Harry Bruce Spratt of Melville, Sask. passed away on Friday, March 19, 2010 in Regina Pasqua Hospital, with his family at his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 51 years of age.
Harry was born on July 7, 1958 to Rose (Weigel) Spratt and the late Bruce Spratt in Davidson. He attended Davidson School and was a member of the Boy Scouts and had his very own paper route. Like any true Canadian boy, Harry loved hockey. He began his hockey career as a goalie playing minor hockey in Davidson. Eventually, Harry would trade in his goalie pads for a set of “real hockey gloves” playing defense for the Girvin Gophers. Harry was a hard worker on and off the ice. Growing up, he built bins for his uncle Wes Hodgins with Monarch Lumber, pumped gas and was a farm hand for Don Schmiedge and a custom combiner for Don Beckie. Harry would set off on a south of the border adventure with Joe Arend as a custom combiner at the age of 16. Harry eventually returned to Davidson where he began his employment with the Davidson Co-op.
In 1980 Harry met Davidson school dental assistant, LaVerne Harcourt. On July 3, 1982 Harry and LaVerne were married in Quill Lake. Harry and LaVerne made Davidson their home and were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Amy Michelle and Briana Lauren. In 1990 they moved the family to Melville as Harry had accepted a transfer to Prairie Co-op as Lumber Manager. In 1993 the Spratt family expanded, they were blessed with a son, Carter John Bruce.
Harry thoroughly enjoyed watching hockey teams of all ages play, including the Melville Millionaires, but especially whatever teams his favourite player happened to be on … Carter. He was a dedicated coach and spectator throughout Carter’s sports career. Harry also shared his passion for hunting and the outdoors with Carter, son-in-law Kurtis and good friends “Rempel”, “Glines”, “Sparky” and “Snake”. In recent years Harry and LaVerne fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a cabin at Marean Lake.
Harry was very active in his community. He was a member of the Kinsmen Club in Davidson for many years and a member of the Melville District Agri-Park. Between work and various activities, Harry was blessed with many good and true friends over the years.
As much as Harry loved the game of hockey and the outdoors, more than anything Harry loved his family. Harry was always there to lend a helping hand. Whether it was helping his daughter Amy build her dream home, building the ultimate firepit with his daughter Briana, or helping his best friend and brother-in-law Lyle, you knew you could depend on Harry.
Predeceased by his father, Bruce Spratt and his father-in-law Jack Harcourt, Harry leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife LaVerne; children Amy (Kurtis) Lopinski, Briana Spratt (Dave Bergeron) and Carter Spratt; mother Rose Spratt and mother-in-law Bea Harcourt; sister Callie (Grant) Greenshields, Charlotte, Tom (Ashley) and Kathryn; sister Janet (Lyle) Kowalski, Rich, Chris and Mike; brother-in-law Keith (Wendy) Harcourt, Astrid (Chad) Woodard, Fynn, Paxton, Kallie (Jordan) Calhoun and Brynley; sister-in-law Noreen (Darryl) Manz, Brady and Britney (Jared); brother-in-law David (Inge) Harcourt, MacKenzie and Logan.
Harry’s Mass of Christian burial was held on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church in Melville, presided over by Rev. Fr. Antoni Degutis. Harry was interred at Davidson Cemetery on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 with Rev. Fr. Steve Ripplinger and Rev. Fr. Joseph Gyim-Austin presiding.

June 26, 1953 – March 3, 2010
Edgar Richert Martens was born in Central Butte on June 26, 1953, to Jake and Helen Martens of Elbow, Sask. Living on the farm east of Elbow gave him opportunity to be involved with the cattle, horses, and field work at a very early age. Edgar started farming with his Dad at age 18.
Edgar married Louise Mielke on October 26, 1974 and they moved to the family farm two miles east of Elbow shortly after. Edgar and Louise continued to farm and raise their sons, Jason and Nathan.
Edgar really enjoyed animals, riding horses in his youth, caring for the farm cattle, and bringing the dogs into the house for treats of cookies and ice cream. He also had a strong work ethic and felt it very important to pass that desire on to his sons, starting by taking them to the field while they were still very young. Edgar also thought it was very important for the boys to be self-sufficient and spent many days teaching them how to butcher and process meat. Edgar was very proud when his sons decided they wanted to farm and he took great pleasure in working the fields alongside them, continuing the farming tradition from his father.
Edgar enjoyed taking the family to Saskatchewan tourist attractions, especially ones about history, and along on lots of visits to family and friends. It was important to him that his children get to know their family roots. He also made a point of taking time to go for early coffee every possible morning to see his friends, catch up on the news, and share in the latest joke. Edgar found history and genealogy very interesting and spent many hours reading and researching family history. As the boys took more responsibility on the farm over the last several years, he and Louise were fortunate to travel to B.C. to get to know distant extended family.
In spite of being diagnosed with and treated for skin cancer five years ago, Edgar continued to work in the fields as much as he was able. While undergoing re-treatment in the spring of 2009, Edgar still tried to work as much as he could and was a vital help during seeding and harvest. Edgar wanted to travel back to B.C. during this winter, but his health did not allow it.
Edgar passed away in the Outlook and District Health Centre on March 3, 2010. He is survived by his loving wife, Louise Martens; his sons, Jason (Jen) Martens and Nathan (Jennifer) Martens, all of Elbow; his mother, Helen Martens of Saskatoon; his brother, Ronald Martens of Elbow; and nephew, Cal (Trina) Martens and their children, Kathrine and Jacob of Moose Jaw; uncles, Peter Martens and Henry (Agnes) Martens of Elbow; and numerous cousins and in-laws.
He was predeceased by his father, Jake Martens; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and in-laws, Fred G. and Mary Mielke.
Funeral service was held Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Elbow, Sask. with Pastor Mike Housek officiating. Margaret Langager was the organist. Interment was held in Bethel Lutheran Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Melvin Pederson, Lyle Knutson, Dwayne Richman, Bill Boyle, Del Bergman and Dale Hundeby. Ushers were Victor Bergman and Bert Bramble. Maureen Ector and Greg and Barb Martens took care of the guest register. The hymn was “I Will Sing Of My Redeemer” and special music was “Waiting On The Far Side Banks Of Jordan” by the Carter Family (taped).
Arrangements in care of Outlook Funeral Chapel.

Thelma Maxine (Johnston) Libke passed away peacefully at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, Sask. on December 31, 2002.
Thelma was born in Hanley, Sask. on September 11, 1917 and attended Hanley school. She married Lester Libke on October 28, 1950 in Saskatoon. Over the years Thelma  was employed as a telephone operator and also did books at various businesses. She retired in 1983 and was an active member of the Hanley United Church, Eastern Star and the Royal Purple. Thelma enjoyed knitting, reading and watching TV.
Thelma was predeceased by her parents Marshall and Esther Johnston; brother Harold Johnston and sister-in-law Cecilia Johnston.
The graveside service for Thelma and Lester will be held at the Family Plot, Hanley Cemetery, Hanley Sask. on  April 17, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.
For friends so wishing donations may be directed to the Hanley United Church or to the charity of your choice.

Lester Henry Libke passed away at Saskatoon City Hospital in Saskatoon, Sask. on April 2, 2010 after a short illness at the age of 92.
Lester was born on the home farm at Indi, Sask. on  June 25, 1917 and received his education at Whoosier, Indi District. On October 28, 1950 he married Thelma
Johnston. Lester enjoyed farming and was a member of the Hanley United Church.  He enjoyed hunting and trapping and had a love of music.
Lester leaves to mourn his brother Lloyd (Gwen) of Coburg, Ont.; sisters-in-law Ann Libke of Saskatoon, Hazel Libke of Hanley and Anne Libke of Hanley, also numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Thelma Maxine (Johnston); his parents Henry and Lily Libke; sisters, Elsie (Norman) Beaumont of Hanley, Selma (Elmer) Jackson of Saskatoon, Gladys (Ace) Corbin of Saskatoon and Eunice (Gordon) Wunsch of Hanley; brothers, Mel, Tom and Lawrence Libke, nephews Harry Jackson of Rosetown, Clarence Corbin of Saskatoon; and niece, Maurine Cambell of Seattle.

• Ross lived in this district from his first breath on March 31, 1927, to his last breath on March 31, 2011. For the 84 years between those breaths, he enjoyed his family, his farming and his friends. He passed away peacefully, in his own home.
  He grew up on the farm his grandfather homesteaded in 1904. He loved the farm. We often talked about farming with horses, about the crews that would come out from Ontario in the fall to help with threshing. He told me that when he was in school, grandma and grandpa allowed him to have one day off from school to help with harvesting, so he would make sure it was a Friday, to incorporate it into the weekend. Dad had several different brands of machinery down through the years. In the later years he was driving White tractors. He often joked with his neighbours about their choices, especially John Deere. When dad finally did purchase a John Deere tractor he said he would have to drive it home after dark so no one would see him. We have reminisced on many different occasions about those years – how our farm was the meeting place of all the trails that led to Girvin, many stories about horse rides to school and sled trips to town, life on the farm, antics with his friends, and life with his four sisters. I heard a lot about my dad and grandma and grandpa Fawell. There were many laughs, but I learned to appreciate the resourcefulness of my grandparents and my dad.
  In my mind – dad knew how to do everything – he had an answer for every question, he could repair anything, and if you needed a better plan he could do it. He did electrical wiring, carpentry, plumbing, mechanics and welding. If something had to be fixed or improved upon, he would have the equipment to do it. He did a lot of woodworking from horses and wagons complete with leather harness (which he also did himself), toys and creating airplanes from telephone poles. Mom and dad worked on this together…dad created, and mom did the painting and decorating.
  I can not imagine how many cups of coffee were made and drunk at dad’s kitchen table – he and mom loved having company come. And if they weren’t visiting, they were playing cards. Our children remember evenings of playing cards. There were some pretty lively games of Rummy and Dutch Blitz. Dad was always there if someone needed a hand. He would see something to be done and would do it without question. He had a warm smile, a quick wit, a quiet compassion, a sense of right and wrong, pride in his family’s accomplishments.
  I have been told how cozy Grandma Fawell’s room at the seniors’ home would feel when he came to visit with her. Many people have told me that they miss the visits from dad…at the hardware, the Health Centre, the Community College and many more places around town.
  Mom was the love of his life – he couldn’t believe that she agreed to date him, and then to marry him. From that time on mom and dad were a duo – there wasn’t much they did apart from each other. The day God called mom home, was one of the most difficult days in my dad’s life. A part of him left that day with mom. Dad received the best birthday gift from God, last Thursday, because he not only got to go home, he got to give mom a great big hug.
  Dad loved his family; they were the joy of his life. And every one of his grandchildren knew he loved them. He was so pleased to be grandpa to his six granddaughters, but there was a twinkle in his eyes when his grandson was born – after 63 years of girls only.
  Ross is survived by his loving family, his daughter Colleen (Dave) Spelliscy, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Laura, Lana, Audrey (Rick Wiebe) and great-grandchild, Joanne (Mike Wiebe) and great-grandchildren, Calib, Tristan, Odessa, and Sophia, Melissa (Nathan Doerksen), Pamela, and Daniel. He is also survived by his sisters Margaret McIvor, Eileen Kodak, and Fern Nielsen, one brother-in-law Carman (Marney) Cherry and numerous nieces and nephews.
  Thank you to his many friends and neighbours and to the community for being a part of his life!
  Donations in memory of Ross may be directed to the Davidson and District Health Care Foundation, Canadian Food Grains Bank, Saskatoon Children’s Hospital and the Canadian Cancer Society.
  Every time you recall your dad’s laughter,
  Every time you find yourself doing something he taught you
  Or repeating something he used to say…
  Every time you think of him
  You bring your dad closer to your heart.

Ashley Vincent Stewart of Davidson, Sask. passed away at the age of 76 years at the Davidson Health Centre on March 9, 2010 after a short illness.
Ashley was born at Cabri, Sask. on Dec. 16, 1933. He received his education in Cabri, Sask. Ashley married Ida Stafford of Cabri, Sask. on Feb. 21, 1958. In his early years, Ashley owned and ran the BA Service Station. In later years, he opened a Stedman’s store and some time later he became associated with the Bumper to Bumper stores. Ashley came to the Davidson area in 1956. He was a member of the Davidson United Church, the Davidson town council and the fire department.
Ashley is survived by his loving family: wife, Ida; children, Susan (Brent) Storey of Davidson, Sask., Shalene (Kevin), Shannon (friend, Eric); Bradley (Lori) Stewart, Jeremy, Janaya of Grande Prairie, Alta.; Steven (Karen) Stewart, Zachary of Melville, Sask. and Leanne (Barry Strange), Tauren, Jordan of Middle Lake, Sask.; sister, Beryl (George) Schinbein of Cabri, Sask. and brothers, Clifton (Lillian) Stewart of Calgary, Alta. and Dale Stewart of Victoria, B.C.; sisters-in-law, Mavis Stewart, Marg Stewart and Ethel Stewart; also numerous nieces and nephews.
Ashley is predeceased by parents, Alec and Ester; infant son, David; brothers, Howard, Calvin, Lloyd, Davy; and sisters-in-law, Blanche, Dorthy and Kim.
The funeral service was held on March 15, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Davidson United Church with Rev. Diane Eurig officiating.
Interment was at the Davidson Cemetery, Davidson, Sask. Hanson’s Funeral Home was in care of arrangements.