December 4, 1948 – August 27, 2024                          

                             

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mom and Grandmother on August 27, 2024, at her home in Narcisse, MB.

She is survived by her daughter Colette, son Philip, Grandson Lincoln, brother Bryan Kelner (Candy), sister-in-law Elsie Kelner, Matthew Ambrose, and all her extended family and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband Art, her father Alfred, Mother Natalia, second husband Joe Lapka, brother Al Kelner, daughter Sandra Ambrose and special friend Al Coates.

Mom was born in Gimli Manitoba, the third child of Alfred and Natalia (Nellie) Kelner of Matlock Manitoba.

She attended the Matlock Community School and graduated from Gimli High School. After Graduation she worked at the family business in Selkirk, Nell’s Dairy Bar.

 In 1969, Mom married Art Lavallee in Eriksdale and they lived and raised their family on the farm at Suffren until Art’s death in 1992.

Mom was a hard worker, taking care of three kids as well as helping Dad on the farm. In 1979, Mom became a school bus driver which she did for 29 years.  She was very active in the community, being involved in 4-H, Minor Hockey and various other community clubs. In her later years, she became a councillor for the RM of Armstrong.

Her greatest joy was becoming a Grandmother in 2021. She loved her visits and regular calls from Lincoln on his way home from daycare.

Mom was a vibrant and caring person who touched many people, making friends wherever she went. She found the positives in everything.

Memorial service will be held on September 9 at 1:00 pm at the Eriksdale Rec Centre.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the cause of your choice.

 April 5, 1938 – August 25, 2024.

 Peacefully on August 25, Edouard “Cork” Gareau, aged 86 years, passed away at the Hunter Memorial Hospital in Teulon, MB.

 He will be sadly missed by his children, David Gareau, Donna Myskiw, Donald Gareau, Brenda Gareau, Jules Gareau and John Gareau. 

 Edouard was predeceased by his parents, Laurier and Aline Gareau; and all his siblings, Aline Buors, Arthur Gareau, Cecil Devlin, George Gareau and Wilfred Gareau.  

 Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at the Roman Catholic Church of the Annunciation, Woodlands at 11:00 am. followed by interment in the Parish Cemetery. Rev. Father Paul Tinguely officiated.

 The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at the Hunter Memorial Hospital for their excellent care.

June 17, 1939 – August 21, 2024

Peacefully after a lengthy illness, Marvin passed away with his family at his side early Wednesday morning, August 21.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years Marilynn, his two sons Paul (Tamie) and Ryan (Wendy), his grandchildren Stephanie, Matthew, Skylar, Jordan, Noah, his great granddaughter Rylann, his brother Ivan (Marlene) as well as several nieces and nephews.

Marvin was predeceased by his parents George and Bertha as well as his two brothers Ron and Keith.

Marvin started his career working at a shop or two in Winnipeg as a mechanic.  Then he ventured into the trucking world where he drove gravel trucks and eventually had his own trucks and caterpillar for many years.  He eventually sold out of that business and went to work at Bristol in Stony Mountain.  He was only there for a few years when he moved over to Lucernes milk plant in Winnipeg which is where he retired from.

Marvin was married in 1968 and settled in Balmoral with his new wife Marilynn.  In 1971 his first son Paul was born and then in 1974 his second son Ryan was born.  They raised their kids in Balmoral and stayed there for many years after the kids were gone. In 2017, they sold their place in Balmoral and moved into Lions Manor in Stonewall.

There will be no funeral service as per Marvin’s wishes.

The family would like to thank Dr. Graham and all the wonderful staff at Stonewall hospital for the care they gave dad.  Also, we would think to thank Ken Loehmer for his help and care of dad after he passed.

October 3, 1961 – August 17, 2024

With broken hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Gary in Canmore, Alberta while on his annual father-daughter road trip to the mountains.

Gary leaves to mourn his wife Kelly, daughter Sarah Mack (his little pookie and best little buddy), mother Georgina Mack, sister JoDeen  (Ron), niece Madison Braun.  In-laws, Robin (Kirk) Henley, Cindy (Grant) Hammond and Kim Nose.  Nieces and nephews, Khristin (Ryan), Joanna and Amy Lawrence, Megan (Kenny) Cardoso, Lyndsy (Ryan), Chloe and Kole Beresford, Michael (Kylie), Lily and Grayson Hammond, Adam Nose, Amanda (Marcie) Sommers.

Gary was predeceased by his Father Joseph Mack in 1993.  Father and Mother in law, Robert and Jo Anne Polson and brother in law, Richard Nose.

Gary was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba where he attended Bannatyne Elementary, Bruce Junior High, Sturgeon Creek High School and University of Winnipeg.

Growing up in St James, he loved hunting, fishing, dirt bike riding, snowmobiling, working on cars with his buddies and spending time at the family cottage at Clear Lake.  Through Gary’s passion of snowmobiling he developed many very special friendships that he valued and held dear.

Gary was employed with The Pritchard Group as a partner/Vice President since 1997.  He began his career with Pritchard as a salesman for the Dieseltech Division and worked hard and moved up the corporate ladder becoming a partner in 2006.  During this time, he developed strong relationships and friendships.  He was well admired and respected throughout the industry.

Gary was well known for his incredible whit and unique personality.  He had a way to make you laugh even when you were upset.

What Gary loved the most, was his family! He adored his daughter Sarah.  He never took “No” or “not possible” for an answer.  Because of that, he made my dreams come true.  He loved teaching his little buddy all the things he enjoyed doing. Fishing, snowmobiling (buying her first snowmobile at 3 years old), quading and most recently the love of the mountains where they went to on their annual road trips in his Corvette which he also loved. 

Gary was loved by many and will be sadly missed.

A special thanks to Canmore Fire Rescue Service for their heroic effort to save Gary and especially Joanna (Paramedic) for the compassion shown to the family and especially to Sarah.  To Coast Canmore Hotel and their staff who went above and beyond to help the family during the difficult period in Canmore. To Pam of Bow Valley Victim Services who stood by Sarah and helped her until her family could get to her.  Also to Gary’s good buddies, Brad Gradidge and Derrick Andries who insisted on going out to Canmore to bring Gary’s treasured corvette home safely.

A celebration of life was held on August 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Breezy Bend Country Club 7620 Roblin Blvd, Headingley, Mb.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

January 8, 1946 – August 13, 2024        Peacefully at Oakview Extended Care in Winnipeg, Betty Ann passed on August 13, 2024 at the age of 78.

She is survived by her loving sister Janet (Blair) Coggan, sister-in-law Barbara Fairlie, and many loving nieces and nephews. Betty Ann was predeceased by her brother, David Fairlie, sister Maureen Johnson, parents Margaret and John Fairlie, and nephews Neil Johnson and Ryan Fairlie.

Betty Ann was raised in Warren and attended Warren Elementary School until grade 6. She later attended the Stonewall Arris Center, being the first client to attend that facility. She worked at both Warren Elementary School and Warren Collegiate for many years helping with various office jobs, rarely missing a day as she was so dedicated. She also did various light duties at Stonewall Pharmacy for many years and always enjoyed the interaction with the public.

Life dealt Aunty Ban many challenges which she accepted and it never stopped her from enjoying life. She loved travelling and was fortunate to go on a cruise to Mexico, a road trip to BC, and several winter visits to Mesa, Arizona. Her greatest pleasures were taking photos, playing bingo, and collecting VHS movies as well as recording many tapes of the daily weather. Betty Ann shared the same birthdate as Elvis Presley and without a doubt she was one of his most devoted fans. Over the years Betty Ann put together many jigsaw puzzles, that being a very special pastime. Her most recent hobby was adult coloring. Many of her beautiful coloring projects as well as family photos adorned her walls in Oakview.

Our family has lost a strong little lady. Gone are the days of racing to see which one of the kids in the family was finally taller than Betty Ann. She was our biggest fan who shared in all of our family’s milestones. Her countless nightly phone calls were usually short; she was just checking in. Betty Ann was always a ray of sunshine and her beaming smile along with her kindness and love will be truly missed.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the amazing staff at Oakview Extended Care for their support and compassion given to Betty Ann, especially in her last week. Also a heartfelt thankyou is extended to Ken Loehmer for his guidance during this difficult time.

A private family celebration will be held at a later date.

Rest in Peace please thank you good-bye, We will miss and love you.

Donations may be made in Betty Ann’s memory to: Association for Community Living (ACL) Box 1222, Stonewall, MB, R0C 2Z0 or Warren United Church, Box 324, Warren, MB, R0C 3E0.

March 19, 2005 – August 8, 2024    It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Zachary Allyn Ross Hunter. Peacefully, at home and in the loving arms of his mother Karen, father Chris, and sister Chloe, Zach’s spirit moved on after a courageous battle with cancer.

Zach also leaves behind his adoring cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, as well as his cat Rosie and his many cherished friends. All whose lives were touched by him will hold him fondly in their memories.

Zach was blessed to live and grow up in the caring community of Stonewall, where he enjoyed many sports and interests with friends. When he wasn’t reading, listening to music, or hanging out with his Boys, Zach could be found on the soccer pitch, volleyball court, or snowboard hill. His love of cars and interest in a Japanese culture led to a carefully curated collection of manga, collectibles and his prized 2001 Honda Prelude. Zach had hopes of joining the Automotive Technology trade. His quest for knowledge and keen interest in philosophy lead to many deep conversations with anyone who could keep up.

Last summer, Zach achieved one of his life goals when he graduated high school alongside his friends despite battling illness. Zach’s passion for life and travel made possible several meaningful family road trips which will be cherished forever.

Zach’s family is eternally grateful for the outpouring of love and support that they have received from family, friends, and the countless others who had Zach in their thoughts and prayers.

A celebration of life will be held at the New Life Church in Stonewall on Monday, August 19th, 2024, at 2:00 pm for those wishing to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Terry Fox Foundation.

“Rage, rage against the dying of the light… Do not go gentle into that good night.”

“We will watch for you in the sunshine and the breeze. By the blossoms of the cherry trees. Go now peacefully and be free. Be free.”

Zach was our brave lion, our courageous cub.

It is with sad and heavy hearts that we announce that Peter Obelnicki, our husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on August 1, 2024, with family by his side.

Peter has been cremated, as was his wish. There will be a private funeral at a later date.

Brian Frederickson peacefully passed away on the morning of August 1st, 2024 at the age of 76 years at the Stonewall Hospital after a lengthy bout with cancer.

Son of August and Nora Frederickson, he is survived by his wife Jacqueline and son Curt. And a father to Chris whom passed in May of last year of his own battle with cancer. He was also the brother of Frank, Robert, Donna, Karen and Darren.

Brian loved the arts, including painting and music. He also worked in insurance from the age of 18 until he retired in 2020.

I’d like to thank the staff of Stonewall Hospital for making his last days comfortable.

There will not be a service for Brian but I’d like to thank the entire family for helping us through this difficult time.

Brian will be greatly missed.

June 29, 1949 – July 31, 2024      Unexpectedly with great sadness we announce the passing of Barbara Ann Johnston.

She leaves behind her husband of 54 years, Bruce; children Cody Johnston (Julie), Trevor Johnston (Rosemary); grandchildren, Jessica (Kyle), Curtis (Jaylese); great grandchild Hazel; brothers Daniel MacDonald (Barbara) and Neil MacDonald (Wendy); numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and many special friends.

She was predeceased by her mother Irene MacDonald and father John MacDonald.

Barb was born on June 29, 1949 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and grew up in Winnipeg where she attended Isaac Brock and Daniel McIntyre. Barb worked at MTS as a long distance operator and then later as a technician at Boeing. She owned Barb’s Sub Plus at the Unicity Mall until the mall closed and then she retired to the family cabin at Belair, Manitoba.

Barb married the love of her life Bruce on November 1, 1969 in Winnipeg and shortly after they moved to Stonewall and began their family. Barb was a proud member of the Stonewall Kinsmen Kinettes for numerous years. She took great pride in her yard and gardening, and grew many flowers not only for herself, but also to share with friends and family. Barb’s Ukrainian cooking and baking was second to none and everyone looked forward to her meals and care packages.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. If friends and family so desire, please make a donation in her honour to a charity of your choice.

Barb will be remembered by her family and friends for her strength, courage and support of others. She will be deeply missed and in our hearts forever.