It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Norma Marian MacMillan on July 20th, 2021 with her family by her side. Mom was the rock of our family.

She will be forever missed by her husband Alvin, children Ross (Edith), Bev (Bruce) and Darren (Tammy). Her eight precious grandchildren, Jody (Travis), Jeff (Sarah), Chris (Tanya), Jason (Teaghan), Tracy (Tyler), Lisa, Courtney (Sheldon), Robyn (Bob). She loved her five great-grandchildren dearly, Tanner, Karsten, Ensley, Everett, and Boden. She is also survived by her brother Bev (Sheila) Sherred, sister in-law Eleanor Sherred, sister in-law Pat Sherred, and sister-in-law Jean (Ken) Mercer.

Mom was born in Wawanesa on August 20th, 1929. She later moved to Winnipeg to work in the insurance business, and met Alvin while spending the weekend with her friend in Marquette. Alvin and Norma were married on June 29th, 1957 and enjoyed 64 years together.

Curling was a passion for mom, she curled in many bonspiels and quite often came home a winner. She spent countless hours sitting in her favorite chair watching the Toronto Blue Jays and curling events with her knitting needles in hand. There are many people wearing the mitts, slippers and shawls that she has made over the years. Mom and Dad played crib daily. If you stopped by their house after supper it wasn’t out of the ordinary to hear mom and dad arguing over whose crib was next or who counts first. The grandchildren loved to witness this and picked sides just to stir the pot. She loved her kids and grandkids and rarely missed any of their sporting events.

Over the years, mom was involved in many community activities including the Meadow Lea Church, Curling Club, Community Hall and as well as 4H. She was known as the “go to” person for names, dates, and history of our community. She will be remembered for her amazing kindness, her interest in others, her smile and laugh. She instilled in all of us her love of family. She was our biggest supporter. She will be sadly missed but at the same time we were incredibly blessed to have had many happy healthy years with her.

A graveside funeral service was held on  July 24th, 2021 at 2pm at the Meadow Lea Cemetery. Donations, if so desired, can be made to the Meadow Lea Church, or a charity of your choice.

May 17, 1937 – July 18, 2021      It is with sad hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Alex, also called Alec by many, with his family by his side at the Arborg Hospital.

Alex was born to Nick and Jessie on the family farm in Ledwyn, MB. As Alex grew older he enjoyed learning the ins and outs of farming alongside his dad. Alex truly liked “working the soil”.

In time Alex became a qualified electrician. He worked for Manitoba Hydro for awhile. Afterwards he formed his own business, A. W. Medwid Electric. He was well known throughout the Interlake areas for his excellent work.

On May 21, 1966 he married Jean Beauchamp from Toronto, ON. They lived in Winnipeg for some time then moved to Arborg. After living in town they bought a farm north of Arborg. Together they managed the farm and electrical business.

Alex was always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends. Alex was a kind and generous husband and a loving father and Gido.

Alex loved “hunting for a good deal” at auction sales or suppliers in Winnipeg.

Alex is survived by his wife of 55 years Jean, children Kimberly (Ron), Trevor (Raeleen), and Darrell. Grandchildren Maeson (Ken), Izaak, Great grandson Connor, Logan (Austin) Johl. Also, his siblings, Tena (Gordon), Paul (Jeannette), Steve (Lorraine), David (Brenda), Johnny (Shirley), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Alex believed in Jehovah God’s promises in John 5:28,29 and Revelation 21:3,4.

Special thanks to ALL staff, past and present, at the Health Sciences Hospital, Riverview Rehab Centre, Gimli and Arborg Hospitals, Arborg Assisted Living Complex, Arborg Personal Care Home.

A private family service will be held.

Ever Remembered-Ever Loved

October 25, 1933 – July 17, 2021    It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Walter Tomchak at the Arborg Personal Care Home.

He is survived by his children; Robert (Carol), Glenn (Valerie), Darrell (Doreen), Jeff (Jackie), eight grandchildren, five great grandchildren, brother Don (Sonia), and sister Bernice.

He was predeceased by his parents John and Victoria, his wife Bernice (2013), son Kevin (2007), and his sister Mary.

Walter met the love of his life Bernice and were married in May of 1960. Walter worked at Burns and then took over the family farm. He also drove cream truck and worked as security guard in several communities in evenings, he also worked as custodian for Komarno School. His passion was in farming until he retired in his elderly age.

A private family service was held Monday, July 26, 2021 at Komarno, MB. Interment took place at the Holy Trinity Cemetery, Komarno, MB. Rev. Father Harry Chuckry officiated.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Arborg Personal Care Home, for their excellent care and compassion during Dad’s stay there.

After a courageous battle with esophageal cancer Mike passed away in Stonewall Hospital on Friday, July 16, 2021.

He is survived by his wife Shelly, his sons, Alex and Phillip and his stepdaughter Kathy (Ray). Grandchildren Robby, Mia and Damien. As well as his sister Sheri (Treffle). Nephews, Cristopher and Tyler. Many Aunts, Uncles, cousins and countless friends.

He was predeceased was by both his parents, Bob and Arlie Musser.

He was born and raised in Winnipeg Manitoba. He could always be found working on one vehicle or another growing up. He married the love of his life on September 24, 2005 and had two amazing sons. He shared his love of dirt tracking racing with his family as well as camping, fishing and golfing.

A graveside service was held on Friday, July 23 at 10:30 am with his final resting place being at Windsor Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba. Many thanks to Dr. Graham, paramedics and the staff at Stonewall hospital for all of their care, understanding and support through this difficult time.

October 3, 1966 – July 12, 2021     Surrounded by his loving family, Brad peacefully took his last breath on July 12, 2021 after his battle with cancer.

Brad is survived by his wife Gertrude, his 3 children Brandy, Stacey (David), and Jason. His eight grandchildren Sammy, Angelina, Johnny, Brandon, Sophia, Myla, Conner, and Lexi. Brad is also survived by his mother Patricia and his brother Darrell.

Brad was predeceased by his father Ernie and his brother Rodney.

Brad enjoyed spending time outdoors, you could always find him at the lake fishing, and boating with his wifey, children, grandchildren and close friends. Brad loved entertaining and making holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas, very special for his family. He lived for those moments of seeing the children and grandchildren’s eyes light up. Brad knows he is the go to guy for the best Ukrainian food and burger joints in Manitoba. As a long-haul truck driver Brad cherished his job at Penner Oil hauling fuel across Manitoba including ice road trucking.

A service was held at Norris Lake Cemetery Monday, July 19 at 11am.

August 13, 1955 – July 9, 2021     It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Mairi Bender announces her peaceful passing on July 9, 2021, at the age of 65; at home, with her girls by her side, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Mum was such an important person to so many people. She will be forever loved and remembered by her girls: Stacey (Tyler), Katie (Andrea), Kim (Brad), and Jen (Trapp); her siblings: Carol (Wayne), Barb, Nancy, and John; her grandchildren Kevin and Casey; and her grand-pups: Walle, Bronco, Phoenix, Aspen and Lux; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents Rick and Ida Sherburne, and her sister Anne.

Mum was born and raised in Ajax, ON, along with her 5 siblings. She lived in Ontario for her youth, until transferring to the University of Winnipeg to finish her post-secondary education. Not long after, she met her husband of 17 years, Rick, and after a few years of marriage, they started their family. After separating in 2000, they continued to co-parent their daughters Stacey and Katie. She purchased another home in North Kildonan and lived the remainder of her life there.

She loved spending time with her family and friends, especially dining out and getting season tickets for the theatre with her usual group: Maria, Jackie, Tim, Joy, Karen, Kathy and Linda. She also had quite the green thumb, and loved having, tending, and visiting gardens, with Assiniboine Park being a favourite spot. She also loved to travel and made it to a few North American destinations on her list in her lifetime. She loved to read, colour, and always had a sudoku book on the go, with a fresh cup of tea for every activity, but especially for watching her British TV shows.

A special thank you to Dr. Chowdhury and Robert of Cancer Care; the staff at Health Sciences Centre, including Dr. Zarrabian and Dr. Johnson, and orthopaedics unit GD2 nursing staff, especially charge nurses Joe and Lindsey; as well as HSC Palliative and Home Care departments, especially Aleisha. You all went above and beyond for us, and it was truly appreciated. Also, to Dr. Graham for your guidance for Mum over the years, and especially through this difficult time – you were definitely a source of comfort for her. And to Comforts of Home Care for your efficiency and amazing staff, especially Kimberly, Ashley, and Jackson. We honestly don’t know what we would have done without you. Thanks to all the friends, family, and loved ones who pitched in and supported us any way they could through these last few months, especially Katie and Nicole Murphy, Katelyn Chuckrey, and the teaching staff at Birds Hill School. Thank you to Maria, Jackie, Alice and Tauba for reminiscing with her in the final days – your friendships meant so much to her. Also, to Father David Black and funeral director Ken Loehmer for being there as soon as we needed you – you both brought great comfort in tough moments.

Her openness, incredibly large heart, and ability to tease gently and sarcastically made her very easy to talk to, and a first choice for many to come to vent to, when they had a problem, or needed a shoulder to cry on. She will truly be forever missed.

Because there was so much love in Mairi’s life, we will be holding two Celebration of Life events. The first will take place later in August at the Assiniboine Park Conservatory, with a gathering afterwards. The second will take place next summer in Ontario with details to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local dog/pet rescue, in her name.

WE HAD A WONDERFUL MOTHER

(By an Unknown Author, modified to read “mother” instead of grandmother)

We had a wonderful mother, One who never really grew old; Her smile was made of sunshine, And her heart was solid gold; Her eyes were as bright as shining stars, And in her cheeks fair roses you see. We had a wonderful mother, And that’s the way it will always be. But take heed, because She’s still keeping an eye on all of us So let’s make sure She will like what she sees

Wrexford Ancel “Rex” Pickell  of Edmonton, Alberta July 15, 1941 – July 9, 2021 Rex passed at Misericordia Hospital, Edmonton on Friday, July 9, 2021. He was predeceased by his partner Joni Young on December 11, 2015.

He was born to Dr. A.D. “Cy” Pickell and Lillian Florence “Lil” (nee Howe) in Stonewall, Manitoba, July 15, 1941.

He will remembered by his children, son Derek Pickell (Nitsa), daughter Brooke McCalmon, Joni”s family daughter Karissa Olson (Quinn), son Allan Young (Sharon), daughter Barbi Price (Dennis), by his siblings Merle Tomyk (Barry), Doug Pickell (Betty-Lou) of Stonewall and Gary Pickell of Modesto, California, several grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.

As a child Rex loved to spend time with his grandparents Bill and Ethel Howe in their home at the Canadian Pacific Railway station in La Riviere, Manitoba. Helping inspect trains and traveling by rail with Bill, he gained his lifelong passion for trains. Throughout life he travelled by train at every opportunity especially to Grey Cup games as the CFL and the Eskimos were passions of Rex’s. Rex was a fan of many sports and enjoyed cards, his classic car collection and he will be remembered particularly for the time he enjoyed at his cabin on Lake Manitoba and the pleasure he got from his many trips on his Harley. In particular Rex will be remembered for his sense of humour.

He attended school at Stonewall Collegiate, the University of Manitoba and University of Guelph College of Veterinary Medicine. During the late 1960s working as a veterinary pharmaceutical representative he witnessed the frustration of veterinarians unable to obtain medications for their practices in anything less than 2 weeks. He responded by developing a warehousing and distribution system in Edmonton able to deliver medications and supplies to veterinarians throughout Western Canada overnight using available public transport. This prior to the service by Fedex and UPS by years. Delibrex thrived, and providing this wonderful service to the communities of Western Canada became his career mission. Rex was wonderfully kind, compassionate and generous. He never hesitated to stop and help anyone in need or distress, even putting himself at considerable risk more than once assisting accident victims. He was always ready to help a friend in need, and wonderfully generous with his favourite charities. Rex dearly loved, adored and admired his Grandmother Ethel Howe. As he wished, his ashes will be interred with her in a simple graveside ceremony.

Rex was the valedictorian for his high school graduating class. In his address he compared the graduates to leaving port on a ship to sail the seas and explore the world. Rex has completed his exploration of the world and has returned to his home port and will rest in peace in the loving memory of his family and friends.

Cremation has taken place and a graveside service for family and friends was held at 11:00 AM Saturday, July 24 at Stonewall Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the South West District Palliative Care Inc., or your favourite charity.

June 10, 1939 – July 7, 2021   It is with great sadness the family of Lynn Mann wish to announce the passing of our dearest Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma. With relief in our hearts, we know that she is finally at peace and free from her life-long struggle with rheumatoid arthritis.

She will be forever remembered by her children: Brad (Donna) Mann, Bambi (Bruce) Rutherford and Heidi (Dale) Fitchett; grandchildren: Jason (Nicole) Mann, Laura (Ian) Billingham, Kaitlyn (Scott) Yurick, Brittany (Kurt) Kelly, Josh (Caitlin) Rutherford, Ashley and Nicholas Fitchett; great-grandchildren: Jason and Austen Mann, James and Connor Billingham, Easton, Ava, Sophie and Mya Yurick, Willow and Rhodes Kelly, Lili and Navy Rutherford. Surviving brothers are: Stuart and Jeff Wood. She was predeceased by her parents, Lloyd and Sadie Wood and husband, Robert (Bob) Mann.

Mom was born and raised in Teulon, the oldest of three children. She attended high school at Glenlawn Collegiate in Winnipeg and thereafter worked at Great-West Life. She met the love of her life, Bob Mann and they were married in 1957. They raised their family in Stonewall. Oh, how they loved to dance and travel – Australia, Disney World, Europe and many camping trips brought much joy and family fun over the years.

Mom was very active in the Kinette Club of Stonewall, Church of the Ascension (Anglican), IOOF and with the local Rockwood Festival of the Arts. She loved to play the piano and received her training with Mr. Ted Lincoln of Winnipeg. Mom also taught piano in the community for many years. Mom enjoyed sewing and in 1977, she purchased her own fabric store, known as “Bobbins Buttons and Bows” in Stonewall. Mom played a key role in their many business ventures.

Mom’s greatest joy was her family, always looking forward to family gatherings at Christmas, Easter and birthdays. Mom was interested in what everyone was doing. As Mom enjoyed her “sweets”, there was always a bowl of chocolates or candy on the table.

Mom had a beautiful smile and was a quiet woman of integrity, amazing strength, positivity, compassion and love. She will be missed but never forgotten.

The family wish to express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Graham and the nurses and care-providers at Stonewall Hospital for the compassion and comfort they bestowed to our Mom and Grandmother.

In lieu of flowers if you so desire, donations may be forwarded to the Church of the Ascension, Box 550, Stonewall, Manitoba R0C 2Z0.

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

Mom and Grandma and Great-Grandma – “Forever in our memories, till we meet again!”