June 5, 1942 – August 21, 2017

Peacefully with his family by his side, Jim passed away at the Stonewall Hospital on Monday, August 21, 2017. Left to cherish his memory are his children Kimberley (Howard), Jim (Susan), Jack (Ashley), Gerri-Lynne (Trevor); and grandchildren Breanna, Nicole, Chelsey (Calvin), Mitchel (Averie), and Daniel. Along with sister Shirley (Ted), sister in law Cathy (Devon); brothers in law Dennis (Kerry), Jerry (Tammy), Ed (Dawn), Jack (Rosalie) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Jim was predeceased by his wife Bonnie of 52 loving years, his parents Oscar and Sadie Buckle, brother Ron, in laws Leon and Evelyn Vandekerckhove, sister in law Judy. Jim was born in Stonewall in 1942. He married the love of his life Bonnie in 1963. With the births of his four children his happiness grew, as his love for his wife, children and grandchildren were his greatest joy!  The family would like to thank Dr. Ventor, nurses and caregivers at Stonewall Hospital. Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 25, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Stonewall Legion in Stonewall 459 Main Street. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to South West District Palliative Care Box 1282 Stonewall, MB R0C 2Z0 . “Dad/Grampa… Forever in our hearts, love you always!”

Passed away peacefully in Stonewall Hospital on August 16, 2017 after spending a wonderful day with her family. Mary leaves to morn her two children Charlene (Ron) Wall, Sheldon (Debby) Bernhard, grandchildren Jayson (Jennifer) Wall, Aron Bernhard, Darryl Komaransky (grandson in-law), great grandchildren Cameron, Andrew, Nathan and Tyler. Mary was pre deceased by her husband Charlie and granddaughter Janelle Komaransky. Mary was born April 7, 1928 at Grenfell Saskatchewan then moved to Strathclair in 1937. In 1946 she moved to Dropmore where she met and married Charlie, and spent most of her adult life. While there she was very active in the community and thoroughly enjoyed the time she spent with the “Dropmore Chicks” singing at events around the area. She enjoyed, cooking, fishing, gardening, and had a keen eye for landscape design, for which, she and Charlie won the best rural yard contest more than once. She was witty and generous and had many interests but her passion was sewing and making quilts. Friends and family members can attest to this as they were recipients of her many, one of a kind, quilts. In1995 Mary and Charlie moved to Stonewall to be closer to their children and grand children so it goes without saying that her greatest love was her family and she was extremely proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed nothing more than telling stories and showing photos of her “kids”. We would like to thank Dr. Annakkage, Christie, and the staff at Stonewall hospital for the wonderful care and support for both Mom and us. A private internment will be held at a later date. We will miss you Mom. Thank you for all the lasting memories.

September 10, 1964 – August 15, 2017 Rembrandt, Manitoba It is with deep sadness that the family of Darrell Zolinski announces his passing at the age of 52 after a one year battle with brain cancer. Darrell was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Stanley and Lillian and grew up in North Kildonan along with his sister Candace and brother Darcy. Darrell played hockey and soccer and enjoyed bowling at a young age and displayed his mastery of the accordion at music competitions. Beginning in his early years, Darrell enjoyed a life-long friendship with his “lawless partners in crime” Doug, Brian, Craig and Jim. While still in his teens he joined the Canadian Forces Military Reserves and ultimately became fully enrolled in 1985. Darrell became a Radio Operator and began a full and distinguished military career that saw him serve his Country all over the world including Nicosia, Cypress; Lahr, Germany; Visoko , Bosnia & Herzegovina; Qunaytirah, Syria; and Kabul, Afghanistan, along with domestic postings in Borden, Calgary, Winnipeg, Kingston and Thunder Bay. It was during his final posting in Thunder Bay that he met and married the love of his life and his soul mate, Lynn. Together they led a very active life and enjoyed their winter home in Florida. Darrell retired from military service at the rank of Warrant Officer in 2013. He continued to serve the community as a Communications Officer for the OPP until 2015. Shortly thereafter, they decided to settle in Rembrandt, Manitoba. Darrell never hesitated to put others first regardless of the circumstances or risks and we are so very proud of his selfless service to the people of Canada and of the world. On one his many trips home Darrell and his Dad crafted a replica clay oven as a permanent addition to the Heritage Village in Arborg, Manitoba. Throughout his life, Darrell had an unparalleled thirst for knowledge, a love of literature and a passion for electronic gadgetry. His vast collection of books, electronic and scientific gizmos would amaze anyone. He was loved for his warm and gentle soul and very strong sense of family. He had a deep intellect and sense of humor that will forever leave us all blessed for simply having him in our lives. Darrell will live on forever in the hearts of his beloved wife Lynn, Step-son Sean (Maria), Granddaughter Rosalie, Parents Stan and Lillian, Sister Candace (Dwain), niece Danielle and nephew Andrew, Brother Darcy, niece Mieko and nephew Matthew. Darrell will be missed by his Mother-in-law Kathy, Father-in-law Joe, along with many uncles, aunts, cousins and a large extended family. Darrell was pre-deceased by step-daughter Deanna. A memorial and celebration of Darrell’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on August 25th at Silver Community Hall. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Graham and Dr. J. Beiko and to those that cared for Darrell throughout his illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stonewall and District Health Centre Foundation Patio Project.

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that the family announces the passing of David Borthistle on August 10, 2017. The impact that David had on people’s lives and the hearts of all those he touched will be his legacy. He is survived by the love of his life, Sophie Sanecki and her children, Adam (Aurora) and Jessica (Paul), and grandchildren Makenzie, Victoria, Noah, and Jonathon. Also left behind to mourn his loss are his siblings Jessie (Gordon) Nodwell, Helen (Jim) Harris, Terry (Bonnie) Borthistle, nieces, nephews, family and friends. David was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Arnold Borthistle, his sister Donalda (Oosterhuis), brother-in-law Jan, his nephews, Brent Borthistle and Gord Harris and his niece, Marjorie Oosterhuis. David was born in Winnipeg on May 13, 1935 and grew up on the family farm at Grosse Isle. He raised cattle and turkeys, and showed great ambition and work ethic at an early age. On August 10, 1953 (64 years ago to the day of his passing) his life journey took a different direction when he contracted polio at age 18. Although he would reside at the King George Hospital and later Riverview Health Centre for the remainder of his life, he never complained or lost his wonderful sense of humour and did not let his disability interfere with his plans or ambitions. David was feisty and relentless in all his ventures including his agitation for a more acceptable entrance to the old King George Hospital, organizing the Polio 53 Club which raised funds for repairing and buying wheelchairs for other patients, and for his personal development of “frog breathing” which allowed him and others to have daytime life without the help of a machine. This enabled him to travel and to visit the home farm which he loved dearly. He used his great intellect and took full advantage of computer technology and when the Riverview Health Centre was being designed, architects sought David’s insight to ensure the Centre’s design would adequately meet the needs of those it would serve. As a close friend, Brownie Zawadski, wrote in a submission to nominate David for The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal “David overcame boredom, frustration and depression early in life. He devoted his time to thinking and planning – how to improve and not dwell on his limitations. He is very strong in spirit and not ostentatious. He is non-judgemental, keeps matters to himself. He is well versed in most aspects of human life, and highly knowledgeable in Local-Municipal-Provincial and Federal affairs.” David was humbled by the nomination but graciously (and sternly!) declined the recognition. The family wishes to express their gratitude to all staff at the King George and Riverview Health Centre that have cared for David throughout his life and a special thank you to all those who were so faithful in visiting him while he was in care. A celebration of life in David’s honour will be held on Monday, August 21, 2017, 11:00 a.m., at Stonewall United Church. Rev. Cole Grambo officiating. A service will also be held at Riverview Health Centre at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made in David’s memory to the St. Amant Foundation or Stonewall District Palliative Care.

Dec.22, 1966 – July 29, 2017

Peacefully on July 29 with his family around him, Doug went to a peaceful and pain free place. Doug fought hard for a year and we are very honoured to have had the extra time with him. Doug leaves us to cherish his smile, many stories told and memories, his wife of 28 years Merle, his daughter Jasmine the apple of his eye, his son Jesse a chip of the old block. Doug was so very proud of and loved his children dearly. His sister -in- law Shelley (Kyle) Flitcroft, his brother Jeffery (Crystal), his brother- in- law Gerald Nobiss, his nephew Joshua Nobiss, his nieces Meagan, Chelsea, Cassidy Nobiss and Angel Bickerton. Many aunts, uncles and cousins. Kelvyn and Kevin Knor who he loved to bug and they loved it and gave it right back to uncle Doug.                                                                                       Doug was predeceased by his parents Allan and Barbara, his grandparents Frank and Phyllis, Joseph and Mary Swirsky, his uncle Ken Albert and his cousin Dale Swirsky. Doug was born and raised on the farmstead in Komarno and remained there until his passing. Doug’s life has been full of many adventures and achievements. Through his years of work he has had the privilege to see many places, Ontario, Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, the Artic (Spence Bay, Gjoa Haven) and Northern Manitoba. Through this he has lived a life dream of driving truck and running equipment. Being away from home was normal but always enjoyed coming home and having many get togethers with family and friends. He always had a bonfire going, he loved the wood smoke wafting through the yard. After many years away from home he decided it was time for a retirement job, which was with Fridfinnson Ent. This enabled him to be home with his family. This job abled him to go back to farming and fixing machinery which he loved to do as a young man. Those guys there always had a good time and we spent many evenings over supper laughing about his day. Doug had many passions but the one that filled his heart the most was hunting. Through his years of hunting he was a member of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation and Teulon Game and Fish Association, where he organized the annual Deer Head scoring competition evening and was taught to score horns himself.  Doug’s passion for hunting has yielded him many trophies and awards, for deer, caribou and bear. He was honoured to win a trip to Glovers Lake for a caribou hunt in 2002 at the Wildlife dinner and dance held in Winnipeg. Last year when we found out he was sick, he decided to fulfill a few more dreams. One was to build a tee pee which he got to use on our trip to Paint Lake, and his other dream was a moose hunt with his cousin Kenny Albert. Doug was able to make both those dreams come true. Doug has made many friends through the years but there were a few that meant everything to him. He wanted these friends to be his Honorary Pallbearers.  Bruce (Mona) Simcoe, Glenn (Gaby) Nazimek, Jeff Tomchak, Les (Tina) Becker, Kelly (Lana) Knor, John Stutsky (Sherri Duncan), Darrell (Doreen) Tomchak, Todd (Crystal) Campbell, Phil (Melissa) MacDonald, Joe (Jackie) Nosaty, Eugene (Amy) Klochko, Mike (Kathy) Simcoe, Tim (Sue) Swaikowski, Don (Helen) Slavuta, John (Roberta) Dawson, Tony Kiskan. Doug loved the fall time, that was his favorite time of the year. The smell of grain being harvested, the colors of the trees, hunting season around the corner. So to honor him if you so choose too, camouflage and blue were his favorite colors.  Thank you to Laura and Lindsey from Cancer Navigation for all your knowledge and support. A special thank-you to Dr. Loudon and his staff for your compassion, knowledge and seeing us in a minute’s notice. A very special thank- you to Shelly and Kyle for just being there to help with absolutely everything, no matter what it was. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Green Acres Art Centre Inc, Box 545, Teulon, Manitoba, R0C 3B0 or to Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue, c/o 88 McAdam Street, Winnipeg, MB., R2W 0A4 (www.hullshaven.org). Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at the Komarno Community Hall. Pastor Dan Shmelinski will officiate.

Sandra Dianne Ambrose (nee Lavallee) March 5, 1970 – July 28, 2017

Friday, July 28, 2017 Sandra donned her ruby red slippers and slipped out into the night to be reunited with family and friends over the rainbow.     She will be dearly missed by her loving husband Matthew, mother Carol Lavallee (friend Al), sister Colette and brother Philip, Ivan and Janice Ambrose, sister-in-law Clare (Les), as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Service of Remembrance will be held on Friday, August 4 at 1:30 p.m. at the Eriksdale Recreation Centre. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire memorial donations may be made to one’s choice.

December 27, 1946 –  July 27, 2017

After a courageous and long struggle with multiple cancers and surrounded by her family, Lynn Pozernick (nee Gauvreau) beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away on Thursday, July 27th at Stonewall Hospital at the age of 70 years. Lynn’s life changed forever when while out “cruising” with her girlfriends at the age of 14, she met the love of her life, Ron Pozernick. The two became inseparable and went on to marry and have two children, Marla Pozernick (Tony Dicks) and Grant Pozernick (Laurie). This September would have marked Ron and Lynn’s 50th wedding anniversary. The light of Lynn’s life was her three grandsons, Spencer Dicks, Kolby Pozernick and Rogan Pozernick. She was simply the best wife, mother and grandmother ever. Lynn loved to spoil her grandsons and one of her favorite things was watching them all play together. Lynn was born and raised in St. Boniface in Winnipeg and developed a life-long love of dance. Ron and Lynn resided in Winnipeg for the early years of their marriage and then moved to the Balmoral, MB area in 1979 to begin farming. From raising Hereford cattle to growing a huge garden and shuttling her children to school and sports activities Lynn did it all while working as a secretary at the Balmoral school and later at the Balmoral store. Lynn’s hard working attitude made her a natural farmer and she didn’t shy away from any challenge. Lynn was well known in the community and will be missed by many. As per Lynn’s wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to CancerCare Manitoba.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Stonewall Hospital for their compassion and for making Lynn’s final moments peaceful. “Love you forever…”

Robert Joseph (Joe) Coutts May 7, 1931 -July 24, 2017 It is with great sadness the family of Robert Joseph (Joe) Coutts announces his passing on July 24, 2017 at the age of 86 years at the Stonewall and District Health Centre. Joe leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years Alice, his children, Sherri (Tom) Mollard of Hamiota, MB and Alison Coutts (Brian Posluns) of Toronto, ON and grandchildren, Troy and Shelby Mollard and Madison Posluns, brother Gordon Coutts and sister-in-law Verna Johnstone. He was predeceased by his parents Albert and Hilda Coutts, sisters Elsie and Thelma; brothers Jack, Bill, and Norman. Joe was born and raised in St. Boniface Manitoba, and in 1964 moved his family to Stonewall, MB. One of his proudest achievements was the house he built for his family to live in. His yard and garden were his passion. Some of the stories Joe would entertain us with was of the many different jobs he held in his young adult life. In 1954, Joe became a certified electrician and began working for the Province of Manitoba. His job, for 38 years, took him to many locations throughout Manitoba working on many government facilities but his main responsibility was to the Manitoba Legislative Building on Broadway in Winnipeg. By his retirement in 1992 Joe had been through every nook and cranny in the place and could give you a narrative tour of the building like no one else. Joe’s legacy of commitment to the community he called home was lengthy. A long serving member of the local Kinsman Club, umpiring baseball and at one point the President of Minor baseball kept him busy while the girls were growing up. Joe made time to work in the kitchen at the local Legion, and both he and Alice prepared the soup and sandwiches for the seniors curling for many winters. Joe himself was an avid curler and golfer. He was also a passionate Winnipeg Blue Bomber fan. At one time a season ticket owner, and in the latter years the television and radio both on at the same time beside his favorite chair in the basement. His play by play calling was best described as animated. As per Joe’s wishes, a private family graveside service was held. The family would like to thank the many people who cared for Joe in his final years. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg MB R3T 0R3.

Oct. 26, 1934 – Jul. 19, 2017

The break of day shone with a brilliant sunrise, as Raymond’s bright smile and twinkling blue eyes became a loving memory. Not long after the light morning rain seemed to honor our tears. His wife, soul mate, best friend and lifelong dance partner Gladys misses him terribly. He was her hero who stood up to his promise of “till death do us part” As a Dad and an Afi he will always be lovingly remembered and missed by his daughter Candyce, son-in- law Scott Paterson, daughter Gae Lynn, son-in-law Bob Labossiere, granddaughters Meaghan and her husband Adam McCullough and Emma Labossiere and Brock Zimak. Ray was born to Jon and Kristjana (nee Grimolfson) Kjartanson on October 26, 1934 as a first generation Vestur-Íslendingar on Hecla Island, MB. He was the third of seven children, Joe, Bennetta, Oskar, Ben, Sylvia and Phillip. There he attended school, commercial fished, worked on the tug hauling silica sand from Black Island to Selkirk, worked along side fellow islanders to build foundations across the lake to bring electricity to Hecla. He married Gladys on November 5, 1960 and they raised their 2 daughters there until they moved to Winnipeg in 1966. He worked for Manitoba Hydro operating the Pettibone machine in the pole yard until his retirement in 1991. He and Gladys spent many summers travelling with their 5th wheel around Manitoba attending fiddle fests and old time dances with good friends. But his favorite place to park the trailer was on his beloved Island. He was so happy and proud to be able to restore his family house in the historical village of Hecla as it truly was his home. His granddaughters loved spending time every summer at Hecla with their Afi and Amma. Ray was such a likeable man, always quick with a smile and a laugh. As a self-taught, incredibly talented woodworker he built many beautiful items from the cedar logs that were hewn at his own sawmill. He loved to bake and made a mean vinaterta every Christmas. Everything about him will be missed, but never forgotten. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Cancer Care MB. A celebration of his life will be held on Hecla Island at the Lutheran Church, Friday, July 28 at 11:00 am.

Elvin Bergen passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday , July 18, 2017, at the Beausejour Hospital at the age of 79 years.  Elvin is survived by his loving wife Mary, children Wayne and Darlene (Garth), grandchildren Jennifer (Jeff), Katheryn, Samara and James, and great grandson William.  He was born on March 4th 1938 in Vita Manitoba and was raised in the Pansy area before moving to Winnipeg in 1955. In 1960 he married the love of his life, Mary.   Elvin and Mary raised their family in Winnipeg before retiring to the cottage in St Malo in 1996.  In 1998 they moved to Beausejour and then on to Stonewall in January of 2012.  Dad was dedicated to his family and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a gentle, patient man with a big heart.  Dad spent most of his working years at Silverwood Daries and Kingsway/Motorways Transport.  A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday July 26th at 2:00 pm at the Stonewall Legion, 459 Main Street in Stonewall Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba.  The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Beausejour Hospital for the excellent care given to dad.