MAIDSTONE —
James Clifford (Cliff) Murphy passed away at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, Aug. 23 at the age of 78 years. Heartfelt condolences go to Sharon, his wife of 50 years; daughters, Leanne Murphy and her children, Cole, Ethan and Alyssa Doud, and Colleen (Rene) Vany and their children, Gavin and Rhett.
What a remarkable man Cliff was: a fourth-generation resident of the Paynton area who could tell you a story about almost anything, which he most certainly did. With his vast historical stories, farming and oilfield experience, sense of humour and genuine interest in people and events, he will long be remembered by family, friends and a huge outreach of acquaintances. It was uplifting to hear and read all the tributes to such an amazing man, and to realize the incredibly far-reaching legacy he left.
The funeral for Cliff was conducted from St. Joseph’s Calasanctius Parish, North Battleford, Aug. 29 with private interment at a later date.
I want to share a little information with our readers about the Maidstone news. I do my best to gather pertinent local news and items of interest. You make it much easier if you let me know what’s going on. It’s up to the newspaper editor to accept, revise or reject what I send in. I also do not create the headlines above my write-ups and I don’t see the final edition until it’s in print. Despite the odd hiccup, I love doing this job and am always pleased to hear from you.
When I was away, another milestone birthday took place as Allan Hinde celebrated his 80th birthday. Family and friends gathered for a party on the shore of the Battle River, Aug. 10. The Yellowhead Ramblers, of which Al is a member, played some tunes, and everyone enjoyed the food and visiting on a beautifully sunny afternoon.
Silver Lake Summer Market finished up for 2024, Aug. 17. Co-ordinator Christa Dean reports it was an awesome season with overwhelming community support and terrific vendors. Thanks to Silver Lake Regional Park for promoting the market and providing the clubhouse covered patio for vendors on a rainy weekend. On behalf of the vendors, thank you to everyone who came out to the lake to shop, sample and visit, making it a very enjoyable season.
Making Waves Salon’s “Student Fresh Start” event was a huge success. People were invited to drop off school supplies at the salon for anyone to come in and gather what they needed. To top it off, Linda gave free hairdos to students Aug. 31. Ten students are sporting fresh haircuts and several have needed school supplies. A huge thank you goes to everyone in our community who participated. School supplies remaining at the end of the program have been donated to Maidstone schools. Special thanks to Linda at Making Waves who plans to make this an annual event.
Maidstone Disc Golf League Week 18 leaderboard boasts a few more personal bests: Brad Lejeune -1, Cody Garnham 0 and Noah Schemp +1. Congrats to Chase James who scored an ace on hole 7 (hole in one). Top averages are Tier 1 Cole Tenetuik -11, Tier 2 Andrew Williams +0.46, Tier 3 Greg Mercer +10. Drawn winners were Khol Woolford, an awesome phone charger donated by Sandpiper Truck Services, and Ryan Donovan, a Discraft Heat disc.
Congrats to Noah Perkins on being picked to play on the 14U Team Sask in the Western Canada Prospects Series at St. Albert, Alta. Noah was chosen from the top 14U kids in Saskatchewan. Teams from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia play a series of highly competitive baseball games with the goal of being identified for the Baseball Canada Cup the following summer.
The 2024 series ran from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1 with four levels. Team Sask 14U finished with a 2-2 record in pool play as they lost to Team Alberta 15-4 and to Team B.C. 9-2 but they took revenge the next day as they defeated Alberta 12-1 and then beat B.C. 14-8. In the playoff game, they lost to Team Alberta 14-9 in a back-and-forth offensive game.
Everyone’s back to school this week. Facebook has been deluged with pictures of kiddos of all ages and I wish them all a super year. To all the school staff, bus drivers and parents, thank you for all you do to support your students in their pursuits. Take time to enjoy the last days of warm weather as we head into fall.
Reminders: Sept. 11 Maidstone Health Care Auxiliary pie bingo at Legion Hall 7 p.m. Sept. 11-12 Lloydminster Heavy Oil Show at Lloyd Exhibition Grounds.
