November 25, 1946 – July 27, 2023      We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our mom, Heather Kowalchuk, on July 27th, 2023.

Heather is survived by her husband Donny of 54 years, daughter Wendi Best, grandson Dylan and granddaughter Paytn, daughter Pam Woods (Jon), grandsons Cale and Jace, and daughter Erin (Kenton) Byle, granddaughter Sydney and grandsons Reid and Wade, along with her brothers Marty (Sherryll) Jeffery and Billy (Joan) Jeffery and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.

She is predeceased by her parents Leonard and Margaret Jeffery.

Mom was born in 1946 and lived on a farm outside of Teulon until her family moved to town in her teens. She grew up fishing, playing baseball, doing track and field, skating and riding her horse Dynamite. She met dad in high school and they married in 1968. Mom and dad lived in Winnipeg and worked hard to make their dream of raising their family in the country a reality. In 1979, they built a home outside of Balmoral and started a hobby farm. She helped with the chores and worked endless hours in their yard making it their paradise. They retired our family farm and moved to Stonewall in 2017 where mom loved having all her grandchildren come and go.

Mom was the Head Librarian at the South Interlake Regional Library in Stonewall for many years. She took great pride in the library. Mom was an integral part of the Bookmobile and building the new library. She even dropped books off at seniors’ homes from time to time. She had a love for reading and was passionate about ensuring the community was able to appreciate books as much as she did.

Family was most important to mom. She was so proud of all of us. Growing up and even as adults, she was always there for us, day or night. She wasn’t just a mom. She was our baseball coach, Sunday School teacher, seamstress, hairdresser, counsellor, taxi driver, travel buddy, “nanny”, cheerleader and best friend. Mom had a special relationship with each of her grandkids. She could be found cheering them on at almost every sporting event, school function and came to many tournaments with us. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for them. Mom was so thoughtful and caring and would always go the extra mile for all of us.

We are very blessed to have had so many great memories and adventures with mom, from camping trips to hot holidays. One of our most cherished memories is of our trip to Disney World. This was mom’s dream.

Mom never wanted to be the center of attention. Her wishes were for a private gathering with her closest loved ones. We miss you mom. 

August 13th, 1938 – July 25th, 2023      After multiple health issues, Cliff passed away at the Grace Hospital on July 25th, 2023.

He was predeceased by his wife Anne (Crockatt) in 2001.

He is survived by his brother Ken (Margaret), and his sister Audrey (Doug Hogg). Nieces & nephews Tim Riddell (Tara), Scott Riddell (Stacey), Deanna Riddell, Paula (David Sitarik) Jlee (Delmar Giesbrecht) and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Cliff farmed all his life in Warren until his retirement. He acquired his pilot’s license, owned his own airplane and built an airstrip at the farm. He travelled on many farming tours to Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and California. He and Anne also enjoyed travelling to Hawaii, Fiji and spent many winters in Palm Desert. His favorite pastime was to watch the Toronto Blue Jays baseball games and “arguing” with anyone who would engage. He also enjoyed sitting in his sunroom and watching all the wildlife in his backyard. He will be greatly missed by all his family and many friends.

Cremation and family interment has taken place at Warren Cemetery.

Many thanks to all the staff at the Grace Hospital and the Palliative care Doctors for the care given to Cliff during his final days. Also, thanks to all the staff at Sturgeon II for all their help and kind words during his stay.

February 12, 1962 – July 22, 2023    It is with sadness that we announce the passing of brother and friend Ken “Kenny” Maksymyk of Teulon, Manitoba.

Kenny was born in Teulon and attended Teulon Collegiate. He was an active and fun-loving child, even mischievous. He almost lost his life as a young child falling into a cattle watering trough and was rescued by his older brother Michael at the last minute. He was never short of antics but his one story was the talk of many family gatherings. As his parents were painting some outbuildings, Kenny decided to help by quietly painting himself, the family dog, a number of geese and a large number of white rabbits in a vibrant green paint, making the family animals the talk of the community!

He loved to sing as a young boy and was always happy to sing for people, provided they were able to come up with some money for his piggy bank.

Growing up, Kenny always loved the farm. He had an amazing ability to fix or operate any piece of machinery and was happy to be sitting on a tractor for hours during haying season or harvest. His ability to operate equipment led him to various careers from driving gravel trucks to operating heavy equipment. Even though he worked on large equipment he said his most fun was to use a small bobcat to do local landscaping work in the area. He could make that machine dance.

Kenny was a strong advocate of fairness to workers and became a member of his local union and enjoyed holding various union positions. Union discussions with him would always prove lively.

In later years, he struggled with various health and an addiction challenge. But he always kept a good sense of humor in spite of his struggles, and made many friends who cared for him.

We have honoured Kenny’s wishes for cremation and private interment next to his parents. We would like to thank his friends for the care they have shown him.

Special thanks to his friends, Wray, Junior and Jamie, many neighbours and friends and to Ken Loehmer of Ken Loehmer Funeral Services for his invaluable assistance.

May 1st, 1938 – July 18th, 2023    It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard (Dick) Stewart at the age of 85. He passed away peacefully at Stonewall Hospital after a courageous hard fought battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Shirley, his daughter Bonnie and son-in-law Greg, grandchildren Matthew, Brooklyn and her husband Mario, and daughter Shawna and her partner Howie.

Richard was predeceased by his daughter Holly in 1981.

Dick loved building things, everything from an ice rink for his grandchildren to purple Martin bird houses and two homes for his family. He and Shirley travelled to see many places throughout Canada and the US. He loved going to as many seniors dances as he could even when he could no longer dance. What he enjoyed most was spending time with his family and grandchildren who he loved, he was very proud of them.

A private family service has already taken place.

The family would like to thank Dr. Graham, Cancer Care Selkirk, the paramedics, as well as all of the wonderful health care staff at both Selkirk and Stonewall Hospital.

June 14, 1949 – July 9, 2023    Peacefully, after a courageous battle with cancer, Ernie passed away at home with his family by his side.

He leaves behind his wife Margaret, children; Tanya (Steve); Camilla (Tim); Felicia; Alex (Kevin); grandchildren Ava, Abigail, Mikaela, Violet, Memphis.

Born in Ste. Rose du Lac, the family lived in Riding Mountain for several years until they moved to the family farm in Stonewall, MB in 1962. Ernie worked for Manitoba Hydro for many years until becoming a full- time farmer, growing the family farm to what it is today.

Thank-you to Dr. Graham and staff, Palliative Care and all the Doctor’s at Cancer Care Manitoba over the last 13 years for your care and support.

A service was held on Friday, July 14, 2023.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Herb McMahon age 82 years, formerly of Teulon, Manitoba on Friday, July 7, 2023 at Selkirk Regional Health Centre.

Survived by son Trevor (Kim), brother Cliff, brother-in-law Art (Diane) Franks, and numerous nieces and nephews. Herb was predeceased by his wife Marion in March, 2022.

A private family interment has taken place.

The family would like to thank the Selkirk Regional Health Centre, medical ward 2, Selkirk EMS, Homecare staff (Sherry and Linda) for their wonderful care and to Valdene Sigurdson for her caring support.

June 29, 1951 – July 6, 2023     After a brief illness, Donna passed peacefully on July 6, 2023 at the age of 72.

She is survived by her husband Frank; sons Randy and Lawrence; step-daughter Lisa; a large loving family of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunt; and so many cherished friends.

At her request, cremation has taken place and she will be returned to her favourite place – Grindstone Provincial Park.

Thank you to all involved in her care and an extra special thank you to the nursing staff at Stonewall and District Hospital.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of George E. Mann on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.

He leaves to mourn his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Tove, daughter Leslie (Gordon), daughter Dawn (Steve), son Grant (David) and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Zahiri, staff at Stonewall Hospital, Rexal Pharmacy (Stonewall) as well as staff at Red River Place (Selkirk) for the compassion and care shown to Dad. The family also wishes to thank George and Tove’s neighbors for their kindness and helpfulness over the years.

Cremation has taken place and a private graveside service has been held.