Pavelich, Fabian

Fabian Stephen Pavelich passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on June 1, 2010. Fabian, one of six children of Fabian “Nick” and Martha (Sarich) Pavelich, was born on the family farm near Bladworth. He attended Briggs School, completed high school at St. Anthony’s College in Edmonton and attended Business College in Saskatoon. While Fabian’s first employment was with the Saskatchewan Government in Regina, his aspiration was to join the RCMP. During his career he was posted to many locations in B.C. and then was transferred to Winnipeg where he was in charge of traffic for “D” Division. After 35 years of service as a dedicated member of the RCMP, “Fabe” retired in 1986 as Staff Sergeant with service of distinction and a commendation for heroism. Fabian was proud of the fact that during his long career, through the use of his wits, he managed to avoid ever having to use his sidearm.
Fabian will be remembered as the beloved husband of Gladys Elizabeth (Betty); loving father of Stephen, Michael (Becky) and Suzanne; devoted grandpa to Hillary, James, Charlotte, Nicholas, Amy and Jacqueline. Fabian was predeceased by his parents, sisters Pauline Tracy, Kathryn Posey and brother Milton. He is survived by his sister Barbara, brother Ivan (Jan), sister-in-law Carol Pavelich and numerous nieces and nephews. Fabian’s post retirement years were invested in Sidney, B.C. where he devoted his time to the family, grandchildren and the community. He enjoyed Sunday drives with Betty, hockey, fishing and repairing or organizing anything around the house. He was a skilled and precise woodworker. As a father, Fabian instilled in his children the importance of integrity, righteousness, perseverance and work ethic. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and community for his sense of humour, sound advice and generosity. The funeral mass was celebrated on June 11, 2010 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, Sidney, B.C. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to charity of your choice.

Thomas, Suzanna (Susan)

June 5, 1915 – May 7, 2010
With much sadness the family of Suzanna (Susan) Thomas announce her peaceful passing on Friday, May 7, 2010 at the age of 94 years. Susan will be lovingly remembered by her children, Richard (Sandy), Larry, Lorie (Ken) Semanski; grandson Chad. She will also be remembered by her sisters, Paula Kenny, Leona Gartner; brothers, Paul LePoudre, Octave (Fern) LePoudre and numerous nieces and nephews.
Susan was predeceased by her mother and father, Marie and Jules; husband, Peter; infant daughter, Maureen; sisters, Godelieva and Andrea and brothers, Andrew and Clifford.
Susan was a hard working woman who enjoyed all aspects of farm living. She loved to garden and enjoyed spoiling her neighbours with fresh produce including mouth-watering strawberries. She also loved to bake and enjoyed playing bingo and cards.
The family would like to thank the Davidson Health Care Centre staff for the incredible care extended to Susan and the family during her stay. As requested by Susan, a graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 5 at 2 p.m. followed by lunch at the Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Davidson Health Care Centre or to a charity of your choice in memory of Susan.
Arrangements entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Services Ltd., Davidson, Sask.

Howard, Paul Kenneth

  • On Friday morning, May 21, as the rising sun shone on the dew-covered grass outside the window of Davidson Health Centre, Paul Kenneth Howard silently drew his last breath with his wife Verona and step-daughters Catherine and Karen by his bedside.
    Paul was born in Ohio on August 15, 1934. On completing high school, he served in the U.S. Military for some time in Germany. He then worked with a shipping company where he spent time in Japan.
    Early in his first marriage he built, entirely by hand, a log house in Washington. In this marriage he had two step-daughters and his pride and joy Tony was born.
    His move to Brentwood, California found him driving a semi which he did until retirement and coming to Davidson.
    Paul married Verona Topping on Nov. 20, 1999 and loved as his own Catherine (Gerry) Offet, Karen Tweed, Darren (Linda) Topping; grandchildren, Stephen (Jessica) Tweed, Brittany (Justin) Levac, Reece and Sawyer Topping and great-granddaughter Seanna Levac. Last but not least the “little heart beat at his feet” Sara.
    As Paul requested, an informal Memorial Celebration was held on Tuesday, May 25 with spiritual words by Rev. Derek Nicholls of Regina and a family reflection by Darren with friends welcomed to share their thoughts and memories of Paul. Karen Tweed sang “Summertime”, the song that she sang to Paul each night in the hospital.
    Refreshments were served to all that shared in the Celebration of Paul’s life.
    Hanson’s Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Edwards, Robert James (Bob)

  • Robert James (Bob) of Kisbey, Sask. (formerly of Craik, Sask.): It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father on May 3, 2010 at the age of 85.
    Dad was born on June 20, 1924. He was predeceased by his wife Freda; his parents, William and Maggie Edwards; brother, Bill; sister-in-law, Eunice Edwards; brother-in-law, Warren Bogart; the mother of his children Sylvia and his special pet Sweet Pea.
    He is survived by his children, Jim (Carol), Grande Prairie, Alta.; Tom (Robin), Saskatoon; Dennis, Craik; Sue Blight, Kelliher; Linda Edwards, Edmonton, Alta. He is also survived by his very special friend, Faye Seivewright; brother, Doug, Craik; his sister, Peg Bogart, Calgary, Alta.; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.
    Dad was born and raised in Craik where he managed the farm after his dad’s death in 1943. He had to grow up fast as did many in those days. He eventually headed out on his own and married Sylvia Sanden in February, 1948 and together they raised five children. Unfortunately the marriage ended. Dad married Freda Storey and moved to Kisbey, Sask. in 1980 where he farmed until the fall of 2009. Freda passed away in 1990 and dad later began a special relationship with Faye that has lasted until his passing. Dad loved animals and loved the land. One of his proudest achievements was that he had operated his own farm for 65 years. Dad was a man that people looked up to. He worked hard. Harder than maybe he should have – not taking the doctor’s advice when he was told to take it easy and let his body heal. He would say, “There’s work to do and if I don’t do it, who will?”
    He will be sadly missed by us all. Dad…You’re one of our heroes!

Morrison, Betty

Betty Morrison of Davidson, Sask. passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at the Davidson Health Centre, Davidson, Sask. at the age of 86 years.
Betty was born in Davidson on Aug. 3, 1923. She received her education at Maple Valley and Farrerdale Schools. She enjoyed farm life. In her youth she attended many country schoolhouse dances, being very adept at the “Jenny Lynn Polka”. Other hobbies of hers were crocheting and embroidering.
Betty and her mother moved to Davidson in 1955 and Betty worked for a time at Prairie View Lodge and Davidson Hotel. She also helped some of Davidson’s older citizens in their homes.
Betty is survived by brothers, Arthur (Kathleen) of Davidson and Bert (Elsie) of Saskatoon; sisters-in-law, Leona of Davidson and Justina of Maple Creek and numerous nieces and nephews.
Betty was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Florence Morrison; brothers, Harold and Jack Morrison; and sister, Hilda Ringrose.
Anglican funeral service was held on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 in Davidson United Church officiated by Rev. Derek Nicholls.
Arrangements were in care of Hanson’s Funeral Home.

Spratt, Harry Bruce

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.

The Davidson Leader, Davidson, Saskatchewan