James Arthur Johnston, 77, of Chamberlain, Sask., passed away May 11, 2015 at the Regina General Hospital. He was born in 1938 in Prince Albert, Sask., to John and May Johnston. He married Olga Wiszniak on August 6, 1958.
Surviving Jim are his wife Olga; two daughters, Cindy Jackson (Peter) of Regina, Sask., and Brenda Johnston, Alberta; four grandchildren, Sean, Katherine, Melissa and Allan; two brothers George (Marion) Johnston and Dan Johnston; nephews, Michael, Melvin, Rick, David, Calvin, Jason, Vincent, Dean, Brent, Stanley, Harry and Tom; nieces Margaret, Susan, Laurie, and Jody.
Jim was a big part of the drilling and exploration community in western Canada. He started as a rig hand working for Regent Drilling in 1956 and eventually became a drilling supervisor. Over the course of a long career he worked in places as diverse as the Northwest Territories and the outback of Australia. He had several careers over the course of his life: drilling operations manager, elk rancher, mechanic, gas station manager, log house construction but always found his way back to the oil patch. His passions included Arabian horses, hunting and fishing, and horseback riding in the B.C. high country.
He loved to socialize with family and friends, especially over a game of cards. And there was no such thing as a bad western on TV.
Raymond Deidrich Heinrich was born March 3, 1934 in the Wynyard District. He was the fourth of five children born to Ethel and August Heinrich. The family moved back to Davidson in 1941, where Ray attended Kent School. As a young man — besides helping on the family farm — Ray worked for many local farmers. Other jobs included skid cat operator at bush camps, night foreman during construction of the Gardiner Dam, and road construction in many of the local municipalities. He always came back home to assist on the family farm.
In the spring of 1959, Ray met Pauline Frances Ubell. He proposed in June and they were married on Oct. 21, 1959. Ray was the father of five children: Frances Grace (1960), Betty Katherine (stillborn, 1962), Arlene Joan (1963), Helen Winona (Nonie, 1965) and Michael Deidrich (1969). He always took time out to enjoy special family times.
Ray had a passion for farming, and began living it full time in the spring of 1961. Long days and tough times were the norm for Ray, but he rarely complained. His passion for farming and soil conservation were a cornerstone of his life’s career. He truly believed that what he did today, had to be sustainable tomorrow. “Pay it forward” wasn’t just a cliché. Proud of his farming heritage, in 2014 he was delighted to accept a Century Farm Award — 109 years after the fact. Yes, he was also a procrastinator!
Ray was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved to play cards of any sort. His winters were spent curling and “bonspieling.” He especially enjoyed tractor pulls where he would perform the “Heinrich Hustle” on his John Deere 80 tractor.
Community minded, Ray served the RM of Willner as Reeve for 12 years, he was a councillor in Arm River, and president of many organizations, including Prairie Diamond Credit Union, Davidson Co-op and Carlton Trail Community College. He was instrumental in securing local doctors and building the municipal doctor’s office, as well as the community centre. He drove the scraper that shaped the Davidson golf course, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Kinsmen and K-40s. Through his contribution of time to several service clubs, Ray helped initiate the building of the Davidson swimming pool and was an avid curler. Community fund raisers were a mainstay of Ray’s — including acting in dinner theatres that contributed to building the current hockey rink and helping to see a new curling rink take shape.
In Ray’s later years he enjoyed playing cards, reading, following current events, watching his grandchildren in their activities and keeping a watchful eye over the farm.
Ray is survived by Polly, his wife of 55 years, their children and grandchildren: Grace (Ian Sutherland) — Adrian, Nicole and Erik; Arlene (Doug Tetlock); Nonie; Mike (Susanna) — Geena, Jacob and Reggie; brother Ron (Mil); numerous nieces, nephews and relatives.
Funeral service was held on Friday, June 12, 2015 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Joseph officiating. Donations in Ray’s honor may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Diabetes association or a charity of your choice.
Berne Farden (nee Gruenig) was born to a family of seven in Sundridge in northern Ontario on November 25, 1923. She met Ken during the war in Toronto, and they were married in Macrorie and farmed at Bratton, Broderick, and Davidson. They raised their family of five near Broderick moving to Davidson, where Berne has lived for 48 years.
Berne is predeceased by husband Ken and daughter Sharon.
She is survived by friend and caregiver, Sharon O’Brien; brother Art (Lois); children Peter (Sheila), Susan (Wayne) Stulberg, Keith, and Marianne; grandsons, Kory (Andrea), Kevin (Terra), Kelly (Melissa), and Joshua; and eight great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Berne’s life was held in the Davidson United Church on June 13 at 2:00 pm. Donations in memory of Berne may be made to the Davidson Health Centre, Davidson United Church, or charity of your choice. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson was in care of arrangements.
Trevor Daniel Zdunich March 31, 1968 — June 13, 2015
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Trevor Daniel Zdunich. He is survived by his mother Loraine (Jim) Walmsley; brother Keven (Joann); niece Lacey; nephew Cylus; numerous loving aunts, uncles and cousins; many treasured friends and his faithful dog, Basil. Trevor was predeceased by his father Clarence Zdunich; grandparents Dan and Annie Zdunich and Peter and Helen Sarich; Uncles Leonard, James, Daniel, Stanley and Gabriel. Trevor grew up on the family farm outside of Kenaston, Sask. Once he was done high school he moved to Zama City to begin his 30-year career in the oilfield. He returned home to the family farm in the spring of 2015, until his untimely passing on June 13, 2015. He will be fondly remembered for his one-of-a-kind sense of humour and his unique personality. He was loved by everyone and touched many lives. Trevor had a strong love and passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles, Ford trucks, his work and farming, Mud Bog Racing, his family and his loyal and countless friends. A celebration of Trevor’s life was held on Monday, June 22 at 1 p.m. at Kenaston Place. For friends so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Trevor can be directed at the St. Andrew’s Cemetery Fund. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson was in care of arrangements.
It is with great sadness the family of Lawrence Fields, formerly from Liberty, Sask., announce his sudden passing at Long Lake Valley Integrated Facility in Imperial, Sask., on Saturday, May 30, 2015. Lawrence was born to Harley and Elizabeth Fields in Liberty on March 13, 1922. He farmed in the Liberty district until his retirement. Lawrence was predeceased by his parents Harley and Elizabeth Fields; his first wife Hazel (1991) and his second wife Evelyn (2006) and a daughter Myrna (2005). He leaves to mourn his passing, son Elden (Lois) Fields; daughters Darlene (Joseph) Klyne; Carol (Wayne) Field and a son-in-law Ken Drimmie; 11 grandchildren, Raymond (Shirley) Drimmie, Doug (Twila) Drimmie, Wanda (Carl) Erlandson, Russell (Kia) Klyne, Kris (Lisa) Klyne, Jacqueline (Dane) Klyne, Patrick (Lori) Fields, Blair (Sandra) Fields, Sherry (Todd) Creasy, Shawn (Dianne) Field, Kevin (Kelly) Field; 19 great-grandchildren, Zoey and Aaron Drimmie, Micheal and Ashlyn Erlandson, Emmalee and Keenan Klyne, Skylar Klyne, Forbes and Avery Fields, Macy and Karsyn Fields, Vanessa and Eric Creasy, Amanda, Justus and Shelby Field, Colton, Bailey and Emma Field; two sisters, Enid Stotts and Nyela Glazier; and many nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service for Lawrence was held in the Liberty Memorial Hall, Liberty, Sask., on Friday, June 5, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Officiating was Dr. Kathleen James-Cavan. Pallbearers were Sherry Creasy, Shawn Field, Kevin Field, Blair Fields, Patrick Fields and Kris Klyne. Attending the guest register were Judy Gebhard and Doreen Wolff. Ushers were Howard Nelson and Gilbert Nelson. The eulogy was given by Shawn Field. The pianist was Jeanine Knoblauch. Following the interment in Liberty cemetery, a funeral lunch was held in the lower level of the Liberty Memorial Hall. For online condolences, tributes or to make a donation in memory of Lawrence to Liberty Cemetery Fund or Long Lake Valley Health Foundation, please visit www.fotheringham-mcdougall.com.
Patricia Helen (Sekulich) McFarlane of Saskatoon (formerly Davidson, Sask.) was born on March 22, 1942 in Long Lac, Ont., to Mark and Margaret Sekulich. They lived in Ontario and would eventually move back to the family farm in Kenaston and then to Davidson. Mom attended school in Briggs and graduated from Davidson High School. During high school her passion was playing the saxophone and being involved with the Davidson Jubilee Marching Band. Many weekends were spent travelling to various towns playing at the local dances with the Teen Airs. After high school she followed her dream and attended Regina General Nursing School obtaining her Registered Nurse designation. Her career as an RN saw her working in Hamilton, Ont., at the Psychiatric Hospital, Saskatoon City Hospital, Davidson Union Hospital, the operating room at Royal University Hospital as well as home care in the later years. She married William McFarlane in November 1967 and had two children. They lived in town and later moved to the farm. Life was busy with work, gardening and sewing (especially quilts) and attending many hockey games and figure skating events. In January 2015, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer but did not let this disease define who she was. She lived her life with a strong spirit, genuine heart, considerate soul and an incredible underlying strength accepting her final days with courage and grace. Mom passed away at St. Paul’s hospital on June 8, 2015 surrounded by her children and grandchildren. As she was with us when we took our first breath, we were able to be there to hold her hand while she took her last breath. We would like to thank the incredible staff of St. Paul’s Hospital palliative care for the wonderful care Mom received during her last days. Pat is survived by her children Lynda (Gary) and Doug; grandchildren Chelsea (Chad), Marcus (Isabelle), Kaylah (Alex) and Candace; and great-grandchildren Eli and Kennedy. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law Bob (Phyllis) and Larry (Darlene), along with nephews and nieces and the best cousins you could ask for (those crazy Croatians). Pat was pre-deceased by her husband William, her parents Mark and Margaret and infant sister Kathleen. A celebration of life will be held on June 20, 2015 at 3 p.m. at Park Funeral Chapel (311 Third Avenue North, Saskatoon). Interment of the ashes will be at a later date at the Davidson Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Davidson Health Foundation in her memory. To view this obituary and share your memories, visit www.parkfuneral.ca “Obituaries & Tributes.” Arrangements entrusted to Kenneth J. Scheirich, Park Funeral Chapel, 306-244-2103.
