October 25th 1936- August 12th 2019    Surrounded by love, Ron Hepples passed away at the Stonewall Hospital, with family by his side. He is survived by his three children, 7 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his loving wife, Patricia Hepples in 2007. Ron was born and raised in the North End of Winnipeg where, at 13, he met the love of his life, Pat. They married in 1955 and settled in North Kildonan where they raised their 3 children: Cam, Donald and Janice. Fond memories were on Strood Avenue where they kept and rode horses. During the winter months, Dad made a skating rink in the yard which became a gathering place for kids in the neighbourhood. While on Strood, land was purchased in Teulon, MB in the 60’s. It was there where Ron built his lifetime dream, “The Ranch”, where many fun-filled weekends were shared with close family friends. Everyone enjoyed the pot luck suppers, Saturday night rummoli games, horseback riding, swimming, shooting, sporting games, snowmobiling and countless nights around the campfire. In the later 70’s Ron and Pat made “The Ranch” their permanent home by building a cedar log home. In 2001, they moved to Stonewall, where they resided till their passing. While there, Dad enjoyed spending his time at the Legion. He enjoyed morning coffee with the boys, and in the afternoons; solving world issues at the B.S. table over a beer. We would like to thank the staff at the Stonewall Hospital for their compassionate care during the last three months of Dad’s life where they helped him maintain his “97.5” life rating as best as they could. A special thanks to everyone who helped Ron though this difficult time. At Ron’s request, there will not be a service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Stonewall Palliative Care.

It is with great sadness that the family of Dixie Eileen (nee Lambourne) Philion announces her passing on August 8, 2019 at the age of 85. She was predeceased by her husband Romeo and son Grant. She will be lovingly remembered by her children Lori (Mark), Crystal (Jeff), and Dwight (Tiffany). Dixie will also be sadly missed by her siblings Peggy (Ernie), Marie (Francis), Jim (Tina), Ken (Lynn) and Jackie. Along with 7 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. Funeral Service will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Teulon, (Hwy #7) on Wednesday, August 14 at 2:00 pm. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1379 Kenaston Blvd, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3P 2T5.

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Marg Yule on Thursday August 8, 2019, with family by her side. Marg is lovingly remembered by daughters Barb Gemmell (Dave), Cathie Slatcher (Randy), son Ken Yule (Carol), 5 grandchildren Jeff (Karen), Leanne (Glen), Becca (Jesse), Erica (Arthur), Eddi (Matt), and 3 great-grandsons, Jayden, Graeme and Jaxon. She was predeceased by her husband Bill in 1996 and her sister Eleanor Good. She also leaves behind her many great friends from Lions Manor including the morning coffee group which was always a highlight of her day. Marg was born March 28th, 1925 in the Hamiota hospital and went to Oakner School to Grade 8, Stonewall School until graduation and then to Business College. She worked at the C.I.B.C. in Stonewall for several years before entering her most rewarding career, joining her husband Bill on the family farm following their marriage on July 9th, 1948. She made many lasting friendships, and enjoyed volunteering in many leadership positions including District Deputy, Rebekah Lodge, where she received the highest honor of Decoration of Chivalry, Secretary of the Rockwood Agricultural Society, President of the Rockwood Horticultural Society, serving on both Provincial Boards, the Chair of the Provincial Quilting Competition and many years as a 4H leader. Mom also enjoyed and had a knack for researching history, and completed and published the story of the Rockwood Agricultural Society’s first 100 years, the 75th Anniversary of 4-H Clubs, the first hundred years of Rockwood Municipality and Pine to Palm Resort Park’s 25th Anniversary. Following their retirement, Bill and Marg enjoyed travelling to Europe, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, mainland U.S.A. and Alaska before settling down to winters in Pine to Palm Resort Park in Weslaco, Texas. It was here that Marg spent 30 wonderful winters, continuing to enjoy leadership roles in the Tourist Club, Shuffleboard Club and as the creator of the Park Directory. Her passions until the end were countless hours spent on the computer doing research and making greeting cards and photo calendars, knitting, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, doing Sudoku and watching curling on television. Her greatest joys, though, were her grandchildren and great-grandsons whom she regaled often in her final hours. In honor of Mom’s wishes, the immediate family will celebrate her life with a private graveside service, with interment to follow. Memorial donations may be made to South West District Palliative Care, Box 1282, Stonewall, MB., R0C2Z0.

Jack Kennedy passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness at the age of 83 years on August 7, 2019 at the Grace Hospital. He will lovingly be remembered by his sisters, Ruth Watson and Lois (Bill) Ritchie. Nephews Ken (Brenda) Watson, Randy (Carol) Ritchie, Bob (Kim) Watson and Niece Heather (Bryan) Oughton. Great nephews Jason (Candace) Ritchie, Brad (Becky) Ritchie, Ryan Ritchie, Matthew (Alexis) Ritchie, Kent (partner Alycia) Watson, Brandon Watson and great niece Kaleigh Watson, great-great nephews and nieces William and Elianna Ritchie, Maverick and Benjamin Ritchie, Charlie, Johnny and Violet Ritchie. Also friends Pam and Ron Cowan, along with many family and friends in Canada and California. Jack was predeceased by his partner Jim Condon, parents Gordon and Irene Kennedy, brother-in-law Gordon Watson and great nephew Jonathan Watson. Jack was born on June 21, 1936 at Teulon, Manitoba. He worked at Eaton’s, Ontario Hydro and a few others before heading down to Cathedral City, California. He worked in many places in the Palm Springs area but his favorite was Lord Fletcher’s Inn where he met so many people. The family invites you to come for lunch at 12 noon on Friday, August 16, at the Anglican Church Hall in Teulon where we will celebrate Jack’s life. A private family graveside service will be held. The family would like to thank the following; Brightwater Sr. Living (Arbour), Grace Hospital Drs. and nurses in the Emergency Dept. and Ward 3 South, the paramedics and his family and friends who supported Jack in so many ways when he lived in Cathedral City, Ca. In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society Manitoba, 10 – 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB., R3C 4G2. Thanks to Ken Loehmer and Shirley Williams for all of their help and support at this time. There is only one Happiness in this Life, To Love and Be Loved. By George Sand

December 3, 1940 – August 5, 2019 It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Sam Hofer of Warren, MB at the age of 78. Left to mourn is his beautiful wife Edith; son Chris (Paula) and grandchildren Taylor (Ty), Amy (Connor) and Josh. Sam was also a proud great grandpa to Levi and Harper. Sam also made room in his big heart to welcome and love the three newest grandkids, Thalissa, Natalia and Camron. Sam also had a large family on Edith’s side. Russ† (Elenor†), Doreen† (Gordon†), Doug† (Barb†), Annie (Arnold†), Laura (Bud†), Ruby (Glen), Billy† (Flo†), Pat (Bob) and Jim (Gloria). Sam was born in Bai St. Paul, Manitoba December 3rd, 1940 to Michael and Kathrina Hofer†, and had 12 brothers and sisters. Katie (Paul), Michael (Elizabeth†), Sarah (David), Rebecca† (Jonty), Mary (Benjamin†), Jacob, John (Suzie), David† (Maryanne), Levi (Maria), Joseph, Peter (Dorothy) and Lisa. Sam met the love of his life Edith in the late 60’s and wed on May 15, 1971. The two of them had a bond like no other. Sam became a stepdad to Edith’s daughter Charlene†, and soon there after welcomed their beautiful son Chris. Sam and Edith moved to Warren in 1976 and have made that their home ever since. Sam had a career as a bus driver with Grey Hound. He managed to retire his 30th year in 1997 with an impeccable driving record. Many miles with many friendships made along the way. Sam also had a love for his Bobcat. He owned and operated Sam’s Bobcat Services for over 18 years. Although Sam sold his business years ago, whenever Sammy saw one in operation, he was always quick to jump in and finish the job. Sam was a jack of all trades. A plumber, carpenter, electrician, roofer, mechanic and gardener. Whatever needed fixing, Sam was always there to lend a hand. His expertise and knowledge were always welcomed and will be greatly missed. Sam and Edith also had a love for music. Their guitar picking, mandolin playing, toe tapping fiddling music will be missed by many. Countless friendships were made listening to Sam and Edith sing and harmonize. Even when Sam was battling cancer, the love of his family and friends along with the unwavering support of his community, helped him through some of his toughest days. Sam’s boisterous laugh, heart-warming bear hugs and even his stubborn ways will be greatly missed. We would like to thank the Selkirk RCMP, paramedics and all first responders. Forever in our Hearts A celebration of life will be held Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Stonewall Legion in Stonewall, Manitoba.

Lloyd Earl Taplin passed away peacefully on July 24th, 2019 at the Grace Hospital at the age of 86. Predeceased by parents, Alfred “Cerce” and Eva Taplin, brothers Orv and Ray. Lloyd will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years Audrey, son Ken (Michelle), daughter Faye (Peter), grandchildren Meagan (Jeremiah), Stefania (Brent), Natalina, Gerardo, Joe, great-granddaughter Elia, brothers Don (Muriel), Fred (Elaine), Ken (Sharon), sisters-in-law Shirl and Elza, brother-in-law Edward (Marilynn) numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Lloyd was born on the family farm just south of Argyle, Manitoba on September 3, 1932. He was the fifth of six boys. He attended Grassmere School till grade 8, then Brant Argyle School, where he met the love of his life, Audrey. They were married at the Argyle United Church on August 10, 1957. They lived in Warren, MB where both their two children, Ken and Faye were born. The family then moved a few miles over to the farm in Argyle where they resided till they retired to Stonewall, and then later moved to Winnipeg. Lloyd worked for the Lakeside Butter Company, Kane Equipment, then he took the position of Weed Supervisor for the municipalities of Rockwood and Rosser. After that he started driving school bus for the Interlake School Division, out of Stonewall until his retirement. Throughout Lloyd also raised cattle on the farm, and did seasonal work for Unger Seed Farms for many years. Lloyd had a love of horses and could always recall the names and personalities of any of the family horses. Lloyd enjoyed baseball his whole life starting from an early age, then in the local men’s league, coaching the local girl’s team to the provincials and as a spectator at the local tournaments. Lloyd enjoyed his curling during the winter months. As the years went on Lloyd retired to being an avid TV sports fan. Lloyd was a member of the local Toastmasters, a member of the Stonewall Masons, the Portage Khartum Shriners, Eastern Star and Jobs Daughters. He enjoyed camping with family and friends at the Portage and later Sidney camp sites. His travels included family trips to Branson, for country music, Prince Edward Island, and the Halifax trip to watch the Brier. The most important thing in Lloyd’s life, was family. Loving husband, Dad, and Poppa, You will be Forever in our Hearts. Celebration of his life will be held in his memory, on Thursday August 1, 2019 at 11:00 am, at the Argyle Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of our dear wife, mother and daughter, Carole Good. Suddenly at Stonewall Hospital on Thursday July 18th with her husband by her side we lost Carole. Carole is survived by her husband of nearly 30 years Kevin, her 4 children Trevor, Kayla, Derrick and Tyler, along with her father Charlie. As well as her large, extended family of aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters in laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her mother Connie, mother in law Beryl Good, dear uncles Jim and Orville Barnhart and her aunt and uncle Eva and Les Meyer. Mom was born in Morden on September 28th,1959 to her loving parents Charlie and Connie Barnhart. They lived in Windygates until they moved to their farm in Kaleida in 1967. Mom spent her childhood riding horses and helping on the farm. Mom attended school in Manitou and graduated from Nelly McClung collegiate in 1977. After High School she went to nurses training at St. Boniface Hospital where she became an LPN. Mom started her nursing career at the Winkler Hospital and returned home to the family farm. In 1985, she met the love of her life at a social in Manitou a farming truck driver, from Balmoral named Kevin. After meeting Kevin, it didn’t take long before Mom got a nursing job in Winnipeg and moved to the city. In 1989, her and Kevin married and bought a house in Stonewall. In the following years, they welcomed their four children Trevor, Kayla, Derrick and Tyler into the world. Mom was a loving, dedicated home maker. There was always a home cooked meal ready on the table at the end of the day and she never failed to have dainties or deserts ready if company came by. At times it seemed there wasn’t anything mom couldn’t handle. It wasn’t uncommon to see her doing everything from helping Dad fix his truck to keeping the yard looking beautiful. Somehow, she still had time to help with homework, school projects or anything else her family needed without ever missing a beat. When her oldest son Trevor turned 12 she started doing home care. She loved her job helping people and developed lasting relationships with her clients. In 2007 mom and dad built a new home where she lived until she passed. Her and dad loved going on road trips and they could often be found on a long weekend heading off to a casino somewhere. She enjoyed curling, both watching and playing and we all had the chance to curl alongside her over the years. She was an avid Blue Jays fan and rarely missed a game. She travelled around North America to see several games in person with her daughter Kayla in New York, Boston, and Toronto. Seeing many of these games were on her bucket list. The funeral service will take place Wednesday July 24th at 2pm at the Stonewall Legion Hall. Pallbearers will be her 3 sons Trevor, Derrick and Tyler, brother- in- law John Good, cousin Walter Stewart and cousin. Darren Barnhart. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation. The family would to say a special thank you the staff at the Stonewall Hospital for doing everything they could to try and save our beloved mother and wife.

September 20, 1946-July 16, 2019     It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Rowena Kadyniuk on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the age of 72. Rowena was surrounded by her loved ones during her journey home. Rowena, better known as Roni by her many family and friends, is survived by her children and grandchildren; Wade (Debbie) and their children Bret, Montana, Chase and Ali; Keltie (Jamie) and their son Easton; and Ryan (Jackie) and their daughters Taylor, Jordyn and Blayke. Her sister Lesley Moore, and brothers William (John) Pritchard and Mark Pritchard. Best friends April Osnach and Diana Mae Boychuk (Mom’s Guardian Angels). Numerous nieces and nephews, respectfully too many to mention, and many dear friends. She is predeceased by her husband Wilfred Kadyniuk, her son Craig Kadyniuk, her father John (Cy) Stenson Pritchard, her mother Lorraine Onofreychuk and her stepfather Martin Onofreychuk. Roni was born in Gimli, Manitoba on September 20, 1946 to John and Lorraine Pritchard. She grew up in Winnipeg Beach, Manitoba and attended school at Gimli Composite High School. She met Wilfred in 1965 at the Rainbow Dance Gardens and the pair quickly became inseparable. It didn’t take them long to fall in love and decide to get married. She married Wilfred on July 31, 1966, then welcomed their 4 beautiful children into this world who were and will forever be the most important parts of her life. They lived and raised their children on the family farm outside of Teulon Manitoba. Roni was a wife and homemaker while the children were growing up. Numerous times there would be a full house whenever she would babysit her many nieces that lived close by, and there were many family barbecues that took place there. She spent a lot of time visiting her mom and taking her children to swim at Winnipeg Beach. She enjoyed fishing with her stepfather and sister’s family over the summer months as well. One can’t fail to mention the several Christmases that the families would gather together and spend in her sister’s home in Selkirk. Once her kids were older, Roni was employed as an Educational Assistant for the Interlake School Division for many years, mainly at the Teulon Elementary School. During this time, and after retiring, she also babysat many children including her beautiful grandchildren and the children of her best friend April Osnach. One of Roni’s favorite hobbies besides container gardening, was knitting and crocheting. Along with her mom and sister, they would spend many hours either together or on the phone creating some of the most beautiful afghans, mittens, toques and everything in between. Add to that list all the ceramics that she made with her mom. In recent years, her sister had introduced her to quilting and there she went again, making many more amazing things which she enjoyed immensely. She was just naturally gifted, and it really did show. Roni also had a passion for bingo and cribbage. She was always up for a game! She loved spending her time with her best friend April and niece Diana Mae. Roni and April always had something going on when they got together, and her daily texts will be missed. Between the three of them, get togethers could be as simple as visiting, laughing about recent political events, helping organize Roni’s new apartment, correcting, or baking. Roni’s greatest passion was her family, and her greatest treasures were her 8 grandchildren. They all had her heart near and far. Proud Grandma would be an understatement! Everyone that had the honor of being a part of Roni’s life truly ended up being a part of her family in her heart. She had a big heart and openly shared it with everyone. She will be deeply and terribly missed by her family, friends and any that had the privilege to know and love her. Out of respect for Roni’s wishes, there will not be a funeral service. Instead, there will be a Celebration of Her Life with a luncheon held in her memory on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at 11:00 am, located North of Teulon at St. Stephens Greek Orthodox Church Hall, Pleasant Home Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Roni’s Memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, and the Lung Association of Manitoba. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the paramedics and the staff at the Stonewall & District Health Centre, as well as select Medical staff at St. Boniface Hospital ICMS Ward that gave Roni the precious gift of time to be with her loved ones awhile longer. We will always be eternally grateful for the extra days that allowed us hope and the extended time with her! Thank you.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Christopher on July 13th, 2019 at the age of 27. He is survived by his mother Dawn Nychka (Murray), his father Richard Helstrom (Tracy), siblings Daniel Helstrom, Lexi Nychka (Joseph), Jazlyn Nychka (Camden), Karen LeForte (Kelson), Ashey Sass (Meriah), grandparents Colin Cameron (Darlene), Jean Helstrom, Great Grandparents Eva Cameron and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Christopher was pre-deceased by his grandparents Bonnie (Bill) Chrismas , Clayton Helstrom , his aunt Eva Jahns, uncle Donald Burnside and uncle Norman Campbell. Christopher was born at The Pas Health Complex. He was raised in The Pas until he moved to Selkirk in September, 1999 and then Balmoral in 2003. When Chris was a little boy he loved being on the farm; Whether it was in Balmoral, or when he went for visits in The Pas. He loved to run free with his cousins when they were visiting. He was a mechanically inclined child. He loved to take things apart even though he couldn’t always put things back together. When he was with his dad he loved to follow him around when he could. When his dad was busy he would spend time with his grandmother. When Chris grew up he loved spending time with his friends playing guitar, boxing and just hanging out. As an adult one of Christopher’s favorite groups to volunteer for was the Bear Clan Patrol in The Pas. He said that it made him feel so good to be a volunteer with this group. Christopher’s celebration of life took place on July 22, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Lutheran Church in Teulon, MB. In lieu of flowers; If friends so desire, donations can be made to The Bear Clan Patrol or the Main Street Project in Winnipeg, MB. I would like to thank the person who called 911, the paramedics who transported Christopher to the Hospital so quickly, and the Doctors and Nurses in the Emergency Department at the Health Sciences Centre who worked so hard to save him.