Category Archives: Obituary

Hamre, Glen

  • Glen O. Hamre, Feb. 6, 1923 – Nov. 15, 2011
    Glen Hamre was born in Hanley, Sask., the second son of Tandrup (Tap) and Marie Hamre. His early years were spent in Hanley until the family moved to Kenaston in 1933. Dad attended Kenaston School and worked along with his parents in the Hamre Red and White Store. During Grade 12 he started dating Dorothy Holder and they developed a relationship that was to last for over 60 years. When the Second World War broke out, Dad decided that he wanted to serve his country. Along with his older brother, Vance, he joined the RCAF. He completed his training in Saskatoon and Ontario and was then sent overseas. He joined 438/439/440 Squadron, 143 Wing of the Second Tactical Airforce, which was the only wing flying Hawker Typhoon airplanes. Dad was an aero-engine mechanic in a unit that moved forward to set up new airfields as the army advanced. Dad was incredibly proud of his service to his country and profoundly affected by his wartime experiences.
    Upon his discharge, he returned to Kenaston and he and Dorothy were married on July 3, 1946. He joined Vance and his father in the family garage, Hamre Motors. In 1954, Glen, Dorothy and their first two children, Terry and Tanis moved to the farm five miles south of Kenaston. Carol and Gayle joined the family and the farming operation continued to grow. A purebred Hereford herd was added to grain farming, then a commercial feedlot and finally Hamre Motors was reborn on the farm in 1974. In 1986 dad and Terry obtained a NAPA franchise, operating on the farm, in Davidson, Allan and Saskatoon.
    Dad and mom retired to Kenaston in 1992. They enjoyed many trips to various countries and across Canada. Dad took up golfing and spent his summers enjoying that sport. He was active in the Kenaston Legion, Kenaston People Caring and the Kenaston Seniors.
    Glen was predeceased by Dorothy in 2003. He will be remembered by his family: son Terry (Gloria) Hamre of Ponoka and their children Darrell (Christine) Hamre, Kade and Aubrey of Brooks, Alta. and Jillian (Ben) Hankins and Mackenzie of Dunmore, Alta.; daughter Tanis (Tony) Murdoch of Battleford and their children Shane (Kelly) Murdoch and Katie, Battleford, Sask., Tara (Ian) Abrahamson, Deanne, Karalyn and Jordan, Saskatoon, Sask., Braden (Sabrina) Murdoch and Annika, Whitney (Shane) Elliott and Jackson of North Battleford; daughter Carol (Garth) Lewis of Kenaston and children Shawna (Steve) Moreside and Cohen of Kyle, Sask. and Karinn Lewis of Kenaston, Sask.; daughter Gayle (Merlin) Lee of Hawarden and children Kristen (Terrance) Bogdan of Saskatoon and Kendra (Bryce) Geisel, Aiden and Brynna of Lethbridge.
    Glen is also survived by brothers, Vance of Saskatoon, Ronald (Nony) of Swift Current and Keith (Ethel) of Hanna, Alta. as well as extended family.

Matovich, Elizabeth Lillian

October 13, 1915 – October 25, 2011
The Vigil of Prayers was held on Friday, October 28, 2011, St. Andrew’s Parish, Kenaston, Sask., at 7:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, October 29, 2011, at St. Andrew’s Parish, Kenaston, Sask., at 2:00 p.m. We celebrated 96 years of a life well lived on Saturday, Oct. 29 at St Andrew’s Parish Kenaston. Beth is survived by her loving family: son Ray (Paulette), Celeste, Orrin (Caron), Maria, Noel, Rachael, Eve; daughter Rose, Tracy (Doug) McLean, Danae, Declan; Francis’ children, Ryan, Chris, Tricia, Claire, Amy, Joe, and families; son Jim (Wendy), Giselle (Virgil) Sherrif, Jolene (Brendan), Greg, Matthew, Jackie (Travis), daughter Veronica (Linty) Crawford, Patrick (Julie) Bouchard, Austin, Reece (Sandra) Bouchard, Lief, Ava, Danella (Derek) Moyen, Jeremy; daughter Nadine (Bruce) Walter, Aaron (Hillary) Sophia, Josh, Curtis; son Alfred (Diane), Sarah (Sam) Belcastro, Shayla, Olivia, Michelle, Martin; and daughter Barb (Walter) Sagen, Becky (Barry) Lennon, Jon (Krista), Katelyn, Ian and Michael. Beth is also survived by sister Nethie O’Shea, brother Tom Spilloway and sister-in-law Ann Matovich. She was predeceased by her loving husband Martin Matovich, her infant son Edward Matovich, son Francis Matovich and grandson Ian Raymond Matovich.
Beth was born on her parents farm to Ray and Donna Spilloway near Maple Creek, Sask. She was the eldest of six children.
It was while Beth was working as a cook in Hanley that she met and fell in love with a young, hard-working, pie-loving farmer. They were married October 16, 1939 and celebrated 68 years together, before Martin was tragically killed in a farm accident. Beth and Martin were blessed with 9 children, 29 grandchildren, 19 grandchildren and one more on the way. Beth was a hard-working farm wife, she did above and beyond in the building of their farm and raising their family.
Beth died peacefully at the Davidson Health Centre with her loving family at her side. We, the family feel honoured to have been blessed with having her as our mentor, mother and friend. She will be sadly missed. For friends so wishing, memorials in memory of Beth, may be directed to the Kenaston Enhancement Fund, Canadian Cancer Society, Sask. Heart and Stroke or to St. Andrew’s Parish. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

Johnson, Earl Clarence

  • It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our dear father, grandfather and great-grandfather and all around wonderful man. Earl was born on September 11, 1925 and was the fifth child born to Axel and Beda Johnson in Davidson, Saskatchewan. He died peacefully on October 14, 2011 at the Davidson Health Centre with his daughter Patty and her family at his side. Earl lived and farmed all his life in the Davidson area until retiring into the town of Davidson in March 1989. Earl attended Prairie College where he got his education and had many fond memories especially of the country school dances. Farming was his passion, the clean air and wide open spaces he loved. In town, Earl donated many hours volunteering driving the “seniors” to and from activities at the senior centre, he retired driving the van in his early 80s, although he never considered himself a senior. He also delivered meals on wheels for many years. On the occasion of Saskatchewan’s 100th anniversary Earl received the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal from the Lieutenant Governor for all his volunteering. Church and faith played a huge part in Earl’s life. He was on council for many years, helping in whatever manner he could. He believed in the simple things, spending time visiting with family, friends, playing softball, shooting a game of pool, cards and fishing. His life did not come without challenges and pain, he raised five young children on his own and did a fabulous job. He taught his kids to stand on their own, be kind and just to be all-around good people. He was blessed with good health most of his life and for that we are very thankful. Earl resided in the Davidson Health Centre for the past five-and-a-half months. Their care and compassion was greatly appreciated.
    He is predeceased by his parents Axel and Beda Johnson; first wife Lila (Young); second wife Olga (Korejbo) and third wife Hazel (Juhnke); brothers, Roy and Ernie and infant sister Anna.
    Earl is survived by his loving children, Sharon (Keith), Heather and Jason McDonald, Les (Janice), Garritt and Kyle Johnson, Elaine Johnson, Glen (Connie), Ryan, Amanda and Shaun Johnson, Patty (Darryl) Tomyn, Brittany and Carter; step-children, Denise (Lloyd) Sperling and family, Myrna (Clifford) Meshka and family, Don (Janet) Juhnke and family, Daryl (Sandy) Juhnke and family.
    Earl was laid to rest in Emmanuel Cemetery on October 22, 2011.
    A special thank you to Hanson’s Funeral Home.

Hamblin, Orville Wesley

On October 6, 2011 Orville Hamblin passed away peacefully at the QEII Hospital after a long battle with cancer at the age of 76. Orville “Doc” will be greatly missed by his brothers Glenn (Kathy) Hamblin, Gary (Linda) Hamblin; daughters Kelly (Dwayne) Heck, Georgina (Allan) Cheres; grandchildren Cory (Brooklynn) Heck, Caylin Heck, Jared and Josh Heck, Chase and Jodi Vigar, as well as nieces and nephews, many great friends and extended family Glenyce and Jackie.
Orville will be reunited with his parents George and Gladys Hamblin along with other family and friends. Special thanks to Dr. Zamani, the nurses and doctors on Palliative Care in the QEII Hospital and a very big thank you to Home Care and the staff at Pioneer Lodge. A memorial service was held on Monday, October 24 at 11 a.m. at the QEII Hospital Chapel in Grande Prairie, Alta., with a light lunch to follow in the 5 South conference room. Interment to follow in Kenaston, Sask., date and time to be announced.

Nelson, Grace Evelyn May

Grace Evelyn May Nelson, age 79, passed away peacefully at Davidson Health Centre on Tuesday, September 20, 2011. Grace was born January 17, 1932 at Belvidere, Illinois. Grace will be deeply missed by her loving spouse of 59 years, Jack Nelson; five children Evelyn Zehr (Fred Kirby), Gilbert (Michele) Nelson, Judy (Brent) Anderson, Mary (Rod) Measner and Clifford (June) Nelson; grandchildren, Cory (Ila), David, Kimberly (Chad), Dawn (Dennis); Jeffrey (Sandi), Jeremy (Nicole), Trevor, Travis; Michael (Aimee), Marian (Tyler), Denise; Holly (Justin), Dane (Chantal); Lexie, Jonathan and Ryan; great-grandchildren, Nathan, Jacob and Matthew (Savanah); Haileigh and Mason, Blair; Shayla and Makayla, Jaxon; Logan and Davin, Owen nd Ethan and great-great-granddaughter, Anika Tuplin; sister, Bernice Federspiel; brother, George Thresher; brother-in-law, Donald Hahn (Laverne); sister-in-law, Verna Nelson; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Dolores Nelson; numerous neices and nephews. Grace was predeceased by grandson, Allen Nelson; parents Bert and Minnie Thresher; sister, Hazel Hahn; sister-in-law, LuEtta Thresher and brother-in-law William Nelson.
She was very proud of her family. She loved children, and as grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived, they loved her as much as she loved them! She was not afraid of hard work, there wasn’t anything that she couldn’t do! She loved gardening, cooking, (especially her homemade angel food cakes) sewing, yardwork, painting, all aspects of the farm, family sporting events, as well as dancing and a good game of cards. She was always there to lend a helping hand. The door was always open to family and friends.
The funeral service was held Saturday, September 24, 2011, 2:00 p.m. at Liberty Hall, conducted by Rev Diane Eurig. The tribute was given by granddaughter, Kimberly Mercier. Honorary pallbearers were all who shared in Grace’s life. Active pallbearers were grandsons: Cory and David Zehr, Jeffrey and Jeremy Nelson, Michael Anderson and Dane Measner. Interment followed at Liberty Cemetery. Memorial donations directed to Stalwart Hall, Liberty Cemetery, Davidson Health Centre, and Alzheimers Society. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson were in care of arrangements.

Lang, Denise “Arlene”

Arlene passed away peacefully at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon on July 15, 2011. Arlene was born September 25, 1963 in Watrous to Charlie and Sylvia Lang.
Arlene leaves to mourn her father Charlie, brother Kim, sister Heather (Len) and also leaves her nieces Kristin (Darby), Kendra (great-nephew Carter) and Desirae. Arlene also leaves a dedicated and loving extended family at 3801 and Elmwood Staff.
Arlene was predeceased by her mother Sylvia in 2010 and great-niece Emma in 2009.
Arlene had a wonderful quality of life even with her limited abilities. She knew she was loved by all and was content with what life had given her. She gave so much more than she ever took.
Funeral arrangements to be announced.