Born June 28th 1945- December 9th 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Archie Bernard Catellier at the age of 80 after a short courageous battle with cancer. 

Archie will be deeply missed by his wife Paulette of 55 years. His daughter Nicole Laliberte, his grandsons Brant (Nickkie) Moore-Catellier, Nikolas Laliberte, his granddaughter Sari (Marcus) Risbey and his great grandsons Harrison, Decker Risbey. 

His sister Jocelyne (Francois) Gagne, his brother Maurice (Helene) and sisters – in – law Lorette Catellier and Elaine Catellier. His in-laws Marc (Heather) Dumont, Gerald (Noreen) Dumont and David Reimer along with many nieces, nephews and friends. 

Archie was predeceased by his parents Fabien and Alice Catellier, his in-laws Roland and Lucille Dumont, his brothers Herve Catellier, Antonio (Tony) Catellier, his sisters- in-law Patricia Catellier, Lynne Reimer, his son in-law Curtis Laliberte.

Archie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend. He took great pride in his family and friends.

Archie retired in 2013 from a 30 year career with Manitoba Conservation, where he loved working in his backhoe.

 The family would like to send their heartfelt thanks to Selkirk Regional Health Care / Med 3 Unit and Palliative Care for their kindness and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Archie to the Interlake-Eastern Health Foundation. 

Celebration of life will be held at the Parochial Hall, in Stonewall, MB. on Saturday, January 24^th, 2026  from 1- 4 pm.

Forever in our hearts, gone but never forgotten

Love your family.

June 9, 1948 – December 1, 2025

Peacefully, in the morning of December 1st, Andy passed away at Johnson Memorial Hospital in Gimli, Manitoba. He is survived by Florence, his wife of 53 years; son Kevin; daughter Karen (David); grandchildren Ava and Keifer.

Dad was born June 9, 1948 at the family home in the R.M. of Rosenburg, Manitoba. His parents were Andrzej (Andrew) and Pauline. He had six siblings: Jean (died at infancy), Edward (Anne), Joyce (Ted), Norman (Barb), Michael (Dale), Marianne (Rick) and numerous nieces and nephews. He completed  elementary school in  Cochenour, Ontario, Hayek & Vidir Schools and finished his high school education at Arborg Collegiate. When he lived in Ontario, where the blueberries were plentiful, Auntie Sylvia nicknamed Dad “Banjo Eyes.” After graduating, he went to Balmerton, Ontario to work with his uncle at Dell Construction, then later went to work in the mine.

He came back to Manitoba and worked in Winnipeg with the BDC Company. At a New Year’s dance in Fisher Branch, he met his wife to be. Once married, the two ventured to Norway House, where they spent four years working together, having much fun with the friends they made. The stories of those days still bring smiles.

Moving back to Arborg, he worked at the Co-Op Lumber Store. The North called him back where he shared management at the hotel and he flew throughout northern Manitoba and Northern Ontario preparing Income Tax returns, until he retired. We remember one winter when Dad came home from one of his trips, the pilot landed his plane on the field across from home. Dad grabbed his bag, waved a farewell – the pilot returned to the skies and Dad walked home.

Together, Dad and Mom traveled extensively including traveling all of Canada and the United States. They took winter holidays in Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Hawaii and multiple trips to Europe.

He volunteered with the Kinsmen and for nearly two decades at the Fire Department in Arborg. He was well known for the meals he cooked at the Fire Department to ensure the volunteers were well fed after returning from a call.  

Dad did so much in his life. He figured things out and was not intimidated by challenges. He could crack a joke when we least expected and was a prankster. Dad lived a very full life and had fun doing things like: driving a motorcycle, farming, snowmobiling, boating, hunting, canoeing, fly-in fishing and having a shore lunch and taking flying lessons. Surprisingly, he also had a quiet side and read.

Employment with Barrett & Sons gave him experiences, knowledge and unforgettable adventures. Thank you.

To the Emergency personnel at Johnson Memorial Hospital for your compassion, thank you.

As per Dad’s wishes, there will be no formal service and a private interment will be held.

August 31, 1985 – December 1, 2025

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of our son and brother Matthew Thomas Porteous, at the young age of 40 years of Inwood, Manitoba.

He was predeceased by his father Gregory Porteous, grandparents Evelyn and Tom Porteous and Leona and Abe Redekopp.

Hi is survived by his parents Doreen and Darrell Tomchak, his brother Dustin and his sister Katerina (Caleb) his step siblings Kyle, Clinton, Shane, Laura and Ashley and their families. Also aunts, uncles, cousins and many great friends.

Matt was born in Teulon, MB, and raised on a farm near Inwood, MB. He was educated in Teulon. Although his best education was his own life experiences, good or bad. He was a truck driver and equipment operator since the age of 18, that caused him to move around a lot. He was a responsible, conscientious, and comical individual, always enjoyed a good laugh. He enjoyed quading, hunting, fishing and music. He also liked to be in nature and interacting with animals (“Lucky the dog”). One of his favorite things to do was joking around with family and friends. If you needed a hand, all you had to do is ask. Matt was a wonderful son, brother and friend. He will be missed by all. I’ll miss his big hugs.

A celebration of Matt’s Life will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Komarno Hall in Komarno, MB. Lunch to follow. As cremation has taken place, interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Manitoba Humane Society.

Thank you to the EMS and Gimli RCMP for their immediate response and support.

Also thank you to Ken Loehmer for his care and support in this time of great need.

 With family at her side, Joyce Elizabeth Stewart passed away peacefully, November 29th, 2025, at Stonewall’s Rosewood Lodge. She lived a full life over 91 years, filled with strength, joy and love of family.

She was the devoted wife of Alex Stewart until his untimely passing in 2014. The two married in October 1958 and built a life together in Balmoral raising four children Wendy Lillies (Kimo), Rick Snell (Marg), Jim Stewart (Lee) and Lori McEwen (Terry). She cherished her nine grandchildren Cindy (Murray), Gord (Amy), Geoff (Leslie), Kristle, Don, Eric, Dan (Kelsey), Jodie (Tyler), and Shawn (Steph) as well as her 11 great grandchildren.

Mom was vibrant, generous and ambitious. She delighted in the company of others and welcomed anyone who came to the door, no matter what the hour. The hospitality and baked goods were shared with a laugh and a cup of tea.

In her early years, she attended Brant-Argyle School and we would marvel at the stories she would share about travelling by horse and buggy, plowing fields with horses, milking cows and cutting wood. Mom willingly pitched in on these physical tasks on the McCulloch homestead working alongside her Dad, Howard. Her mother, Isabelle, was an excellent cook and Mom perfected the recipes of scones and shortbread handed down for many generations.

Mom was the youngest of three girls with sisters Irene Pearson and Bernice Fraser (deceased 2000). Life was not without heartache, but she forged ahead with two young children following the death of her first husband Gordon Snell in April 1957.

She found work rewarding in the Rosewood Lodge kitchen and excelled in the social aspects of working in the Hallmark store. Her true passion was the farm in Balmoral, where she raised her family. The grandchildren visited often and her rolling pin was the busiest. She worked tirelessly tending to the garden, preparing meals and helping anyone in need. Mom thrived in the kitchen. It’s where she beamed with delight in serving another family meal. Those gatherings would bring the beautiful chaos of all the grandchildren together and the aroma of freshly baked buns. She was our family matriarch and a passionate community volunteer. She had a great appreciation of music, dance, and singing along to her favourite tunes.

In Balmoral, Mom and Dad were avid curlers enjoying the company of neighbours, playing cards, following sports teams and making special memories. In 2008, life slowed down some as they gave up grass cutting and moved to a house in Stonewall. Phone calls kept her connected to family friends and the Free Press filled her mornings. Then word of a baseball or hockey game, home renovation or any celebration meant grabbing something from the freezer and hitting the road.

The grandkids were extra special to her and she valued each relationship. The most dedicated fan, she was always proud to be present to cheer at a sporting event or celebrate a milestone. We were so grateful for Mom’s resilience when she moved to Lion’s Manor in 2019 where she

continued to tend flower beds, deliver baked goods to neighbours and clear snow long into her 80’s.

She will be remembered for her outgoing spirit, kindness and unwavering support of family.

Mom embraced all the seasons along with the birds, challenges and beauty each would bring. Those sharing in our loss are the Snell and the Stewart Families, many nieces and nephews, and those gone before her and her dear friends.

You are missed every single day, for you were someone special, who meant more than words can say. By strength and courage, we love you. May you rest in peace.

Thank you to the caring staff at Goodwin Lodge and Rosewood Lodge for her exceptional care. A private family service will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Victoria Cemetery in Balmoral, MB.

It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Jennifer Ann Essery (Smith) on November 29, 2025. She passed peacefully at the Gilbert Plains Care Home in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba, after a courageous battle with Dementia.

She is survived by her two children Stephanie (Philllip), Shawn (Cally) and her sister Susan, along with her 8 grandchildren Nicholas, Shailee, Riley, Maya, Noelle, Chris, Mackenzie and Brianne, and 2 great-grandchildren Kalicee and Leliana.

She is predeceased by her husband Art, her mother Jean and her father George.

Born January 6, 1953, in London, England, she immigrated to Canada with her family when she was 5 years old. They settled in Regina and spent most of her formidable years growing up in the Saskatchewan capital. She met her first husband and married him late in her teens. The couple was blessed with two children, Stephanie and Shawn. After a short marriage, the couple went their separate ways. This allowed for a move to Stonewall. While working at Interlake Publishing, she met Art, embarking on a lifelong romance. Married in June 1981, they spent the next 42 years by each other’s sides.

Jenny started her career as a graphic artist after attending classes at Red River Community College. After a short stint in the field, she joined a start-up division of MTS, exploring emerging technology, being one of the first employees of MTS Cellular. For 2 decades she was a fixture in the cellular/mobility industry and made countless friends and had countless adventures along the way.

In the early 2000’s, she moved away from the mobility industry and moved towards her lifelong passion of helping people. Through her Qi Quest business, she focused on the health and wellbeing of everyone she came in touch with.

Jenny always lived her life with love, laughter and a contagious excitement when it came to career, friendships and above all family. She will truly be missed but never forgotten.

A private memorial service will be held in the coming weeks with family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, if friends desire, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, the Parkland Region Health Authority or the Gilbert Plains Personal Care home.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Gilbert Plains Personal Care Home and the staff at Happy Haven assisted Living in Dauphin, for all the love and care they have shown to Jenny over the last period of her life.

September 16, 1947 – November 28, 2025

On Friday, November 28, 2025 Marjorie Amy age 78 years passed away at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.

Marjorie was born in Teulon and attended high school in Teulon until Grade 11. Grade 12 commercial class was based in Stonewall, MB. Marjorie started dating Charlie Amy in August 1964 and married him on October 18, 1969. (56 years married – 62 ½ years together)

 In 1965 she went to work at the Winnipeg Free Press as account payable clerk until December 1970 when daughter Sherry was born. In 1972, Marge went to work for Blackwood Beverage (which was later purchased by Pepsi) as accounts payable. In January 2021 her job was transferred to Calgary. She then worked for Bel Acres mowing grass on the fairway retiring in 2022. Marge enjoyed mowing grass, when we wanted a zero turn mower she wouldn’t buy one unless it had a steering wheel so we bought a Cub Cadet.

 In 2012 we started winters in Arizona except 2013 when we went to Florida. We missed 1 year because of covid. In 2019 land was purchased for the museum. Marge helped with hole digging to fence the property. She also mowed grass at the museum.

Marge was also involved with the family farm along side her husband Charlie.

 One of her enjoyments was doing word search puzzles.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 1:30 pm at Argyle Community Hall. Interment will take place at a later date at Argyle Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Settlers, Rails and Trails Museum, Argyle, MB.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Gula, aged 92, at the Arborg Personal Care Home in the morning of November 27, 2025.

Joseph, known to most people as Joe, was born in Madunice, Czechoslovakia, on February 6, 1933. His family immigrated to Canada in 1938 and settled in the farming community of Malonton, MB. Joe attended the local school where he learned not only adjust to life in Canada, but a new language.

During his high school years, he rode the train from home to Teulon and back. Afterwards, he attended Teacher’s College from 1951 – 1952. He was determined to become a teacher, not only for himself but for his father, who encouraged him to pursue his education. He made his dad proud when he graduated with a Teacher’s Certificate.

Joe taught in the Interlake and Evergreen School Divisions for 37 years. During that time, he met and married the love of his life, Olive (Ollie) Buchkowski in 1958, who also teaching in the Interlake. They raised four children while he attended Red River College and University of Manitoba to upgrade his Teacher’s Certificate. Upon receiving his Class 5 Teacher’s Certificate and a degree in Pedagogy, he went on to teach Industrial Arts at Arborg Collegiate.

Joe was an active member of the community and spent many weekends volunteering his time with school children on bus trips. He was a member of the Lions Club and a volunteer ambulance driver and firefighter. He helped with the Christmas Cheer Board and Meals on Wheels and spent many years on the Library Board.

Joe retired in 1989 and continued working and living in Arborg. He spent four years managing Riverdale Workshop and took part in the building of Taylor Home, a residence for intellectually challenged individuals. He also volunteered as a board member for Riverdale Workshop. After retiring from the workshop, he took a job as passenger and worker on the “Honey Truck”. Ollie used to pack chocolate bars in his lunch to sweeten his day.

 Joe loved travelling and he and his family went on many road trips throughout Canada and the northern states during summer breaks. Many happy memories were created in campgrounds throughout Canada. He also travelled with friends to Arizona and Mexico.

In addition to being a car enthusiast, Joe was an avid angler and loved the outdoors. The north was his passion so when the children were older, he and Ollie travelled to Alaska, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories and fished for salmon in Valdez, Haines and Soldotna, Alaska. In his later years, Joe and Ollie decided to park their trailer at Morden Meadows in Arnes where he spent his time walking in the campground with his brother, Rudy and playing cards with Ollie, Rudy, and Jean.

Joe is predeceased by his brother, Donny (Lorraine) and sister Anne Gill (Pat). Also by in-laws George and Gail Buchkowski and Helen Onyschuk.

 He is survived by his wife, Ollie, his children, John (Angie), Jim (Alicia), Joanne (Jon) and Judy (Phil), and his grandchildren, Chloe (Alex), Darby, Bella and Jana. He also leaves behind his brother, Rudy (Jean), their children, Dean and Duane, Anne and Pat’s daughter, Denise, and three great-grandchildren, Madden, Ellis and Banks who will miss all the treats he had ready for them. Survived also by brothers-in-law Michael Onyschuk and Archie (Mona) Buchkowski.

Special thanks to the staff of Arborg Personal Care Home for taking care of Joe in his final years. Cremation has taken place. There will be no funeral at this time.

We love you. You were a good husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, and friend. May you rest in peace. You still owe many people a lot of beers.

July 10, 1954 – November 23, 2025

With profound sadness, we announce the sudden passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and auntie on November 23, while at home with her son, Jeff and grandson, Jaden by her side.

Beverley will be dearly missed by her children, Daryl, Jeff, and Lori (Trevor Gard) and her grandchildren, Cody (Dahlia), Summer, Byron, Alex and Jaden.

Beverley loved her children and grandchildren dearly and was always excited to have them visit.  She insured that she had every body’s favourite food and dessert prepared upon their arrival. 

Beverley is survived by her sister Darlene Yaremus (Caroline, Ben) She is predeceased by her parents, Steve and Caroline Shachtay and sister Rose Marie Darch (Derek).

Beverley had a variety of jobs that included waitressing, cooking, advertising, Elections Manitoba and was a caregiver that she provided care to people with disabilities, in which she enjoyed greatly.  Beverly was a natural caregiver, and it gave her great happiness to make a positive difference in peoples lives.   

Beverley’s passion was cooking and baking and anyone that knew Beverley knew she was a fantastic baker.  She baked an enormous variety of goods that would cover the kitchen table, counters and every other spot that could accommodate a pan or cookie sheet.  Family and friends were lucky to receive her baking platters which were made with an enormous amount of love and pride.  It was not until the passing of her mother that her and her sister mastered the famous Icelandic Vinarterta. 

Beverly’s favourite seasons was spring and summer because she could plant a variety of flowers in her planters that she would nurture, taking pictures of them daily on her iPad and later posting on Facebook. She loved the bright orange tiger lilies that Percy planted along the property bush line, and she would often comment how many there was.  Beverley and Percy enjoyed the fall garden harvests and the time they spent canning together.  When her children were younger, Beverley and Percy took their children to endless baseball, hockey and other sport practices and games.  She loved that her children participated in Ukrainian Dance and loved to see them perform.  Indeed, Beverley was a proud mom.

In earlier days, Bev and Percy curled and within the last while she enjoyed floor curling with her girlfriends.  She looked so forward to spending time with her girlfriends, and many people would be envious of her many life-long friendships she had.  Beverley was blessed to have so many wonderful friends. 

Beverley always wanted the absolute best for everyone she knew and was very proud of all her children and grandchildren wanting them to do well in their lives.  Beverley’s children and grandchildren brought Beverely and Percy their greatest joy, even when they teased them.   

Beverley will be missed enormously by her family and friends, and gatherings will no longer be the same.

You will be missed Beverley!

Vichnaya Pamyat

Funeral Service to be announced at a later date. 

April 22, 1928 – November 18, 2025

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Audrey Cassels, cherished mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, at the age of 97 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

She is survived by her daughters:  Eleanor (Les), Daphne, and Kathleen (Jim), son-in-law, John; grandchildren:  Kristin (Jonathan), Lauren and Jaimie; Charlie (Mariah), Jeff (Andrea) and Lisa (Jason); Alex and Brent (Alycia); and 14 great-grandchildren.  Audrey was predeceased by her husband, Jim; daughter, Rita; parents Eleanor and Frederick Broadfoot; sister, Connie; and son-in-law, Gord.  She was a special aunt to nieces and nephews.

Audrey was raised by her parents on a farm in the Fisherton area, where she attended a one-room school. She spent her grades 11 and 12 at Rupertsland in Winnipeg, and then attended Normal School before teaching in one-room schools in Teulon, Prairie Grove and Grassmere.  In 1952 she married Jim and settled on the Cassels farm at Warren where they raised their girls and participated in community activities.  Mom was involved in curling, bowling, Women’s Institute and very active in the 4-H program as a local leader, regional and provincial representative.  She loved teaching the young girls and boys.

Mom’s faith was very important to her and after her move to Winnipeg in 1983 she joined the parishioners at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Woodhaven and became actively involved in the ACW and the quilting group where she was always happy to help new quilters.  Mom loved quilting and her family cherishes the quilts she gifted to each one, as well as the Petit Point pictures that she spent endless hours stitching.  She enjoyed sewing and knitting, baking cookies, cakes and cinnamon buns to share with family, and early morning walks at Polo Park Shopping Centre with her friends.

Family was very important to her.  She was proud of her children and grandchildren and loved spending time with them.   She will be remembered for her smile, kindness and unwavering love.

The family would like to thank the staff at Riverview Health Centre (CD1) for the compassionate care provided to our mother for the past two years, and to the staff in Evergreen 1 at Waverley/Rosewood for the previous four years in her dementia journey.

 A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Woodhaven, 2700 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg MB  R3J 0R1 on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm.  Reception to follow in the church hall.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Woodhaven, 2700 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg MB  R3J 0R1.  Telephone:  204-832-0117.  E-mail:  standrew@mymts.net.  Website:  www.standrewswoodhaven.ca. OR Alzheimer Society Manitoba, 10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB  R3C 4G2. alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca. Telephone:  204-943-6622 / 1-800-378-6699.

“The quilt of my own life

Finds voice to talk, sing, write, and pray…

As it weaves a hundred stories in its own eclectic way.

And with each stitch of grace and hope my legacy is built;

All fragments finally made a whole…

The pieces of my quilt”

Prayer:  Pieces of my Quilt

November 30, 1944 – November 14, 2025

After a courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis, our beloved husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and best friend was forced to leave us. Al did not lose his battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis, rather he won the battle, but in the only way left to him – by escaping its grasps, and forever and finally leaving it behind. It is with deep sorrow that we announce his passing, 17 days short of his 81^st birthday.

Al will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years Gayleen (Essex), children Alan and Grant, sister Marian Ulyatt (Norm), brother-in-law Ken Essex (Pat), sister-in-law Margaret Beauchamp (Lorne), many nieces and nephews, as well as extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Margaret (Peggy) Nixon, brother Tom Nixon, niece Terri Essex, nephews Tommy Nixon and Brian Nixon.

Al was born and spent his early years on the family farm in the Gordon, MB, community. His education started at the East Rosser School. He was able to attend the ceremony of the reopening of East Rosser School at the Grosse Isle Museum (September 2016). That was a proud moment for him to reconnect with old school friends that attended. From there the family moved to Brooklands and then moved rurally again and he finished his education at Stonewall Collegiate where he met his future bride, Gayleen, and they were married in September 1967.

In 1965, Al joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, and his first posting was to Rivers, MB. This began his long history of being a proud airman from which he retired after 33 years at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. He saw service in many countries and most provinces and territories in Canada. From Alert (at the top of the world) to war-torn countries like Bosnia, working in any capacity of rebuilding and repairing as the Canadian Armed Forces saw the need through the United Nations. He did two six-month tours in the Middle East with the United Nations, as well as shorter tours around the world and Canada.  He assisted in the restructuring and rebuilding from the devastation in Montserrat after Hurricane Hugo tore through that country. Postings throughout his military career included Rivers, MB, Portage la Prairie, MB, Chilliwack, BC, Cold Lake, AB, to Winnipeg, MB, where he served from 1982 to his retirement in 1996. His comment when asked was always “the Military paid me to enjoy my hobby” which was in the Construction Engineers.

His two sons were born in Chilliwack with the majority of their schooling being in Stonewall, which is unusual for a military family.

Family was so very important to Al, whether teaching his boys life skills, being involved in their sports, family camping trips, road trips home for family visits, or exploring the country – he loved life.  His commitment to community, his always wanting to lend a helping hand, and his smile will always be remembered by all who knew him.

One of his great loves was his 59 years with Scouts Canada. He was looking forward to receiving his 60-year pin next year. From starting a Cub Pack in Rivers, MB, he moved up the ranks as a Scout Leader, Venturer Advisor and on to leading a team of trainers, training future leaders in the organization. He received many commendations and awards for his many achievements throughout those years.

In 1981 in Cold Lake, AB, he was awarded the Medley Community Council award – Citizen of the Year, for the construction of a Scout Hall at Camp Vanier. On the presentation it was said that “On arrival to Medley some four years ago, Al has realized two of his primary ambitions: construction of a Scout Hall at Camp Vanier and its rapid completion all of which was the direct drive of Al. His involvement in the Scout movement has been four years of dedication in Cold Lake.”  In 2007 he received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Manitoba Provincial Scouting Council and a 40-year Service to Scouting Certificate. In October 2017 he received a Bar to the Silver Acorn for continued and especially distinguished service to Scouting. He served in a provincial capacity as Assistant Provincial Commissioner for Venturers/Rovers, Training Committee, Area Commissioner – Service Area 6, Trainer and Group Commissioner – Stonewall.

Milestones and achievements through his years in the Stonewall/Rockwood area were many.

He joined and assisted with the Stonewall Christmas Cheer Board for over 25 years from its inception. He served as the “food and gift pickup person” around town, involving his Scouts and Venturers as assistants. He did bicycle repairs for distribution to children, coordinated moving of toy hampers and food to the distribution centre and helped load recipient family vehicles; he was the public relations representative and with Gayleen continued to be available until Christmas Eve to ensure no family in need of a hamper went without.

Al was a life member of Blood Services and was proud to do his part in helping others by donating for over 50 years.

He trained in logistics on the Disaster Response Team with Canadian Red Cross from 2001 to 2009. Trained in Registration and Inquiry for Disaster Services (1999). He received a 3-year Milestone award in 2002 and a 10-year Milestone award in 2007.

He was a MELS (Medical Equipment Loans Service) technician for the Stonewall Depot for several years.

He was a Member of the Royal Canadian Legion and assisted with the Fall Suppers for 26 years.

Al worked on the construction of The Youth for Christ Drop-in Centre along with the toboggan run for winter carnivals.

He served on the Building Maintenance Committee for 3 years in Stonewall United Church.

He was a Neighbourhood Watch Co-Captain for 15-20 years for the Oakwood Estates community – RM of Rockwood, MB.

Al, along with his wife Gayleen, was a recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s “Make a Difference Community Award” presented by Lieutenant Governor John Harvard in 2005.

Al joined the Odd Fellows Fraternal Organization and for over 25 years was so very proud to do his part to keep their motto alive: “Friendship, Love, and Truth.” He was dedicated to making a positive difference within his community and province through the Odd Fellows Organization and served a term as Grand Master of Manitoba.

A Celebration of Life will be held December 6^th, 2025 at the Stonewall United Church, 369 First Ave N, Stonewall, at 11:00 am, with a lunch to follow at the Odd Fellows Hall, 374 First Street W, Stonewall.

Al’s nieces and nephews will serve as Honorary Pallbearers:

Jacquie Loschiavo, Bob Essex, Lorraine Essex, Teren Essex, Brycen Essex, Lori Beauchamp, Karl Beauchamp, Greg Ulyatt, Janice Bosch, Walter Nixon

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation for research into eliminating this disease, or a charity of one’s choice. Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 3250 Bloor Street W, East Tower, Suite 600, Toronto, ON, M8X 2X9, or online at cpff.ca.

The family would like to thank Dr. L. Homik, Debbie Homik and the Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group family for their caring and support throughout this journey.

Thank you to the Stonewall RCMP and EMS for their kindness and support. A special thank you to Ken Loehmer for his gentle guidance as we face our new tomorrows.

The saddest word mankind knows, will always be “Goodbye”