Anne McGinnis (née Hrechka)
January 9th, 1949 — September 5th, 2017

Anne McGinnis passed away on Tuesday, September 5th, 2017 with her family by her side. Anne was born on January 9th, 1949 in Peesane, Sask. She was predeceased by her parents John and Stella; sister Mary Noren; brothers-in-law Jerry Noren and Leo Shull; sisters-in-law Mary Hrechka and Bev Hrechka; and father-in-law Earl McGinnis.

Anne leaves behind the love of her life, Bill McGinnis, whom she married on June 11th, 1966. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters: Wanda (Dean Sunley), Wendy (Steve Sanden), and Wanesa (Bill Dell); her grandchildren: Hailey, Jenna and Hope Sunley, Josh, Aiden and Hanna Sanden, and Paige and April Dell, who all meant everything to her; her sister Kathy Shull; brothers Mike (Darlene) and Bill Hrechka; as well as many nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed.

In keeping with Anne’s wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations in Anne’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Todd Sjoberg, Funeral Director 306-693-4550, www.moosejawfuneralhome.com.

Hilton Spencer

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of the pillar of our family, Hilton Spencer of Craik, Sask., on Aug. 17, 2017, at the age of 69. With his much-loved wife and children by his side, Hilton fought until the end with the same determination and strength that he had displayed his entire life.

Hilton was born in Craik, Sask., on Feb. 2, 1948. He is predeceased by his parents, George and Violet (Sloan). Proudly carrying on Hilton’s spirit and love for his family are his wife of 43 years, Wilma (Sianchuk) and their four children: George (Barbara) Spencer and their daughter Athena of Bluffton, Alta.; Peter (Brady) Spencer and their sons Mason and Grey of Edmonton, Alta.; John (Jennifer) Spencer and their children Ainsley and Flynn of Martensville, Sask.; Rae Lynn (Dan) Crooks and their daughter Madyn of Weyburn, Sask. He is also survived by his brothers Ernest (Nancy) Spencer and Dave (Arlette) Spencer as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Hilton loved all members of his family and was unable to hide his pride as he spoke of them. He cared deeply for his wife. Hilton and Wilma set a precious and rare example for their children to carry forward into their relationships. His grandchildren were one of his real joys and Hilton always brought a new and fun experience to each child whenever he spent time with them. Although his grandchildren are spread throughout various communities in Saskatchewan and Alberta, “Grandpa” is always one of their constant topics of conversation.

Hilton was very creative, resourceful and intelligent. He could usually be found manufacturing various structures from wood and metal. Hilton loved to golf and archery hunt with his closest friends and family. He was very community-minded, serving as president of the Craik Golf Course and as the Reeve of RM No. 222 for 27 years. He fought for many ideas that he believed would make his community prosper, including keeping rural health care intact and bringing new businesses and families to the area. His entrepreneurial spirit served him well as he supported his family and the community with equipment operation through his company, Spencer Trenching, farming, raising livestock and owning his own semi and gravel trailer. In the weeks before his passing, he spoke of retiring on the farm and rekindling his passion of working with horses. We will be forever proud of Hilton’s integrity, selflessness, and countless life lessons learned by being in his presence.

A celebration of Hilton’s life was held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 26, 2017, at the Hall in Craik, Sask. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude for the medical efforts of the doctors and nurses at the Pasqua Hospital Intensive Care Unit and their compassion towards Hilton and his loved ones.

Arrangements were in care of Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson.

Howard Merle Bisson

Howard Merle Bisson of Craik, Sask., passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 with his family by his side at the age of 77.

He was predeceased by his parents Mae and Eddie Bisson and his only son Jason. Merle leaves behind his wife of 52 years Bertha and daughter Michelle (Curtis) Marcenko and their children George (Katie), Zane, and Jill and twin great-grandsons Steele and Luke; daughter-in-law Diana Bisson and children Courtney, Jordan, Kylie and Jeremy. Merle also leaves behind a special nephew Chris (Erin) Stephens and their children Morgan, Dalton, and Elliot. He also leaves behind his six siblings, Gail (Ed), Ross (Gaille), Glen (Judy), Garnold (Charlene), Richard (Carol), Elaine (Stan) and their families.

Merle was a farmer all of his life and was very proud of planting his 60th crop before he retired in 2016. He especially enjoyed following his grandchildren partaking in all of their events. A celebration of Merle’s life was held at the Craik Hall on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 2 p.m.

Interment followed at the Craik Cemetery. For those who wish, donations can be made to the Craik Cemetery. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home, Davidson, Sask.

Harve Joseph Friedel

Harve was born August 19, 1937 and passed away July 30, 2017 at the age of 79 of kidney failure.

Harve was born at Fairview, Alta., to Charlie and Margaret Friedel. He was the tenth child of a family of 12. He was a private man and didn’t talk much about his past, but family meant the world to him. Every time a family member passed away they took a little bit of Harve with them.

Harve was predeceased by his mother and father, brothers: Willy, Art, Tony and Charlie; sisters: Shirley, Lorraine, Pauline and Ann; and two nephews, Herb and Lowell.

Harve is survived by brothers, Earl (Marilyn), Herbie (Jean) and sister Alice (Kevin) plus many nieces and nephews.

Harve was in the newspaper business from a young age. Then the opportunity came for him to buy the Craik Weekly News from Lee Bronson and Charlie Hantscharuk. Everything Harve accomplished he did on his own, even though he didn’t have a high school education. And this is where his life began in Craik.

Harve was a very active member in the Lions and Legion keeping his memberships right to his passing. He made a lot of good friends through these organizations.

We all saw Harve at his worst, cantankerous, mean and miserable. But I’m sure we all saw the soft, kind and fun side as well.

Bill Langford was there with Harve always by his side in Moose Jaw driving him to dialysis, etc. until winter. A very good friend.

The Care Home that Harve resided at was Chez Nous in Moose Jaw, they treated him so well and Mano, Lisa and Lisa’s husband Greg became good friends of Harve’s just to name a few. They all went above and beyond their duties for Harve.

Howard Zentner and his son Grayson and family became a very big part of Harve’s life in Moose Jaw. The family can’t thank you enough Howard for all you did for him and being such a good friend.

Last but not least, Alice would like to mention the loving care Todd Lockwood at Hanson’s Funeral Home gave Harve and the compassion he showed to her, she had never dealt with this kind of care through a funeral home before and can’t say enough good words about Hanson’s.

I feel very fortunate, approximately one month ago I went and had lunch with Harve at Chez Nous, we had a very nice time and a real good visit. Unfortunately things went downhill fast from that day on.

No matter where he was, he always wanted to know how everyone was and what they were doing in Craik. He loved Craik and always called it home. Harve also brought me a new sister, Alice, I love you girl.

Rest in Peace dear friend.

(Eulogy written by Barb Watt.)