Category Archives: Obituary

Fernand (Fern) Paul Poulin

Fernand (Fern) Paul Poulin, 95 years old, of Osoyoos BC passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on July 29,2021 after a lengthy illness.

Fern was born on January 10, 1926 into a large, happy and close-knit family in Ottawa Ontario, to Georges and Florina (Morin) Poulin.

In 1945, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and served for 28 years, moving all the way up the ranks and retiring as Captain. Fern served two tours overseas as well as many postings across Canada.

In the military he was well respected and a fair and well-liked boss to his juniors. After retirement from the forces in 1973, Fern became the administrator for the Rural Municipality of McCraney and the village of Kenaston in Saskatchewan.

He was an active member of the Lions club and Legion in Kenaston.

In 1985, Fern and his wife Louise moved to Oliver BC. In retirement there he was a compassionate and active member of the Oliver Legion, Branch 97, serving as President and treasurer.

He was honoured with a lifetime membership in the Legion.

Fern met the love of his life, Louise Ouellette in 1948. They were married in Kenaston Saskatchewan on May 14, 1949.

In 2021 they celebrated 72 years of marriage. They have 5 children;
Linda Booty(David), Cathy Gushulak (Randy), Doug Poulin (Amandah), Richard Poulin (Kathy-deceased), and Joan Rink (Daryl).

Fern loved music. He played alto sax in many bands throughout his life. He was a self-taught and accomplished pianist. He was often asked to perform at sing-a-longs in the Legion and for afternoon entertainment at Sunshine Ridge Retirement Centre.

Fern had a quiet, relaxed, easy-going presence and was well loved by friends and family.

Fern is survived by his wife, 5 children, 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, his brother Claude (Jan) and sister-in-law Yvonne (Gilles).

He was predeceased by parents Georges and Florina, 3 brothers, Pierre, Guy and Gilles, and 8 sisters, Madeleine, Pauline, Suzanne,
Marcelle, Jacqueline, Marthe, Louise and Huguette.

Funeral Service: A funeral service will be held at Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Home in Oliver BC on August 13 at 2pm.

Online Service: see nunes-pottinger.com

Interment: will take place at the cemetery in Kenaston, SK on September 4 at 10 am.

Due to COVID concerns there will not be a social gathering after the
services. We ask that you raise a glass to Fern and remember him for a life well lived.

Donations: to the Legion Poppy Fund are gratefully accepted.

Ashdown, David

1950 – 2021

David will be dearly missed by his wife, Penny, his daughters, grandchildren, brothers, family and friends.

David dedicated his life to teaching, ministering, healing and leading his family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. And every action was performed with the humility and honesty of an old farm boy from Saskatchewan.

May we live our lives as an example of his heart and soul by protecting and loving all our neighbours.

And as David often proclaimed, let the journey continue.

“Say not in grief that he was no more but live in thankfulness that he was” Hebrew Proverb.

Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

Amundrud, Margaret

On July 26, 2021, Margaret Frances Amundrud (nee Aitkin) loving wife mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully at the age of 81 years, at The Good Samaritan Stony Plain Care Centre.

Margaret was born July 11, 1940 in Moose Jaw SK, the oldest daughter to Leo and Gertie Aitkin.

She graduated from Moose Jaw Union Hospital nursing August 1, 1961.

Margaret met the love of her life, Norman John Amundrud, when she was 14, while he worked at the grain elevator in Pasqua SK. They married on November 11, 1961 in Moose Jaw SK.

Following their marriage, they settled in Davidson SK, where Margaret worked her whole career at the Davidson Union Hospital until her retirement in 1996. They moved to the farm in Aylesbury in 1974, where they raised their three children.

During their time in Saskatchewan, Margaret and Norm enjoyed engaging with their community through the Davidson Kinsmen and Kinettes, fondly recalling all of the friends made and events attended.

In 2000, Norman and Margaret sold the farm and moved to an acreage west of Stony Plain. In 2011 they decided to purchase a house in Stony Plain, where they resided until the move to the apartment in 2019, where Norman still resides.

Margaret was an avid Saskatchewan Roughrider fan, having had season tickets for many years in Regina. She was also a big Edmonton Oilers fan. Margaret did not miss a game unless she was working, taping these missed games to watch later, even if she knew
the score.

Margaret enjoyed a wide variety of activities: camping, playing cards, gardening, reading and knitting. She loved to travel, sharing many fond memories of flying with Norm all over the province, as well as many trips to the United States and Mexico.

Margaret devoted much time to the beloved Samoyed pups she
raised. Beyond all, Margaret loved her family and the time spent with them, especially doting on her grandchildren.

Left to cherish Margaret’s memory are her husband, Norman; children, Jeffery (Helen) of Grand Prairie AB, Bradley of Lethbridge AB, and Nancy (Mike) Dalueg of Parkland County AB; grandchildren, Stephanie (Scott), Brandon (Jennifer), Kyla (Jeremy), Nicole, Justin (Janay), Gregory (Shealynn) and Allyssa; 6 great-grandsons, Riley, Mason, Payton, Oakland, Lucas and Jayceon; siblings, Fred (Dianne) of Sherwood Park AB and Doreen of Edmonton AB; nephews, Kevin (Stacy) and Trevor (Julie); niece, Crystal (Jeff) as well as numerous great-nephews, great-nieces and cousins.

Margaret was predeceased by her parents, Leo and Gertie as well as her aunts and uncles.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Ross Dunbar, Patti and the staff of The Good Samaritan Stony Plain Care Centre for the quality care that Margaret received.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, August 6, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.
at Parkland Funeral Chapel, 3502 44 Avenue, Stony Plain AB.

Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of floral tributes, memorial donations may be made to the
Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, 306-10430-61 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 2J.

Written Tributes may be made to www.parklandfuneralservices.com
Parkland Funeral Services, Stony Plain, 780.963.2520.

Simonsen, Marlene M.

December 18, 1949 – July 15, 2021

It is with sad hearts that the family of Marlene (née Prpic) Simonsen announces her passing, which occurred at Royal University Hospital, in Saskatoon.

Marlene was the daughter of Joseph and Isobel Prpic. She grew up in Kenaston, SK, with brothers Melvin (Pauline), Murray (Réjeanne), Merle (Dorothy), and sister Bette (Ernie) Matycio.

She married Larry Simonsen of Hanley, SK in 1968. Larry ran a Shop-Rite grocery as well as an SGI agency. Marlene quickly learned the ropes of both businesses and worked alongside her husband.

Marlene spent years volunteering as a member of the Canadian Royal Purple organization and as a member of the Hanley school board. More recently, she gave her time to the Hanley Housing Authority.

Marlene and Larry had a son, Christian, in 1969 and a second son, Craig, in 1971. The boys played all the sports that a small town has to offer, and Marlene enjoyed watching them on the ice, on the ball
diamonds, in the gyms – wherever. Marlene had a passion for curling in her younger years. She was a tremendous cook and a green thumb in the garden.

Marlene’s house was meticulously kept; she hosted hundreds of suppers and family holidays throughout the years.

Chris and wife, Jodie (Norrish), gave Marlene two beautiful grandchildren, Kirk (Rebecca) and Taylor. Craig and his wife, Dominique (Bouvier), contributed three more: Samuel, Sophie and Madeleine. Grandma Marlene positively adored following her grandchildren’s activities. Be it dance recitals or volleyball tournaments, Hilltops games or hockey games, Marlene and Larry drove far and wide to be present at the grandkids’ events.

Marlene was predeceased by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her siblings, children and grandchildren.

Marlene passed away of cancer after a courageous battle. Donations to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency or the Hanley Fire Hall are greatly appreciated.

A private ceremony for friends and family will occur at a later date.

Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

Haight, Cecil Bernard Lloyd

Age 90, passed away peacefully into Glory, July 10, 2021, with family members by his side at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon.

Lloyd, as he was known, was born November 11, 1930 to his parents
Floyd and Elise in Hawarden, Saskatchewan. He grew up on the family farm near Hanley, Saskatchewan.

Lloyd was the oldest of five children- Glenn, Alan, Lucille and Jim. As a boy, he kept busy working in the large family garden, caring for animals, milking cows, selling cream. His early education was at Blue Hill School, a small country school, located east of Hanley.

As a young man, Lloyd participated in the 4H grain club, and attended the Saskatoon and Regina exhibitions submitting grain samples and judging livestock. He enjoyed helping with renovations on the family home and was very handy.

Lloyd enjoyed hanging out his cousins and playing cards with the neighbourhood young men. Lloyd loved learning and graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, School of Agriculture. He worked for other famers including his Uncle Ralph’s dairy farm near Saskatoon. He continued helping on the family farm, eventually establishing his own farm in the Hawarden area and worked closely with his brothers Glenn and Alan.

Lloyd was outgoing, considerate, faithful, generous and hardworking, and loved farming. He enjoyed social activities such as skating, square-dancing and trips to Hawaii with friends.

Lloyd had the rare ability of telling a story multiple times in the same conversation. He loved to talk and share his opinions. Lloyd will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his partner/companion, Marian, of 25 years, his brother, Alan (Violet), sister, Lucille (Gerry), his Aunt Fern and numerous cousins. Lloyd had no children of his own but has eleven nieces and nephews who love him dearly.

Lloyd was predeceased by his parents Floyd and Elise, brothers Glenn and Jim.

The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Volodymyr Villa and the caring medical personnel at the Royal University and St. Paul’s hospitals.

A public celebration of Lloyd’s life will be held Saturday, 24 July, 1:30 pm at the Hanley Lutheran Church, followed by interment at the Hanley Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Lloyd may be made to: The Lung Association of Saskatchewan, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, or Royal University Hospital Foundation.

To share memories and condolences, and to view the livestream of the service, please visit Lloyd’s tribute/obituary page at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are in care of the Saskatoon Funeral Home and Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson.

VANGHEL, Donald (Don)

July 31, 1948 – July 12, 2021

We are heartbroken to announce the loss of Don. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side.

He was married to the love of his life, Dot (Hudson), for 52 years. He was a devoted Father to his kids Clint (Kara) and Chantel (Jamie Connolly) and an amazing Grandfather to Hunter, Addisyn, Anika, Bryttin, and Korven.

His grandkids were his whole world, his pride and joy and they had him wrapped around their fingers. Grandpa Don would do anything for them and was always eager to spoil them.

Don knew everyone and loved to visit. It was hard to go anywhere without him running into someone he knew and needing to catch up with old friends or acquaintances (or make new ones). Everyone that met him loved him.

He was always willing to help others or lend a hand… as long as he could be the boss! He loved to be the boss!

He was a role model and mentor to many. He loved to shape little minds, much to the dismay of many parents. His nephews and nieces always looked up to him, he was the fun Uncle.

He was a father figure to many. He was an “adopted” Dad/Grandpa to many kids over the years.

Don was always joking around, laughing and telling stories. He loved to be surrounded by family and friends. He loved spending his spare time at the cabin or doing anything outdoors. He loved fishing,
hunting, quadding, snowmobiling and golfing. He could not sit still; he was always busy doing something (unless it was to sneak in a quick nap).

He was always up for a holiday whether it was Vegas, Disney or on a beach somewhere hot.

Don was a tough, dedicated, hardworking man. He grew up on a farm in Davidson and moved to Saskatoon in 1967 to become a Journeyman Carpenter. He worked in construction for a few years
before starting his own company, ATEL Concrete in 1980 with his brother Barry. Don was a perfectionist and would not leave a job half done. He had an amazing memory and could remember every detail of every job they ever did. He also farmed full time until 1999.

ATEL was his whole life but his heart was always on the farm and riding in a tractor.

Don loved life, family and friends. There are many stories and loving memories of him over the years.

We will forever treasure the time we had with him.

There will be a private family interment entrusted to Hillcrest Funeral Home.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.hillcrestmemorial.ca

A big thank you to Dr. Shaw and his team at RUH.

Donations can be made in honour of Don’s memory to RUH Foundation’s Mission Possible: Operation New O.R. (103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon SK S7N 0W8).