Date of Birth: December 6, 1944
Date of Death: October 25, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Anthony (Tony) Saltasuk on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, at the Pasqua Hospital, Regina, SK.
Born in Winnipeg, MB, Tony and his brother, John, lost their parents at a young age. They were adopted by their grandparents, and, with the help of aunts and uncles, they enjoyed an active childhood with many fond memories.
Tony had a passion for sports, enjoyed stock car racing as a teenager, fishing and the outdoors. With the assistance of his uncles at God’s River, MB, he even obtained his private pilots’ licence before his driver’s licence. After graduating high school, he went on to become a red seal mechanic.
Tony experienced a number of professions during his lifetime, flying into remote areas of northern Manitoba delivering supplies, helping install infrastructure in Churchill, owning/operating a grocery store and smokehouse in Winnipeg, and working as a mechanic for Altrans, which is where he caught the bug to become a long-haul truck driver. He was an owner/operator for Arnold Bros. and Burns Transport. While he was working for Burns Transport, he met the love of his life, Wendy Pearson. Together they handled a scheduled weekly run from Winnipeg to Vancouver, but occasionally they were sent into the U.S. and to eastern Canada.
In 1983, it was time to put down roots, and what was supposed to be a temporary job with the Sask. Wheat Pool became permanent. He truly enjoyed working with his co-workers and the farmers, learning about farming in general.
Tony enjoyed sharing coffee time and the occasional game of crib when he went on his visits for the Pool. Because Tony was willing to travel where needed, he worked not only in Whitewood but in various communities in the area.
He became a cattle and grain farmer. After leaving the Pool, he decided to purchase Whiteline Charters. He enjoyed taking people on many varied trips and was fortunate that he had some extremely good drivers who worked with him.
Tony was always willing to do whatever needed to be done. An example of this was one day he travelled to Balgonie to pick up their AA hockey team to bring to Whitewood for a game against the AA Pipestone Valley Jets. After the team was dropped off and the bus was parked, he now was the skate sharpener for both teams if needed. And, as one Balgonie parent pointed out, “I think that is our bus driver running the zamboni; this must be a really small town!” He enjoyed doing it all. Tony also transported miners, engineers, etc., from Winnipeg and Regina airports to the Scissors Creek Mine expansion in Rocanville. When that contract ended, he spent more time at the greenhouse. He made that adventure interesting as well.
Tony was like Tim Taylor from Tool Time. If small was good, bigger would be even better, so when Wendy wanted a small greenhouse built for herself, Tony constructed one in the bus barn and had four guys help carry it outside. Okay, a little bigger than maybe it should be, but guess what, this is great. He put up a bigger one and that was great, too, so let’s put up another. Once again, he enjoyed what he was doing. It was farming under a roof where you could control some things, and he got to visit people. Tony also spent two terms as councillor for the town of Whitewood, and as someone said, “I always thought he was the voice of common sense.”
There was nothing more important to Tony than his family. He spent countless hours coaching and driving for hockey, baseball, air cadets, etc. He truly made the most and best of everything!
Tony was predeceased by his grandparents, parents and his brother, John. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Gwen (Wendy); his son, John (Erin) and their sons, Jack and Jameson, Gray, SK; and his son, David, Regina, SK.
Tony had several health challenges that he battled with determination over the years. His family would like to extend their thanks to the many friends who have helped him follow his dreams and to the healthcare providers who cared for Tony. At Tony’s request, there will be no funeral, but friends and family who so wish to honour his memory are encouraged to make a donation to a charity of their choice.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Whitewood and Melville.
