It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Yvonne Shirley Boston, who peacefully passed away on April 5th, 2024. Yvonne was born in Tisdale, Saskatchewan on May 11, 1934, and her life was a testament to love, strength, and unwavering resilience.

Yvonne was preceded by her son Rocky and her husband John. Their memory remained cherished in her heart until her final days.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Terri-lynn Huber (Larry) and Tannis Kowalchuk (Keith), who were the pride and joy of her life. Yvonne’s legacy also lives on through her cherished grandchildren: Shaelynn (Dylan), Brandon, Jesse, Krista (Darcy), Kaily (Ganesh), and Trevor, each of whom brought immense happiness to her life. Yvonne was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Arlo and Avi.

Yvonne’s life was defined by her unconditional love for her family and her unwavering commitment to their well-being. She was a beacon of strength and wisdom, offering guidance and support to all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her kindness knew no bounds, and her gentle spirit touched the lives of many.

In addition to being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Yvonne’s warmth and compassion endeared her to all who crossed her path.

While we mourn the loss of Yvonne’s physical presence, her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were privileged to know her. May she rest in eternal peace, reunited with her beloved husband and son, knowing that she was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

As per Yvonne’s request no formal service will be held.

Shirley Rose Cookson age 78 of Teulon passed away peacefully on April 4, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Shirley lived in Teulon Manitoba, a town she loved dearly. Shirley will be deeply missed and always remembered by so many. Shirley was a one of a kind lady, always willing to lend a helping loving hand to anyone in need. Her kindness, love and generosity will be missed greatly.

Shirley will be greatly missed by her son Billy and daughter in-law Shelley. Granddaughters Brandi (Adam), Kaitlyn (Will), Carlee (Stan). Great Grandchildren Victoria, Ethan, Emmitt, Angyl. Shirley will be also missed by her many other family and friends and everyone in her community that knew her.

Shirley was predeceased by her mother (Agnes) and father (Walter) and husband Roger, daughter Joanne and brother Douglas.

Shirley was born in Ste Rose Du Lac on November 18, 1945. Shirley grew up always willing to lend a helping hand. She loved to help around the family farm. Later in her years she met her husband Roger and had 2 children Billy and Joanne who she loved so dearly. Shirley and Roger first settled down in Austin Manitoba, then moved to Plumas where she ran the Plumas Cafe for many years. They eventually settled down in Teulon. This is where Shirley worked as a cook for many years at Bill and Beas restaurant, and Teulon Golf Course. Shirley eventually opened up Main Street Cafe 2000 where she met so many people and employed many staff. Shirley made many connections to people in her community and outside the community as well, from being a cook and owning her own restaurant. Shirley was also greatly involved in the Teulon Metis Association, Teulon Chamber of Commerce and much more around her Community of Teulon. If Shirley wasn’t busy with her great- grandchildren she was often found down at the curling rink cheering on Billy and his team. She loved supporting her family. Shirley will be extremely missed by all whom knew her.

Thank you to the Teulon EMS Services, Gimli Hospital and all the lovely staff at HSC Winnipeg Medical ICU.

Shirley requested a celebration of life be held in her honour as opposed to traditional funeral services. We request all of Shirley’s loved ones and friends to join us in celebrating her beautiful life that touched so many at Teulon Hall on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 2:00 pm. Please wear a Hockey Jersey when you come. Shirley loved Hockey.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Foundation in Shirley’s name.

Dec. 17, 1941 – April 3, 2024    Sadly Ron passed away at Selkirk Hospital on April 3, 2024. Ron was predeceased by his father, mother and brother.

Ron is survived by his wife Elaine, their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He had a long five year battle with cancer. Ron had a long amazing career with the City of Winnipeg Fire Department from 1969 – 2001. During that time, he also enjoyed Shriners, Masons, many travel trips, Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska and 42 years in Texas and the last 23 years enjoyed the full six months a year in RGV.

The family wishes to thank Dean and Cathy Ominiuk, Mac and Lisa Pulling for all their love and caring support. We would like to also thank the Clandeboye Fire Department and the ambulance attendants for all their care and respect shown. Would also like to thank Dr. Hicks for his care.

In lieu of flowers if friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the City of Winnipeg Firefighters Burn Fund.

A service of remembrance will be held on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Stonewall.

It is with profound sadness, the family announces the sudden passing of Arthur Kenneth Essery of Stonewall, on April 2, 2024 at the age of 80 years old.

Art is survived by his wife Jenny, his daughter Stephanie, his son Shawn, his brother Bob, his sisters Alma, Lynn and Pat. He is predeceased by his mother Coral, his father Robert and his sister Bonnie.

Born March 28, 1944 in Winnipeg and spend the rest of his time woven into the fabric of the Stonewall community. Art was a fixture in Manitoba baseball for over 50 years and was inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame with his beloved Grosse Isle Blue Jays in 2012.

A memorial service to be held in Stonewall, at the Quarry Park Pavilion at 2:00 pm. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. All are welcome.

Thank you to the staff at the Seven Oaks Renal Clinic- who showed love and compassion during his treatments; the staff at Lions Manor and the staff at the Health Sciences Centre Cardiac Ward.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Seven Oaks Renal Clinic.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alan Martin Safiniuk on March 30, 2024, at age 71, after a short courageous battle with cancer.

He is remembered by his daughter Kari Halleux (Roger, grandchildren Daniel and Kate); son Greg (Mia, grandchildren Carter, Caralyn, and Carly); Uncle Steve Cymbalisty; brother Mike (Debbie); sisters Bev Rich, Liz (Larry) Golis, Theresa Lewis; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friend Deb Shabatoski.

Alan was predeceased by his parents Mike and Helen Safiniuk, and his siblings: Eileen De Sousa, Marlene Ward, Barry Safiniuk and Auntie Marie Kellas.

Dad grew up on a farm in Blackdale Manitoba, in a family with 7 siblings. Dad’s early years were spent in a one room, eight grade, one teacher school. He then attended Stonewall Collegiate Institute where he excelled at football and graduated in 1970. While growing up on the farm, Dad discovered hunting and trapping which grew into his lifelong love and passion.

After graduation, Dad started his own company A & B Installers, located in Winnipeg. His business included the installation of office furniture in various government buildings in Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba.

Dads love for farming lead him to buy land and start a hog and grain farm in Balmoral Manitoba in 1976. Here Dad built the family home and all the farming infrastructure with his bare hands. Dad took extreme pride in raising hogs, producing high yielding crops, and working from dawn to dusk when needed.

As the years grew on, Dad understood the economics of farming to either grow bigger or get out. Dad chose an exit strategy to start working for Manitoba Agriculture Services Corporations (MASC) as a Crop Adjuster. During this time a job opportunity in the Swan River region came up. With his previous love of hunting and trapping, he knew this was the place to be. In 1994 the family farm was sold, and a rural property was purchased in Benito MB.

Dad spent the last 30 years of his life living in the Benito area, working as a Crop Adjuster with farmers throughout the province. Dad loved farmer chat, talking about commodities, weather, and anything farm related. Dad was seen as a man with valuable knowledge in these areas.

With this line of work came wildlife claims. This was his true passion as it fit well with his love of hunting. Dad always had a tree stand or a field edge for his kids and grandchildren when they came to visit. This was by far his true love, hunting and trapping. If you have ever been to his place, you could view his numerous antlers and mounts that hung from the walls, trees, and any outbuilding he could attach them to.

Dad also ran a trap line for several years and prided himself with his quality furs. Dad always joked. “If you want to make money trapping, make sure you pick up a few cans on the way to check your traps” because the price of a fur didn’t support the money invested.

Dad was also known as “Papa” or “Grandpa” and spent many hours with his grandkids who were the loves of his life. Papa/Grandpa attended many hockey rinks and events over the years.

Dad, Papa, Grandpa lived life on his own terms. DAD YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED.

Special thanks to the Swan River and Stonewall Palliative Care staff, Dr. Graham and the nurses and staff at Stonewall Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Alan’s name to Cancer Care Manitoba.

Brian Kenneth Campbell, age 62 passed away on March 26th, 2024. His family is profoundly saddened by the unexpected loss.

Brian is survived and will forever be missed by his loving partner Barbara, his oldest son Vincent and daughter in law Danielle, his daughter Lisa and son in law Adam, his youngest son Lorne, and the mother of his three children Kathy. Brian was the oldest sibling, survived by his brother Kevin and sister- in- law Tina, his sister Teresa and his father Kenneth. Brian was a loving uncle to his nephews John and Kurtis (Kristine).

He is predeceased by his loving mother Della.

Those who were close to Brian know that his family was the most important thing to him. He was the best father, brother, son, uncle and loyal friend. Brian loved his animals and being at home in the country. He will be missed.

As per Brian’s wishes cremation has taken place and a private graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers,  friends may make a donation to any Pet Rescue Shelter.

JULY 9, 1936 – MARCH 22, 2024       It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, with his children by his side, on March 22, 2024 at the age of 87 years.

Predeceased by his parents Neil Sr. and Gladys Downing; his wife and partner in life Faye MacMillan (Windsor); his half siblings and his brother Kenneth.

Left to mourn his passing, his children Tammy (Doug), Greg (Melissa); grandchildren Alana, William, Jackson & Westley; sister Chrissy; sisters-in law Alice, Sharon (Dave), Gladys (Bob); brothers-in-law George (Bobbie), Arthur (Cheryl), Glenn (Kanchana), Les, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as special pets Badger, Sam & Jenny.

Dad was born the 9th child of Neil Sr. and the 3rd child of Gladys. He was born in Stonewall and spent his life on the family farm in Marquette. Dad remembered as a young child being thrown onto the back of the work horses for his nap. He attended school at Poplar Heights one room school until grade 8. He was paid a pittance to light the fire in the wood stove for the start of the day. He played hockey and baseball. He also curled, but he hated that one to this day. He remembered the long walks to the rink with frozen feet to then proceed to skate. He was an active 4-H member in the swine club. Being the youngest of a large family, he was called back to the farm at a young age as his older siblings had moved on to start their own lives. As he grew older he also enjoyed hunting and riding motorcycle with his cousins. He worked one day of his life off the farm at the gravel pits on the screener, but he figured farm life was better than that was.

Dad married mom when he was 30 years old in 1967 and took over the operation of the farm with his young wife. In 1969 their daughter Tammy was born. Ten years later they welcomed son Greg to complete their family. Together we all worked on a mixed farm including cattle, pigs and grain. He enjoyed having a bit of a hobby farm. There were always turkeys, chickens, ducks and geese, leaving many a scarred visiting child. He and mom purchased a donkey in the early 2000’s and she became part of the family. There were always families and extended families coming home to the farm for meals and gatherings. Dad always made sure that everyone had lots to eat.

In 1997, Greg graduated and stayed home to become Dad’s partner in farming. Together they increased the cattle herd and expanded crop rotation. Dad’s life was dedicated to the farm and his family. He was thrilled to start welcoming his grandchildren. Alana was the first, daughter of Tammy and Doug. Next born to Greg and Melissa were William, Jackson and Westley. Dad enjoyed giving his grandchildren rides on his side by side around the farm. He enjoyed our family gatherings and time around a bonfire. Dad was always somewhat of a tease and smart aleck. We think he was a master creator of silly limericks as he would always come up with new ones never to be heard again. Dad enjoyed his time on the farm right until he fell ill. He passed away of cancer at the Portage District General Hospital.

A private family service at Dad’s request was held at Meadow Lea United Church, with burial at Meadow Lea Cemetery. Pallbearers were Kristy Torcia, Justin Torcia, Kaley Hiebert, Alyssa MacMillan, Sheldon Allard, Bradley Ostertag, Brent MacMillan.

Should friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Meadow Lea United Church c/o Box 52 Marquette, MB R0H 0V0, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Dad died March 18, 2024 with family at his side. He wanted to live until he couldn’t live at home anymore and then die in his sleep. He was fortunate to do exactly that. His big heart just finally stopped beating.

He had Rheumatic fever at age 12, then again at age 20, severely damaging his heart. Doctors first said he wouldn’t see age 13, never mind 21. He lived 70 plus wonderful years past their guesses. Even a death sentence of less than 6 months with metastatic melanoma couldn’t take him down 6 1/2 years ago. He beat cancer!

He loved farming, nature and his family. He was a man of great integrity. He would lend a helping hand in an instant. He could debate a topic as a gentleman should. He always listened to the other person’s side of the issue without degradation, interruption, or harsh comments. Then he would state his side of the story, and a former Stonewall lawyer said he respected John for that ability. He often swayed other’s opinions to his side but left amicably if they couldn’t reach an agreement.

He loved farming. BSE broke his heart and then, later, not being able to participate in active farming. In its place, he loved picking up Doug Freeman (nephew) from next door with his side by side and driving out to the northeast pasture to check the cattle, hoeing their immaculate acre of garden or just puttering around in the shop. He put on over 30,000 km on his side by side. It became his mobility. You’d see him going down the road, cowboy hat on; happy to check out the cattle, pastures and ditches for ducks and fish.

Dad met Mom, Helene Tesar, at friend and neighbour’s Annie Tomyk’s. He was driving the milk truck for Rockwood Victoria Coop at that time. From that moment on he wanted a good job so when he died young, Mom would have a pension to look after her. He applied to the Winnipeg Police but they told him he would have to lose 40 pounds. “Well that wasn’t going to happen,” he said. Dad was always a big, big man. So the gentleman told Dad that if he was serious and a hard worker, Headingley Gaol was hiring. Dad went out there that day and he started the very next. This was a few months before Mom and Dad married.

He spent the first 7 1/2 years as a guard walking the floor around the cages. Then he was moved to the Farm for eight years. When on the farm he had his own gang (31 men) to take outside. They cut wood, hoed the large field gardens and even worked on the highway/ditches out to Brandon. He never had a convict escape while they were out. He was even given other guard’s gangs to supervise.

He later was moved to the Bursar’s office in accounting. He ordered the supplies for the institution, handled the inmates pay, and their canteen, along with various other duties. He developed the sports programs and the handicraft department. Even then if there was a problem anywhere in the jail, he was called out of accounting to deal with it. He was great at mediation.

When he retired, Mom and him continued farming and working around the yard, with him hoeing a very large garden even in 2023. The garden and yard were always pristine. Food was also very important. He never lost his large appetite. He loved his French fries and fish down at the shop. A big thank you to niece Sherri Freeman for all her wonderful baking over the years. He always had plenty of goodies to choose from for coffee. A plate of potatoes was never spoiled either! Dad, MJ and Izabella said you could never ruin a potato or leave a spoonful behind, but you could ruin carrots.

Dad was born a twin on the home farm to parents Elizabeth and John. His twin didn’t survive. He was predeceased by all his siblings, Bill, Bob, Isabell Martini and Jim. Dad and Mom were fortunate to live on the farm their whole lives. Dad and Mom had tragedy strike when their first born Lori died at 6 weeks of SIDS. Later Vera (George Appleyard) then John (MJ) completed the family. Soon grandchildren Matthew (Lucas, Athan, Izabella, Alma, Angel, Diego), Amber (Travis Lawrence, Rustyn Hayes), Mackenzie (Corrine) and lots of granddogs came along to join in the fun. Dad and Mom were together for over 65 years before Mom died in 2017.

He left a huge hole in all our lives. He is so sadly missed by his kids, grandkids, many nieces and nephews and wonderful friends.

A private family service has been held.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to South West District Palliative Care, Inc. Box 1282 Stonewall, MB.