BALJENNIE ‑ Remembrance Day was a busy day honouring the men and women who served in the armed forces. Celebrations were held across Canada. The red poppy celebrated 100 years as the symbol of Remembrance Day.
In the First World War, Baljennie had more than 20 men and women join the services. In the Second World War nearly 30 joined up. They did well to serve our country. Some returned, but there were some lost in action and wounded.
Royal Canadian Legion branches in the Battlefords held ceremonies for the fallen. Battleford streets had many banners depicting those who went to war.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to families who have recently lost loved ones.
Willie Neal of River Heights Lodge passed away at the age of 101 years. Willie was born and raised in the Eagle Hills area and went to school there. From 1938-40 he played hockey for the Eagle Hills Shamrocks.
When Willie's dad, Percy Neal, went to serve in the Second World War in 1942, Willie took over the farming. He married Doris Leite and had a family of one daughter and two sons. He was a school trustee and chairman for the Eagle Hills Community Centre. While he was still farming, he and Doris both drove school buses for a time. They retired to live in the Battlefords. Doris passed away in 2018. Willie spent his last years at River Heights Lodge in North Battleford. A celebration of life was held in his honour.
A celebration of life was held for Elmer Dove of Lizard Lake after the harvest was complete. Lillian and family had family and friends gather at the farm yard. Elmer passed away in early 2021 at the age of 70 years. Interment is in a small cemetery at Lizard Lake that borders his farm. His family still operate the farm.
Mervin Stone of Mosquito First Nation also passed away recently.
David Ramashylo passed away Nov. 8 in North Battleford. David was 80 years old. He lived in Cando area before he moved to the Battlefords. A funeral service was held at the United Church in Battleford Nov. 12.
Marlene Sachko passed away Oct. 20. Marlene Radchenko was born in Biggar and went to school at Cando and later taught at Cando School. She married Walter Sachko. She was a teacher by trade, but soon was a farmer's wife with farm duties and a family. She always had a beautiful garden of vegetables and flowers. There will be small family gathering and burial at a later date.
Halloween weather was good for all the little ghosts and goblins going door to door collecting goodies. It all went well and no damage was reported.
