OBITUARIES

It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of John Wagner Potts, a life-time resident of Weyburn, on June 19, 2002 at the Souris Valley Extended Care Centre where he has been a guest for three years. He was predeceased by his wife Muriel in 1999; a son Kenneth in 1962, a daughter, Sharon Johnson in 1991; three sisters: Gertrude Olson, Elizabeth Crawford and Edith McPhail; two brothers: William and Elmer (Jim). John leaves to cherish his memory a daughter, Connie (Roger) Phillips of Black Diamond, AB; son-in-law Jerry Johnson of Swift River, Yukon; four grandchildren: Kelly Johnson, Saskatoon; Rob (Erin) Johnson, Whitehorse, Yukon; Ken (Shelley) Farr, Kelowna, BC and Dan (Victoria) Phillips, Lethbridge, AB; great grandchildren: Dustin and Danielle Farr; Levi and Emily Johnson;one sister, Myrtle Wilson of Weyburn; nieces and nephews. John Wagner Potts was born August 19, 1918 on the family farm, SE quarter of section 14, township 8 in the R.M. of Weyburn, to John and Margaret (Wagner) Potts. He was the youngest in a family of seven. John spent ten years on the farm, attended Little Rock School, then completed his schooling at Haig School in Weyburn. His parents quit farming in 1928 and moved to Weyburn where his father operated a dray business. John learned young how to be a good worker and took pride in a job well done. He helped his father for several years in the dray business and took on any casual jobs available locally to support himself. He and other venturesome friends took various jobs, harvesting, scrubbing bushland, fencing for PFRA, poultry plant, and sawmill work for several years. July 29, 1940 he was married to Muriel Fleming of Brooking. Also that year he began working for Standard Dairy (later Co-op Creamery). John joined the Canadian Army in 1942, training in Regina and Barriefield, ON. He was discharged in 1944. The fall of 1944, John took a butter making course, and returned to work at the Co-op Creamery, remaining until 1966. He won local and provincial awards with his top quality butter. John and Muriel raised a family of three: Sharon Muriel, Kenneth John and Connie May. Following the creamery, John worked at Laing's Beverages, operated Pal's Billiard, Souris Valley grounds keeper and spent from 1973 to 1983 caretaker of the Comprehensive school. John was a life-long member of the Presbyterian church and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. John's family was the most cherished possession of his life. John was well read, had a quick wit, enjoyed spectator sports, gardening and cards. He enjoyed humorous conversational exchanges with family and friends and had a spontaneous laugh and ready smile. His life touched many people and many people touched his life! Funeral service was held Saturday, June 22 at 1:00 p.m. from Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, with Rev. John Ferrier officiating. Interment followed in Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion formed an Honor Guard and held a Last Post Service. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. The active pallbearers were: Dewey Bell, Tim Neuberger, Chris Payak, Larry Fleming, Duane Fleming and Kevin Fleming. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in his memory to the ALS Society (Lou Gehrig Disease). Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn, 842-5432.

Lily Osborne of Maidstone, Saskatchewan passed away in the Pine Island Lodge, Maidstone on Monday, June 17 at the age of 96 years. Lily is survived by: her daughter Vera MacKay of Lloydminster; two granddaughters: Jane MacKay of Lasqueti Island, BC and Ann and her husband Harvey Evans of Fort Frances, Ontario; five great grandchildren: Stacey, Laurie, Sandra, Deborah all of BC and Tony of Fort Frances, Ontario; nine great great grandchildren, one nephew Maurice Hampshire of Worcester, England and one niece of Thetford, England. Lily was predeceased by: her husband Sidney in 1964 and one grandson Tony in 1969. The memorial service for Lily was conducted from the McCaw Funeral Chapel, Lloydminster, Alberta on Friday, June 21, 2002 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Norm Laird officiating. Hymns sung were: "The Lord's My Shepherd," "Abide With Me," and "Lead Kindly Light," accompanied on the organ by Marj Kilback. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster administered the funeral arrangements.

On Sunday, June 16, 2002, Fred lost his life in a farm accident near Saskatoon. He was predeceased by son Larry, and parents Joe and Dorothy Cooper. Fred leaves to mourn his beloved wife Judy; three children: Garry, Chris and Sherry; grandchildren Joey Cooper, Krystal Vanderstelt, Nick and Michelle Hyde; mother and father-in-law Lloyd and Edyth Covert; sister Florence (Les) Norby, sister Muriel (Raymond) Wahl, brother Bob Cooper and sister-in-law Charlene (Marence) Pierce; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other extended family and friends. Fred was born Feb. 19, 1947 in Weyburn. He was raised on the family farm south of Trossachs. He was a dreamer who worked hard and loved life. He worked many different jobs among which were a farm hand, in the mines at Thompson, MB or driving an 18 wheeler. His passion was the land, people and nature. He realized his dream near Grandora where he purchased a parcel of land. It was the simple things in life that brought him joy: a sunset, the early morning dew, fresh rain, birds singing and the list goes on. His greatest pride and joy was his family and friends. He never judged anyone and was a mentor for many. There were times when a stranger would happen by; be welcomed with open arms, given a hot meal and sometimes a place to sleep or a winter coat. This is one man who would literally give the shirt off his back to help. Fred always said "Celebrate my life and be happy, don't mourn my passing." Those of us who knew Fred have had our lives so enriched that we do mourn our loss of one so special and we do rejoice having had you in our lives. Thank you for being you. A memorial service was held at Asquith Baptist Church, Friday, June 21 at 2:00 p.m. with special friend, Pastor James Graham officiating. Interment to follow at a later date.

On Saturday, June 15, 2002, after a lengthy illness, Lester Bakusko, late of Weyburn, formerly of Goodwater, passed away at the age of 75 years at Souris Valley Extended Care Centre. Lester was predeceased by his parents, William and Hazel Bakusko. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Dorothy of Weyburn; daughter, Rhonda of Calgary; son, Hal of Goodwater; brother, Lawrence Bakusko of Estevan; sister, Ann Resler of Regina; sister-in-law, Audrey Young of Carlyle as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Les was born in Lampman, Saskatchewan and raised on a farm near Woodley. After attending Hill Hall School and Woodley School, he worked at various jobs in manufacturing, mining and oil and gas. While working in the oilfields around Goodwater, he met Dorothy Gustafson; they were married in 1960. They took over the Gustafson family farm in 1962 and lived there until 1988, when they moved to Weyburn. Over the years, Les played an active role on the Goodwater Rink Board, Goodwater School Board, and Southeast Saskatchewan Surface Rights Association. Les took pride in farming and pleasure in sharing the farming experience with his family. He particularly enjoyed seeing the different crops and farming practices when he and Dorothy traveled to various states and provinces. His gentle nature, his quick wit, and his keen sense of fun will be dearly missed. A memorial service was held Wednesday, June 19 from Grace United Church, Weyburn. Reverend Hazel Arbon officiated. Interment followed at Hillcrest Cemetery. All in attendance were considered honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, for friends so wishing, donations may be made in Lester,s memory to the proposed Tatagwa View Health Facility, or to a charity of their choice. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn, 842-5432.

On Sunday, June 15, 2002, Ralph passed away at Hill Top Manor, Weyburn, where he had resided for 2-1/2 years, in close companionship with his "girls" and other residents. Ralph was born September 13, 1932 in Davidson. Ralph was raised on his parents' farm at Imperial along with nine brothers and sisters. He is predeceased by his parents Zelma and Wes Reeves; brothers Cliff, Lorne, Gordon and sister Marjorie. He is survived by his loving wife Ora of 47 years and his children: Janet (William) Birrell of Sarnia, ON (soon to be of Craik); Robert (Danette) of Bengough; Donna of Regina; grandchildren Robert, Vanessa, Stephanie, Logan and Jordan; his sisters: Alice Roney of Imperial; Marlene Martynook of Imperial; Doreen Kidney of Oakville, ON; brothers Clarence of Nanaimo, BC; Raymond of Lloydminster, AB; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws. Ralph attended Rouse School and after completing Grade 10, worked for farmers in the area. In the spring of 1951, he traveled by train to Horizon to work for a farmer there, Maxwell Scott. A few weeks later he met Maxwell's sister Ora. They were married October 23, 1954. After living in Regina for a few months they moved to Limerick to work on a farm. Their first daughter Janet was born in Assiniboia in October 1955. In the early spring of 1956 they moved to Horizon to live on the Scott farm, and again Ralph worked with Maxwell. In 1963, Ora's father passed away and they rented his land. Eventually they bought Maxwell's farm, and rented other land as well. Farming was the only thing Ralph ever wanted to do. He loved the land and his stock, and worked hard for a lifestyle he thoroughly enjoyed. Our community was a close-knit one, so there were good times in completing work projects and on our many family get-togethers. By 1962, we had outgrown our small house, so we built a new bungalow with the help of neighbors. Robert was born in January, 1963, and Donna in January 1971. When Robert joined the Boy Scout troop Ralph became interested in their activities, so agreed to be a leader and became part of the Group Committee for Bengough. He also sat on the Sitting Bull District Committee and then spent two years as District Commissioner for Sitting Bull. He formed the first Ventures Group in 1978, and helped set up a Scout camp at Willows, near Assiniboia. Camping was his favorite activity to do with the boys that he attended many organized camps in both Saskatchewan and Alberta. In 1980, he and his older Venture boys helped plan for the World Jamboree that was to be held at Kananaskis in 1981. Their part was to select hiking trails in the area. This camp attracted nearly 14,000 Boy Scouts. When he retired in 1986, he was presented with the Medal of Merit for providing a special service to the Scouting movement. He then became interested in Belgian horses, buying mares and raising colts, spending winter hours breaking them for driving, always using them for chores and cattle feeding. Then started to show them at local agricultural fairs: Bengough, Ogema, Weyburn, and Moose Jaw. He organized Old Time Field Days at the farm, inviting friends and neighbors to bring horses for a fun day of using various horse drawn equipment and to try their hand at driving. The day ended with a pot luck meal and after a couple of years added an old time dance in the shop with many local musicians. In 1992, we hosted the Saskatchewan Draft Horse Association picnic. In 1993, he developed a bad case of shingles, tried to keep up with the usual farming and horse activities, but found it more and more difficult as time went on. By 1997, he knew the work was too much for him, so we held a farm auction sale in April 1998. That summer he was diagnosed with Pick's disease and we moved to the Senior Villa in Bengough in September. In February of 1999 he entered the Bengough Health Care Center. In the meantime, we purchased a condo in Weyburn and moved there in June. Ralph was able to spend four months with Ora. In October he entered Souris Valley, and then moved to Hill Top Manor to reside until his passing. Through the years he was part of the Bengough School Board, Knox United Church Board and Agricultural Society. When natural gas lines were being extended to new areas he canvassed our surrounding communities and signed on enough people to have this service. He participated in community activities and enjoyed playing cards and dancing. He was proud of his family and enjoyed the grandchildren, often cajoling them with bad habits to frustrate their mothers. He will be sadly missed, but finally at peace and able to rest without pain. A memorial service and interment will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to Bengough Twilight Home Auxiliary, Bengough, SK, or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements in care of Assurance Funeral Services, Weyburn, 842-6020 or 1-866-822-5252. Curtis E. Monkman.

Laura's parents, James Morgan and mary Ann Jackson, sailed from England in the early 1900's. Their first stop was in Brandon, MB where Laura was born on April 23, 1905. James and Mary Ann moved to the Maxim area to a homestead where they raised their family of nine girls and two boys. Laura was predeceased by her parents, James and Mary Ann Morgan; her husband Delois Paxman; two brothers Philip and Bill; sisters, Amy, Carrie, Belle and Phyllis; her son-in-law Larry Yung; also one granddaughter Karen Tardif. She leaves to mourn her children Rhoda Yung of Regina and Ken (Jean) of Colgate; sisters Alice Bristow of Victoria, BC, Ethel Lawrence of Weyburn, Ida Jasper of Kelowna, BC and Francis (Bill) Wylie of Toronto, ON. Her grandchildren, Scott and daughters Nicole and Morgan; Brett (Juanita); Greg (Kim) and daughters, Shayla and Jaedyn; (husband to Karen) Michael Tardif and daughters, Jeanette, Colette and Rochelle; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Laura grew up at the farm at Maxim and attended Little Butte School. She later worked out at various places; one of those being Richard Bell's for five years. Laura learned to sew and made clothing for her younger sisters still at home. This was a skill she used throughout the years and also enjoyed gardening. Laura and Loss Paxman traveled by train from Maxim to Estevan where they were married on December 20, 1927. They farmed at Section 8 Township 14, Range 5 West of the Second (near Jewel Creek). Here their children Rhoda and Ken were born. They later purchased S.W. 30 (the former Edgar Stinson farm). Loss and Laura moved to Colgate in 1962. Loss passed away in 1974. Laura then moved to Weyburn; first in an apartment; Crocus Villa and finally Weyburn Special Care Home. A memorial service was held Thursday, June 20, 2002 from Grace United Church in Weyburn with Rev. Gary W. Goran officiating. Interment to take place at a later date. Donations in memory of Laura may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Box 968, Weyburn, SK S4H 2L2 or the charity of one's choice. Arrangements entrusted to Assurance Funeral Services, Weyburn, 842-6020 or 1-866-822-5252. Curtis E. Monkman.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ita Attracta who went peacefully to our Lord at the age of 67 on Tuesday, June 18, 2002. Leaving to mourn: her loving husband Vity of 42 years; her children Clodagh, Regina, Kyra (Kelvin), Regina, Nicole (Terry), Regina and Vity (Rhonda), Toronto; her grandchildren Siobhan (Jason), Brennan, Reegan, Cole and Shea; her siblings Tony (Marie), Ireland; Eithne (Johnny), Ireland; her mother-in-law Clothilde, her sisters-in-law Odette (Allan), Jacqueline, Anne-Marie (Trevor) all of Trinidad and Charmaine of Huntsville. She was predeceased by her father James, mother Mary, sisters Anne and Gertie, brothers-in-law Tommy and Sean and her father-in-law Ernesto. Ita touched the lives of everyone she met with her class, bright smile, caring personality and positive attitude towards life. A Celebration of Ita's Life was held at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church, Regina, Sask. on Saturday, June 22, 2002 with Rev. Francis Sarmiento, Celebrant. Prayers were held at the church on Friday, June 21. Interment to follow in June 2003 in Sandycove County, Dublin, Ireland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Allan Blair Cancer Clinic, 4101 Dewdney Avenue for cancer research in Ita's memory.

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