It is with profound sadness, the family announces the sudden passing of Arthur Kenneth Essery of Stonewall, on April 2, 2024 at the age of 80 years old.

Art is survived by his wife Jenny, his daughter Stephanie, his son Shawn, his brother Bob, his sisters Alma, Lynn and Pat. He is predeceased by his mother Coral, his father Robert and his sister Bonnie.

Born March 28, 1944 in Winnipeg and spend the rest of his time woven into the fabric of the Stonewall community. Art was a fixture in Manitoba baseball for over 50 years and was inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame with his beloved Grosse Isle Blue Jays in 2012.

A memorial service to be held in Stonewall, at the Quarry Park Pavilion at 2:00 pm. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. All are welcome.

Thank you to the staff at the Seven Oaks Renal Clinic- who showed love and compassion during his treatments; the staff at Lions Manor and the staff at the Health Sciences Centre Cardiac Ward.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Seven Oaks Renal Clinic.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alan Martin Safiniuk on March 30, 2024, at age 71, after a short courageous battle with cancer.

He is remembered by his daughter Kari Halleux (Roger, grandchildren Daniel and Kate); son Greg (Mia, grandchildren Carter, Caralyn, and Carly); Uncle Steve Cymbalisty; brother Mike (Debbie); sisters Bev Rich, Liz (Larry) Golis, Theresa Lewis; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friend Deb Shabatoski.

Alan was predeceased by his parents Mike and Helen Safiniuk, and his siblings: Eileen De Sousa, Marlene Ward, Barry Safiniuk and Auntie Marie Kellas.

Dad grew up on a farm in Blackdale Manitoba, in a family with 7 siblings. Dad’s early years were spent in a one room, eight grade, one teacher school. He then attended Stonewall Collegiate Institute where he excelled at football and graduated in 1970. While growing up on the farm, Dad discovered hunting and trapping which grew into his lifelong love and passion.

After graduation, Dad started his own company A & B Installers, located in Winnipeg. His business included the installation of office furniture in various government buildings in Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba.

Dads love for farming lead him to buy land and start a hog and grain farm in Balmoral Manitoba in 1976. Here Dad built the family home and all the farming infrastructure with his bare hands. Dad took extreme pride in raising hogs, producing high yielding crops, and working from dawn to dusk when needed.

As the years grew on, Dad understood the economics of farming to either grow bigger or get out. Dad chose an exit strategy to start working for Manitoba Agriculture Services Corporations (MASC) as a Crop Adjuster. During this time a job opportunity in the Swan River region came up. With his previous love of hunting and trapping, he knew this was the place to be. In 1994 the family farm was sold, and a rural property was purchased in Benito MB.

Dad spent the last 30 years of his life living in the Benito area, working as a Crop Adjuster with farmers throughout the province. Dad loved farmer chat, talking about commodities, weather, and anything farm related. Dad was seen as a man with valuable knowledge in these areas.

With this line of work came wildlife claims. This was his true passion as it fit well with his love of hunting. Dad always had a tree stand or a field edge for his kids and grandchildren when they came to visit. This was by far his true love, hunting and trapping. If you have ever been to his place, you could view his numerous antlers and mounts that hung from the walls, trees, and any outbuilding he could attach them to.

Dad also ran a trap line for several years and prided himself with his quality furs. Dad always joked. “If you want to make money trapping, make sure you pick up a few cans on the way to check your traps” because the price of a fur didn’t support the money invested.

Dad was also known as “Papa” or “Grandpa” and spent many hours with his grandkids who were the loves of his life. Papa/Grandpa attended many hockey rinks and events over the years.

Dad, Papa, Grandpa lived life on his own terms. DAD YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED.

Special thanks to the Swan River and Stonewall Palliative Care staff, Dr. Graham and the nurses and staff at Stonewall Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Alan’s name to Cancer Care Manitoba.

Brian Kenneth Campbell, age 62 passed away on March 26th, 2024. His family is profoundly saddened by the unexpected loss.

Brian is survived and will forever be missed by his loving partner Barbara, his oldest son Vincent and daughter in law Danielle, his daughter Lisa and son in law Adam, his youngest son Lorne, and the mother of his three children Kathy. Brian was the oldest sibling, survived by his brother Kevin and sister- in- law Tina, his sister Teresa and his father Kenneth. Brian was a loving uncle to his nephews John and Kurtis (Kristine).

He is predeceased by his loving mother Della.

Those who were close to Brian know that his family was the most important thing to him. He was the best father, brother, son, uncle and loyal friend. Brian loved his animals and being at home in the country. He will be missed.

As per Brian’s wishes cremation has taken place and a private graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers,  friends may make a donation to any Pet Rescue Shelter.

JULY 9, 1936 – MARCH 22, 2024       It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, with his children by his side, on March 22, 2024 at the age of 87 years.

Predeceased by his parents Neil Sr. and Gladys Downing; his wife and partner in life Faye MacMillan (Windsor); his half siblings and his brother Kenneth.

Left to mourn his passing, his children Tammy (Doug), Greg (Melissa); grandchildren Alana, William, Jackson & Westley; sister Chrissy; sisters-in law Alice, Sharon (Dave), Gladys (Bob); brothers-in-law George (Bobbie), Arthur (Cheryl), Glenn (Kanchana), Les, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as special pets Badger, Sam & Jenny.

Dad was born the 9th child of Neil Sr. and the 3rd child of Gladys. He was born in Stonewall and spent his life on the family farm in Marquette. Dad remembered as a young child being thrown onto the back of the work horses for his nap. He attended school at Poplar Heights one room school until grade 8. He was paid a pittance to light the fire in the wood stove for the start of the day. He played hockey and baseball. He also curled, but he hated that one to this day. He remembered the long walks to the rink with frozen feet to then proceed to skate. He was an active 4-H member in the swine club. Being the youngest of a large family, he was called back to the farm at a young age as his older siblings had moved on to start their own lives. As he grew older he also enjoyed hunting and riding motorcycle with his cousins. He worked one day of his life off the farm at the gravel pits on the screener, but he figured farm life was better than that was.

Dad married mom when he was 30 years old in 1967 and took over the operation of the farm with his young wife. In 1969 their daughter Tammy was born. Ten years later they welcomed son Greg to complete their family. Together we all worked on a mixed farm including cattle, pigs and grain. He enjoyed having a bit of a hobby farm. There were always turkeys, chickens, ducks and geese, leaving many a scarred visiting child. He and mom purchased a donkey in the early 2000’s and she became part of the family. There were always families and extended families coming home to the farm for meals and gatherings. Dad always made sure that everyone had lots to eat.

In 1997, Greg graduated and stayed home to become Dad’s partner in farming. Together they increased the cattle herd and expanded crop rotation. Dad’s life was dedicated to the farm and his family. He was thrilled to start welcoming his grandchildren. Alana was the first, daughter of Tammy and Doug. Next born to Greg and Melissa were William, Jackson and Westley. Dad enjoyed giving his grandchildren rides on his side by side around the farm. He enjoyed our family gatherings and time around a bonfire. Dad was always somewhat of a tease and smart aleck. We think he was a master creator of silly limericks as he would always come up with new ones never to be heard again. Dad enjoyed his time on the farm right until he fell ill. He passed away of cancer at the Portage District General Hospital.

A private family service at Dad’s request was held at Meadow Lea United Church, with burial at Meadow Lea Cemetery. Pallbearers were Kristy Torcia, Justin Torcia, Kaley Hiebert, Alyssa MacMillan, Sheldon Allard, Bradley Ostertag, Brent MacMillan.

Should friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Meadow Lea United Church c/o Box 52 Marquette, MB R0H 0V0, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Dad died March 18, 2024 with family at his side. He wanted to live until he couldn’t live at home anymore and then die in his sleep. He was fortunate to do exactly that. His big heart just finally stopped beating.

He had Rheumatic fever at age 12, then again at age 20, severely damaging his heart. Doctors first said he wouldn’t see age 13, never mind 21. He lived 70 plus wonderful years past their guesses. Even a death sentence of less than 6 months with metastatic melanoma couldn’t take him down 6 1/2 years ago. He beat cancer!

He loved farming, nature and his family. He was a man of great integrity. He would lend a helping hand in an instant. He could debate a topic as a gentleman should. He always listened to the other person’s side of the issue without degradation, interruption, or harsh comments. Then he would state his side of the story, and a former Stonewall lawyer said he respected John for that ability. He often swayed other’s opinions to his side but left amicably if they couldn’t reach an agreement.

He loved farming. BSE broke his heart and then, later, not being able to participate in active farming. In its place, he loved picking up Doug Freeman (nephew) from next door with his side by side and driving out to the northeast pasture to check the cattle, hoeing their immaculate acre of garden or just puttering around in the shop. He put on over 30,000 km on his side by side. It became his mobility. You’d see him going down the road, cowboy hat on; happy to check out the cattle, pastures and ditches for ducks and fish.

Dad met Mom, Helene Tesar, at friend and neighbour’s Annie Tomyk’s. He was driving the milk truck for Rockwood Victoria Coop at that time. From that moment on he wanted a good job so when he died young, Mom would have a pension to look after her. He applied to the Winnipeg Police but they told him he would have to lose 40 pounds. “Well that wasn’t going to happen,” he said. Dad was always a big, big man. So the gentleman told Dad that if he was serious and a hard worker, Headingley Gaol was hiring. Dad went out there that day and he started the very next. This was a few months before Mom and Dad married.

He spent the first 7 1/2 years as a guard walking the floor around the cages. Then he was moved to the Farm for eight years. When on the farm he had his own gang (31 men) to take outside. They cut wood, hoed the large field gardens and even worked on the highway/ditches out to Brandon. He never had a convict escape while they were out. He was even given other guard’s gangs to supervise.

He later was moved to the Bursar’s office in accounting. He ordered the supplies for the institution, handled the inmates pay, and their canteen, along with various other duties. He developed the sports programs and the handicraft department. Even then if there was a problem anywhere in the jail, he was called out of accounting to deal with it. He was great at mediation.

When he retired, Mom and him continued farming and working around the yard, with him hoeing a very large garden even in 2023. The garden and yard were always pristine. Food was also very important. He never lost his large appetite. He loved his French fries and fish down at the shop. A big thank you to niece Sherri Freeman for all her wonderful baking over the years. He always had plenty of goodies to choose from for coffee. A plate of potatoes was never spoiled either! Dad, MJ and Izabella said you could never ruin a potato or leave a spoonful behind, but you could ruin carrots.

Dad was born a twin on the home farm to parents Elizabeth and John. His twin didn’t survive. He was predeceased by all his siblings, Bill, Bob, Isabell Martini and Jim. Dad and Mom were fortunate to live on the farm their whole lives. Dad and Mom had tragedy strike when their first born Lori died at 6 weeks of SIDS. Later Vera (George Appleyard) then John (MJ) completed the family. Soon grandchildren Matthew (Lucas, Athan, Izabella, Alma, Angel, Diego), Amber (Travis Lawrence, Rustyn Hayes), Mackenzie (Corrine) and lots of granddogs came along to join in the fun. Dad and Mom were together for over 65 years before Mom died in 2017.

He left a huge hole in all our lives. He is so sadly missed by his kids, grandkids, many nieces and nephews and wonderful friends.

A private family service has been held.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to South West District Palliative Care, Inc. Box 1282 Stonewall, MB.

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Gisli Johannes Jonasson, on March 15, 2024 at the age of 81 years.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley Diane and their two children Erinn (Blossom) and Carmen (Billy), granddaughter Gina (Pavlo), grandson Brady (Savannah) precious great granddaughter Nova Rae and grandson Jesse, his brothers Halli, Valdi (Erla), Jerry (Elva) and Ken (Sharon). As well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents Leo and Dyrunn Jonasson, sister Leona  and brother-in-law Don Morrow, brother Keith, nieces Nadine and Melissa and sister-in-law Leola.

You were a gentle and patient husband, Dad, Afi, uncle, brother, son and friend and will be dearly missed by all.

A private family remembrance gathering will be held at a later date.

…Take off your gloves and put them down, no more sweat and worry for you now. Your labor is done, your home now is heaven, no more must you wait, Your legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate…

Godda nott, elskan.

It is with deep sorrow that our family announces the passing of our dear son, life partner, dad, pepere, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, on Friday, March 15, 2024. Born on February 27th, 1963, he had just turned 61.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his mom Pauline, his life partner Rosanne, children Merilee (John) and Kyle. His stepchildren, Sheena (Ricky), Junior, Scott, Chantel, Chelsea and Chad. Sisters Diane (Russell) and Sharon, as well as his memere Rose Boudreau. He is also survived by his many grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Clarence had a special relationship with his Uncle Paul and was affectionately known as Uncle Bubba to his nieces Vicky, Riley, December, Kayla & Katelyn.

Clarence was predeceased by his daughter Nicole, his father Dobby and his grandparents Louis Boudreau Sr. and Leon and Eva Chartrand.

He was a hardwood floor man, learning the skills from one of his uncles. Owning his own hardwood flooring company, he took great pride in a job well done.

In his younger days, he enjoyed playing hockey and baseball. He also looked forward to fishing trips with his work buddies.

Clarence appreciated watching the Winnipeg Jets play. He also loved to be surrounded by family and friends. It was during this time he made many lifelong friends. A good time was had by all whenever he was around.

He had a great listening ear, and his smile and tender heart will forever be missed.

Thank you to the staff of Stonewall Hospital for their kindness and support in the care they provided for Clarence in his final days.

Linda passed peacefully into her next life on March 13, 2024 at Rosewood Lodge in Stonewall. She was born on January 12, 1919 on the family farm at Grassmere to Arthur and Mysie Matheson.

Mom was the last of her generation of 18 Matheson cousins and at 105 years she had many wonderful and interesting memories of the last century. We feel truly blessed to have been able to share those extra years of her life. Her mind and recollection of history remained very strong.

Mom attended Tecumseh school and then went on to graduate from Stonewall Collegiate first in her class. She was called upon to nurse her Dad and then her Aunt Annie for a number of years and then she went to business college and worked for a few years before she married our Dad, Gordon Furness in 1948. She and Dad took over the family farm in 1954 which had been homesteaded by her grandfather Alexander Matheson in 1873. The family celebrated 150 years of continuous family farming on the homestead last summer and Mom was in attendance.

Mom was involved in her community. Grassmere United Church, Tecumseh School, Ladies Aid, United Church Women, Rockwood Horticultural Society, Stonewall Hospital Auxiliary, 4-H, all benefited from her volunteerism. She was also a member of The Lord Selkirk Association of Rupert’s Land and was very knowledgeable about the rich family history and the family’s Scottish roots. She was a dedicated visitor to those who might have been shut in or to her friends.

Mom and Dad enjoyed winters away in the south for a number of years. Gordon passed away in 1987 and after his passing Mom took a trip to England to visit his family who she had corresponded with for forty years but whom she had never met. She moved to Lions Manor in Stonewall in 2004 and lived there independently until her 101st year when a fall left her with a broken neck that resulted in a lengthy hospital stay and her eventual move to Rosewood Personal Care in Stonewall. She bore this change with an amazing stoic resolve and never complained about her situation. She was grateful for her long, full life and she was sustained by her strong faith.

She was much loved by her three daughters, Phyllis (Doug Fraser), Patricia (Rod Harris) and Judy (Kevin Cosens) and their children, Aaron Lowe (Laura), Jordan Lowe (Angela), Josh Lowe, Jenna (Matt Molitowsky), Brett Harris (Kelly), Lauren (Chad Wiebe), Carmen (Chad Rempel) and Sloane Cosens and fourteen great-grandchildren, Braden, Beckum, Brixtyn, Elliott, Callan, Levi, Lily, Penny, Sully, Rocco, Jack, Arie, Boston and Cohen. Besides her husband she was predeceased by her parents Arthur and Mysie Matheson and her sister, Marion McCoy and brother-in-law Bob McCoy, and her brother-in-law, Walter Furness and his wife Lillian.

The family would like to thank the many wonderful staff who so kindly cared for her at Rosewood Personal Care and before that at Stonewall and Teulon Hospitals. Your kindness was very much appreciated, especially in the last few weeks.

Funeral will be held at Stonewall United Church on Saturday, March 23rd at 11:00 a.m. with a lunch to follow.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those wishing to do so may wish to remember Linda through a charity of your choice.