Hanley, Obituary

Obituary: Loe, June

June Loe
June Loe

In Loving Memory of June Carol Patricia Loe
June 1933 — April 2016

June Carol Patricia Loe, of St. Albert, Alta., passed away peacefully on April 5, 2016, 11 years after her late husband Raymond Douglas Loe. She was 82 years old.

June was born June 20, 1933 to Clara (Haaland) Vick and Peter Vick. That marriage was short-lived and, along with her mother, the Bethlehem community outside Hanley, Sask., served as an integral role during June’s formative years. June’s mother married John Peterson, of Alticane, Sask., in 1953 and that union included four step-sisters for June — Laura, Helen, Jeannine and Elaine.

June married Ray Loe in 1953 in Hanley and together they raised three children: Marilyn, Sandy and Wayne. They left the family farm in 1960 and moved to Yorkton. After their kids were finished school, they transferred to Kindersley and then a few years later, to Regina. Upon retirement, they returned to their Hanley roots, and there they thoroughly enjoyed travelling, spending time with family, attending community events, making daily coffee treks to the local café, and visiting with friends and relatives. As time moved on and their medical needs became an issue, it was decided they should move to St. Albert, Alta., to be closer to family.

Predeceased by her husband, parents, parents-in-law, grandson, and brother-in-law, June is survived by her children: Marilyn (Larry) Okotinsky of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Sandy (Arnie) Grocholski of Qualicum Beach, B.C.; Wayne (Laurie) Loe of St. Albert, Alta.; grandchildren: Derek (Juliana), John (Laurelle), James, Kynan (Angie), Brennan; step-grandchildren: Alex, Owen; eight great-grandchildren; four step-sisters and their families; sister-in-law Sylvia; nephew Doug; niece Jan; and four great-nieces and great-nephews.

Gathering and interment of ashes in the Hanley cemetery to take place at a later date.

Davidson, Obituary

Obituary: Markus, Lucille

Lucille Markus
Lucille Markus

Lucille Markus (McDonell) was born on October 7, 1928. She passed away with her daughter, Sharon and her Health Centre family by her side on March 10, 2016.

She was predeceased by her husband, Al; her daughter, Terry; parents and two brothers.

Lucille is survived by her loving family: daughters, Sharon (Lorne Riecken) and Connie (Eugene Rudy); son, Paul (Debbie); son-in-law, George Bessey; and grandchildren, Tracey (Cory) Uhrich, Dana Bergerman, Greg Bessey, Lori (Gary) O’Brien, Beverly (Wayne) Lamb, Rochelle Riecken (Kevin), Ericson Markus (Farin), and Jenna Markus.

She also leaves to mourn: 15 great-grandchildren, of whom she was so proud; sisters, Jean (Gord) Permaine, Mardy Hopper; sisters-in-law, Sheila and Shirley McDonell; special cousins, Phoebe Fombeur and Keith and Sheila Hawkins; along with many friends old and new.

Lucille was born on her family farm near Grenfell, Saskatchewan, moving north to Aylsham, Sask. in 1940 where she completed her Grade 12 and where she met and married Al Markus.

In 1952, the family moved to Davidson where Al became partsman for Fred Gatzske. In 1955, Al partnered in building and operating the Massey Ferguson and Chrysler dealerships, and Lucille worked in the ‘Dry Goods’ department of the local Co-op. She was an avid curler, golfer and volunteered for these as well as C.G.I.T. and United Church Sunday School. Lucille and Al raised four children, Teresa, Sharon, Constance and Paul.

In 1965, the family moved to Carrot River, Sask. where Lucille helped on the farm and worked as a nurse’s aid at the hospital. Later, she purchased Jo’s Jeans in Nipawin and worked there until her retirement.

Lucille and Al spent their summers in Nipawin and their winters in Utah and B.C., until 2008 when health issues brought them full circle, back to Davidson.

Burial will be at the Aylsham Cemetery on Saturday, May 21st, at 2 p.m.

Bladworth, Davidson, Obituary

Obituary: Scarfe, Hazel

Hazel Scarfe
Hazel Scarfe

SCARFE, Hazel Marie (née Prpick)
January 8, 1928 — April 4, 2016

Hazel passed away peacefully in her sleep at St. Ann’s Care Home in Saskatoon, where she received gentle care over the last year following a stroke. She is lovingly remembered by her children John Scarfe, Mary (Greg) McLellan, and Anna Sanders; daughter-in-law Brenda Scarfe; her grandchildren Carson (Tristin Enden) McLellan, Kate and Ben Houston, Erin and Kali Sanders, Montana Manion, and Jamie Scarfe; her brothers Bud (Bea) Prpick and Ray (Pauline) Perpick; her sisters/brother-in-law Sharon Prpick, Jim (Donna) Scarfe and Janet Prpick; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Hazel was predeceased by her husband of 51 years Albert; her son Joe; her daughters-in-law Christine Scarfe and Laurie Brower; her brothers Joe and Jim Prpick; her brother-in-law Jack (Shirley) Scarfe; and a niece and nephew, Lauree and Bob Scarfe.

Hazel was a kind, vibrant and loyal friend and family member who would generously offer her time and talents to others. She was born in Bladworth, Sask., and raised on a nearby farm by her parents Anna and Emil Prpick. The farm is where she developed her strong work ethic. She also had her hands full as big sister to four brothers. After Hazel graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Regina she became a school teacher and taught for nine years at many country schools including Briggs School District, Davidson, Steelman, Courval, Disley, and Regina Rural. She also worked with Social Services and managed Dale’s House in Regina. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she was an amazing seamstress and worked for Singer Sewing Machines. Hazel married in 1959 and enjoyed six years in the far north of Saskatchewan in Uranium City, where she had four children before moving the family south to La Ronge. She operated a business, Hazel’s Launderette, and was an active and involved member of the community, including as an ardent supporter of the arts, the NDP, and one year ran for the job of Mayor (to the dismay of her husband!). She was actively involved in the Catholic Church in La Ronge for almost 30 years before retiring to Saskatoon where she was a member of St Paul’s Cathedral for 20 years.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 7 at St. Paul’s Co-Cathedral (720 Spadina Cres East, Saskatoon). In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St Ann’s Senior Citizens Village Corp., 2910 Louise St, Saskatoon SK, S7J 3L8. Arrangements in care of David Schurr — Mourning Glory Funeral Services, Saskatoon, 306-978-5200, www.mourningglory.ca.

Davidson, featured

Brkich headed back to Regina for fifth term as MLA

Greg Brkich, the Saskatchewan Party candidate for Arm River, eagerly watches election night coverage on the TV set in his campaign office on April 4.
Greg Brkich, the Saskatchewan Party candidate for Arm River, eagerly watches election night coverage on the TV set in his campaign office on April 4.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — Campaign workers, supporters and family members crowded into Greg Brkich’s campaign office on Washington Avenue on Monday night as the election results began pouring in.

Amidst the hubbub and chatter, Brkich’s eyes were fixed on the TV set for much of the evening, watching the coverage on CTV.

With close to two decades in provincial politics under his belt, Brkich said he’s always curious about the final results on election night.

“You know everybody that’s running,” he explained, noting that he felt the suspense, waiting for the totals to come in from some of the tighter races.

However, there was little doubt as to how things would play out in Arm River.

Brkich, 57, was elected to a fifth term as the Saskatchewan Party MLA for this area, winning the constituency with 73.3 per cent support.

He received a total of 6,128 votes, according to preliminary results, defeating his nearest competitor by more than 4,700 votes.

“To me, that shows people still have confidence in myself and the government,” he said Monday night.

Brad Wall and the Saskatchewan Party were returned to office for a third consecutive term, winning 51 out of 61 seats and receiving 62.6 per cent of the popular vote.

The Opposition New Democrats increased their seat count by just one, winning a total of 10 seats, but saw their share of the popular vote drop to 30.4 per cent.

The results were highly reminiscent of the last election — even down to the loss suffered by NDP leader Cam Broten, who came in second place in Saskatoon Westview, just as his predecessor Dwain Lingenfelter had done in Regina Douglas Park in 2011.

Despite both having a full slate, the Green Party and the Liberal Party were again shut out, as were the Progressive Conservatives, the Western Independence Party and all independent candidates.

Brkich, who farms near Bladworth, was first elected in Arm River in 1999, and was re-elected in 2003, 2007 and 2011. He gave much of the credit for his success to his local team, including business manager Ron Bessey and campaign manager Allen Patkau.

Donna Petit and Lavonne Lyke ran the campaign office in Davidson, while dozens of others contributed by knocking on doors, putting up signs or making phone calls on his behalf.

“I wouldn’t have won it without the team, plain and simple,” said Brkich. “I couldn’t imagine being out there by myself.”

For the full story, including detailed results and an interview with NDP candidate Denise Leduc, please see the April 11 edition of The Davidson Leader.

Davidson, featured, Kenaston, Loreburn, Sports

Junior badminton program sees spike in players

Davidson's Jordan Matheson and Avery Ebenal both have their eye on the birdie during a mixed doubles match against Kenaston's Carson George and Brooke Villeneuve on Tuesday.
Davidson’s Jordan Matheson and Avery Ebenal both have their eye on the birdie during a mixed doubles match against Kenaston’s Carson George and Brooke Villeneuve on Tuesday.

By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — A dramatic rise in the number of Grade 7 players enrolled means Davidson School has two junior badminton teams this year.

Coach Ian Osmond reported that around 20 players in Grade 7 have joined the program this year, along with 17 players in grades 8 and 9.

“We actually had to split the teams up this year,” he said, noting that Karen McConnell has agreed to coach the younger players.

He said the Grade 7 class is an active bunch, which may account for their high level of interest in the sport.

“They love sports, they love taking part in school activities,” said Osmond, “and they’re a big class.”

Davidson’s Grade 8 and 9 players hosted the teams from Kenaston, Loreburn and Outlook in exhibition matches on Tuesday afternoon, allowing them to enjoy some low-stakes play and to scope the competition for this year.

Kenaston coach Evan Pasternak said he has seven junior badminton players registered this year — mostly boys, with just one girl, Brooke Villeneuve, taking part.

He said his players are looking to have fun and improve their skills, adding, “We’re not a serious, hardcore badminton team by any means.”

Grant Abbott is coaching both the junior and senior teams at Loreburn Central School. They started up in mid-March.

Abbott said they have a young junior team this year, with six players in grades 7 and 8.

Among them is Alyssa Glubis, who reached district finals last year but lost to a player from Biggar. Abbott said he’s hopeful she’ll reach finals again this year.

He added that he was pleased to see the high level of involvement among Davidson’s juniors this year, even if it likely means tougher competition for his school.

The season is moving ahead quickly, with intersectionals scheduled for April 21. Loreburn will host Outlook, and Kenaston will host Davidson.

Sectionals will follow on April 26 at Outlook High School, while district competition will wrap up the season on April 30, with competing junior players heading to Rosetown.

For the full story, see the April 11 edition of The Davidson Leader.

featured, Hanley

Play offered vivid imagery of Prairie struggle in the 30s

Nora (Lauren Griffin) convulses in pain at the hands of Nurse Victoria (Megan Fehr) during the opening scene of "Dust."
Nora (Lauren Griffin) convulses in pain at the hands of Nurse Victoria (Megan Fehr) during the opening scene of “Dust.”

By Joel van der Veen

HANLEY — This year saw a distinct change in tone and setting for the drama club at Hanley Composite School.

After presenting the space-themed comedy One Giant Leap in 2015, co-director Leanne Griffin said her students decided they were ready to tell a more serious story.

Dust — a 60-minute play that captures a year in the life of a Prairie farm family, beset by drought and depression in the mid-1930s — certainly fit the bill.

The play also prominently deals with death and mental illness, so much so that the program included a mature content warning.

But Griffin said the students themselves were able to get a handle on the play’s content and themes, and the results on stage spoke for themselves.

“I have a really great group of kids,” Griffin said Thursday night, adding that the rehearsals and planning had gone smoothly.

The Hanley drama club performed the play three times last week, including a drama night on Wednesday and a matinee performance for the school body.

The final performance was held as a dessert theatre on Thursday night with about 80 in attendance. Patrons were served cake and coffee before enjoying the show.

Dust was written by Griffin several years ago. She said this is the third time she has produced the play, noting that she made some modifications, tailoring the material to the students with whom she was working.

“Every time I redo a play, I always do rewrites and additions and subtractions,” she said. “We had a lot of new kids show up this year.”

For the full story, see the April 11 edition of The Davidson Leader.

The Davidson Leader, Davidson, Saskatchewan