LUCILLE MARGARET MURFITT (KNOX) (1944-2024)

February 29, 1944-July 7,2024

Lucille passed away at the age of 80 with her husband and children at her side in the Davidson Long Term Care Centre, where she had been residing since March 2024.

Lucille was the only child born to Donald and Jean Knox of Davidson, Sask. in the Maple Valley district. She lived on the farm with her parents until her own mom passed away suddenly when she was 3 ½ years old. She then was cared for by her father, as well lived with her grandparents, a friend Audrey Murphy, and her Aunt Elda in Calgary. She attended school at Maple Valley, Davidson and LCBI in Outlook where she met and married the love of her Life, Alex (Ted) Murfitt April 20, 1963, on the farm where they spent 61 years together. They farmed and raised five children plus a nephew Lorne Murfitt.  Lucille was diagnosed with M.S. shortly after the youngest child was born in 1971 and was able to live with this diagnosis and its challenges in her own home until Feb 2024 with the dedicated care of her husband, assistance from Home Care as well as family and friends.

Lucille will forever be remembered for her amazing smile, loving everyone, and choosing Joy over despair at every opportunity. Lucille loved having her family come and spend time at the farm, there was always lots of food, fun, laughter, and room for tears. Her true happy place was sitting on their deck listening to the birds and enjoying a coffee with a visit.

Lucille is survived by her husband Alex (Ted), sons Edward, daughter Jean (Dave), Chris (Dorothy), Cal (Dianne) and Randy (Kim). Grandchildren: Dalton, Landon (Breanne), Martina (Taylor), Corbin, Chelsea (Devon), Greg, Braden (Ashley), Tara (Brennan), Alicia, Cole (Kyela), Clay (Dakota), Paris, Sedrik. Great-grandchildren: Libby, Emerson, Harper, Aliza, Ruth, Brynn, Braelynn, Everlee, Rhett, Theodore, Nathan, Maddyson, Maria, August, Collier, Abbigail, Edward-Jaxon, Lillianna. Sister-in-laws Judy (Howard) Saelof, Bev Murfitt, Rose Murfitt. As well as many nieces, nephews and extended close family members.

Lucille was predeceased by her parents Donald and Jean Knox, Fred and May Murfitt, Kenny, Stan, and Fred Murfitt.

A Celebration of Life was held July 13,2024 at Davidson, Sacred Heart Catholic Church- United service.  Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements. Donations can be made to M.S. Canada, Davidson Heath Trust Fund (payable to the Town of Davidson) or Telemiracle (Kinsmen Foundation Inc).

Carol pavelich (1934-2024)

March 12, 1934 – July 6, 2024

Carol Pavelich passed away peacefully on July 6, 2024 at Diamond House Personal  care home in Warman Sask. 

Carol was the youngest of six siblings born to Ed and Lottie Kergen of Davidson, Sask. She lived on the family farm until she attended Sion High School in Saskatoon Sask. She graduated in 1951 and  married Milton Pavelich in 1953. They lived in Kenaston Sask, and soon started a family raising nine children.  

Carol was a hard-working, devoted housewife with a soft, quiet spirit with an unforgettable sense of humor. 

Carol is survived by her seven children, Gene (Glenda) Pavelich, Debra Pavelich, Paige (Bruce) Green, Milton Pavelich Jr., Nick (Lawrence Lee) Pavelich, Leanne (Steve) Schellenberg, Lisa (Hal Zimmer) Pavelich, eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  

Carol was predeceased by her husband, Milton in 2005 and her son Myles and daughter Kathy in 2023, and son-in-law Rudy Thurlow Jr. in 1995.  

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

Funeral services entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral home of Davidson, Sask. 

orville anton ward

Orville passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday May19, 2024 at the age of 96. 

He is survived by his loving wife Eileen, sons Lyndon (Jenn) and CJ (Charlene), and grandchildren Madison, Landon, Jordyn, and Lincoln. He also leaves behind siblings Donna and Melvin (Jane) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, and their families. 

He was predeceased by parents Harry and Helen, brothers Ken, Vernon (Bud), Ronnie, and sisters Vida and Austa.  

He will forever be remembered for his unbreakable sense of humour and razor-sharp wit. 

The family would like to acknowledge the amazing staff at the Davidson Health Centre where he earned the nickname “Cowboy”. Thank you for making Orville’s final days as comfortable as possible and for everything they did for us during that time.  

A graveside service for Orville will be held at Elbow Community Cemetery on Saturday, August 2, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation at heartandstroke.ca 

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

George albert bristow (1943-2024)

May 10, 1943 – July 5, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of George on July 5, 2024, after a month’s stay in the St Paul’s hospital. Born in Saskatoon on May 10, 1943, George lived a full and dedicated 81 years of life, spending 71 years in Strongfield and the last 10 years in Saskatoon. 

George was predeceased by his parents, Lulu and D.A. (Donald) Bristow of Strongfield. George was an only child, and his reason for that was, “When you make one perfect one, why would you make anymore!” 

George was the beloved husband of Mavis, married 58 wonderful years on July 9th. He was Mavis’s unwavering pillar of support throughout her 56- year journey as a paraplegic, a testament to his boundless love and devotion. His caring and selfless nature shone through as he consistently offered a helping hand, while steadfastly encouraging her to pursue her own path with strength and determination. He wholeheartedly believed in Mavis’s abilities and supported her every step of the way. 

He was a devoted father to his three children: Donald (Susan), Alana (Scott), and Cam (Devre). George was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Joseph (Matana), Danielle (Josh), and Alexandra (Miles) (Donald & Susan’s), Warner, Connor, and Payton (Cam & Devre’s), and Nevan & Declan (Alana & Scott’s). He was also blessed with one great- grandchild, Madden Bristow (Joseph & Matana’s). 

George is also survived by siblings-in-law, Merla (Harold) Pedersen, Karen Lyons, Vicki (Roger) Hardage, Kent (Laurie Harrison) Keebaugh, Marion Keebaugh, and Ward Keebaugh of Melbourne Australia. Having married into a large family, George has been predeceased by many loving in-laws. 

George’s life was deeply rooted in his community. As a farmer in Strongfield, he worked tirelessly to support his family and his town. His commitment to public service was unwavering, having served as the Mayor of Strongfield for an impressive 40 years. He was also very proud to serve on SUMA and served as vice-president of villages. His leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on the community he loved so dearly. 

A passionate sports enthusiast, George had a particular fondness for hockey, football, curling, and baseball. He took great joy in watching his children and grandchildren participate in various sports. George also cherished playing games like crib, sharing many memorable moments with family and friends. 

George loved coffee-row at Market-Mall, golfing at Greenbryre, and attending Huskie Athletic events. All these places were an opportunity to meet and visit with people; a great source of joy for George. 

He will truly be missed by his family, as well as many cousins and friends in the community of Strongfield and area. Friends in the Churchill Gardens condo, and the boys at coffee row will also miss him dearly. 

We want to thank the wonderful, caring staff in ICU at St. Paul’s hospital, as well as Dr. Duval and Dr. Wright who George respected and trusted to care for him over the last six years. 

A service to celebrate George’s life was held on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 2:00pm at the Hall in Strongfield. George will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of love, dedication, and community spirit will continue to inspire us. 

Anyone wishing to give a gift in memory of George is encouraged to give to the Strongfield Hall, Box 87 Strongfield SK S0H 3Z0 or Spinal Cord Injury Sask, 1705 McKercher Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7H 5N6. 

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

Riverbend Co-op donates $150,000 to childacre project

Davidson Childcare Inc. celebrated the beginning of construction for its new licensed childcare facility on June 25, with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Premier Scott Moe, among many other dignitaries. This marks a significant milestone in the community’s effort to enhance local childcare services. Following the ceremony, Riverbend Co-op, a long-time collaborator with Davidson Childcare, hosted a pulled pork supper, donating 100 per cent of the proceeds to the childcare group’s fundraising efforts. The supper was staffed by local team members, management, and various members of Riverbend’s Board of Directors, demonstrating the strong community involvement in the project. During the event, Ed Spigott, Vice President of the Riverbend Board of Directors, announced a donation of $150,000 to the childcare facility.

“This donation from your co-operative reflects our belief in the power of community and our commitment to supporting initiatives that benefit everyone,” said Mr. Spigott. “Small towns like ours thrive on the strength of our collective efforts. When we join together, we can accomplish great things.” The funds will contribute to the construction of the new Davidson Childcare Centre. Riverbend’s contribution will be acknowledged in the facility’s outdoor play area. This donation places Riverbend Co-op among a prestigious list of community members, organizations, and businesses supporting this vital project. “Developing a daycare is no small feat — it requires an enormous amount of effort, dedication, and resources,” Mr. Spigott added. “The parents and business owners of Davidson have shown an extraordinary commitment to making this dream a reality.”

Davidson Childcare Inc. will continue its fundraising efforts with Riverbend Co-op when they return to hosting a BBQ outside the Riverbend Co-op Davidson Food Store on July 19, with a follow-up event on Aug. 23, weather permitting.

(This story was submitted in the form of a news release.)

Clara pauline bagg (Chandler) (1934-2024)

April 10, 1934 – April 25, 2024

With a heavy heart we announce the passing of our Mother. Mom had just celebrated her 90th Birthday with Family and Friends. She left us with many great memories of her Birthday Week as well as those thru out our lives.

 Clara is survived by her children Marvin (Karen), Janet (Danny) Amundrud, Brad, Dwight and Carla (Mike) Lloyd. Her grandchildren Kris (Laura), Kattlyn (Irene), Kyle (Victoria), Ashley (Bryson), Klarissa, Daniel, Riley, Robbi, Mikala, Keegan and Hailee. Her great grandchildren Keenan, Kaden, Eleanor and Hugh. Her siblings Bernie (Rose) Chandler, Hazel Cook and Susan Kopeck as well as nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her husband Reg, her parents Annie and Clarence Chandler, sisters Marjorie (Everett) Gerard and Shirley (Bill) Gibb. Brothers George and Clifford Chandler, brother in law Peter Kopeck and nephews.

Clara was the 3rd of 8 children and the first child born on the Chandler homestead. She attended Arden Leigh School. She then worked for various families. While working on her sisters farm near Springside she met and married Reg. A few years later they moved to Khedive and in 1973 they moved to Aylesbury where they made their home and raised their family.

Clara purchased the greenhouse from Joe and Della Heineken for whom she had worked for several years. As well as at Munn’s greenhouse. She served many drinks at the Aylesbury Hotel over the years. She was acting post mistress until its closing in September 1986. Mom finished her paid working days as Cook for Morskey Construction for 10 years.

Clara was compassionate, generous, patient and truly selfless. She enjoyed puzzles, knitting, playing crib, curling, and spending time with family and friends. She was a member of the United Church, UCW and the Aylesbury Go Getters.

There will be a Celebration of Life July 6th, 2024 at the Aylesbury Hall followed by Lunch and Fellowship. For those wishing, memorial donations in memory of Clara, may be directed to the Aylesbury Hall or Aylesbury Cemetery. Hanson’s Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

The Davidson Leader, Davidson, Saskatchewan