Category Archives: Obituary

Bladworth, Kenaston, Obituary

Obituary: Holder, Pearl

Pearl (Aikins) Holder
Her life from 1916 — Nov. 13, 2017
101 years and 11 days

The remarkable life of Pearl (Aikins) Holder began on Nov. 2, 1916 on the family farm NE24 T29 R2 W3, five miles east of Kenaston, Sask. She attended Aikins School and wrote her Grade 8 entrance exam at Zid School.

Pearl worked for families in Kenaston, Regina and Saskatoon, helping maintain family life for those who employed her. She would often say, “Many people talk about the Dirty Thirties and all the hard times, I would say, those were some of the best years of my life. You can’t miss what you never had.”

Pearl married her sweetheart, Bladworth farmer Harold Holder, on Oct. 4, 1939 in a double ceremony with her sister Alice and Bill Hartman at the United Church Manse in Davidson, Sask. The couples returned to the family farm for a simple wedding supper with family and the threshing crew as wedding guests.

Pearl and Harold farmed the Holder and Aikins land for many years, living on 24-29-2 W3 where they raised their four sons Bill, Tom, and twins Ron and Don.

It was a necessity of farm life to perform a variety of daily chores. A large garden and hard work provided produce to preserve for the winter and share with other families. It was not unusual to preserve 100 quarts of corn, 20-gallon crocks of pickles, a barrel of sauerkraut as well as many quarts of beef, chicken and wild meat.

Pearl would never consider herself a seamstress or tailor, but she was gifted at both. Her skill at mending and darning was like viewing fine art. She would downplay her skill saying, “I don’t do anything finer than darning socks and shovelling sh–!”

Pearl was active in the Evangelical Ladies Aid church group; she curled with her family, boarded school teachers and was a member of the Kenaston Seniors. Visiting and enjoying the company of friends was a highlight in her life. Coming to town on a Saturday, friends were ensured a good story and a hearty laugh.

When her grandchildren came along, they were the light of her life. She taught them to be resourceful, kind, generous and to walk on the sunny side of the street. Pearl taught her grandchildren to live by her example that included independence, positive attitude and most of all humour. She took great interest and pride in the accomplishments of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed watching all of them grow into kind, independent men and women. When the newest member of the family, two-and-a-half year old great-great-grandson Emmett would come and visit, Grandma loved to watch him explore.

After the death of her husband Harold she left her family home and moved to Wainwright, Alta., in 1973 where three of her sons were living. She became a caregiver and companion to Roy Oliphant. Over 44 years in Wainwright she bowled, loved to dance, played cards, went for coffee, walked miles and enjoyed the company of many, many friends.

She travelled with family and friends to China, England, Scotland, California, Hawaii, Alaska, Florida, Arizona and numerous parts of Canada. From Bladworth to Beijing, Pearl enjoyed all her travels.

She frequently returned home to Kenaston to visit family and friends. She was especially pleased and proud to attend the celebration of 100 years of continuous family farm award in 2007. Even though Pearl lost her husband Harold (1970), companion Roy (1984), son Tom (1990), grandson Ambrose (2007) and eldest son Bill (2014), she was at peace knowing that death was a part of life.

She was pre-deceased by parents Andrew Aikins (1941) and Georgia Anna (Burgess) Aikins Moore (1962), siblings Albert (1993), Alice (2000) and husband Bill Hartman (2000), Margaret (1920), Gordon (1987) and wife Vera, sister- and brother-in-law Mabel (Holder) (1977) and Harold Ames (1985).

Pearl had a natural way with people. She loved the company of people. Her quick wit was a feature of her personality that could not be missed. She enjoyed telling stories of people and events from the past with precise detail.

Pearl leaves her family with all the best memories: son Ron and Diane, son Don, daughter-in-law Jeanette; grandchildren Rob and Cathy, Johanna and Jamie Branigan, Tim and Vickie, Jason and Amber, Jenny, Josh, and Liza Pearl; great-grandchildren Amanda, Brett and Kristin, Shayne Branigan, Holly Branigan, Logan and Taylor, Jorden (Sarah), Brandon (Destiny) and great-great-grandson Emmett Allan; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Pearl was admired and will undoubtedly be remembered by all who knew her.

By Pearl’s request there will be no service in Wainwright. A celebration of her life will be held in Kenaston in the summer. Memorial donations may be made to the Kenaston Seniors Inc., Box 361, Kenaston, Sask., S0G 2N0.

Kenaston, Obituary

Obituary: Siroski, Violet “Toots”

Siroski, Violet 

Violet “Toots” Siroski, born August 4, 1929, passed away peacefully with family by her side at Davidson Health Centre on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at the age of 88.

Violet is survived by daughter Margaret (Val) Steckler and their two daughters Alissa and Danika; sons Len (Sally) Siroski and Brian (Peggy) Siroski and their two sons Chris (Lesley), their children Aubrey and Brantley; son Mike (Tabatha), and their three sons Jackson, Joey and Jet; sister Lorraine Firby and brothers Clarence (Violet), Norman (Sandra), Henry (Kathy), Les (Florence), and Ken (Dorothy), and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her infant daughter Suzanne, husband Peter and her parents Gregor and Mary; two brothers, one sister, 11 brothers-in-law, 11 sisters-in-law and one grandson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Dr. Lang and staff for the optimum care that mom received while she resided at the Davidson Health Centre.

Violet was an avid gardener. The best cook, she loved to cook each family member their favourite dish. Violet was a real social butterfly; she enjoyed working, in her retirement, for Super Draft, Heather’s Corner, Ed’s Prairie Treasures, Blizzard Junction and Cindy’s Confectionary.

Violet was a devoted member of St. Andrew’s Parish, from taking pies to the fall supper to crocheting edges on the altar cloths. She also enjoyed serving as Eucharistic minister.

Violet was always on the go in her community of Kenaston. She volunteered lots. Everyone knew her and her little dog, Pogo.

With all that said, most important to her was the love for all her family.

The Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, October 28, 2017 at the St. Andrew’s Catholic Church with Fr. Madonna-Godwin Aghedo O.P. officiating. Rite of committal was held at St. Andrew’s Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Violet’s memory can be made to St. Andrew’s Building Fund. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home.

Loreburn, Obituary

Obituary: Dodds, James

James Cameron Dodds
February 8, 1927 — October 14, 2017

The passing of James Dodds, of Saskatoon and Loreburn, Sask., occurred on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at his home in Saskatoon at the age of 90 years. Born and raised in Loreburn, Jim attended school in Loreburn and later attended the School of Agriculture at the U of S, where he formed many friendships. Jim was a successful, proud farmer for 60 years and was active in his community, always willing to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed hockey, curling and golfing. In his later years, he spent many hours sitting in his recliner watching the Blue Jays, Roughriders and Oilers. His happiest times were spent at family gatherings and he was an inspiration to his children and grandchildren.

Jim is lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Ruth; and his family Harvey Dodds, Jean (Doug) Jones and children Rory Jones (Kaesha Wenzel), Kelsi (Kevin) Clayton, and Darion Jones (Courtney Friesen); June (Robert) McJannet and children Erik McJannet and Tera (Brock) Thiessen; Karen (Phil) Anton and children Travis (Allyssa) Anton, Kathryn Anton, and Jayme Anton; and Beth (Brad) Holt and children Lauren Holt, Allyson Holt, and Erin Holt. He is also survived by his brother Bob (Carol) Dodds; sister Dorothy (Don) Reuszer; four sisters-in-law Lillian Dodds, Lois Hoiland, Ilene Hoiland and Bernice Fjeld; brother-in-law Art (June) Hoiland and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents George and Robena Dodds; brother Mac Dodds, sister Marion (Rodney) Francis; sister-in-law Mary Dodds, three brothers-in-law Peder Hoiland, Irvin Hoiland and Cecil Fjeld; and niece Janis Fonos.

A memorial service was held on October 20, 2017 from the Strongfield Community Hall with Rev. Ursula Wiig officiating. Interment at the Loreburn Cemetery.

Davidson, Obituary

Obituary: Gust, Robert

Robert Louis Gust

Robert (Bob) Gust was born May 27, 1927. He passed away October 20, 2017 surrounded by his family. Bob attended Davidson School and later Blair Athol. In 1953 he married Nina Schulz and began working at the Davidson Co-op grocery department, later transferring to the fuel department as truck driver. In 1977 he was manager of the tire bay and continued working for the Co-op Farm Supply until 1984. He then worked for Husky Oil and Esso until he retired in 1989.

Bob spent much of his time building ice shacks, lawn ornaments, bird houses and various other things. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, gardening, yard work and having coffee with friends. He could always find something to do to keep busy.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Nina; son-in-law Vernon Manz; children Les (Tammie) Gust, Sharon (Rob) Trimble, Gloria (Alan) Gieselman, Brian (Samantha) Gust, Carlton (Carol) Gust, Brad (Tammy) Gust, and Trevor (Vanessa) Gust; 25 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, sister Jean Schmiedge and sister-in-law Helen Gust.

He was predeceased by his parents Sam (Martha) Gust, daughter Sandra Manz, brothers Wilfrid “Bill” (Kay) Gust, Harvey Gust and sister Annie Schmiedge Ulmer (Ted and Ed) and brother-in-law Herb Schmiedge.

The funeral service was held Oct. 26, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Davidson with Lutheran Pastor Sonje Finnestad officiating. Interment was held at Davidson Cemetery, Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson was in charge of arrangements.

Davidson, Obituary

Obituary: McKenzie, Sharon

Sharon McKenzie

Sharon Carol McKenzie was born at Kamsack on Feb. 20, 1947 to Andy and Mabel Nordmarken. Sharon passed away Sept. 12, 2017 in Prince Albert. A Celebration of Life service took place at All Saints Anglican Church, Davidson on Sept. 27, 2017, and another in Pierceland on Sept. 30, 2017 at the Community Hall.

Sharon attended school in Davidson and graduated in 1965. She went into teaching and her career spanned nearly 40 years.

She was predeceased by her parents Andy and Mabel Nordmarken, her in-laws Ida and Angus McKenzie, brother-in-law Don McKenzie, sister-in-law Rose and her husband Mickey, nephew Terry Wees, and her special little dog Mattie.

She is survived by her husband Les and their dog Tobie, twin sister Shirley and Tom Blenkin, Ferne and Russell Wees, nieces Tracey Blenkin, Shelley Pelletier and Diane Cherry McCook, nephews Trevor Blenkin and Scott Wees, special great-nephew Thomas Neid Blenkin, sisters-in-law Marilyn and Jerry Hill, Gail McKenzie, Virginia McKenzie and families.

Elbow, Obituary

Obituary: O’Brien, Patrick

O’Brien, Patrick
March 19, 1930 — Sept. 27, 2017

Pat passed away peacefully in Moose Jaw with his family by his side.

Pat was born at Elbow on the family farm in the Harley District. He lived there his entire life, farming and raising cattle. He loved his animals, family and friends. He enjoyed playing cards with everyone.

Pat was predeceased by his parents, Lanora and Charles O’Brien; one brother Thomas; and one sister Ivy; two brothers-in-law Fred and Les Stevens; and one sister-in-law Florence.

He is survived by his sister Kay (Eric) of Maple Creek and his brother Donald (Sandra) of Elbow. Also, many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

A private family interment will take place at a later date.

He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Donald, Sandra and all family members.