On January 7th, 2025 surrounded by love, Rita Smith passed away.

Left to mourn her passing is her husband of 55 years, John Smith, her children Shane and Gail Smith, Braxton and Robin Smith, Morgan Smith and Jonathan Hoeppner, Carol and Johnny Vermeer, grandchildren Brooke (James), Zachary (Gabi), Deaken, Hyde, Mavis and Miriam. Her siblings Wade and Sharon Benjaminson, Patricia Benjaminson and David Murray, Jeanne Benjaminson and Marlon Persaud, Sister- in- law Cheryle (Mike), lifelong friends Jan and Barry Bremner, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews and many close friends.

Rita was born In Winnipeg in 1947, the middle child of loving parents Fred and Mavis Benjaminson, with two older brothers and two younger sisters.  They were a very a close family and remained so all her life.  Family was always the most important thing to Rita, which of course included pets.  She loved riding her childhood pony Smokie all over Kirkfield Park, including into her school which got her suspended.  She often shared memories of holding hands with her grandpa, walking around his vast gardens, and growing up by the Assiniboine River, finding wild flowers, and all sorts of creatures to scare her beloved sisters with.  

Rita attended Westwood high school, where she met her husband John Smith.  They were quite the power couple. John, the big strong football player from Brooklands and the beautiful, blond tom boy.  They were married in 1969, and moved to Dugald Road, with their 2 Saint Bernards, and added some horses, had lots of legendary parties still talked about and welcomed their first son Shane.

She went to Red River to become a Lab Technologist, and she loved her career.  She worked at Cadham Lab, Children’s Hospital, Deer Lodge with her Mother Mavis, and then spent 28 years working at Teulon Hospital where she also became an x-ray tech.  Her bubbly personality made her popular with the patients, and her skill and knowledge were admired by her co-workers. She also trained lab students for RRC. She spent countless nights and weekends on call, driving back roads at all times of night, in every kind of Manitoba weather, and the vast majority of the time did it happily.  

In 1974, they moved to an  acreage  near Argyle, and this became their forever home.  Here they added more horses, chickens, many dogs the size of horses and cats the size of dogs. They also welcomed Braxton and Morgan.  They loved being in their beautiful yard and working in their huge gardens, going for walks, and cross country skiing.  She loved hosting  BBQ’s and bonfires, going to Twin Beaches, and Hillside Beach, and spending time with family and friends. 

Rita loved to travel and took many family trips to California, and Western Canada to spend time with friends and family.  Her and John also took two trips to England, the Mediterranean, and 2 trips to Thailand, and a memorable Mother daughter trip to Churchill.

She loved her family more than anything and was the best Mother.  She was thrilled to become a grandmother and then overjoyed to be a great grandmother.  Nothing made Mom happier than being around babies and children. She 

She was tough as nails, and faced adversity with grit and always a beautiful smile on her face.  Through cancer, surgeries, broken bones, and even a horse falling on her, that smile never failed.  It stayed the same when she was diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Dementia and Primary Progressive Aphasia.  The last few years were tough, but she still delighted in the sun on her face, northern lights, flowers, good food, and especially in her family. She was so happy to live with her two young granddaughters for the last years of her life. She was eternally optimistic and always chose to be happy.  

To know her was to love her.  She will be so missed and always loved.  A celebration of life will take place in May.

We her family would like to thank the entire staff of Rosewood Lodge in Stonewall.  The Nurses, recreation workers, office staff, dietary aides, housekeepers, every person in that building  showed her the compassion and love she deserved and that was a lot.  You preserved her dignity, and took the stress off of us, and we can’t thank you enough.  

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, please consider donating to The Alzheimer’s Society or to The Cancer Society. 

(nee Specaluk)

September 5, 1951 – January 6, 2025

It is with deep sadness we the family, announce the passing of Brenda Marie Hamaberg on January 6, 2025, at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre.

                                                                                                                                                                           Brenda leaves to mourn and cherish her memory, her husband of 54 years Wayne; daughter Wanda, grandson Cody and son Dwayne. She also leaves her older brother Larry (Beryl) Specaluk, her sister Valerie (Rick) Reykdal, younger brother Tim (Patty) Specaluk, sister-in-law Faye Shalagon and nephews and nieces to numerous to mention.

She was predeceased by her parents Stanley and Olga Specaluk; her in-laws Roger and Lillian Hamaberg; sister-in-law Katheryn Smaldon and brother-in-law Mike Shalagon.

Brenda was born in Gimli and raised in Winnipeg Beach where she went to school.  She moved to Norris Lake when she met and married Wayne.  She had numerous jobs including Bill & Bea’s, Promo Wear, Inwood and Teulon Golf Course and finished her working career at the Teulon Elementary School where she was an educational assistant.  She was a member of the IPCCC. She loved camping, the outdoors and especially gardening.  You could always find her in her flower beds.  Bingo was always a good time with her crew from Norris Lake carpooling to Inwood. In the last couple years to recent she enjoyed cheering on her great nephew Blaze and the Teulon Tigers.

 But without a doubt her favorite time was spending it with family.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Brenda’s life will take place later this year in the summer.

 In lieu of flowers donations can be made to your choice of charity.

At this time the family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr Loudon and staff in Teulon. The doctors and nursing staff at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre for their care and kindness; and to the family and friends of the community for their out-pouring of support and kindness.

There were seven Spanish Angels
At the Altar of the Sun
They were prayin’ for the lovers
In the Valley of the Gun
When the battle stopped, and the smoke cleared
There was thunder from the throne
And seven Spanish Angels
Took another angel home

December 30, 2024

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Robert Barry Snell (Bob), December 30, 2024.

Bob was born on January 17, 1949, the first of six children of Lloyd and Marion Snell (deceased). He was also pre-deceased by a sister, Linda and brother, Russ.

Left to mourn his passing are his brother Ken (Francine), sister-in-law Laura, and sisters Tracy (Todd) and Bev (Ken) as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews, and friends.

Bob was born in Manitoba, lived for a time as a youth in Puntzi, B.C. and then with his grandparents, William and Myrtle Napper, in Stonewall during his high school years. As a young adult, Bob worked for Manitoba Hydro in Gillam and Long Spruce. He soon moved to Alberta and worked at Esso for many years, and later other companies that performed plant shutdowns. Bob was also proud to have worked on the world’s largest offshore oil platform, the Hibernia oil rig near the end of his career.

Our brother exemplified many family characteristics. He was intelligent, witty, stubborn, and skilled in ways that enabled him to take care of things that needed attending. Oh, and he was a bit of a trickster! Shared memories include those where Bob snuck out the second floor window of the Napper’s in order to go uptown in Stonewall to buy smokes and hang out; deflating tires to allow a car to take Bob and friends on a railroad joy ride, and also pretending to be asleep as the rest of the family left for holiday get-togethers, only to arrive there before everyone else! He was very giving, often treating the family to dinner at the Round Table for mom’s Boxing Day birthday.

He really did like to surprise people. Sometimes he would meet up with travelers at the train station, show up to surprise his parents at a special anniversary, or call you up just to sing a friendly ‘Happy birthday.’ Ken recalls Bob travelling to Prince George to see the drag races as he put the Falcon through its paces. Bob liked fast cars too! He had an MG that came to an end just north of Winnipeg (long story) as well as a pretty fancy (and fast) Mazda.  One time, Bob was on the receiving end of a not so happy surprise when he had a too close encounter with a moose. He was a lucky man to have escaped that with just a few bruises, not so, the moose!

Bob was adventurous. Tracy remembers the excitement of going to the airport to pick up Bob when he arrived home from some locale. He seemed like an exotic world traveler, even though he may have been returning from Manitoba’s north. He did become a world traveler, going to Hawaii, and later exploring all that Portugal had to offer and more. He enjoyed camping in Canada and the United States and checking in on snowbird friends in Arizona and Texas, usually with his friend, Ron. One time, Bob even rented a Harley and rode down the coast of California.

Speaking of being adventurous, when Bob lived in Alberta, he wanted to build a house and live off-grid. With a little help from Dad and Russ the house went up and Bob managed pretty well with coal/wood stove, solar panels, and windmill. He even managed to bake shortbread cookies on one of his stoves!

Bob enjoyed skiing. This may have begun while being pulled behind a snowmobile up and down the lane, but then extended to cross country and downhill excursions. Bob once treated Bev to a winter vacation and opportunity to try skiing at Lake Louise and Sunshine mountains.

With Russ, Bob attended a major airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Both had their private pilots’ licenses, so they found a common interest at the airshow. This was another way they both got to ‘go fast!’

After the passing of our dad, Bob moved back to Manitoba to help with mom’s care. He seemed to enjoy that quiet life. In addition to taking care of Mom and her dog Pal, he would pick up the daily paper to work on his puzzles and engage in a bit of gossip with Jack at the store or ride his bicycle in Argyle. (We suspect he liked to chat up some of the lady walkers there too!)  Bob would take Mom on outings such as supper at the Rock or the Hitching Post, attend community teas, view historical buildings or anything else he thought might interest her. Mom loved to play the piano by ear, and Bob showed some musical ability too, playing ‘In the Mood’ and singing ‘King of the Road.’

After Mom’s passing, Bob returned to life as a bachelor, this time in Stonewall, Manitoba. He continued to pick up the paper daily, perhaps stop by Sigs or Chicken Chef for a coffee as he worked a puzzle and later making his way for supper, again to The Rock.

Bob was quiet, and sometimes boisterous. He lived life his way and as he often said, things were, “tickety boo!”

Cremation has taken place, and a private family gathering will occur in the spring. In lieu of donations, please remember to tip your server at The Rock.

September 5, 1945 – December 24, 2024

Peacefully, after a lengthy illness, Ruth Adeline Blahey (nee Fedorchuk) passed away at the Arborg Personal Care Home early Christmas Eve morning at the age of 79.

Ruth is survived by her sons Michael (Thelma), Bradley (Debbie) and her beloved grandchildren Dawson (Leah), Brooke (C.J.) and Steven. She will be missed by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, David Wabick, Victoria Fedorchuk, Carl Blahey, Gail Blahey and Louise and Bernie Sobie along with nieces and nephews Suzanne, Pam, Monica, Lorrie, Kelly, Jennifer, Stephany, Tiffany, James, Darryl, Jeffrey and their families. Ruth’s cousins, neighbors and friends will all miss her.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband David (2022), her parents John and Sophie Fedorchuk, her sister Christine Wabick, brother Gordon Fedorchuk, brother-in-law Jim Blahey, sister-in-law Sandra Leschyshyn and David’s parents Steve and Marie Blahey.

Ruth was born in the Gimli Hospital September 5, 1945. Her family lived in Silver where she attended Hastings School and Arborg Collegiate for high school. After high school she took a job in Winnipeg and would come out on the weekends to see her family and David. She and David were married July 19, 1969 in Winnipeg. They settled on the farm in Skylake where they spent their entire married life together.

Ruth was very close to her family and enjoyed supporting events in the Silver and Chatfield communities with her family. She enjoyed growing flowers, feeding the birds and watching the wildlife in the area. She and David did some travel across Western Canada to visit family as well as one memorable trip to St. Kitts.

After David’s passing, she made the move to town to the Assisted Living complex in Arborg. She so enjoyed living there and making and renewing friendships. However, as her health declined, she spent more time in the hospital and eventually a move to the care home was required.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Silver Community Hall with interment to follow in the Skylake Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice are appreciated.

A very big Thank You to all the doctors and nurses at Arborg and Gimli Hospital who always took such good care of Ruth. To all the homecare, assisted living and homecare staff, the family thanks you for always making Ruth feel comfortable. Many thanks to Ken Loehmer for his caring and support at this difficult time.

Vichnaya Pamyat

November 2, 1939 – December 22, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Merv passed away peacefully at Goodwin Lodge, Teulon, Manitoba at the age of 85.

He is predeceased by his wife of 52 years; Lyle in 2013. He will be lovingly remembered by his children Todd (Crystal), Terri (Dale) and Brent (Joanne) along with his grandchildren Derek, Niki, Robyn, Devin, Kelsey and great grandchildren Jayce, Amy, Owen, Karsyn and Isaac.

He is survived by his sister Eileen Wonnick, sister-in-law Myrna (Ross) Malcolm, sister-in-law Eileen Campbell in addition to many nieces and nephews.

Merv was born and raised in Teulon, where he met Lyle. They were married on October 7, 1961. He was employed as a welder in his early years with Joy Manufacturing until they moved back to the farm where he was raised as a child. He continued to farm for many years to come. We will always remember Dad tinkering with something, fixing almost anything, and building or creating things he wanted. Growing up on the farm created so many wonderful memories for us that we will always cherish.

Dad loved getting together with friends when he could; fishing and camping. Every weekend it seemed he had someone at the farm visiting; the door was always open.

Cremation has taken place and a private family ceremony will take place in the spring.

The family would like to thank the staff of Goodwin Lodge for their care, kindness and love for Dad.

“Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference in your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be the household word that it always was.”

June 4, 1940 – December 21, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our Mom, Tove Mann on Dec.21, 2024 after a brief illness. She is survived by daughter Dawn (Steve) and son Grant (David); son-in-law Gord Goresky and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by husband of 65 years George and daughters Leslie and Pamela. 

Mom was born in Inwood, Manitoba and lived her life with Dad in Stonewall, Winnipeg and B.C. 

At Mom’s request no service will be held. The family would like to thank the staff at Oakview Place in Winnipeg for the love and support shown to Mom in her final months with us. 

Rest in peace Mom

We will miss you forever and we will search the stars above for your continuing light and guidance. Your beauty, your warmth and your enduring love for us all will be remembered always. 

The family is saddened to announce his passing on December 10, 2024. Following a life marked by creativity, courage & following in the footsteps of his Lord Jesus Christ Allan (Al) passed away peacefully at the age of 93 with family by his side.

Al was born January 1, 1931 predeceased by his sister Myrtle, Parents James & Susanna Hickey & daughter Linda Thomas.  He is survived by his wife Helen of 70 years, Brother Ron (Joyce), Nieces Barb (Scott), Great Niece Madison, Nephew Kevin (Kathy), and Granddaughter Andrea (Ross), Great Granddaughters Georgina & Harriet of London England.

In his early years, due to health issues he attended high school in Iowa & Illinois while living with an uncle and then His sister. On his return to Canada he worked in a local garage to earn enough money to purchase his first car, a 1924 Model-T Ford which the family still has.  He then moved on to work with a lineman crew for Manitoba Hydro. Allan & Helen were married in 1954 & resided in Winnipeg and as the electrification of rural Manitoba was taking place in that era he would have to remain away from home for long periods.  Not ideal for newlyweds; so shortly after he changed to driving busses for Winnipeg Transit. This only lasted for less than two years and another career change.  This time to Correctional Services Canada and a move to a home near Stonewall and although he was told he would never last in this type of work he advanced to Head Social Development.  Some 30 years later he retired only to return under contract to teach a course called Breaking Barriers to both Staff & Residents, in various institutions across Canada.

After retiring Al & Helen got involved in a winter workers volunteer program for Rio Grande Bible Ministries in Edinburg Texas.

The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to Dr. Venter of Stonewall & the Doctors, Nurses & Staff of Selkirk Regional Health Centre for the compassionate & excellent care given to Al during his Stay.  During many visits he would comment on how well he was looked after.

A funeral service will take place at New Life Church, Stonewall Manitoba at 2:00 pm on Thursday Dec. 19, 2024.  Interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Rio Grande Bible Ministries, 103-2005 St. Mary’s Road Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2N 4P1

October 26, 1929 – December 9, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother, Beulah Jones, on December 9, 2024 at Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital at the age of 95.

Beulah was the youngest child, born on October 26, 1929 in Rosetown, Saskatchewan to Robert and Adelaide McCulloch. She grew up in Argyle, Manitoba as part of a loving family along with her brother Lloyd and four sisters Minnie, Verna, June and Rhoda.  The values of love, faith and community that shaped her upbringing remained central in her life.

On July 31, 1948, Beulah married Lloyd Jones of Warren. Together they raised four children: Gordon (Marie), Barb, Jerry (Deb) and Bryan (Donna).  She was a proud grandmother to Jamie (Sherry), Jacey, Jeff (Verna), Bob (Stacey), Heather (Lance), Brent (Lauren), Kelly, Nolan, Jeri-Lee (Kelvin), Myles (Stephanie) along with 19 great grandchildren, 2 great- great grandsons.  She shared in many fun times  with her special niece Darlene Campbell.

Beulah was predeceased by her husband Lloyd in 1988, son Bryan in 2008, son-in-law David Fairlie in 2019, grandson Ryan Fairlie in 2005, great granddaughter Brynlee Jones in 2021 and companion Clayton Garrioch in 2022.

Mom was a devoted member of Warren United Church, a life- long member of the Warren UCW and also a choir member for many years. She found joy and purpose in her faith-based service.  Her dedication to her church fostered lifelong friendships and brought her deep fulfillment.

Mom had a great passion for curling, sewing, knitting, crocheting, oil painting and reading in her later years.  One of her greatest joys was tending to her flower gardens and she always kept a beautiful yard which gave her a great deal of satisfaction.  After Dad passed, Mom was fortunate to become an avid traveler journeying and exploring numerous places and cultures in the world. In 1991, she built a new home in Warren and enjoyed 23 years living there until her move to Lions’ Manor in Stonewall in 2014.

Mom was a classy lady with lots of feist and will be fondly remembered by many for her good sense of humor and big smile.  Her kindness, devotion and vibrant personality left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

We would like to thank Michelle Loehmer and the Home Care staff that assisted Mom during her last year at Lion’s Manor.  A special thank you is extended to Dr. Graham and the staff at Stonewall Hospital for their care. Also a very special thank you goes to the caring staff at Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital for the wonderful care Mom received in her final year.  Also a special thank you is extended to Ken Loehmer for his professionalism and guidance.

A funeral service will be held in the spring of 2025.

In lieu of flowers, Mom’s wish was for donations to be sent to Warren United Church, Box 324 Warren, MB, R0C3E0 or a charity of one’s choice.

“If roses are growing in heaven, we will ask God to pick a bouquet for us and send them to our dear mom and grandma.”

February 9,1944 – December 3, 2024

We as Rob’s family are saddened to announce his passing on Dec. 3 at the Stonewall & District Health Centre.  Rob was predeceased by his parents Valdi and Edith Thorvardson, and a brother Sam last July.

He is survived by a brother Ken (Isabelle) children: Michelle (Randy) – Darcy, Derek, Deron (Meaghan), Son Karl (Lynette) – Jayden, Thomas, Lachan, Valerie (Craig) – Patrick (Stephanie), Hillary, Sage and Quinn, his sister Sylvia (Marcel) and a sister-in-law Beverley -Richard (Nadine) and their children – Learyk, Jerzee and Hayden as well as Danielle (Gerry).

Rob went to the Ideal School for GR.1- 8 and St Laurent School for GR 9 -11.

He then stayed on the family farm to help. Farming was certainly his greatest interest. He greatly enjoyed the haying season and spent many days helping other farmers in the area with some farming activities.

He also enjoyed working with the cattle starting with the milking herd and then went on to look after the Black Angus

Although schooling was not his favorite pastime, he did enroll in a correspondence course from a Chicago institute for an auto mechanics course and passed it with a 100%. He also took other courses to improved his mechanics, welding, or other types of farming upgrades. He repaired many farm implements to keep old machinery in working condition and spent a lot of time in the shop.

Rob lived a very simple life on the farm and made his weekly drive to town to pick up his mail or groceries. He would come to visit and attended family events.

Celebration of his life will be held at the Inwood Community Hall on Saturday, December 14 at @ 2 P.M. with Pastor David Fielder officiating. Lunch will follow and then the graveside funeral will take place.

The family extends our thanks to all the Health Professionals who have been very kind, compassionate and caring especially Dr. K. Graham, Christine at Palliative care, Cynthia and Kirsten at Home care. To all the health care personnel at the Stonewall hospital, thanks for your support. You all have done a great job and provided excellent care to us as well.

Instead of flowers any donation in Rob’s name could be made to the Stonewall Palliative Care Unit.

Thanks also to all our friends who were there for us during this difficult time to offer their help, donated food or chat.