Regional Optimist
The Battlefords,Thursday, February 12, 2015 - Page 24
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FUNERAL SERVICES
OBITUARIES
Professional Services Provided with Heart and Compassion ROBERT MACKAY GEORGE HAEGEBAERT P.O. Box 806 North Battleford, SK S9A 2Z3
306-446-4200 OBITUARIES SILBERNAGEL (WUTTUNEE), Collin Ray: June 12, 1994 - January 28, 2015. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our son, Collin at the age of 20 years old. Collin was born June 12, 1994 at Biggar Union Hospital. Collin is survived by his father, Raymond Silbernagel, his mother, Rhonda Wuttunee-Barber (Dan) and siblings Lyle (Shawna), Destiny (Brandt), Lauralie (Kelly), Brayden (Halley), Nichole (Chris), Kira and Shayne. Special Friends: Desirae Falcon, Joseph Silbernagel, Brennan Wuttunee, Nic Scott, Kayla Knutson, and Brandon Burnett. Collin attended St. Gabriel School in Bigger, until grade six and completed high school at John Paul II in North Battleford. He was going into his third year Electrician Apprenticeship. Collin enjoyed eating Ketchup sandwiches and homemade jelly, longboarding with Kayla, building bike ramps with Holden, playing his guitar with Brandon, Homer tag with Joseph and Anissa, reading with big sis Destiny, Skip Bo at his dads, going on a hot air balloon and a helicopter ride with his dad, going visiting with Desiree and gathering treats from uncle Grant, Pauline, Desiree’s Grandfather Lawrence Falcon. Collin and his friends bought a camper for $400.00 each. They had lots of great weekends together. Collin learned to drive a standard, when he first began driving. He thought he would teach his big sister Lauralie to drive it but quickly gave up on her. He loved to cook himself breakfast. His favorite meal was barbeque ribs for supper. He joined a band called Kingdom of Ravens, after receiving lessons from Keith Bartlett. He played classical guitar, folk music and classical rock. His later passion was screamo music and when he played it, it really hurt his mother’s ears! Wake service and Funeral Services took place on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at Glen Kiskotagen Memorial Hall at Red Pheasant First Nation. Pastor Brian Arcand officiating with Howard McMaster as M.C. Honorary Pallbearers-all who shared Collins life. Pallbearers - Brayden Silbernagel, Lyle Silbernagel, Joseph Silbernagel, Brennan Wuttunee, Nic Scott, and Brandon Burnett. Internment took place at the Biggar Cemetary - Biggar, Saskatchewan. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service. “As I sit in Heaven, and watch you everyday. I try to let you know with signs, I never went away. I hear you when you’re laughing, and watch you while you sleep. I even place my arms around you as you weep. I see you wishing these days away, begging to have me home. So I try to send you signs so you’ll know your not alone. Don’t feel guilty that you have life that was denied to me. Heaven is truly beautiful just you wait and see. So live your life laugh again, enjoy yourself, be free. Then I know with every breath you take you’ll be taking one for me.” ____________________________________________________
BLANCHETTE (NEE ST. MARIE), Helen: It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Helen Blanchette on January 5th, 2015. Helen St. Marie was born on the St. Marie homestead one mile west of Cavalier, Saskatchewan, March 6th, 1923. She was the second eldest of 8 children. Helen married Rudy Blanchette November 16th, 1943, celebrating their 70th anniversary in November of 2013. Together they raised 7 children and were blesses with 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Helen loved fashion and looked elegant wherever she went. She was a very talented seamstress, one of Vawn and area’s best. Her daughter had hand sewn dresses every season. She was able to put together several patterns to make a one of a kind design. Helen could have rocked the Paris runways with her haute couture designs. Her talents also included cooking great meals for family and friends. The French tradition of meat pies at Christmas dinner was one of her specialties. A birthday was never forgotten. Every one of her children and Rudy could always depend on being honored with an angel food birthday cake, sometimes with money hidden inside. Helen spent many hours with her children at their school and sports activities. She generously contributed to community events in Vawn and was a member of the Vawn CWL, and later the North Battleford CWL. Her agility and long life can be attributed to always keeping busy gardening, picking berries, canning and preserving food to feed her family. The deep freeze and cold room were generally very well stocked. Her flower gardens reflected her love of colour and great designs. During retirement, Helen had many fond memories of dancing, fishing, cross country skiing and travelling with Rudy in their motor home. Since April of 2012, the Harwood Manor gave loving care to Helen. She enjoyed not having to cook and being treated so well. She was thought of a grandmother to some of the staff. Ask any one of her seven children and they will tell you the same thing: “We loved her with all our hearts” - “Children and Mothers never truly part, bound in the beating of each other’s heart.” Author Charlotte Grey. Helen will be sadly missed by her children: Hazel Blanchette, Garry (Nancy) Blanchette, Claudette (Godfrey) Gregoire, Robert (Debbie) Blanchette, Sylvia Blanchette (Arnie Gess), Darlene Blanchette, Lee (Shelly) Blanchette; Grandchildren: LeeAnn Good, Kim Boutin, Shelley Ann Blanchette, Kevin (Angela) Blanchette, Leonard (Naomi) Gregoire, Chantal (Martin) Windus, Ashley (Josh) Kehler, Donald (Martina) Johnson, Amanda Ingram (Russ Dodd), Haley (Robert) Mitchell, Renee (Michael) Rousseau, Kiley (Nicole) Blanchette, Kimberley (Tyrell) Church; Great-Grandchildren: Nicole Good, Laney, Allison, and Erica Blanchette, Alex Gregoire, Paige Windus, Rylan and Payton Kehler, Courtney, Carter, and Cassandra Johnson, Hunter and Hudson Rousseau, Kinsley Blanchette, Connor Church; Brothers: Fred and Dick St. Marie. She is Predeceased by Her husband Rudy in June 2014. Sisters: Hazel, Dorothy, Florence, Lorraine; Brothers: Bill and Joe St. Marie; Grandsons: Jason Blanchette and Jordon Ingram. Memorial donations can be made to the charity of the donors choosing. Funeral services were held Thursday January 8, 2015 at St. Joseph Calasanctius Roman Catholic Church in North Battleford. Those wishing to leave condolences can do so at www.sallowsandmcdonald.com The Family has entrusted the staff of Sallows and McDonald-Wilson and Zehner Funeral Home with arrangements (306) 445-2418. ____________________________________________________
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CHERNESKY: In Loving Memory of Mary Chernesky born October 7, 1914 at Wolia District, SK and passed away January 25, 2015 at Battleford, SK. Survived by her loving family: son, Morris (Elsie) Chernesky of Glaslyn, SK – Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren & Great-Great-Grandchildren: Terry (Angie): Larissa (Joseph) Santiago – Peyton, Jessica (Sean) Brewster – Adia; Natasha (Spencer) Nikkel; Nathan; daughter Pat Chernesky (Fred Olfert) of Nipawin, SK – Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren: Jeffrey (Jennifer); James (Kristen) – Jacob & Samantha; Michael (Candace) – Zoe & Xavier; Kristen (Ryan) Schlechte – Charlotte & Nicholas; step-sister, Katherine Pawlyshyn, Kamloops, BC; nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by her husband, Walter; parents: Michael & Katherine Danyliw; siblings: Annie Korpach, William Danyliw, Nellie Antypowich, Rosie Mazurkewich, John Danyliw, Nick Danyliw, Alex Danyliw, Nettie Nahirney, Peter Mykytuk, Metro (in infancy). Shared memories given by James Olfert. Dear Family and Friends, THANK YOU very much for coming to share in the celebration of a most wonderful life that of Mary Chernesky. It is an honor to be sharing her story and some family memories with you! Mary is the daughter of Katie (Bohay) Danyliw-Mykytuk. She was born on October 7th, 1914, the 6th child in a family of 12. Her parents immigrated to Canada in 1909 from western Ukraine, arriving with three children and other family on s.s. George Washington vessel into the port of New York. They travelled by rail across the country to Saskatchewan to the Wolia District, filed a homestead there and broke the land! Opening of the land was all done by hand! In 1918 an epidemic of Spanish influenza broke out which took the lives of Mary’s father and one year old brother, leaving her mother with seven small children ranging from ages 2 to 12. Mary was 4 at the time. It wasn’t long before Mary’s Grandfather from Ontario came to help with the farm, family and finances. Katie remarried in 1923. Mary worked hard on the farm and at any job that came along, including janitorial work at the school, as money was badly needed. When she started school she knew no English, but quickly learned from others and was able to carry on! She talked about wanting to be a nurse but wasn’t able to further her education at that time. We know that she would have made a wonderful, caring nurse! But life went on. In 1932 she married Walter Chernesky who had been adopted by the John Mikulak family, they also immigrated to Canada when Walter was 6 years old. Walter and Mary were the first couple to be married in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church which was just being built on their farm, with a Community Hall and School across the road! Wedding celebrations carried on at the Home of the bride. Mary talks about their first home having very little; it was a mud plaster house. They made a table from left over flooring, used apple boxes for chairs and cupboards and borrowed a couch for their first bed till they could purchase one! They were unsuccessful in drilling for water on their land, so hauled it from the creek 2 miles away. This was for household use and for cattle and horses. Later they moved to a different farm and water was only a half mile away! Walter and Mary were very active in the Community, School and Church, donating hundreds of hours of their time here! They did mixed farming, beginning with binder and threshing crew, then graduating to the combine. Mary worked hard at any job on the farm where she was needed, and especially loved feeding everyone! A son, Morris was born in 1932. He married Elsie Peterson from Hatherleigh in 1956, continuing on the farm but also working at Dart’s Store and eventually his own Hardware business which is now operated by their son Terry; this translates into over 60 years of business in this Community. A daughter Pat was born in 1949; she married Fred Olfert in 1976. She is a Family Physician. After over 40 years of hard work, Walter and Mary retired and built a home in Glaslyn in 1975. They enjoyed their retirement, taking several trips; one was a Bus Tour to Alaska, also trips to visit Brother Alex in St.Catherines, Ontario and to the west coast to visit family as well. Walter passed away in 1990 and Mary was able to live in her own home, with help, till April of 2014! Mary is well known for her generosity, her sharing everything which she could and she DID! She is also known for her good food which she shared amongst all she could! Baking and cooking were an art. She won prizes at “Glaslyn Days” for her Buns and Chiffon Cakes. Mary’s garden was something else! The ground was barely warm and she would be out there planting flowers and vegetables. Her raspberry patch was so bountiful and many neighbors, friends and family left with ice cream pails of huge beautiful berries! And the crocheting; her beautiful intricate work there leaves a legacy centrepieces, doilies, tablecloths – small and large – and she completed creations large enough to be used as bedspreads!! She has shared these with almost everyone in her life! We are so fortunate to have received them. Mary was a woman of strong faith; this faith strengthened and intensified as she grew older, carrying her through difficult times and she was thankful for the support which she received. The family is very grateful for the wonderful care which she was given in those final few weeks. Funeral Service was held on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at Glaslyn Community Hall, Glaslyn, SK with Pastor Doug Hacking Officiating. Music Ministry was Pianist – Gwen Hacking; Hymn Selections were “A New Name In Glory”, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” & “Amazing Grace.” Honourary Pallbearers were The many lives she touched. Pallbearers were Terry Chernesky, Nathan Chernesky, Morris Pawlyshyn, Jeffrey Olfert, Michael Olfert & James Olfert. Memorial Donations are requested to Charity of Choice. Interment took place at Wolia Cemetery – Glaslyn, SK. Arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LAVIN: Mr. Lloyd Lavin of the Battleford’s passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 29th at the Battleford’s District Care Centre at the age of 52 years. A Celebration of Life service was held on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. from the Battleford’s District Care Centre Auditorium with Reverend Father Greg Elder officiating. Interment will follow at a later date in the Leoville Cemetery, Leoville, Saskatchewan. Lloyd is survived by his loving family: father: William Lavin; sisters: Anne Marie (Wayne) Sorenson, Sheila (Wayne) Turuk, Donna (Dave O’Donnell), Rita (Eddie) Hoff; nieces and nephews: Tara (Ryan) Staples and children Nixon and Davis Shawn Higgs and son Matthew; Blayne (Chelsea) Higgs and children Kade and Clara Skylar and Logan Spence; Owen Dillabough and son Jagger; Kristopher Dillabough. He was predeceased by: his mother: Margaret Lavin; brother: Owen Lavin; grandparents: Thomas (Winnifred) Lavin and Alfred (Lena) Crossland. I am so privileged to be doing this eulogy for a very special person, my brother Lloyd. Lloyd’s journey through this life was way more challenging than any of us could ever imagine. Lloyd was the third child in a family of six. We are all very close in age with only 8 years separating the oldest from the youngest. We were raised on a mixed farm. Working very hard was a way of life for all of us for as long as we can remember. We were raised to “do unto others” and mom certainly policed that with an iron fist. To lie, cheat or steal was not an option. Mom looked for these behaviors quite ruthlessly. In each one of us these values are deeply engrained. These values are what Lloyd stayed true to, through his horrendous journey through schizophrenia. Before schizophrenia took over Lloyd’s life, he was a very happy, hard working popular guy with a promising future. As a youth and a teenager, he was active in 4H, played hockey, loved to snow mobile with friends and ride horses. He even bought and broke his own horse ‘Silver’. As a teenager he had many friends and girlfriends. Everybody loved Lloyd as he was so much fun to be around. In school he excelled with little effort. He worked hard on the farm with dad and Owen and played hard as well. He was just a normal, happy, fun loving teenager. When he left school, he worked for McMurray Excavating in the North West Territories as a heavy equipment operator, building town sites and services. He lived in Igloolic, Inuuvik and Resolute Bay. When he came home he had stories to tell and gifts for everyone. His life was heading in a very positive direction. He developed full blown schizophrenia in his early twenties. This was very hard for Lloyd to accept. I am not so sure he ever did accept it as he was always such an independent, proud man. Like the song you will be listening to next says “this has been a long hard road, with many winding turns” and once you are on this road, there is no turning back. You just carry on and get through it the best you can. Through Lloyd’s 31 year journey through hell, he kept his dignity, he kept his pride. He hung onto his independence as best he could. He kept his gentle, kind nature, and never once, in all these years, did I ever hear him complain. He never put anyone down, and if we did, he put us in our place. He taught us so much about humility, about compassion, about kindness. He never judged, he just carried on. I remember years ago, I was visiting him. I noticed he had no winter jacket. I had a grey corduroy, sheep skin lined jacket that was very warm. I gave it to him. The next time I saw him, he no longer had it... I was quite annoyed because I loved that jacket. I asked him where it was. He told me he gave it to someone who needed it. He could tell I was annoyed and he said to me “why did you give it to me if you didn’t mean it!”. Wow, what a lesson! From someone who has nothing. If you give with conditions, it is not giving at all. My sisters and I all had a very close, very protective relationship with Lloyd. He was so special to each of us. We each have many heart-warming memories we will carry with us forever. He had the best smile that just lit up his whole face. We called it his “cool-aid” smile. Lloyd lived independently for many years and always took pride in whatever job he was doing. For several years, he worked in the canteen as the Saskatchewan Hospital. He loved that job and took it seriously as he always wanted to ensure he was “paying his own way”. He was very proud, and would never take “something” for “nothing”. His quality of life improved drastically when he became a resident at Marilyn McGowan’s home several years ago. He was very happy there and enjoyed gardening and the many outings they went on. He became very attached to this ‘family’. When he became too ill to stay there any longer, he moved into the Edwards home. He was very happy there. He was treated with love and kindness. He had another new family and a good quality of life there as well. Here he had chores to do, and they all lived and worked as a family. Under Wendy and Irene’s guidance, Lloyd thrived. This was such a huge relief and a gift to all of us, to know Lloyd was in such a good place and as content as he could be. This was where Lloyd started painting. When he became too ill for the Edwards Center, he moved into the District Care Center. Here he spent endless hours painting. He took great pride and joy in each of his paintings. When Lloyd wasn’t painting we knew he wasn’t feeling well. We think his focus on the painting quieted the voices inside, and gave him peace. He was so happy to give these gifts to the special people in his life. The District Care Center became home to Lloyd. He loved living here. He felt very safe and secure. Rarely could we get him to leave for a visit. For each of us, his sisters, we are touched beyond words by the absolutely exceptional love and care he got here. From the nursing staff, to housekeeping, to kitchen, to the rec staff, to management and the office staff. How can we ever thank you for going that extra mile and giving such love to our brother and making the end of this tough journey so incredible. You gave him dignity to the end. We thank each one of you from the bottom of our hearts. Memorial donations in memory of Lloyd Lavin may be directed to the BTEC Building Fund, 702-102 St., North Battleford, SK. S9A 1E3. For those wishing to leave a condolence you may do so at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca. Trevor Watts of Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.