Our family was blessed to share in the life of Margaret Charison. She touched our hearts and our lives with her unwavering love and goodness. It is with heavy hearts that we announce her passing on August 30, 2021. She will be always loved, never forgotten, deeply missed and forever in our hearts.

Margaret was born on November 21, 1924 in Madison, Saskatchewan. She was the oldest daughter of Donald and Barbara Fines of Gunton, Manitoba. She always remained close with her ten sisters and brothers and their extended families and those family bonds remain strong to this day. She is survived by her three sisters Zetta, Ramona and Flora and numerous nieces and nephews that she loved so  dearly.

Margaret was happy to spend her entire life in the Gunton-Teulon area. She was devoted to her husband, Stan and their children – Sandy Skinner (John), Sherry Green (Terry), Linda Stock (Fred) and Curtis Charison (June). Being a mom was the most important thing in the world to her, and her children always knew how very fortunate they were to have had her love and tender care throughout their lives. Then came her pride and joy, her 10 grandchildren – Jennifer (Jason), Rod (Kim), Scott (Angele), Sherry (Mike), Richard (Vilay), Kelly (Maria), Kimberly, Tim, Cameron (Whytnie) and Jodie (Nicole) who were the light of her life and brought her endless fun times and happiness. They presented her with the gift of 16 great-grandchildren – McKay, Matheson, Lachlan, Lilly, Olivia, Abigail, Brianne, Austin, Liam, Avery, Kiana, Mattea, Chloe, Ryan, Brady and Hadley whom she adored.

Margaret was very well loved and respected in the community, especially by her close friends, many of whom she treasured from her early childhood days. She was an avid gardener, active in curling and golf, she enjoyed playing cribbage and she never failed to support and contribute to any local event happening at the time. Her kindness to all and her generous spirit touched many people along the way.

One of her favorite expressions was “When you do something for someone else, you make two people happy”. The example she set inspired a lot of people to do their best to help others in a selfless and caring manner.

Special thanks to her physician Dr. K. Graham and the medical staff at Betel Home in Gimli. Margaret requested that there be no funeral service but a private family gathering to be held when the time is appropriate. Anyone wishing to send an on-line tribute or to make a donation to any charity of your choice in her honor is welcome to do so.

February 5, 1948 – August 27, 2021    It is with deep sorrow that the family of Heather Unger announces her unexpected passing at home, on the morning of Friday, August 27, 2021.

Mourning Heather’s loss are her loving husband of 53 years, Ronald; her 19 children and grandchildren including, Randy (Gina), Jake, Juliana, Izabella and Dana (Dean), Logan, Avery and Darcy (Jennifer), Colton, Camryn, Austin, Kaelyn and Kelly (Kris), Ryan and Myles; mother, Jessie McLean, and brothers Danny and Lockie (Diana); in-laws Roy (Gail), Elvin (Wendy) and Margaret; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and good friends.

Heather was predeceased by her father Alexander, brother Ian and her parents-in-law, Avery and Frances.

Heather was the eldest of four children, born in Winnipeg in 1948. Her family moved to Stonewall when she was young and that is where she finished her schooling. At age 20, Heather married Ron Unger, commencing their life on the farm together and raising a family. Heather and Ron shared the typical breakdown of duties, with him tending the fields and her as the ‘domestic engineer’ maintaining the household and keeping everyone cleaned, clothed and fed, especially during the busy seeding and harvest seasons. She ran a tight catering operation out to the fields, delivering bountiful meals like clockwork, along with a quick hello. There was never a shortage of fresh baking as part of every mealtime, but it was definitely more abundant during these busy times of year and then taken up a notch again for any and all holidays!

After 48 years on the farm Mum and Dad moved from the family home into Stonewall, to begin a more ‘downsized’ lifestyle. At first Mum protested that she would not be able to transition to a smaller yard with neighbours so close, but with time, the transition grew on her. Their new house became the central hub for ‘family’; their new house was nurtured into a home. Mum was just in the process of grand renovations to update the interior of their home, but regrettably, will not be able to see them through.

Besides her love of baking (a hobby for some, but way of life for her) Heather loved gardening and maintaining a pristine yard full of vibrant plants and flowers. In this vein, Heather found joy in cutting the grass on the farm along with the grass in the nearby yards of her girls. She spent countless hours, cutting acre after acre, wearing out several lawn tractors over the years. She never entered a lawn tractor race, but Mum would have done the family proud if she had. Go Grandma! Over the years, travel became more a part of Mum and Dad’s lives and they settled into pulling their fifth wheel trailer down to Yuma for three months after Christmas. She loved the weather, relished the activities and retirement lifestyle and made new friends to spend time with. The time and effort she put in down south, shopping to bring back for her kids and grandkids, and keeping all her purchases organized, has to be unrivalled.

For Grandma, though, family was her everything with her grandchildren her ultimate joy. She added to her resume, practically running a full-time day care for several years and helping to raise, teach and grow them into who they are today. Grandma became a chauffeur, a concert goer, a sports fan and a professional cheerleader, keeping up with and supporting all their activities. Her door was always open with different grandchildren coming and going; always a kiss and hug goodbye. She learned to use a cell phone and ‘text’ to keep in touch and once Grandma found out she could take pictures of her grandkids on it and then share those pictures with others, look out! She was always encouraging, especially for the grandkids to ‘get grandpa’. They always put a smile on her face. She loved being part of her grandchildren’s lives and was immensely proud of each and everyone one of them.

Heather was our wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. She was strong and full of life to the end, but for some reason, left us too soon. There should have been more time; at least time for one more kiss and hug goodbye. We cannot express how much we will miss her.

The family appreciates all the kind words, gifts and well wishes since Heather’s untimely death and would like to advise that a private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations can be made to a charity of your choice. Thank you.

1937 – 2021    It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father who passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of August 25th.

Left to mourn are his wife Betty and two sons Bryden (Nikki) and Dawson. He is also survived by his two brothers Keith and Ricky (Dwyla) as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Howard and Irene; sisters Jean (Terry) and Shirley (Jack).

Jack was born and raised on a farm just east of Teulon where he attended school at Stackpool and later Teulon where he graduated grade 12. Jack farmed for a few years with his brother Keith before he went to work with Northern Affairs as a co-ordinator. Jack received many commendations for his 17 years of dedicated service. Jack was very active in the community volunteering his time with the Kinsmen and the museum. He was also very active in helping coach his son’s sports activities.

A private funeral service will be held at the Dundas Cemetery.

A very special thanks go out to Dr. Loudon, nurses and staff who took such great effort to make sure his last days were comfortable. If friends so desire memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Hope the fishing’s good, may you rest in peace Dad.

Nov. 19, 1929 – Aug. 19, 2021      Peacefully, surrounded by family Mary Romaniuk of Riverton passed away at Gimli Hospital.

She will be sadly missed by her son David (Svetlana), grandchildren Tim, Mikhail and Darya, nephews David (Maryann) Sumka, Edward (Donella) Sumka, Harvey Sumka, niece Josie (Jack) Monkman and brother in law Lawrence Romaniuk and family.

She was predeceased by husband James, infant daughter Lorraine, parents Mike and Ann Sumka, brothers Sam and John, niece Joanne, brother in law Harry Romaniuk, sisters in law Georgie and Lillian Romaniuk.

Mary was born on the family farm in Skylake, Manitoba, and was the third and youngest child. She attended Adam school in Skylake. She was a great help on the farm and then found employment in Riverton at the Sandy Bar Hotel where she met James. They were married on March 1st, 1952. While both working at the hotel they also started farming north of Riverton where they worked side by side. Mary always had a huge garden and loved to entertain family and friends. If you walked through her door you needed to be fed.

Following Mary’s wishes cremation has taken place. Because of covid restrictions all family and invited guests only can attend the graveside service on September 4th at 11 a.m. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren, nephews, and niece.

If friends and relatives would like to make a donation they may to a charity of ones choice. Thank you to the ambulance attendants, the Gimli Hospital, and Doctor S.V.Patel for his many years of care.

January 22, 1947 – August 18, 2021        It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Diane Barbara Rennie at Rosewood Lodge Personal Care Home at the age of 74.

Diane was predeceased by her husband Bruce Rennie in 2011, parents Leo and Mary Grandmont and granddaughter Felisha Rennie.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Tracy, son-in-law Blair and grandson Jonathon and her dear companion Craig Ross; sisters Janet (Bill) Kennedy, Catherine (Michael) Macdonald, brothers George (Gayle) Grandmont, Gerald (Lori) Grandmont, Philip (Lori) Grandmont and nieces and nephews; Bruce’s brothers Leslie (Patti) Rennie and Ken (Loretta) Rennie.

Diane was born in Stonewall and grew up in Argyle (and spent most of her life in Argyle). Living in Argyle she was close to Granny Grandmont, Grandpa Siska and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Diane was the eldest of six children. As soon as she finished high school, she moved to Winnipeg and started work at Great West Life. Diane met Bruce when they lived in the same apartment block. They married in 1966, started a family and moved back to Argyle. Diane worked at Comstock until she started working at the family business, Leo’s Sales and Service, along with her dad and brothers and later her niece and nephews, until she retired in 2010.

In 2013 Diane bought her mother’s condo and moved to Stonewall to be closer to family. Diane met Craig Ross at the condos and started a new chapter in her life. Unfortunately, their time together was cut short due to her illness. For Diane, family was important. She especially enjoyed family get togethers and spending time with her “little man” Jonathon. She was Jonathon’s #1 fan at his hockey and soccer games. Diane was a lifetime member of the Argyle Curling Club. She enjoyed curling until she was unable to play the last couple of years.

Diane loved music and played the organ at Christ the King Catholic Church for many years. Diane also joined the Quarry Choristers with her two sisters-in-law Gayle and Lori. She really enjoyed the choir and the trips they took. Diane enjoyed gardening, picking berries, canning, baking, ceramics, knitting, stamp collecting, bird watching, shopping, as well as volunteering in her community. She enjoyed her trips to Grand Forks and vacations with family and friends. Diane also enjoyed her time spent with the “Argyle Walking Girls”.

The family would like to thank all the home care workers that helped Diane, both at home and at Rosewood, neighbours, nurses, Dr. Graham and all the angels that came into her life.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 1 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 315 2nd St. E., Stonewall, MB. (masks are required). Limited seating, friends and family will also be able to listen to the service outside. Interment will follow at Brant Argyle Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations can be made to Brant Argyle Cemetery Board, Box 204, Argyle, MB. R0C 0B0.

August 23, 1929 – August 13, 2021       It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, and Baba, Anne. She leaves to mourn her children Margaret, Allan (Donna), Terry (Sam), Gary, Grant, Rose (Ted), Lawrence (Leanne), Johnny (Sherri), and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Anne was predeceased by her parents, Aunty Annie, two brothers Fred and Steve, husband Sam, infant daughter Joanne, son-in-law Cliff, and daughter-in-law Debbie.

She was born near Alvena, SK to Iwan and Maria Newediuk. She moved to Winnipeg as a young woman and then settled in Pleasant Home, MB after marrying her love Sam, and lived on the family farm. Anne enjoyed gardening, creating art, playing bingo, and lived for her family. She also enjoyed volunteering with the Women’s Auxiliary of the St. Stephen’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church for many years. She was well known for her hospitality and great cooking. Memories of her quiet wisdom and endless patience and love will be treasured.

Anne’s family would like to express their thanks to the Gateway Manor staff, Dr. Kremal, IRHA Homecare, Stonewall Hospital staff and EMTs for the special care they provided for their mom.

A private family service has been held led by Father Isidore Dziadyk. In her memory light a candle, say a prayer, visit a friend, or play a game of bingo and “do the best you can”.

March 19th, 1925 – August 11th, 2021     In the early morning of August 11th, 2021, with her daughters by her side, Osypa Lysak passed on to be with those who await her in Heaven, including her husband Wasyl, parents, and siblings.

Known widely as Baba, Osypa will be dearly missed. Left to cherish her memory are her family: daughters Lydia (Tommy) and Anne (Clarence); grandchildren David (Sherrie), Chrissie (Chris), Michael (Heather), Daniel (Erin), and Andrew (Xiao); and great-grandchildren Nick, Julia, Ben, Sam, Lilia, Ronan, Daschel, and Rosie.

Baba was born in the Ukraine and came to Canada in 1948. She was very proud and honoured to become a Canadian citizen; she loved what her new homeland offered. From humble beginnings, Mom and Dad built a wonderful life for their family.

Baba had a strong faith in God and lived her entire life accordingly. She was a life long member of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Church and instilled these values to her family. Family was very important to Baba, from the oldest to the youngest. Baba had a big heart, offering endless love and support to her family. She was interested in their careers, education and general well-being. She always had treats for the little ones and “hamburger money” as they became older.

A liturgy was held at Komarno Church on Monday, August 16th 2021. Baba’s final resting place is at Holy Trinity Cemetery beside her beloved Wasyl.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Loudon for his care and the medical staff of Stonewall Hospital for their compassionate care. Thank You to Ken Loehmer for his professional services.

Vichnaya Pamyat

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our uncle, Bob Malyk, who passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, August 10, 2021.

Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife, Anne Malyk, his parents, Bill & Mary Malyk, his brothers, Victor and Tommy Malyk and his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Malyk.

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Jean Malyk, his nieces and nephews, Cory Kress (Jack), Cheryl Zelenitsky (Myles), Loreley Harder (Wendell), Anthony Malyk (Diane), and Andy Malyk (Millie), his great-nephews and nieces, Stefan Malyk (Natalie), Taryne Barkwell (Tom), Danica Zelenitsky, Michael Zelenitsky, Alexandra Kress, Nick Kress, Krista Malyk, Katrina Malyk, Austin Harder, Vicki Harder and Ellie Harder and to name a few, friends Delores, Alice, Al & Kit and Donnie & Diane.

A private service will take place 1 pm on August 24, 2021 at St. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Cemetery in Malonton, Manitoba.

In lieu of flowers, donations can kindly be made to one of the following charities: the Canadian Cancer Society, the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or to Diabetes Canada.

September 5th, 1942 – August 9th, 2021     It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Bryan, our husband, Dad, and Grandpa (Pa) at the Stonewall Hospital.

Bryan is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Bernice; his children, Mike (Laura) and Lori (Kevin); his beloved grandchildren, Brittany, Alycia, Evan, Aidan, Ethan, and Owen; brother, Gerry (Dorothy) Palmer, sister-in-law, Florence Poloski (late husband Andy), many nieces and nephews; his lifelong friends, Jim Minaker (his partner in crime) and Janet, and Joan Fisher (late husband Dave). Bryan was predeceased by his grandson, Matthew.

Bryan, the youngest son, was born to William (Bill) and Winnifred (Winnie) Palmer on September 5th, 1942, in Winnipeg. He grew up on the family farm at Grosse Isle. Bryan and Bernice raised their family on the farm and Bryan was proud to have his son, Mike, and grandson, Evan, take over the family farm. His first job was at Oakland Hatchery in Winnipeg. Bryan was always interested in machinery and took courses at Red River Community College. Bryan worked as a mechanic over the years at Agro Equipment, Argus Farm Equipment Ltd., and International Harvester. In 1979 Bryan moved to Cummins Mid Canada where he started as a mechanic, served as shop foreman, and retired as a customer relations representative. Upon retirement, Bryan began his own business venture, Palmers’ Parts. He enjoyed creating connections with his customers, telling stories, and sharing his passion for anything mechanical. Bryan was one of the founding members of the Rosser Volunteer Fire Department helping his neighbours and community.

Bryan’s hobbies centered around farm life and were shared and enjoyed with his friends and family. These hobbies included old-time threshing, attending the Manitoba Threshermen’s Reunion in Austin, a farm tractor toy collection, and travelling to toy shows to add new pieces to his collection. Bryan was one of the creators of the Stonewall Toy Show that ran for 10 years and was enjoyed by young and old. Over the years Bryan met many people and seemed to know someone everywhere he went.

Bryan and Bernice travelled to many destinations in North America with friends and family over the years taking in the sites and scenery. Their favourite vacations were the two spent on the beach in Mazatlan, Mexico and the bus trip to the East Coast of Canada with Les and Joan. Bryan enjoyed going for drives looking at crops and he always knew a shortcut or the best way to get to your destination.

Bryan and Bernice were proud spectators at their grandchildren’s many sporting events including figure skating, hockey, and fastball.

The family would like to thank Dr. Graham and the entire staff of Stonewall Hospital for the wonderful care Bryan received.

A private family interment was  held at Stonewall Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations can be made to STARS Air Ambulance – STARS Donations (Manitoba Division), 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 8M7. Donations can also be made by calling 1-855-516-4848.

(nee Yarema)    On Friday, August 6, 2021 Sandra Judy Johnston aged 77 years of Arborg, Manitoba, passed away at Gimli Johnson Memorial Hospital. Cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held.