Shymko, Mike
Michael Bernard Shymko passed away at the Davidson Health Centre on Sunday, June 29, 2014 at the age of 88.
Mike was born on January 26, 1926 on the homestead two miles west of Cudworth, Sask. He was the sole survivor and youngest of 11 children born to Karl and Katherine Shymko. His brothers and sisters were John, Annie, Adolph, Bertha, Louis, Lillian, Pete, Ella, Helen #1 and Helen #2.
In 1928 the Shymko family moved to a farm eight miles NW of Bladworth, Sask. In 1940 they settled 10 miles north of Davidson, Sask. Mike attended Silver Lake School and farmed all his life. He retired from farming in 1995 and sold the land to Larry and Judi Packet.
Mike had a talent for gardening and landscaping. In 1942 he planted 8,000 shelter belt trees by hand. In later years he planted thousands more with a tree planter. He also helped to build, renovate and paint many farm buildings. Mike and his brothers Louis and Pete moved to Davidson in 1976, but continued to farm from town. Mike was a great gardener and soon won The Town of Davidson “Most Beautiful Yard Award” for a number of years including four years in a row. It was common to see family and friends helping Mike in his yard and garden. The last few years Mike managed to maintain this virtually on his own. He generously shared his harvest bounty with many local families.
Mike was a great entertainer and loved company. When the Shymko brothers built a chicken coop on the farm, Mike asked that an extra 15 feet be added to the building to be used for entertaining. He called it “The Purple Party Shack”. It was complete with finished interior walls, power, record player, eight track player and couches and chairs. Over the years Mike also entertained his guests playing guitar and singing along to Country and Western music, as there was no other kind.
Mike described his brother Louis as the cattleman, his brother Pete as the horseman and he described himself as the Playboy. He was well known for organizing family barbecues on his patio, singing his favourite song Muletrain and always having Sunday beverages.
Mike was a great collector. His largest collection was salt and pepper shakers. They were displayed on custom-made shelves, behind glass to avoid frequent dusting. He also collected spoons, hats, coins, Avon cologne bottles, beer steins and many other items. Mike was also an avid Franklin mint collector of plates. Many of these plates were displayed at the fellowship following Mike’s funeral mass. It was his request that everyone take a plate home in memory of him.
Mike also enjoyed auctions. His most famous acquisition was a 1952 Ford half ton known as Old Purple and presently is being restored. He also did a little travelling, often referring to Vegas as the trip of his lifetime.
Mike took great pride in his accomplishments, his truck, his collectibles, yard, garden and his pictures. He spent many hours organizing a wall of fame of family photos with each family having their own section. After many years, Marian convinced Mike to share his pictures so she could make him a video slide show that he could watch on TV. Whenever we took pictures of Mike he would say “let me see” and then he would say “that’s pretty good, take another one”. Recently Marian and Debbie teamed up to organize his pictures and added his favourite music to the video. Mike was able to watch this video in the comfort of his home. He was very proud of all he had accomplished in his life and thought it was the greatest thing ever.
Over the years Mike also enjoyed dancing, fishing, Bingo, VLTs and most of all coffee time with friends. He was well known for his daily coffee routine of going to Keeper’s Restaurant at 11 a.m. after watching his favourite TV show “The Price is Right”.
Mike was able to remain at home, spending the last two weeks in hospital after falling and breaking his hip. He remained a source of strength and determination that carried us all during his courageous battle with lung cancer.
Mike was a very loving and generous man. He took great pride in what he had accomplished in his lifetime. He shared his life with us, through his pictures, entertaining, telling stories and giving generously to those in need. He was a step-dad, grandpa, uncle and good friend to many.
Most of all and with great pride and tears, we would like to tell you a job well done Uncle Mike! Rest in Peace in your heavenly garden and Purple Party Shack. Your lifetime of memories will always be in our hearts. We love you and miss you.
Mike will be greatly missed by very special nieces, nephews, friends and his companion of 40 years, Agnes Sarich. He was honoured to be a step-dad and grandpa to her children and their extended families.
Mike was predeceased by his parents Karl and Katherine Shymko and his brothers and sisters, John (1982), Annie (1977), Adolph (1995), Bertha (2010), Louis (1981), Lillian (1967), Pete (1991), Ella (2001), Helen #1 (1919) and Helen #2 (1988).
The Vigil of Prayer Service was held on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 presided by Larry Packet. The funeral Mass was held on Thursday, July 3, 2014 celebrated by Rev. Father Joseph Gym-Austin. Both services were held at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Davidson, Sask. Interment will be held at a later date in the family plot, Davidson Cemetery, Davidson, Sask.
Memorial donations may be directed to the Davidson and District Health Foundation, Davidson Cemetery Fund or a charity of your choice.
Hanson’s Funeral Home was in care of arrangements.

McIvor, Jay
After a well-lived life of 89 years, Jay died peacefully at the Wascana Grace Hospice with his wife of 22 years by his side. Born July 28, 1924 in Davidson, Jay was the seventh and youngest child of James and Annie McIvor. Jay and his first wife Bird farmed in the Girvin area for many years. Jay was very active in ball, hockey and curling- both playing and coaching. During his farming years they mourned the loss of two infant children and an adopted son Michael at the age of 19. A few years after the loss of his wife Bird he retired from farming and moved to Regina where he resided with his second wife Dorothy. Upon her passing he moved to Davidson. Jay spent many hours restoring old farm equipment including his award winning threshing machine. Jay was proud to show his antique farm equipment at threshing bees held on the McIvor land with the help of many friends and family. In 1992 Jay married Jean Hodgins and acquired an extensive family. Jay quickly adjusted to his new family and Grandpa Jay was loved by them all. In 2013 Jay and Jean moved to Regina due to health issues where he resided until his passing. On July 8 a beautiful graveside service was held in the Girvin cemetery with Reverend Diane Eurig officiating. Honorary pallbearers were all friends who shared in Jay’s life. Orla White and Norma McNabb attended the register. Pallbearers were Larry McLaren and Ross Leachman. The grandchildren delivered the eulogy. Family requested donations made in Jay’s memory be made to any local charity. He is survived by wife Jean and her family which includes nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. Jay was predeceased by his parents Annie and James McIvor; first wife Bird; second wife Dorothy; son Michael McIvor, an infant son and an infant daughter; sisters Belle (Ken) White and May (Albert) Page; brothers Wilbert (Faere) McIvor, Allan (Margaret) McIvor, Stan (Hazel) McIvor and Charles McIvor; also other McIvor family members. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson was in care of arrangements.

Meiklejohn, Ilene
Ilene Joyce Meiklejohn of Hanley, SK
December 3, 1935 – June 25, 2014
Ilene married George Meiklejohn on Nov. 4, 1955. They have two children Greg (Michele) and Vicki (Kevin) and four grandchildren: Steven, Jordan, Shelli and Shawn. Ilene was predeceased by her daughter Shelli in February 1980.
Ilene requested that no funeral service be held. A family burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Rae, Robert
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Robert George Rae, age 73, of Imperial, Sask. on June 9, 2014. Robbie was born on June 28, 1940 to George and Mary Rae at Simpson, Sask., and was the eldest of six children. He grew up on the Rae family farm, nine miles west of Imperial and his family moved to town in 1951. Robbie met the love of his life, Margaret Burkitt in 1962 and in January of 1964 they were married and have resided in Imperial ever since. Robbie worked for Mel-Cam industries for 10 years and in 1975 began a 25-year career with Cameco, working at the Collins Bay Uranium mine. He retired from the mine in 2000 and during his retirement years, Robbie worked for local farmers during seeding and harvest. Robbie enjoyed spending his summers at the family cabin at Etter’s Beach. He also enjoyed his grandchildren’s activities and spent hours in the rink watching their hockey and ringette games and many other activities. Robbie stayed busy working around the yard in town and at the lake keeping them in immaculate condition. Robbie is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Margaret; four sons, Dean (Shirley), Trent (Cindy), Steven (Charlene) and Michael, and seven grandchildren; Carter, Katrina, Josh, Luke, Maria, Max and Ben. He is also survived by three brothers and two sisters; Jim (Diana), Glen (Lynn), Daryl (Debbie), Jean (Jim) Baird, Judy (Dave) Symington. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Lil Burkitt, brother-in-law Gilbert (Gail) Burkitt, sisters-in-law Barb (Brian) Potts, Eileen (Roy) Lamarsh, and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. Robbie was predeceased by his parents Mary and George Rae, father-in-law Arnold Burkitt and brother-in-law Donald Burkitt. Robbie’s family thank you for attending. For those so wishing donations to Long Lake Valley Health Foundation, Box 88, Imperial, Sask., S0G 2J0 would be appreciated.
The funeral service for Robbie was held June 14, 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church in Imperial, Sask. with Dr. Kathleen James-Cavan officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Robbie’s family and friends. Bob and Audrey McCallum attended the register, Doug Burkitt and Alan Rae were the ushers and Sharon Crittenden was the organist. Pallbearers were Josh Rae, Luke Rae, Carter Rae, Maxwell Rae, Kevin Rae and Scott Lamarsh. Dean Rae delivered the eulogy. Interment took place at Imperial Cemetery. For online condolences, tributes or to make a donation please visit www.fotheringham-mcdougall.com

Morrow
Florence Mary Morrow (Lehmann) died peacefully Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at St. Ann’s Nursing Home, Saskatoon. She leaves to mourn son Todd (Val) of Stanford, Montana, daughter Gayle (Travis) Frandsen of Bozeman, Montana; grandchildren Aaron, Malorie, Kris Morrow, and Austin, Colin, Jadin Frandsen; great-grandchildren Armari and Krmari; sister Agatha Rupcich of Kenaston; nephew Mark Rupcich, niece Maria (Scott) Rupcich and many more family members.
She was predeceased by her parents Phil and Mary Lehmann and husband Don Morrow.
Florence was born in Estevan, Sask., July 5, 1939. As a daughter of a CNR railroader, the family lived in many locations in Saskatchewan. Parents Phil and Mary, sister Agatha and Florence finally settled in Davidson in 1953.
Florence was a free spirit. As an adult she worked in the restaurant industry – Weighill’s Café and Sekulich Café. After her marriage in 1962 to Don Morrow of Holdfast, Don’s occupation with Power Companies took them to Swift Current and to Montana communities, settling in Stanford, Montana. Florence was a busy homemaker for Don, Todd and Gayle. Her friendly, happy, helpful personality brought joy to many.
Her challenge with health problems brought her back to Davidson where she cared for her mother until her mother’s death in 1995. Then she moved to a smaller residence in Davidson where she made friends, cared for neighbours and volunteered. As her health declined, Florence moved from Davidson to Craik to Saskatoon Care Homes settling in St. Ann’s Nursing Home. During this time she received special care from dedicated caregivers. St. Ann’s staff became her extended family.
Mass of Christian Burial was held in Davidson Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Celebrant Rev. Father Eugene Warnke OMI. Tribute was given by cousin Pat McFarlane.
Arrangements were entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home.

William (Bill) Max Thomas
It is with profound sadness that the family of William (Bill) Max Thomas announce his passing on April 19, 2014 at the age of 68 at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 47 years, Melanie, his daughter Wendy (Gerry Broom) of Frontier, his son Jeff (Shauna) Thomas of Davidson and his beloved grandsons, Ryan Broom of Saskatoon, Christopher Broom of Frontier and Isaiah Thomas of Davidson.
Bill was born in Davidson, Saskatchewan on December 9, 1945, the oldest child and only son of Wendolin and Catherine Thomas. He was followed by two sisters, Barbara and Margaret. He attended school at Detchon School, a short distance from the farm and when it closed, he rode the bus to Davidson for classes. School did not appeal to Bill so he left the area in his late teens to work at various other opportunities, but did not stray long from the land. He returned to Davidson where he met a “new-comer” to the area, Melanie Marie Rice in 1965. On July 16, 1966, Bill and Melanie were married at St. James Church near Lake Lenore, Saskatchewan and they took up residence in a small yard site west of Davidson. Wendy was born a year later on July 13, 1967, then Wendel passed away shortly after, in August of 1967 and Bill moved his new family to the home place where he took over the farming and cattle operations. Jeffrey was born on September 5, 1968.
Bill and Melanie worked the land and raised cattle for many years, facing the day-to-day tribulations of the industry. Both of them spend endless hours driving and riding on buses attending many hockey tournaments as Jeff was very active in the sport. The Thomas farm was always busy with many friends stopping in at all times as Bill was never too busy to visit. They enjoyed winter ski trips with friends and relatives to various ski resorts in the United States and spent as much time as possible during the summer at the cabin on the lakeshore of Marean Lake. Spring and Fall always brought lots of activities on the farm with calving, then seeding, then finally harvest. Life was full and later on, Bill enjoyed travelling to Frontier to visit with Gerry and Wendy and occasionally helping out with their farming if the timing was right.
Bill’s pride and joy, other than the farm, were his grandsons – all three of them. He was proud to attend the graduation ceremonies of both Ryan and Christopher and enjoyed attending as many of their school and sports functions as possible over the years. He particularly enjoyed when he got to attend hockey tournaments and volleyball games to watch his grandsons play. With the arrival of Isaiah, he adjusted to a younger version and was happy to see Jeff and Shauna plan, build and move into a new home right in the farmyard.
For the past several years, Bill and Melanie ventured south to Yuma, AZ where they had purchased a trailer at an active little resort. They couldn’t wait to get there so they spent Christmases down South Frontier with Gerry and Wendy, then would leave shortly thereafter to arrive in Yuma on New Year’s Eve. This past Christmas saw Jeff, Shauna and Isaiah drive to Frontier to have the entire family together.
In January of this year, Bill and Melanie had their first flight in a jet when they flew to Cancun to attend Gerry ad Wendy’s wedding on the beach in Playa del Carmen. Even though Bill didn’t venture out and about much while there, he got to walk on the white sands and see the blue of the ocean.
Bill was predeceased by his parents Wendolin and Catherine, his parents-in-law Sidney and Marie Rice and sisters-in-law Dorothy Rice and Norma Gaillard.
He will be sadly missed by his sisters, Barb (Sonny) Weinberger of Creston, B.C., Margie (Ron) Bort of Saskatoon, Sask., many aunts and uncles, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services were held at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Parish in Davidson, Sask. on Saturday, April 26, 2014. Hanson’s Funeral Services was in charge of arrangements.
Friends so wishing may make a donation to a local charity of their choice.