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John Peter Vnuk

April 7, 1930 – September 2, 2017 Peacefully and with quiet dignity, John passed away at the Poseidon Care Centre in Winnipeg on September 2, 2017.  John is survived by his sisters, Margaret and Rose (Rick), as well as many nieces and nephews and their families.  John was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Irene, brothers Steven, Vincent and Anthony, and sisters, Mary, Martha and Anne.   With his brother Tony, John operated a dairy and grain farm northeast of Stonewall until retirement.  John was a devoted Catholic and a member of the Knights of Columbus, most recently at St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Parish.  The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Dr. Femi Bammeke and the staff of the fifth floor (Wellington House) at Poseidon Care Centre for the excellent care provided during John’s time there.   Funeral service was held on Thursday, September 28, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church, 3597 Main Street, West St. Paul, Mb.  Cremation took place and a private family internment at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens followed the service. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in John’s memory can be made to your favourite charity.

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Patricia Irene McMurray (Vincent)

July 14, 1940 – August 29, 2017 Pat passed away peacefully with her family by her side on August 29, 2017 at age 77. Left to cherish her memories are her children Shirley (Frank), Barb, (Trevor), grandchildren Ashley (Blake), Sean (Jocelyn), Shaylynne (Ryan), Christopher, David, Taylor, Mitchell, Amy, Samantha and great grandchildren Fiona and Oakley. Pat was predeceased by her husband Bill (2008), her son Doug (2012), her parents Donald and Violet Vincent, her sisters Helen, Marion, her brothers Don and Bob. Pat loved her family. There wasn’t a holiday or occasion that would go by without having everyone over for a meal to spend time together. You knew you could count on an amazing meal and good times. She spent many weekends and endless time at races and rodeos and later on at horse shows with Bill, the horses and family and friends. She loved her Bingo evenings, soaps and looked forward to the crossword puzzles in the paper each week. Pat loved her jigsaw puzzles and would always have one on the go. She had many talents and one of them was canning, everyone looked forward to sampling the goods and she loved to share that with family. She loved having the little ones running around the house and spoiling them to their hearts content. She was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion and auxiliary for many years. We will miss her dearly. Love you always. As per Pat’s wishes there will be no funeral service. There will be a private internment held at a later date. Thank you to all the nurses and doctors at HSC and St. Boniface Hospital for their care and kindness. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society 193 Sherbrook St, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7 or Canadian Diabetes Association 401-1 Wesley Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4C6.

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Helene Jenny Heaps (Tesar)

On Monday August 28th, 2017 cuddled up to John, Helene took her final breathe and died surrounded by her family. Helene was the happiest when she was with John or when the whole family was together. Seeing the grandkids and great-grand kids was especially important. Helene will be lovingly remembered by her husband John (almost 62 years of marriage), daughter Vera Appleyard (George), son John Heaps (Mary Jane), Grandson Matthew Appleyard (Jennifer; Lucas, Athan, Izabella), granddaughter Amber Lawrence (Travis), grandson Mackenzie Appleyard (Corrine), brother Joe Tesar, sister-in-laws Isabell Martini, Charlotte Heaps and brother-in-law Jim Heaps. Sadly her first baby Lori Lynn died of SIDS at the age of six weeks. Helene was born in Winnipeg to Winnie and Frank Tesar, on October 19th 1935. She lived most of her young life on a farm in Balmoral and later Stonewall. In her late teens her family moved to Winnipeg. During her school days at Victoria School she met her good friend Annie (Tomyk). During one of her visits Annie’s mom introduced Helene to the neighbours big handsome young farm boy. He only lived one and half miles away and was driving for the Rockwood Victoria COOP milk truck. Helene and John married on October 6th, 1956. Helene worked for MTS on Corydon Ave. and then transferred out to Stonewall. Later Helene started working for Link Hardware which is now Home Hardware. Helene loved fishing with John even though she was scared to death of water. She also loved to dance. Her claim to fame were her dill pickles. She would always make over 50 quarts each year and gladly give them away. She had a meticulous work ethic whether it was cleaning the house, canning, or doing the books for the farm. A visit in the summer meant you were guaranteed a trunkful of garden vegetables each time you left their farm. She loved it all. No matter how hard the day Helene always had a smile on her face and said everything was fine. Service was held Friday, September 1st, 2017 at Stonewall Legion at 11 am.

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Jennifer Lee Anne Jensen

December 10, 1989 – August 26, 2017 Peacefully on Saturday, August 26, 2017, Jenn passed away at the age of 27, at St.Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg. She is survived by her parents Lloyd Jensen and Sue Werner, her beloved Maine Coone Narnia, Auntie Sandy, cousins Kyle. B.J. (Jasmin), Michael, Christine Lodge and family as well as numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Special online friends, Leah of Great Britain and Rowan of Australia. Jenn was predeceased by her tabby Abby, Auntie Donna Jensen, Grandad Lauritz Jensen and Grammer Joan Werner, great-grandparents Ted and Olga Folta and Ernie Werner. Also the grandparents she never met, Georgina Jensen and Walter Werner; and her great-grandmother Adele Werner. Born 10 December 1989 in Thompson, Manitoba. Jenn and her family moved to Stonewall when she was four years old. She attended primary and secondary school in Stonewall, Manitoba. Her post- secondary education was at Mount Allison in New Brunswick. Jennifer loved words, books, languages, linguistics, expressing herself with wit and pith, and exploring cultures other than her own. She had traveled to the islands of the United Kingdom and Greece. In her second year at Mount Allison, January 2009, studying French, German, Spanish and Japanese, she was making plans for a summer in Germany when she became ill. Determined to continue her study of languages in the spring of 2009, she attended Red River College to learn ASL. At an early age Jennifer was introduced to computer gaming, and was an early subscriber to the MMORPG “World of Warcraft”. After she became ill she dedicated much of her time to her online communities including battle.net (Hearthstone, Overwatch and WoW), Sapherna, Solia and support groups for people living with chronic illness. In keeping with Jennifer’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private interment will be held at the Stonewall Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jenn’s memory to St. Boniface Hospital Foundation or any charity of one’s choice. In honour of Jenn you could play a card, board or online game with your loved ones; teach your pet a new trick; or read a book by J.R.R. Tolkien. You could also watch Peter Jackson /J.R.R. Tolkien movie as long as you promise to snort or swear at the parts that are different from the books. Jenn’s family thank the healthcare professionals at the St. Boniface Hospital; Dialysis, ER and ICU Units. There are far too many medical personnel to name individually with the various team members running into the hundreds over the eight and half years. Your care and compassion in the treatment of Jenn’s illnesses and conditions were appreciated beyond what mere words can express.

Pippin:            “I didn’t think it would end this way.”

Gandalf:          “End?… No, the journey doesn’t end here.                       Death is just another path, one we must all take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass,  and then you see it.” Pippin:             “What, Gandalf?  See what?” Gandalf: “ White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.”

Pippin:   “Well, that isn’t so bad.” Gandalf: “No….No it isn’t.”

J. R. R. Tolkien

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WILLIAM IVAN JAMES (Jim) BUCKLE

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!”

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Mary Joan Bernhard

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.

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Darrell Stanley Zolinski

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.

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David John Richard Borthistle

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.

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Doug Allan Paluk

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.

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Sandra Ambrose

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.