August 1951 – January 2025

With love and gratitude, for the very special person, MARVIN FRANK TAYLOR was, we announce his passing on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Regina, at the age of 73.

Marvin was the beloved husband of Debbie Taylor. He will also be deeply missed by siblings: Calvin, Linda, Valerie, DarWin, Ben, Wendy, Cheryl, and Jason; and their spouses; and many other family members, friends and neighbors – in Regina, Davidson, Florida, and in the Eildon District, west of Craik.

Marvin was born, August 7, 1951 – to Frank & Lois Taylor, of Davidson, and formerly of the Harley District, between Girvin and Elbow.  Along with his 9 brothers and sisters, Marv attended School at Davidson, and attended the former Apostolic Church and the Gospel Assembly Church during his growing-up years.

When he was a child, and as a teenager, Marv was always willing, quick and glad to kindly give a needy senior neighbor, help with whatever chore they had for him to do.  Some of the ones he helped, were Mrs. Esther Harris, Mrs. Sarah Jane Spratt, our Aunt Adelia Matthews, and of course our Gramma Benson! Also, Marv helped with cultivating, picking stones, and other work – for farmers, near our old home farm, such as Dale (and Gartie) Coutts, Bill Alcock, and our Uncle Reg.

Gradually, the work got a bit easier, as Marv went to work (along with brothers, Calvin and Evertt), for Arnold Sarauer, at the Davidson Texaco, in his mid-teen years.

Following his graduation, Marv moved to Regina to begin employment at S.G.I.O., boarding with our Dad’s only sister Aunt Lily and Uncle Alex Pringle. Before too long, the ‘desk job’, at S.G.I.O. was found to not be Marv’s calling, so he made a significant career change, as he got on with the Regina Police Service, in 1973. In 1993, Marv was decorated with a Police Exemplary Service Medal.

Marv served in many departments of the RPS, including with his Police Dog “Bow”, in the canine section. Then later, in the under-cover section, Commercial Crime and other department, then completing his career as a Staff Sargent in 1999.  After that, he served several more years in Law Enforcement, for the Wascana Authority, in the area near the Legislative buildings.

During his dedicated service, as a Police Officer, Marv was involved with upholding the law, and successfully dealing with many challenging situations, making life safer, for those he was there for to faithfully, bravely protect and serve.

Besides becoming a police officer, another dream Marv followed was that of becoming a pilot.  Ever since his early teen years, Marv had a great desire to fly!  That might have been at least partially instilled in him by our Dad, Frank L. Taylor, who was a Leading Air-craftsman, with many hours in the air during his time of serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force, 1940–45.  Marv went on to be a very accomplished aviator, as he thoroughly enjoyed many flights, with his pilot’s license and plane, for over 50 years! With his love of being in the air, he also volunteered his time as a Navigator, with the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association.

In 1975, Marv married the love of his life 🙂 Debbie Campbell, formerly of Disley. They were into their 50^th year of marriage. Together, they loved and cared for successive dogs, that were a very special part of their homes – in the city; at the Mistusinne cabin; at the farm; or in Florida.  Marv was also known to care for the many deer that frequented the farm yard along the sandhills, and for coyotes, rabbits, ducks and cats that needed some special attention, he was glad to give them! 🙂

Marv was very gifted at carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and other home handy-man projects that he worked very hard at, with great attention to detail.  In recent years, he and brother Jason, worked hard and well, together 🙂 on several projects in Davidson, on our parent’s house; at the ‘Benson Farm’ cabin, and at “Reg and Edna’s former place”.

In his spare time, over the years, Marv’s mode of ‘thrilling ways to move’, when he wasn’t in the air, included motorcycles, snowmobiles, a few nice sports cars, boats, and in the water, with his under-water scuba gear on!  For part of his career, with the police, he served on the RPS Dive Team.

Marv was predeceased by parents, Frank and Lois Taylor (2014 & 2019); infant sister, Lana (1950); Grandparents, Otto and Ellen Benson, and Albert and Francis Taylor; brother Evertt (1998); and by his mother and father-in-law, Susan & Cecil Campbell (of Disley), and his brothers-in-law, Ken Toole and Dave Campbell.

A service for Marv was held Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, from Speers Chapel, Regina.

May the PEACE OF GOD, “which passeth all understanding”, be with all who knew and loved Marv, and with all who blessed Marv, in any way, during his pilgrimage, through this side of eternity...…AMEN!

“God loved the people of this world, so much, that He gave His only Son – so that everyone who has FAITH IN HIM – will have eternal life, and never really die.”John 3:16 CEV

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mom, Rose Frances (Weigel) Spratt. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday January 11 in the Davidson Health Center. Rose was 98 years old.

Rose was the oldest of 7 children born to Tony and Theresa Weigel. While working in Davidson she met Bruce Spratt and they were married in 1951. They welcomed 3 children to the family, Callie, Harry and Janet. Rose was widowed in 1963 when Bruce suddenly died of a heart attack. Rose’s strong faith and strength of character gave her the courage to move her family to Davidson from the farm south of town and settle into her home on Hamilton St.

Rose’s home was always a place of great love and friendship. She always enjoyed a joke and a good laugh. Her main love was her family and she eagerly welcomed her children’s spouses and then was overjoyed to have Grandchildren and great grandchildren join the family.

Rose was a true and faithful friend. She belonged to many clubs and organizations throughout her life and lived her life with kindness and appreciation for everything while enjoying her family, friends and card games.

When Rose moved to the Health Center in May 2024 she quickly made friends of the staff and residents and her room was a warm and welcome meeting place for all. Rose was an example for us to enjoy life to the fullest every day!

We will hold her in our hearts until we hold her again in heaven.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on January 17 in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Davidson SK.

Rose leaves her memory to be cherished by: Daughter: Callie (Grant) Greenshields and children: Charlotte Greenshields; Tom (Ashley) Greenshields, Emmett and Lincoln; Kathryn (Sean) Freistadt, Claire and Isabel. Daughter In Law: LaVerne Spratt and children: Amy (Kurtis) Lopinski, Holden; Briana (Dave) Bergeron,Jayce; Carter (Brittney) Spratt, Oaklynn and Huxson. Daughter:Janet (Lyle) Kowalski and children: Rich (Amanda) Kowalski, Lauren Bueckert (Steven Vanzessen), Layne Janzen, Courtney Janzen; Chris Kowalski; Mike Kowalski (Dawn Stowe), Asher Stowe, Georgia Stowe, and Tatum Kowalski. Sisters: Terry Paulson, Mary (Gary) Bourbonnie.

Rose was predeceased by her Daughter Baby Spratt (1952), her beloved husband Bruce (1962), and beloved son Harry (2010).

For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Rose may be directed to the Sacred Heart Catholic Women’s League or Sask Heart and Stroke.

Linda Joyce Griffin was born on December 7, 1946 to Burt and Gertie Hutchinson. She grew up in Strongfield helping her parents in the family store. She attended her first 9 years of school in Strongfield and finished her high school years in Loreburn. 

Linda met the love of her life, Bob Griffin, in her teenage years. They were married on March 27, 1965. They moved to their own farm east of Elbow, Saskatchewan, where they lived together for over 59 years. Linda and Bob raised 4 children, Brent, Scott, Kelly and Shawn. Having grown up in town, Linda quickly adjusted and embraced her life as a rancher’s wife. Linda cherished her family, pets, and yard – especially her beautiful flowers and garden. Linda was a dedicated mother and was so proud of all of her children. As the family grew, she welcomed everyone with open arms and couldn’t wait for the arrival of each grandchild and great-grandchild to be born. Linda was her children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan and greatest supporter. She didn’t miss many hockey games, rodeos, sports events or anything else her family was involved in.

Every holiday, anniversary, and birthday were so important to her and she wanted the entire family “home” to celebrate! There was never a shortage of food or baking at Grandma’s house. Linda was also a dedicated community person and served many years as a “Willing Worker.” She volunteered whenever and wherever needed at all kinds of community events and was happy to do it. Linda was content to be a homemaker and mother, but when her kids got older, she worked at the Elbow Hotel and later at Commutron Industries. She enjoyed her time with all her co-workers and friends that she made along the way.

Linda passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, with her family by her side, after a very courageous 7-year battle with cancer. Linda leaves to cherish her memory, her husband Bob Griffin; and children Brent (Karin), Scott (Jodie), Kelly (Trevor), Shawn (Julie); and grandchildren Jordan (Darcy) Wildeman, Chase (Tristin) Holbrook, Rylee (Riley) Beznoska, Tylan (Taylor) Holbrook, Travis Griffin (Ashley Cleveland), Derek, Connor, Emma and Casey Griffin; and great grandchildren Jessa Wildeman, Kaison, Kohen and Benson Beznoska, and Tilly and Boone Holbrook; sister’s-in-law Winn Gudmundson and Eleanor Moodie-Holmes, and numerous friends and extended family.

A very special thank you to Laurice Vollmer, Sandra O’Brien and Ellen Symington for supporting the family by taking Linda to chemo appointments throughout the years and for always being readily available to help whenever needed.  Also, a very special thank you to Dr. Lang and all the staff at the Davidson Health Centre for the loving and compassionate care Linda received.

A celebration of Linda’s life will be held on Friday, February 7th, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Harbor Golf Community Centre, Elbow SK. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Linda’s memory to the Davidson Health Trust Fun, cheques payable to the Town of Davidson. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

Mom was born with the name Willow Ione, but those who really knew her, knew her as “Happy” or Ione. Born on April 5, 1941 at the Dempsey family farm, she was the fifth daughter of John and Kay Dempsey, 10 years later they were joined by a younger brother, completing their family of six. She cherished her memories of growing up surrounded by so much love – coining her nickname “Happy” by her cousin Bud, when she was just a baby.

One of her favorite childhood traditions, which she lovingly recreated for her own children and grandchildren, was packing picnic lunches in handkerchiefs, tying them to sticks, and venturing out for a walk. They would stroll to Ed’s yard, enjoy their picnic, and then walk back home.

Mom met the love of her life, Kenny Rink, at a dance at Danceland in Manitou Beach. They danced beautifully together, always gliding across the floor. Married on October 11, 1958, this year would have marked their 67th anniversary. A testament to the love they shared, they passed away exactly five months of each other; it is a comfort to know they’re together again.

They began their married life at the Rink family home place and later moved to their own farm, where they remained until retiring to Saskatoon. Across every phase of their lives, Happy centered her love and attention to her greatest joy: her family. Her home was a safe haven for all to gather—she would fill it to the brim with everyone’s favorite meals and desserts.

If you ask any of her children or grandchildren now, they can list Happy’s menu for you. Each year, it seemed to grow—in lockstep with her family. The abundance of food would make its way into individually crafted care packages for everyone to bring home. Ironically, her famous and coveted perogies never seemed to last to this stage—uncles and cousins would sneak them off each other’s plates between visits to the kitchen.

Beyond cooking and baking, Happy was a gifted creator. She learned to knit from her mother, Kay, and grew her passion of sewing through her many years. She lovingly created clothes for her children when they were young. In later years, she poured even more love into sewing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren custom creations: jackets, coveralls, housecoats, and the matching pajamas she would sew for her grandkids every year.

Her devotion to her family, especially the children, was evident in these custom projects and handmade crafts, which are remembered and treasured with love. Beyond what was seen, she also dedicated countless hours combining, trucking, cultivating, chores and keeping the farm running.

Happy and Kenny raised four children: Brad; Wes (Brenda); Della (Murray); and Rod. They were blessed with nine grandchildren: Garrett Rink, Everet (Megan Wetherill) Rink; Tyrel (Echo Fettes) Rink, Kendra (Kevin) Koerting, Chandra (Patrick) Tumu; Blaine (Jamie) Siroski, Courtney (Daylon) Korolchuk; and Daphne Rink. They also delighted in three great-grandchildren: Bryden and Kaysen Korolchuk; and Inara Rink.

To honour Mom’s memory, we ask that you extend the brightness she shared with everyone she encountered. If you feel the urge to give her a hug, give that hug to someone else; if you wish you could see her smile again, share your own smile with someone else—just as Happy would have done.

A funeral will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Telemiracle.

Jason John “Spilly” Spilchak

April 17, 1982 – January 31, 2025

It is with sad hearts that we share the passing of a beloved brother, son, and friend. Jason passed suddenly, but peacefully, in Vancouver of natural causes. He is survived by father John, sister Tanya Fears (Tom), and many good friends. He was predeceased by mother Donna.

Jason was a talented artist, whether it be pencil drawings or vivid paintings. He had a passion for animation, and was part of the teams who worked on Smurfs, TMNT, Spider-Man (which won an Oscar and Golden Globe), and a plethora of other projects. His generosity, great sense of humor, and infectious laugh is what everyone remembers most. He will be forever loved and remembered. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the MS or Cancer Societies, as both affected his family.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lorne John Doyle, of Spruce Grove, Alberta, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the age of 76. Lorne passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and fond memories of his remarkable life.

Lorne is survived by his loving wife and soulmate, Marianne Doyle, and their sons Shaun (Danielle) and Jamie (Michelle). He will also be missed by his grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

Lorne was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Marjorie Doyle, who he greatly admired, as well as his brothers Harold and Leslie Doyle, his sister Florence Lock and his grandson Jeremy.

A service to remember and celebrate Lorne’s life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 in Edmonton.