David Cortus

Dave is survived by his wife, Monica, son Scott (Brittany), grandsons Rylee and Logan, son Benjamin (Kaylee), mother Josephine, sister Colleen (Mervin) Shantz and family, and sister, Sheila Forbes. He is predeceased by his father, Arthur, parent in-laws, George and Vera Fletcher, and brother-in-law, Graham Forbes.

Dave grew up on the farm at Plenty Sask. He was very active on the farm. He left in 1979 for Australia for 6 months as part of an Agricultural Student Exchange program, to experience and work on a farm there. He returned with many interesting stories of what he learned of farming there as well as the amazing sites he toured. Shortly after his return, he moved to Eastend to work for a farmer. This is where he met the love of his life, Monica Fletcher. They were married in August 1981. They chose Saskatoon as their place of residence, where David worked various jobs, then eventually he found his true calling of being a courier. For over 30 years, his customers appreciated his excellent service standards and great personality.

Dave and Monica were able to enjoy many winter vacations to the Dominican Republic as well as many camping trips to Glacier National Park and other various locations.

Over the past few years, they enjoyed “camping” at the farm which is his grandparents’ homestead. They enjoyed the peacefulness, visiting with neighbors and watching the surrounding seeding and harvest activities. Even though he lived, worked and vacationed many places, his heart was always at the farm. Dave was committed to restoring the farmyard for his family. He wanted to get the 100-year-old barn re-roofed, painted and restored. This came to reality with the help of Scott, and his family. It has become iconic for the Stranraer community. His second dream was to restore his 1979 Chevrolet truck to its glory. He had always taken perfect care of it and then it was stored very carefully for 27 years. Ben transported it to Saskatoon and got it running and polished. Dave was able to have a ride in it which was amazing to see. Ben entered it in a national car show in Saskatoon and it received the judges’ choice trophy.

Besides farming and his love for animals, Dave was most enthusiastic about trains. He became deeply knowledgeable of every aspect of any train system and mechanics. He built a working train system with surrounding scenery which is still on display at his residence. He was interviewed and videoed for the TV news and it was repeated for many months by request.

The family would like to thank the staff of Oliver Lodge and Dr. Slavik for the great care Dave received over the past 3 years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Diabetes Research.

Arrangements entrusted to Derryl Hildebrandt.