1937 – 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mother Cecile Olson at the age of 88 of Winnipeg Beach, MB, after a courageous and feisty fight against Lymphoma Cancer.  She passed peacefully with her daughter by her side at the Gimli Johnson Memorial Hospital in the early morning hours of Monday, December 29, 2025.

She is survived by her two children, son John Mayhew and daughter Maureen Mayhew (Jayson) and grand dog “Stella”, her step-mother Jeanne Jean-Louis of Calgary, her brother Amos Jean-Louis (Mireille) of Georgia, her sisters Marie Orelien (Joseph) of Inwood, Mesida Dolcin of Haiti, Elvina Dorcelus of Haiti, step-sister Guirlene Joseph (Clay) of Calgary and sister-in-law Nancy Chura Louis of Teulon.  She is survived and will be missed by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many long-time friends near and far as well as her honorary sons Dean and Lindsay.

She is predeceased by her husband Lorentz Olson, her father Jean Jean-Louis, mother Miza Jean, brother Lumenes Jean-Louis, and youngest brother Peter Louis.

Cecile was the oldest of her siblings.  She had the opportunity to leave Haiti and while working for the Holiday Inn in the Bahamas she met her first husband Douglas Mayhew.  They moved to Toronto, Ontario where he grew up and his family resided.  She had her children in Toronto and later resided in a few different cities of Ontario.  She worked for a few companies which included the Holiday Inn Toronto (she made sure she told everyone that this is where she met and looked after Pierre and Margaret Trudeau and their children whenever they were in Toronto on business trips), Tonka Toys and Crown Cork and Seal.

In 1976, she moved with her children from Ontario to Manitoba and purchased a farm in Inwood where she resided for several years.  In the same year, Cecile was one of the first employees to be hired by Donald Salkeld owner of Northern Goose in Teulon.  She worked there off and on for a number of years and made many lasting friendships. 

Cecile also worked for cleaning companies in Winnipeg and then decided to open her own cleaning company (M.P. Cleaning), all while building and operating a dairy farm in Inwood.  Farming life she never feared and loved the bush.  Grampa and Grandma also lived with us until they purchased their own home in the town of Inwood. 

Cecile met and married her husband Lorentz Olson in 1984 and moved to his farm not far away where they would continue farm life of beef cattle until she unfortunately became a widow in 1989.  She continued on with the farm life before she moved to her final retirement spot nine years ago in Winnipeg Beach which she loved thoroughly and made so many new friendships.  For several winters, she would escape the cold here and make the trek back to Haiti to visit her sisters and families.  She was lucky enough to be able to travel right up until 2024.

Mom lived a full life filled with no fear and always said “hard work will never kill you”, and that she held true even up until and during her illness in 2025.  You could pop into her place and either find her on the lawnmower making sure her yard looked pristine, weeding her flowers, or driving around the yard on her quad to make sure the spruce trees she dug up from the side of the back roads were doing well or needed some fertilizer to keep them healthy.   In the winter, if there was a hint of snow on her sidewalk, it had to be swept or shovelled off as her place always had to be looking perfect.  She loved people and treated everyone the same.

Cremation has taken place and a private celebration of life will be held at a later date with family and close friends.

Special thanks to Dr. Adeniyi Adegbesan of Gimli Express Care Clinic for providing the outmost care for Mom over the years.  He treated her with such respect at all her appointments, as if she were his own mother.  We cannot say enough about the nurses and staff at Gimli hospital that provided the most amazing care to our mother, and the true compassion they showed us to help us through this difficult time.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  Huge thanks to the Palliative and Homecare staff that checked in on Mom at home.  Thank you so much to Gimli CancerCare and to St. Boniface CancerCare units.

Heaven has gained a feisty one – You lived life your way! Rest in Peace Mom!

With heavy hearts the family announces the passing of Myron Kotelko, on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Loving husband of Alice, proud father of Christine (Brian), Mark (Teri), Brent (Roxanne), and Jordon (Renee), devoted grandfather of Braden, Lilyanna, Chase, Isabella, Kylie, Brinley, Theodore, Benjamin, Olivia, Annalise, and Maverick, brother to Steph Berty (Milton) and Lorraine Minaker, uncle to many nieces and nephews, and true friend to all. Myron was also loved dearly by Alice’s sister Maureen Razzaghi (Ali), brothers Edward (June) and Roy (Rosebelle), and sister-in-law Alexandra (Tim). Myron was predeceased by parents, Fred and Anna, mother-in-law Florence, infant brother Terry, twin sister Myra, brother Bud, brothers-in-law Gordon Langrell and Dave Minaker, sister-in-law Janna McMullen, numerous aunts and uncles, and nephew Wayne Minaker.

Myron was born on March 21, 1951 to Fred and Anna Kotelko. He grew up on the farm in Warren, where he eventually built his family home and raised his children. As a young man, Myron’s natural athleticism shone on the hockey rink, the baseball diamond, and later the golf course, where he not only honed his skills but developed his character and forged friendships that lasted a lifetime. Those friendships, built on shared passions and laughter, continue to live on through the connections and values he instilled in his family.

Myron was a hard-working master of many skills. His life’s work began at the age of 17, quickly achieving his Interior Systems Mechanic journeyman, he built a business at the leading edge of its craft that took him across Canada from BC to Ontario and through most of the eastern US seaboard states. In the next 25 years of a loyal general contracting career, he continued to mentor his children and their friends, many family members, and all those fortunate to cross his path, touching countless lives with his generosity and quiet wisdom. Myron’s work-day rarely ended when he punched the clock, he found great joy in building and working for his family and friends.

Though Myron loved his work, his real purpose, and greatest joy, was the legacy and lessons he shared with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He passed on the things he loved most – the rhythm of working the land, the thrill of every game, the joy of dancing, and the peace of the outdoors; whether he was driving the lawnmower, hunting, fishing, or cheering on his favorite teams. He was a steadfast man of unconditional love and unwavering support. Myron shared a peaceful, loving relationship with God and faced life, and death, with courage. He was a great source of comfort to his family and friends. To have known Myron was a privilege; to have been loved by him was a gift.

 A celebration of life will be held at the Stonewall Royal Canadian Legion on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the South Interlake Rec Centre – Box 468, Warren, MB R0C 3E0

October 19 1958 – December 25 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marty Meyers, at the age of 67, a devoted husband, the world’s best dad, and the most amazing grandpa.

Marty fought hard to stay with us, but he received his wings on Christmas morning. He leaves behind his loving wife, Kim; his sons Brent (Ashley), Dale (Kim), and Thomas (Dana); and his cherished grandchildren Tora, Jace, Kinley, Kali, Charlotte, Cooper, and Brooks.

He is also survived by his siblings Doug, Marg (Rick), Ken (Laura), Dave (Shari), Vic (Crystal), and Tracey (Lionel); his in-laws Judy, Debbie, Tim (Corrie), Miles, and Chad; along with many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Marty was predeceased by his parents, Florence and Ole Meyers; his sister, Kathy; his father-in-law, Ed Rothwell; and his sister-in-law, Tracey Sigurdson.

Raised in Balmoral, Manitoba, Marty was truly a lover of life and was always known for his big smile and unforgettable laugh. He was a very proud truck driver who hauled many different loads over the years, including gravel, heavy equipment, peat moss, produce, steel, rafters, and hay. He travelled coast to coast, including trips to Texas and California. His favourite part of the job was stopping at truck stops for a meal and calling home. Marty was also a winter road truck driver, and every year he said he wasn’t going to do it again — until the next year, when he did. He was often found in the backyard polishing the chrome on his truck or washing it off, taking great pride in his rig.

He was an avid sports lover who played and coached hockey and baseball, loved NFL football, and never missed Formula 1 racing. Marty also enjoyed water skiing, fishing, hunting, muscle cars, trucks, quadding, and snowmobiling.

Above all else, Marty absolutely loved his grandchildren, and they all adored him. He was a fun, hands-on grandpa who would run through sprinklers, slide downhill, or jump into any activity just to make them laugh and have fun.  Family bonfires were one of Marty’s favourite traditions — sitting around the fire laughing, talking, and watching the stars and satellites go by.  His family was the most important thing in his life.

Marty will be deeply missed, but he leaves behind countless wonderful memories that will be shared and cherished forever.

A private gathering for immediate family will be held at a later date.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nurses at HSC for their compassionate care and support.

May 9, 1961 – December 12, 2025 

 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Martin Clifford Olson, who left us after a long and difficult battle with COPD. He passed away peacefully at home on the evening of December 12, 2025, with his loving wife Wendy, by his side. 

Marty will be dearly missed by his wife Wendy, their sons Kris (Jennifer) and Brad (Kiersten), and his five grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Jessie, Hailey, Colt, Madelyn, and Remington.  He is also mourned by his in-laws, Brent and Peggy Armstrong, brother “in-law” Ron (Heather) Armstrong, sisters Marilyn Newton-Rourke (Jim), and Shelley Steinbeisser(Kevin), as well as his close friends Kerry and Lori Baldock. Marty is also survived by his nephews Kyle, Scott, and Brayden, and his nieces Courtlaind, Payton, Trista, and Taryn, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

• He was predeceased by his father Allan Olson & partner Donna Jones, mother Elaine Lamirande, and brother-in-law Phillip Newton. 

Marty graduated in 1979 and soon after met Wendy at a Catholic Church dance. Their love story began in 1980 and they were married in 1983, starting their family just two years later. Throughout his life, Marty held several jobs, beginning his career as a licensed butcher, then as an electrician, and later as a production planner. 

In his free time, Marty found great joy in the outdoors, particularly during hunting season. Whether he was in the bush with his sons, his father, or his friends, he was happiest pushing through thick brush or sitting quietly on cut lines. Marty was also deeply committed to his sons’ sports. He coached both Kris and Brad in hockey and baseball, attaining accreditation to coach up to the AA level in hockey. He also served as President of the Balmoral Minor Hockey Association for several years. During this time, Marty became an amateur journalist, regularly writing about his sons’ hockey team, Balmoral Bullets, for the local paper. 

 Marty also had a passionate love for Winnipeg’s sports teams and rarely missed a game, whether it was the Bombers or the Jets. A talented cook, he would often chase people out of his kitchen as he was “creating”. Above all, Marty’s greatest passion was his family. His love for them, combined with his strength and will to live despite his illness, is a testament to the kind of man he was. Marty’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Our heartfelt thanks go to his doctors, Dr. Graham and Dr. Dymystryzn, and to Bryn, Kyla & the staff at Quarry Ridge Pharmacy for their exceptional care.  We cannot thank you enough.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marty’s name to the Manitoba Lung Association.

Love you more than you know.

November 21, 1952 – December 12, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Dave Small at his home near Teulon, Manitoba.

He is survived by his beloved partner of 36 years, Cheryl, children: John (Evelyne), Terry, Sarah (Corey), Byron (Sandi), Matthew, and Christopher. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Ennessa, Juliette, Jason, Summer, Sidney, Serena, Kaylee, Maezlyn, Marissa, Victor, and Elizabeth, and his great grandchildren, Scarlett and Sierra as well as all of his brothers and sisters. David was predeceased by his parents, Douglas and Florence Small.

Dave was the oldest of seven siblings. He was born in Port Arthur (Thunder Bay), Ontario. The family moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1971, and then to Richer, Manitoba in 1975. Dave worked at a variety of jobs before he began employment with Manitoba Hydro in 1982. He started as a utility worker and retired as a heavy duty equipment mechanic in 2017. Dave spent most of his career with Hydro in northern Manitoba, living for a number of years in Grand Rapids and Gillam.

Dave was a life-long learner. He had numerous interests and tackled every one of his many projects with intensity, whether it was gardening, building, mechanical endeavors, and so much more. He was an avid reader and was always interested in electronics, even writing codes to make games for his children on his first computer back in the 80’s, a Texas Instrument model. Anyone who knew Dave knew he was a collector. He would find or gladly accept items to add to his collection of things that could be repaired or repurposed some day. Often he would fix items to give away or pass things on to others who needed them. He was generous with his time and expertise. Dave enjoyed a challenge. He was steadfast in his beliefs and was a strong advocate for others, backing down to no one. He loved a good political discussion, whether you shared his views or not. Dave was a force to be reckoned with and will be sadly missed by family and friends.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held in the summer, 2026.

We would like to thank all the emergency personnel who gave their best efforts and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association or the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation.

“The cosmos is within us. We are made of star stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.” – Carl Sagan

Clifford Hancox passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, at St. Boniface Hospital, with his family by his side, at the age of 86.

 Cliff is survived by his wife of 66 years, Trudy; his three children, Mark, Trevor (Debbie), and Lora-Lee (Brad); his two grandchildren, Riley (Nicole) and Haylee (Allison); and his cherished great-granddaughter, Harper. He is also survived by his sister, Lavina; his sisters-in-law, Myra, Elaine and Pat; his brothers-in-law, Bruce (Debra) and Edwin; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

 He was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Ralph, Wallace, Lorne, and Glenn; his sister, Lila; his brothers-in-law, Frederick, Earl and James; and his sisters-in-law, Noel, Denise and Jessie.

 Cliff was born on August 4, 1939, in Dominion City, Manitoba, to William and Grace Hancox. He dedicated 42 years of service to the Province of Manitoba, with a career that took him from Morris, MB, to Teulon, MB, where he raised his family. In retirement, Cliff enjoyed gardening and tending his yard, watching his grandchildren’s many sporting events, and spending time at the family cabin in Hnausa, MB.

 In keeping with Cliff’s wishes there will be no formal service. A private family interment will be held at a later date.

 Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at St. Boniface Hospital for the compassionate care they provided.

 Thanks to Ken Loehmer for his guidance and care.

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.