• Andrew (Andy) Benko of Winfield, Alta. passed away suddenly at his home on March 20th, 2011. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 48 years, Mary; his children Tim (Shelly) Benko; grandchildren Morgan and Faith of Cloverdale, B.C., daughter Joan (Cal) Goodman; granddaughters Robin and Michelle, of Saskatoon, Sask., Laura (Dave) Johnson of Winfield, Alta.; step-grandchildren Rick, Kim (Steve) Burton, Danielle (Dion) Olson (and their children) and Danica (Curtis) Parish, Lynne (Darryl) Lucki; grandchildren Nicholas and Miranda of Outlook, Sask., and John (Stephanie) Benko; granddaughters Jessica and Jenna of Wainwright, Alta.; brother Len (Betty) Benko of Langley, B.C., brother Clarence “Chuck” Benko of Edmonton, Alta., sister Val (Rudy) Thurlow of Kenaston, Sask., brother Jim Benko, of Surrey B.C., brother Jack (Lois) Benko of Kelowna, B.C., sister Theresa (Eldon) Owen of Kenaston, Sask., many nieces and nephews and their children. He also leaves to grieve his loss his sisters-in-law, Andrea Mellis of Vienna, Austria, Joan (Dan) Clements of Salt Spring Island, B.C. and Mhora (Joe) Ogmundson of Chilliwack, B.C. He was predeceased by his parents John and Frances Benko, his mother- and father-in-law Andrew and Erin Mellis, several aunts and uncles, his grandson Matthew Benko and nephews Rudy Thurlow and Stephen Benko.
  Andy was born in Davidson, Sask. on January 13, 1943, the fourth child of John and Frances (Sabo) Benko of Kenaston, Sask. At the age of 16 Andy quit school, much against his parent’s wishes, and for a time worked on elevator construction in Kenaston. At the age of 17 he joined the Canadian Army and was sent to Currie Barracks in Calgary where he became a member of the 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. In 1961, at the onset of the “Cold War” and the building of the infamous “Berlin Wall”, Andy found himself in Germany with his regiment (quite a culture shock for a kid from the Prairies whose farthest travels prior to this was to Regina). In 1962 he had been treated for hoarseness, sore throat and possible cancer. Before he knew it he was on his way back to Canada where surgeons at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto removed a benign polyp from his throat. He was then sent back to Calgary where he became a member of the 2nd Battalion Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, met the love of his life and started his family.  In 1970 Andy left the Infantry and became a Postal Clerk with the Canadian Armed Forces Postal Corps. While stationed at CFB Calgary, he was sent to Cyprus where he spent six months with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force. He served his country honorably for 25 years, retiring in 1984 and moved his family back to his hometown of Kenaston, Sask.
  In 1985 Andy became employed as the Town Foreman for the Village of Kenaston, Sask., where he worked until 1994. Health restrictions resulted in him leaving this employment and in the late fall of 1994 he and Mary moved to Saskatoon, Sask. where they both became members of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires until June 2003 when they retired and moved to their final home in Winfield, Alta.
  Andy was immensely proud of his five children and their achievements in life and loved them and his grandchildren dearly. Family meant a great deal to him and he always enjoyed family get-togethers.
  An avid hockey fan, he was also a great player. Not being able to pursue a career in the NHL, he was offered the opportunity to play on military teams throughout his Army years as well as to coach minor hockey. When first back in Kenaston, he coached the Kenaston Blizzards hockey team, and the Blizzard Babes softball team. If there is hockey in heaven, then God has gained another good defenseman. He was also a loyal and faithful Saskatchewan Roughriders fan… even proudly displaying his Roughrider flags in ‘Oil Country’.
  Always community minded, Andy was a member of the Kenaston Volunteer Fire Department, as well as being the Emergency Measures Coordinator for Kenaston and area. He was also a member of the Kenaston Lions Club, and, at the time of his passing, had been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion with 31 years of dedication.
  A memorial service for Andy was held at the Winfield Community Centre at 2:00 p.m., March 28, 2011. Internment will take place in Andy’s home town in Kenaston, Sask. at a later date.
  If friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Winfield Pond Hockey Account (C/o Instant Replay Sports 4725 50 Ave, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 0R9) or St. Andrew’s Cemetery Fund (Box 252, Kenaston, SK, S0G 2N0)
  Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca.
  Wilson’s Funeral Chapel & Crematorium serving Central Alberta with locations in Rimbey and Lacombe in charge of the arrangements. Phone: (403) 843-3388 or (403) 782-3366.
  “A Caring Family, Caring For Families”
  

•  April 30, 1935 – March 11, 2011
  Joan Ames of Hinton, Alta. passed away peacefully on the morning of March 11, 2011 at the age of 75 years. Joan leaves to mourn her passing, her five children: Dawn (Ray) Tyrell of Airdrie, Alta. and grandchildren Kaitlyn, Sarah, Dana and Corey; Dale (Cheryle) Ames of Lloydminster, Alta. and grandson Travis; Kevin (Charlene) Ames of Penticton, B.C. and grandsons Dylan and Mitchel; Holly Ames (Tim White) of Edmonton, Alta. and grandchildren Samantha and Ethan; Ken Ames (Lisa Rowe) of Hinton, Alta. and grandchildren Brandon, Carson, Jenna, Callie and Tyson.
  Joan is also survived by her sister Lois Gottselig (Al McPhee) of Calgary, Alta. and her brother Bill (Dale) Ketcheson of Winnipeg, Man., as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Joan was predeceased by her husband and soul mate Cecil, infant son Kimberly Allen and her parents Ken and Margaret Ketcheson.
  A celebration of Joan’s life took place on March 17, 2011 at Grace Lutheran Church in Hinton with Pastor Doug Heine presiding. According to her wishes, cremation has taken place and her ashes will be interred next to her beloved late husband Cecil at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be directed to the Canadian Diabetes Association.
  We would like to thank Dr. Brad Armstrong, Dr. Katherine Sorenson, and the staff of the Hinton General Hospital as well as the EMS team for their compassionate care of our mother. A special thank you also to mom’s best friend Elsie Klingbeil and her husband Al who always made time to include mom in their busy lives. We are forever grateful.
  Thank you to all who have given so freely of their time and condolences in our time of loss.
  Ever close in mind and heart.
  Hinton Funeral Services, 780-865-1234 and Foothills Crematorium entrusted with all arrangements.
  To send condolences online, please visit edsonfuneralhome.com.
  The Foothills Memorial Chapel, “Serving West Central Alberta for more than 60 years.”

In Loving Memory
Earl Westman, May 19, 1937—Dec. 29, 2010
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Earl on Dec. 29, 2010 after a lengthy illness at the age of 73.
Earl was born on the Eaton family farm at Leroy, Saskatchewan on May 19, 1937. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Corinne; his children, Susan (Remi), Jerad, Kelsey and Danielle Lamarche, Leslie (Shane), Makenna, Kale, Macy and Tate Lokos; Joni (Reg), Kiley, Taryn and Chase Zdunich; Scot Westman and his children, Jessica and Arley; Earl’s siblings, Evelyn (Glenn) McVeigh, Norm (Marg) Westman, Shirley (Jim) Sanderson, Dawna (Laurie) Astle and families; sister-in-law, Gwen Lemay and brother-in-law Ray (Tracy) Lewington as well as numerous family members and friends. Earl was predeceased by his parents, Cornelius (Slim) and Laura Westman; Corinne’s parents, Clarence and Evelyn Lewington; and infant brother, Ernest.
Earl grew up in the Zid District and attended Zid School. He started working away from home at the young age of 15. He was well respected for his work ethic, wisdom, family values and advice. He had a keen sense of humour and a sparkle in his eyes.
In November of this year he was proud to receive his 50-year award from the International Union of Operating Engineers.
Earl was a pipeliner and farmer but also enjoyed equipment sales. He was a proud longstanding member of the Kenaston Lions Club, served as Councillor for the RM of McCraney and board member of the Kenaston Credit Union. He found enjoyment in Standardbred horse racing, auction sales and coffee with friends, but most importantly spending time with his family.
The funeral service was held on Mon., Jan. 3, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Kenaston Place officiated by Pastor Gene Whitehead of the Kenaston Evangelical Church.
Donations in Earl’s memory may be made to Kenaston Cemetery Fund or Canadian Blood Services (please consider a blood donation in Earl’s memory!) Special thanks to the medical and support staff who helped and encouraged Earl through his illness.
Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.
Thank-you to each and everyone for the cards, flowers, hugs, visits and gifts of food. They are all greatly appreciated. Hanson’s you go above and beyond! Earl will be forever loved and forever missed.

• Arlene Andrews was born Sept. 11, 1933, in Davidson, Sask., and passed away suddenly on Feb. 20, 2011. Beloved wife of Gerry Andrews, she will be forever loved and deeply missed by her son Hugh (Wendy), granddaughters Holly and Piper, sisters Glennys Prusak and Lavonne (Lloyd) Heck, sister-in-law Vera Eddie and many nieces, nephews, cousins, many great friends and her little dog, Tinker.
  She was predeceased by her parents Hugh and Helen, sister Lucille (Jack) Ames and brother Gordon Eddie, nieces Sharlene Lyke, Michelle Heck and Vanessa Eddie.
  Arlene spent her early working career with the Weyburn School Board and CN Rail. She was an avid figure skater and taught many children to skate. In 1957 she married Gerry, and their son Hugh followed in 1961. She accepted a transfer with CN Rail to Port Arthur, Ont., in 1964 where she worked until the completion of Doug and Gerry’s Bus Depot the following year. Arlene worked there as a ticket agent and bookkeeper while raising Hugh. She and Gerry retired to White Rock, B.C., in 1984, where she took up a new career as a volunteer with the Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary.
  Arlene was very pleased to welcome her first granddaughter Holly in 1996. A diagnosis of breast cancer in 1999 didn’t stop her for a minute. After recovering from treatments she and Gerry moved to Qualicum Beach in 2002 to be closer to her family. True to form, Arlene quickly made many good friends and once again took up volunteer work. She volunteered as an emergency aid facilitator for the Canadian Cancer Society, donated her time to St. Stephen’s United Church Hot Lunch Program and many other worthy causes. 2004 brought Arlene’s second granddaughter Piper. Arlene couldn’t have been more proud of her son and grandchildren as she attended every party, school concert, dance recital and horse show with a smile and praise, no matter the weather.
  A celebration of Arlene’s life was held at St. Stephen’s United Church in Qualicum Beach, on Friday, Feb. 25, 2011.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Carl Palmer of Hanley, Sask., on January 26, 2011 at the young age of 46.
Carl was born August 22, 1964 in Saskatoon. He was predeceased by his father, Merrill (1996); brother, Warren (2009); grandparents, Lew and Alice Palmer and Roy and Edith Shields.
Carl is survived by his sons, Keith and Shawna and grandson Braysen of Edgerton, Alta., Kevin and Audrey of Saskatoon, Kyle of Saskatoon; mother, Fern Palmer of Davidson; sister, Donna (Perry) Harbicht of Rosetown; brothers, Dwight and Neil (Sharon) of Bladworth; nieces, Jolene (Shane) Hunter, Lisa and Tracy Harbicht; nephews, Scott (Heather), Mike (Kelly), Chris (Ronnel), Don, Tim (Crystal) and Travis.
Carl attended school in Davidson where he completed his grade 10. After school, Carl worked for Hamre Motors, R.M. of Willner, Puckett and Doell Construction and the R.M. of Rosedale where he was currently employed. Carl was an active member of the Hanley Elks Club. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who asked.
The Celebration of Carl’s Life Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 2 p.m. from the Hanley Centennial Community Hall, Hanley, Sask. with Rev. Diane Eurig officiating.
Interment at a later date. For friends so wishing, memorials in memory of Carl may be directed to the Hanley Elks Club or to the Hanley Curling Club.
Hanson’s Funeral Home, Davidson, in care of arrangements.

• Norman James Adam (June 9, 1916—February 3, 2011)
  Norm passed away February 3 at the Luther Care Home in Saskatoon. Norm was born in Davidson on June 9, 1916. He attended school in Davidson. His father passed away in 1928 when he was 12. They lived on the farm north of Davidson and eventually he took it over and continued farming for 40 years. On April 5, 1941 he married Gladys Woodman and they had two children, Douglas and Linda Adam. He loved to play ball and fish in the summer. He was once the proud winner of a fishing derby at Last Mountain Lake with a 25 pound jackfish. In the early years he broke many horses and used horses for his farm work until he was able to purchase his first tractor. He enjoyed farming, growing many crops and also had livestock for many years. This included running the Davidson dairy in the war years, and later a chicken layer operation, hog and commercial cow/calf operation. Dad and mom always enjoyed visiting with their many friends and family. He was very active in the community. He served ten years on the Davidson School Board, a number of years on the United Church Board and was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was also 15 years with the Paul Revere Insurance company at which time he reached top salesman in Canada.
  He will be lovingly remembered by his son Doug (Elaine) and family, Brenda Frank, Christopher and Robyn of Saskatoon; Terri (Kevin) Nixey, Cole and Cameron of Warman; Tanya (Lea) Adam of Germany; Jana Hansen, Lee, Darby and Trenton of Wynyard and Cory Penner, Joel of Saskatoon; daughter Linda (Bill) Pipke and family, Stephanie (David) Pipke Painchaud, Sadie of Tisdale; Vanessa (Tyler) Mack, Brook, Madison and Cole of Meota.
  His memorial service was held in the Davidson United Church, Davidson, Sask. on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 2 p.m.
  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Arthritis Society.
  Funeral arrangements were in the care of Hanson’s Funeral Home.