Kenaston

New, old faces gather at barbecue

Peighton Oickle, 5, enjoys her cake at Kenaston's welcome barbecue on Wednesday.
Peighton Oickle, 5, enjoys her cake at Kenaston’s welcome barbecue on Wednesday.

By Joel van der Veen

KENASTON — A couple of trips to Kenaston left a solid impression on Steve and Lisa Thomson and their family.

“We absolutely fell in love with the community,” said Steve, explaining that they had visited from Port Dover, Ont., for a couple of family weddings.

So when they decided to move to Saskatchewan, he added, “Kenaston just seemed to be the right place.”

The Thomsons — including their kids Bella, 14, and Sam, 12 — arrived in town this summer, and while they’re still adjusting to small-town life, Steve said their experience so far confirms they made the right choice.

“There’s this real nice quality of life,” he said, contrasting it with the busyness of cities like Saskatoon, while Bella said she finds the atmosphere easy and inviting.

The Thomsons were among the guests who lined the tables at Kenaston Place last week as the village gathered for a barbecue to welcome its latest arrivals.

About 80 people attended the annual event, held on Wednesday evening and sponsored by the Kenaston and District Chamber of Commerce.

The crowd included more than a dozen newcomers who have arrived in Kenaston over the past year.

Burgers, salads and drinks were served, followed by cake for dessert, and the guests of honour were introduced by chamber secretary-treasurer Susan Anholt during a short program.

Anholt said the newcomers include former Kenaston residents who have moved back to town, as well as singles, couples and families moving there for the first time. The event began in Saskatchewan’s centennial year, 2005, and has continued annually since then.

Mayor ML Whittles spoke to the crowd, welcoming the newcomers and encouraging them to meet people and get involved in the community.

She explained how the construction of Sun West School Division’s Distance Learning Centre (DLC) has been a catalyst for growth, calling it Kenaston’s “potash mine.”

“It gives us a stamp of who we are and the ability to continue growing,” she said, adding that the community needs to include both those in the village and in the surrounding area.

DLC vice-principal Aaron Bieberdorf spoke about the educational opportunities available in Kenaston and the growth seen at the schools, while EMO co-ordinator Gene Whitehead invited the public to get involved with the volunteer fire department.

For the rest of the story, please see the Aug. 17 print edition of The Davidson Leader.

Kenaston, Obituary

Baird, Ellen Isabell

Baird, Ellen Isabell
Baird, Ellen Isabell

Baird, Ellen Isabell

The passing of Ellen Isabell Baird of Stensrud Lodge (formerly of Kenaston) occurred July 26, 2015. Ellen was born February 18, 1921 in Conquest, Saskatchewan. She went on to Normal School after graduation and spent several years teaching in one-room country schools in rural Saskatchewan. One of these was Chatham School east of Kenaston where she met and was courted by Bob Baird. They married in November of 1947, farmed at Kenaston and raised their family (son Ken and daughter Sharon). Ellen was an active participant in all aspects of the farm, was a member of the Meuse Busy Bees and the Kenaston Ladies Auxiliary. They started spending winters in Saskatoon in 1977 and bought their first house there in 1979. After Bob’s passing in 1986, Ellen remained in her own home until the age of 90 when she moved into an Assisted Living Facility and eventually into a nursing home. Ellen was predeceased by her husband Bob, her parents, an infant brother and brothers- and sisters-in-law. She is survived by her children Ken (Margaret) Baird, daughter Sharon Stodler; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Jason), Jodi (Jason), Jaimie (Conor), Jayson (Sarah) and Scott (Joni); nine great-grandchildren, Olivia, Nina, Sandor, Zoe, Daniel, Nathaniel, Danny, Oran and Elena. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ellen’s memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation (279 3rd Avenue N, Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H8) or Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan (301 – 2550 12th Avenue, Regina, SK S4P 3X1). A Celebration of Life was held at Hillcrest Funeral Home (east on 8th St, first right past Briargate Rd) on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at 2:00 pm.  Arrangements entrusted to Basil Forsberg, Hillcrest Funeral Home, 306-477-4400.

Obituary

Dixon, Clayton Wayne

Clayton Wayne Dixon
Clayton Wayne Dixon

Dixon, Clayton Wayne
1991-2015

With heavy hearts we lovingly say farewell to our son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend to many, Clayton Wayne Dixon.

Clayton’s life journey began when he was lovingly welcomed into the world on March 28, 1991 by his overjoyed parents JoAnne and Darren Dixon, and many family and friends. Clayton was a charismatic young man who lit up any room he entered, exuding positive energy, and happiness, he could fill a room with laughter.

Clayton was a compassionate and kind individual, a true gentleman. Clayton would make everyone laugh with his quirky sayings and fun loving attitude. Some of Clayton’s quotes that bring laughter and fond memories to his family were “Ride that f*****,” “That’s a rookie mistake,” “Guys gotta,” “Rope the dummy,” “mix it in,” “you earned it,” “everybody gets one,” “good finds,” “Jo Dawg, buy me something,” “don’t think just rope,” and “today’s a good day.”

If you couldn’t find Clayton in the arena roping you could find him down at the barn with his black shadow Pepper Dog, “roping the bones, putting in man hours.” Clayton led an accomplished life, which included a talented rodeo career. Clayton’s successful rodeo career included a performance at the Canadian Intercollegiate Rodeo Association finals. Clayton was a big part of the rodeo family always willing to lend a hand behind the bucking shoots to the timed event end. Clayton also finished a diploma in team roping, beer drinking and skirt chasing at Lakeland College, which also included a solid foundation in agricultural studies. In recent years Clayton’s love of ranching was evident as his relationship with his father grew into a partnership on the ranch.

Clayton will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends. His memory leaves an everlasting positive impact on all the people he knew.

To know Clayton, was to love Clayton.

A celebration of Clayton’s life was held in Findlater at the John Edwards Memorial Field Rodeo Grounds on Friday, July 31 at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, friends and family can donate to the Cowboy Crisis Fund that is being established in Clayton’s honour. Donations can be made at any Royal Bank to the Clayton Dixon Cowboy Crisis Memorial Fund.

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

Davidson, Kenaston, Obituary

Kerpan, Wayne

Wayne Kerpan
Wayne Kerpan

Wayne Kerpan
Feb. 23, 1952 — July 28, 2015

Wayne slipped away peacefully July 28, 2015 after enjoying his morning coffee and watching a little TV. His hard-fought battles with health challenges were always met head-on with determination, a smile and considered just another bump in the road. Wayne loved to laugh and was most proud of his family and their achievements. He was born in Davidson, SK and grew up in Kenaston where he attended school until Grade 11 and then enjoyed attending Grades 11 and 12 at St. Peter’s College in Muenster, SK. Wayne farmed for over 23 years at Davidson where he lived with his wife Lorie and raised three children. Wayne is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lorie (nee Bohrson); their three children, Tera (Harley) Berndt, Sharleen (Owen) Waddington, Scott (Ang) Kerpan; grandchildren, Drew and Janae Berndt, and Keagan, Nicholas and Haylan Waddington; parents, Doreen and Martin Kerpan; sisters, Andrea (Steve) Gerich, Pam (Craig) Wilson, Marla (Lyle) Frusen; sisters-in-law Cecelia (George) Eikel, Linda Ewen, Van Mostowchuk, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. A Memorial Service was held at Acadia-McKague’s Funeral Centre on Saturday, August 1, 2015 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of donor’s choice.

Hanley, Obituary

Lawrence, Gerdie

Gerdie Lawrence
Gerdie Lawrence

Gerdie Lawrence
October 17, 1917 — July 29, 2015

Gerdie was born on the family farm North of Outlook, Sask., on October 17, 1917 and raised in the Glenside/Outlook area. She attended Happy Hollow School with aspirations of teaching. As a young woman Gerdie moved to Ontario to work in an ammunitions factory during WWII. Mom returned home after the war where she met Ernie Lawrence. They were married in 1951 and together they farmed west of Hanley until Ernie passed away in 1973. Gerdie then moved into Hanley where she was able to remain in her home until this past June. Mom cherished spending time with those she loved, singing with her sisters, watching baseball and her love of curling – travelling to various communities participating in bonspiels. Mom was a special lady and we will all miss her kindness, loving smile, great sense of humour and her AMAZING memory.

Gerdie will be fondly remembered by her sons George (Jackie), Ken (Charlene), grandsons Zachary, Simon (Sebrina); sister Mabel Eliason; sister-in-law Ruby Lawrence; numerous nieces and nephews as well as family and friends. Gerdie was predeceased by her husband Ernest; parents Chris and Marie Anholt; sisters Sophia Torguson, Theressa Wunsch and Nellie McPhee; brothers Anker, Oscar, Selmer and Oliver; nephews Lance Hamrell, Chad Wunsch, Ron Wunsch and Brian McPhee.

The celebration of Gerdie’s life funeral service was held Aug. 5, 2015 at Hanley Centennial Hall in Hanley, Sask. For friends so wishing memorials in memory of Gerda may be directed to the Hanley Evangelical Lutheran Church, or to a charity of choice.

Hanson’s Funeral Home was in care of arrangements.

Kenaston, Obituary

Zdunich, Gerard

web-obit-zdunich

Gerard Zdunich
Sept. 6, 1945 — July 30, 2015

Gerard Anthony Zdunich, Gary, was a family man, a farmer, a man of faith and a good friend to many. He was known to dance on chairs with his loved ones at weddings, for sharing bottles of sljivovica — having a drink with as many people as he could, and for easily making friends everywhere he went. He was a warm person who made everyone feel like family. He was a rare, great man.
Recently, Dad learned that he had cancer. No one in the world was ready to lose him, but he was invited away from this life and died peacefully with his wife, his kids, and many loved ones by his side on July 30, 2015 at Saint Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon.
Dad was born on Sept. 6, 1945 at St. Paul’s Hospital. Along with his seven siblings, he was raised on a farm near Kenaston by Tony and Marie Zdunich. Just down the road, Gerard and Regina, his wife of 42 years, raised their four kids on a farm of their own.
Faith, family, farming, and fun were important to Dad throughout his life. He was involved in his church and in the local community donating his time and efforts in many ways. He was kind and generous. He went out of his way for anyone who needed a hand, even for people he had just met. He loved farming and working with his father, brothers, and sons. In recent years he and Gina travelled extensively, but by the end of each and every trip Dad was always anxious to get back to the farm and the quiet days he shared with Mom, days he always started by making coffee for her. He had many good friends, and always took the time to visit and share with them. More than anything else he took great joy in being a grandfather, dancing and playing with and caring for his grandkids. He was Grandpa to four and was looking forward to meeting his fifth grandchild in September.
Dad is predeceased by his father Tony, his brother Louis, his sister Laverne and his niece Elly. He is survived by his wife Regina, his kids Stephen (Sonia), Sandra (Chris), Jonathan (Elizabeth), and Katie (Corey), and by his beloved grandchildren Naomi, Isabelle, Jane, and Jacob.
Prayers were held at St. Andrew’s Parish in Kenaston on Sunday, August 2, at 7 p.m. The funeral was held the following day at St. Andrew’s at 2 p.m. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson was in care of arrangements.

The Davidson Leader, Davidson, Saskatchewan