loved animals especially her kittens. There was rarely a photo taken without a kitty in her arms. Ashley loved spending time with her great-uncles Ken and Robert Leslie and her grandparents Myrna and Martin Luther at Riskan Hope Farm and also her grandparents Reg and Alice in Moose Jaw. She attended Craik School for her elementary years, growing up in such a loving community was truly a blessing that made Ashley the caring person that she was. She continued her education at Luther College High School where she enjoyed drama, cheerleading and was an accomplished swimmer, lifeguarding and instructing at Craik Regional Park in the summer. Ashley moved to Vancouver where she became a flight attendant for Sunwing travelling to many exotic destinations while also waitressing at Lucy’s Diner. There she met the love of her life Felix Heide from Germany. Ashley’s time at the ‘50s style diner sparked her interest in pinup modeling and she adopted her pinup name Elly Mayday inspired by a combination of the Beverly Hillbillies T.V. character Elly May Clampett and a nod to her aviation career.

At age 25 Ashley was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Rather than let this news dull her light, she decided it was her time to shine. Ashley was a pioneer modeling with her scars. It was the raw unflinching honesty of these photos that sent them racing virally around the world. Ashley was suddenly thrust into the limelight as an international role model setting the gold standard for body positivity, inspiring women of all ages to love themselves just the way they are. Ashley’s professional modeling career took off and she was signed in NYC, Miami and London U.K. landing the biggest contract of her career with Lane Bryant. Her photos appeared in Times Square, on buses, subways and billboards across the country. Ashley continued to raise awareness. She travelled to Australia and worked with ovarian cancer research and Women’s Weekly and the Ladyballs campaign. She had numerous modeling and speaking engagements across Canada. She received the Virginia Greene achievement award in 2017 honouring her life’s work.

Ashley leaves to celebrate her life and continue her legacy, her parents Deb and Cliff; brothers Dallas (Audrey), Dustin and Clinton; Felix Heide and family in Germany; grandmother Alice; numerous aunts and uncles and cousins. The family would like you to join them in a celebration of Ashley’s life at Aylesbury Hall on Saturday, April 27 at 2 p.m.