OBITUARIES

Frank Levern Durst

Frank Levern Durst was born in Tribune on November 2, 1924. The Durst family moved to Oungre in 1929 and ran a general store and the post office from 1929 to 1993. Frank attended Lyndale school in Oungre. Frank Durst was a reflection of the community he lived in and the times in which he lived. He grew up during the 'dirty thirties' and his values were shaped by his upbringing and his experiences. He had a strong sense of community and family. He was a quiet person whose actions spoke louder than his word. Frank would let others take centre stage, while he was content to work quietly behind the scenes. Frank was a great sports enthusiast. Besides playing fastball, baseball, hockey and golf he was first and foremost an avid and skilled curler, who won many bonspiels in southern Saskatchewan. In the 1950's Frank skipped a local team which became known to many in the Oungre area as the "Four Aces." The Four Aces competed in and won numerous bonspiels. Frank's love for the game of curling was nurtured by his father Fred Durst who was known for his curling prowess. Frank and his father were instrumental in establishing the Oungre curling club in the 1950's. In addition to playing the game of curling, Frank was also a great supportor of the game, attending more than 25
World Curling Championships between 1973 and 1999. Frank farmed with his brother Leroy in the Oungre area for more than 40 years. He was the 'handyman' around the farm and was continually called upon to repair old machinery which had broken down. Frank was a strong believer in and a lifelong member of the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. He was also an ardent supporter of the Canadian Wheat Board. Frank still maintained an interest in agricultural issues after his retirement from farming in 1989. Frank's strong sense of community was developed in part, in his capacity as the Oungre postmaster. Frank served as postmaster from 1956 to 1993. The post office was located in the General Store, owned and operated by his mother Katherine Durst. Frank knew everybody in the area as they all congregated at the General Store to 'pick up the mail' and 'get groceries.' Frank was also the local furnace repairman in the Oungre area. He was called upon many cold prairie evenings, at all hours, to venture out to repair somebody's furnace, which had 'gone on the blink.' Frank always found time to be a tower of strength for his family. He was there to lend his moral support and time whenever required. He was the glue that held the family together, always making an extra effort to organize, attend and chronicle family events. Photography was another one of Frank's hobbies and he created numerous photo albums of family events. Frank Durst was an honest and principled man. He did not make decisions hastily. He was very methodical. You could always count on Frank - he was a 'quiet constant.' Maybe that's why we were all surprised by his passing because a constant never changes. Frank leaves to mourn his extended family: sister-in-law, Noreen Durst of Oungre, his nieces: Lee Bukowski and her daughters Erin and Stacey of Chicago, Illinois; Nancy (Bob) Mancell and son Brett of Calgary, AB; his nephew Kevin Durst of Regina. His sisters: Kathryn (Fred) Groshong of Torquay; Mildred (George) Forsythe of Regina; nieces and nephews: Laurie, Lois, Lynn, Richard, Ron and Willis: one aunt, Ester Kelly of Berthoud, Colorado; several grand nieces and nephews and his best friend 'Nikko.' The Durst family would like to especially thank all those in the Oungre community who provided food and their moral support during this difficult period.
After I'm Gone
The wind will follow the prairie trails,
Searching for me I know,
But I'll be here in my quiet grave,
Out of the wind and snow.
It will cross the hill where the briers are,
Where the sky and the prairies meet,
Around the housesacross the wheat.
For the soul of man is a lonely thing,
Searching the wide world o'er,
For something he feels beyond his reach,
Or the glimpse of a far off shore.
But I shall not hear as the wind goes by,
For my body old and frail
Will lie asleep in the quiet earth,
At the end of a lonely trail.
Arrangements in care of Hastings-Dionne Funeral Home, Weyburn.

Sean Cole Kmita

On Monday, September 4, 2000, Sean Cole Kmita of Weyburn, passed away at the age of eight months. Sean was born December 31, 1999 at Regina. Sean is survived by his father and mother, Tyler and Nicole; grandparents: John and Roseann Kmita of Weyburn, Louis and Laura Dingreville of Cowley, AB; aunts and uncles: Shannon Kmita (Dave Kelly) of Weyburn, Jonathan Kmita of Weyburn, Michele Kmita (Jason Wheeler) of Sylvan Lake, AB, Roy Dingreville of Coaldale, AB, Edward (Kathy) Dingreville of Cowley, AB, Bradey (Tammy) Dingreville of Calgary, AB; his cousins: Chalsey, Braden, Kyle, Dakota, Courtney and Ashley, great grandma, Leonie Dingreville of Blairmore, AB. Funeral service was held Saturday, September 9, at 2:00 p.m. from Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, with Rev. John Ferrier officiating. Interment followed in Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in his memory to the Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit, c/o Regina General Hospital, 1440-14th Ave., Regina, Sask. S4P 0W5. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.

Larry Regan Johnson

On Sunday, September 3, 2000, Larry Regan Johnson, late of Weyburn, passed away at the age of 48 years. Predeceased by his grandparents: Nicholas and Mary Hatvaney and Eric and Elizabeth Johnson. Larry is survived by his loving wife, Connie of Weyburn; four children: Donovan (Holley) of Calgary; Jennifer (Craig), Holley (Steve) and Regan of Weyburn; step-children: Tammy Lynne (Destin) of Weyburn and M.J. of Weekes; his parents, Ralph and Mary Johnson of Whitewood; brother and sister: Phil (Debbie) of Foam Lake and Shelley (Brent) Geysen of Balgonie; uncle, Paul Hatvaney of Whitewood; mother-in-law Marie Nimegeers of Halbrite; brothers and sisters-in-law: George (Lorraine) Nimegeers of Fredricton, Shirley (Max) Weidemann of Calgary; Glen (Vona) Nimegeers of Calgary, Linda (Peter) McCann of Calgary, Joan (Wayne) Casler of Sherwood Park, Eunice (Alfred) Langille of Redcliff, Sharon (Joe) Theil of Redcliff, Marlene (Dennis) Wanner of Weyburn; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Larry was born September 17, 1951 at Whitewood. He was raised and educated at many places across Saskatchewan. Some of these places were: Broadview, Secretan, Halvorgate, Tuxford, Fleming and Manor. Larry started for for Sask. Wheat Pool in 1971. He started working at Oxbow as a warehouse assistant in 1972. He became an assistant in chemical marketing in Regina in 1975, then senior procurement supervisor in livestock products in 1977, then supervisor of the Farm Service Centre in Weyburn in 1980. On December 13, 1996, Larry married Connie Nimegeers in Weyburn. Larry was an avid sports fanatic. He played minor hockey in fleming, Jr. B Hockey in Moosomin and Redvers, senior hockey in Fleming and Manor. Anyone who knew Larry would know he was a Montreal Canadian fan. When growing up he and his brother Phil, Phil being a Boston Bruins fan, always caused quite a discussion. He played high school football in Moosomin, which gave him the love of the game. Larry was a real Riders fan and he held season tickets for many years. He would argue the game of football with anyone. For Larry, it didn't matter what sport it was, he would watch it on TV. Larry became a dart player, curler and he played pool. Golf was another passion in Larry's life. He was a competitive and vocal player. Once Larry came to Weyburn he became quite involved in the community. He was a member of the Lions and Legion. When Larry became a member of the Legion, he got involved in pool and darts. Larry's passion for sports showed up in pretty much everything that he was involved with. Larry was a husband, father, son, brother, son-in-law, friend and neighbor who will be missed by everyone. A memorial service was held Friday, September 8 at 1:00 p.m. from Knox Presbyter-ian Church, Weyburn, with Rev. John Ferrier officiating. Inter-ment followed in Forest Farms Cemetery, Whitewood. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in his memory to the Canadian Liver Foundation. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.

M. Merle McEachern

M. Merle McEachern passed away peacefully at the Weyburn General Hospital on August 31, 2000. Merle was born on October 26, 1921 on a farm near Glidden, SK. Her preschool years were spent in the Kindersley area and then in Cleveland, Ohio. The family returned to Canada in 1927 to Invermay, and they later moved to Handel where she completed her grade 12. Merle was then sent to teacher's college in Saskatoon and then taught in a one room school house near Handel for 1-1/2 years. She then decided that teaching was not for her. So, in September of 1943 she joined the women's division of the RCAF and was discharged in June 1945. She then worked for DVA as a receptionist and card clerk in Saskatoon for a year. By then she had decided to go back to university. With help from DVA and bursaries she took her BA in psychology and history back in Saskatoon, graduating in June of 1949. She then moved to Toronto and graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work. She had summer jobs at the Weyburn Mental Hospital during 1948 and 1949. It was there that she met her husband to be, Jerry McEachern, who was taking Psychiatric Nursing. They were married on August 11, 1950 and raised three children: Jean, Catherine and Tom. Merle worked for a couple of years when Jean and Catherine were young, but decided she would rather raise her family herself. She became very active in whatever her children were involved in. She started a preschool program on the block, she was a Brownie leader with her girls. She joined various clubs and organizations, including University Women's Club, bridge club, Home and School Association, Sooline Historical Society and was a member of the Board of the United Appeal. She was an advocate and arranged bus service for students living on the south hill so they could attend the new junior high school on the north side of town. Although very athletic as a child, her only sport was bowling as an adult. She raised her children in the United Church and taught Sunday School and was on the Board of Session for education. She then in later years helped to catalogue the church library. She had returned to the work force in 1968 to work as a librarian in order to help pay for her children's post secondary education. Some will remember her working at Knobby's Music Store. Following retirement, Jerry and Merle traveled extensively in the winters, until poor health prevented them from doing so. Merle suffered a heart attack and stroke in October 1999. She had not been well since. However, Jerry and Merle celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 11, 2000, with family and a few close friends in attendance. Merle will be remembered as an intelligent lady, mother and wife with great compassion, wit, sense of humour, a bit of surprising silliness and lots of free advice. She was firm in her faith of our loving God. The family would like to thank Dr. McCallam and staff at the Weyburn General Hospital for their efforts in treating Mom. We'd like to thank all her friends and family for their support and gifts of love, flowers, cards, food and visits. A special thank you to neighbours Barb and Marlene for the lovely lunch. Thanks to Fletcher Funeral Chapels staff for their compassion and understanding. - Jerry, Jean and Brian, Catherine and Beattie, Tom and Shelly and families. Mabel Merle McEachern was predeceased by her parents, Roy and Emily Sills; brother, Roy Sills; grandson Steven Hunter and niece, Heather Sills. Merle is survived by her loving husband, Jerry McEachern of Weyburn; two daughters: Jean (Brian) Hunter of Kitscoty, AB and family, Chris and Melissa; Catherine (Beattie) Ramsay of Regina and son, Jonah; one son, Tom (Shelley) McEachern of Bakersfield, Calif. and their daughter, Lauren; one brother, Lloyd (Ruby) Sills of Edmonton; three sisters: Nina (Albert) Carter of Saskatoon; Inez (Al) Adams of Hamilton; and Vivian McCroary of Saskatoon; sister-in-law, Lenore Sills of Saskatoon; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held Thursday, September 7 at 2:00 p.m. from Fletcher Funeral Chapels, Weyburn, with Marilyn Anderson Corkum officiating, organist April Sampson and soloist June Fletcher. Interment followed in Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. Pallbearers were: Chris Hunter, Joe Lauf, Jonah McEachern, Jason Ustupski, Ken Obst and Peter Szuta. Lunch followed at Barb and Gary Hudson's home. In lieu of flowers, for friends so wishing, donations may be made to the Saskatchewan Heart and Stroke Foundation. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.

Ralph Edward Morley

April 2, 1903-September 8, 2000. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our cherished Grandpa Morley at the Regina General Hospital. Born in Nodaway County, Iowa, he moved to Saskatchewan with his parents and siblings around 1908. He grew up (and played baseball) in the areas of Rouleau, Diana, Arcola and Froud. He found his true love in Viola Karstad, to whom he was married in 1924. Most of Ralph and Viola's 69 years together were spent farming near Francis. Ralph and Viola had four children: Earl (Ruth), Ivan (Mary), Lola (Carl Beck) and Doreen Arnott. He loved playing and watching baseball and had a wonderful ear and voice for music. He was committed to church and the community and was always dedicated to his family, including all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that came along. He was quick with a joke and saw the positive side in any turn of events. Although he had a strong athletic physical build, he was gentle in his touch and words, especially with children for whom he always had a great rapport. For the last two years, Ralph resided comfortably at Parkview Lodge in Regina. Predeceased by his parents; three brothers and two sisters; his wife, Viola; and grandson, Ken. The fond memories of Grandpa will be cherished by his four children; 10 grandchildren: Bob (Antonette) Morley; Richard (Julie) Morley; Sherrie McCrory; Tim (Carrie) McCrory; Rebecca Beck; Douglas (Karin) Chappell; Carolyn (Mark) Endruhn; Greg Morley; Suzanne (Jon) Morley; Dona-Lynn Morley; 10 great-grandchildren: Leanne (Brian) Kohlman; Robyn Morley; Diana Morley; Eric Morley; Reid Morley; Mia Laine Morley; Jolsen Morley; Eric Chappell; Tyler Chappell; Andreia Endruhn; and one great-great-grandson, Robert Kohlman. Funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 11 at Regina Funeral Home. Interment took place at Regina Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ralph Morley's name to the Christ Lutheran Church in Francis, SK, or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements were entrusted to Regina Funeral Home.

Mary Rita Laing

Mary Rita Laing, born August 24, 1916, of Kelowna, passed away suddenly at her home Friday, September, 8, 2000. Rita was predeceased by her husband Tom in 1987. Shortly thereafter, Rita moved from Weyburn to Kelowna, where she resided until her passing. Rita is survived by her children: Jim (Jackie) Laing; David Laing; Brian Laing; Linda (Tim) Werry; her brother, Frank McInnis; sister-in-law, Dorothy Knight; and her grandchildren: Marnie, Stacey, Holly and Catherine Laing; Judson, Julie (Fabian) McIntyre; Joel Laing; Sheana Laing; Evan and Bryn Werry; and her great grandson, Kaden. A private family service will be held on Friday, September 15 in Weyburn, SK.

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