Our Dad passed peacefully into God’s hands on September 12th, 2022 in the company of his family at the Arborg Personal Care Home in Arborg, Manitoba.

Dad was born in Celo Lubliniec, Poland on August 16th, 1927 baptized as Demetrius Deneka, born to parents Andreas (Andrew) & Catharina. He was born into a family of one sister, Katie (Lisowick) and two brothers, John and Tanis.

Left to cherish his memory, his wife Emily of 69 years and his two daughters; Sharon & Steve Melnychuk of Arborg and Angela & Wayne Smikles of Stonewall, and Brother Tanis (Dennis) Deneka of Winnipeg. Grandchildren; Christopher Melnychuk, Trevor Melnychuk, Stuart Melnychuk, Natasha & Magnus Smikles-Mason, Andrew & Lisa Smikles, Nadya & Corey (Proulx) Smikles, and Great-Grandsons, Dalton & Keaton Smikles.

Dad immigrated to Canada in January of 1936 with his mother Catharina and siblings to join his father Andrew on a homestead in Okno, Manitoba. Although the community of Okno was largely Ukrainian speaking he spoke of his struggles with the English language and sense of belonging. Despite these obstacles, his friendly and outgoing personality and great big smile led to a great many friendships throughout his lifetime.

Storytelling was a favourite pastime allowing him to reflect back to his younger years. Stories of cutting lumber, jobs of fall harvesting in Deloraine, walking 14 miles to town with a full cream can. During his younger years he loved playing baseball and community picnics were a great place to toss a ball and crack a bat. Breaking land with horses and picking stones contributed to his determination to learn and develop into the man he became.

He met many famous people who stayed at the Marlborough Hotel in the mid 50’s while employed P/T as a night porter. Many were professional wrestlers and a magician of whom he was a big fan. Hard labour came naturally to Dad and while employed with Canada Packers and Motorways loading freight he met many lifelong friends. Having had multiple career paths throughout his lifetime Dad gained many experiences but his greatest sense of pride was spent on the farm.

Dad and Moms first farm was in Okno, but the tiring labours of constant stone picking led them to purchasing and moving to a farm in the Arborg area in 1973 that they called home. Here they met many new friends and community members being actively involved in the St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Silver MB. Dad was also actively involved in the construction and fundraising of the Silver Hall.

Festivals, rodeos and fairs were a highlight for Dad and Mom especially Morris Stampede where he loved watching the rodeo events with horse and cattle showings. These events gave them time to rest from daily farm duties and enjoy themselves. While checking out neighbouring crops sometimes found him driving too slowly and occasionally meandering on a divided highway. On occasion he spotted deer to remind him of upcoming hunting season following harvest, as he loved hunting and prided himself with many racks. Attending auction sales were a great outlet to visit with acquaintances and he often come home with a box of something he didn’t need.

Work ethic, honesty and prayer was everything to Dad. He believed in the efforts of a hard days work would be worth the rewards. Honesty and prayer were attributes that he lived by as he faithfully attended Sunday Liturgies.

Dad was loyal to his family and loved jam packed family gatherings filled with music, dance, drink, endless food and his favourite was a nice box of chocolate. He told us that during his journey to Canada the ship docked in England. There were people who welcomed them and gave them chocolate. According to Dad it was the best chocolate you would ever taste, which was likely his first introduction. Saturday nights often led to tuning up his harmonica for the Saturday night Polka Party on the radio station broadcasting from Portage. His love of Ukrainian and fiddle music was his passion.

In reflection of who he was and what he meant to each of us, we are reminded that he was many things to many people over his 95 years.

A Funeral Service in Celebration of Dad’s life will he held on Monday, September 19th, 2022 at 11:00 am in the Arborg Community Hall. Father Yaroslav Buduykevych to officiate, followed by internment at the Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Arborg. Pallbearers will be his six grandchildren: Christopher, Trevor, Stuart, Natasha, Andrew, Nadya.

The family would like to thank the Arborg Home-Care Staff who kindly attended to Dad. Also thank you to the Dr.’s and Healthcare Staff at Red River Place, Selkirk and Arborg Personal Care Home and to Dr. Donnelly for Dad’s care.

If friends so desire memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Rest In Peace Dad ~ Vichnaya Pamyat

 

October 16th, 1986 – September 11th, 2022    Peacefully at 5:45 am on Sunday morning September 11th, Whitney passed away in her mother’s arms at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.

Whitney was predeceased by her Grandparents Ed and Sheila Barham and Albert and Ombra Reece. Her cousin Lorri, Uncle Jerry and Uncle Buddy and Aunty Joanne.

She will be forever missed by her parents Lance and Grace Barham, sister and best friend Jessica Barham, her brother-in-law Jeff Grondin and niece Aubrey. Her fiancé Travis and his children: Logan, Connor, Ben and Isabella.

She is also survived by her many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. Her Cousin Jayme shared a special relationship with Whitney.

Her military family was large and was a very important part of her short life.

Whitney’s military career allowed her to visit 36 different countries from South America to Northern Africa and countless points in between. Receiving many accolades along the way for her contributions.

After sailing the high seas for many years Whitney wanted to be closer to her family. When offered a position in Winnipeg with the military, she was happy to move back home.

More recently Whitney met Travis McNichol and his four children. Mom was Whitney’s new role and something that she cherished. Filling a void in both her life and theirs.

A service of remembrance will be held on Tuesday, September 20th 2022 at 2:00 pm at the Teulon-Rockwood Centennial Centre in Teulon, Manitoba.

(nee Pankiw) January 16, 1949 – August 29, 2022      It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear mother, sister and friend, Alice Setterland. Alice was predeceased by her parents Nick and Frances Pankiw.

Alice is survived by her son, Nick and daughter Estelle (Jeremy); grandchildren Cody, Hailey, Jenna and Jared. Also her sisters Doreen (Ray), Tanya; and Bernice, Mark, Tammy and Dale and their spouses and children, as well as her best friend Doreen Tomchak who was always there for her. Alice is also survived by numerous family and friends.

Alice lived and worked in the Teulon area most of her life. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly. She also loved her “girls” (pet cats) as she would say. They gave her lots of entertainment and companionship. She was a great arm wrestler and enjoyed coaching slow pitch baseball. Though she struggled with numerous health issues, she tried to remain positive and always enjoyed a great laugh. She will always be remembered and not forgotten.

Rest in Peace Alice, Your spirit lives within us. Cremation has taken place, and at Mom’s request there will be a private family interment at a later date.

We would like to thank the numerous Doctors and nursing staff at the Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital that have helped her over the years, as well as the Surgical ICU teams at the Health Sciences Centre. Also thank-you to Ken Loehmer for his care and compassion in taking care of arrangements.

Edward William Docking passed away peacefully on August 16, 2022 at the age of 93 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. He is survived by his “Darlin” wife, Edith, their three daughters, Pat Hammell (Tom), Karen Hutchinson/Martin (Ralph), Elaine Ronovsky (Kevin); grandchildren and great grandchildren Steven, (Melody), Benjamin, Beatrice and Blythe Hammell, Sean, (Chelsy) Delaney, and Myles Hammell, Jeffrey, (Sabina), Sofia and Amelia Hutchinson, Danny, (Beth), Nhien and Ainsleigh Hutchinson, Scott, (Meredith), and Aubrey Hutchinson, Brennen Ronovsky, Chantel (Kyle) MacElroy and Everley Dodgson; siblings Wayne Docking, Joyce Holman, Hazel Delbello; sisters-in-law Arlene Docking, Doreen Docking, Betty Witter (Bill), Gwen Hickson, Gail Hickson; son-inlaw Hervig Ronovsky and countless nieces, nephews and friends.

Bill was born on April 23, 1929 in Langbank, Saskatchewan to railroader Melvin and English “lady” Lily. His life of hard work started early, building a house with his dad and helping a family friend with their farm. He started his railroad career at the age of 17, starting as a Gandy dancer (a “section hand” who laid and maintained tracks before machines), then as railwayman and travelling instructor, making many lifelong friends along the way. He met the love of his life, Edith Hickson, when in grade 8 at Forrest, and started holding hands in grade 9. They were married at the Forrest United Church and celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary a mere two weeks before he passed. Their true love for each other was unending. Their first years were spent moving around Ontario for work, finally settling down in Winnipeg, where they built their first home on Vimy Road, later moving to Belcourt Bay. While living in the city, Bill and Ede found ways to serve their community; highlights include their time at Kirkfield United Church, organizing fundraising events through the St. James Assiniboia Optimist Club (his favourites included the Christmas Tree sale and the Buffalo BBQ), trustee for the St. James Assiniboia School Division. His hobbies included golf, curling and playing hockey. At Assiniboia Downs he was a hotwalker for neighbours’ horse, Belfour Bookie.

Bill always had a dream of owning a farm and raising Hereford cattle, so they said goodbye to city living and bought a farm near Gunton (he joked that he wanted a place he could turn into something and run until his pension ran out!). They named it APRIL ACRES. They raised cows, grew crops and gardens, made new friends and added a pool for the grandchildren. Bill found ways to get involved in the Interlake community as well; joined the Teulon United Church, sat on the board of the Hunter Memorial Hospital Foundation (where he was instrumental in establishing the Handivan service and the sunroom in Goodwin Lodge), volunteering for the Teulon Food Bank and Teulon Golf and Country Club, helped establish the Teulon and District Seniors’ Resource Council, co-founded a volunteer transportation service for seniors and persons with disabilities, drove for Wheels of Hope (Canadian Cancer Society; Bill was a cancer survivor himself), co-owned, with family, a local restaurant in Teulon (The Kin) and served as councillor for the Municipality of Rockwood. Bill helped create a cross country running and skiing trail through Ross Creek, which was part of their property. He was honoured and humbled when he received the Caring Canadian Award for Volunteerism from the Governor General in 2007.

Bill and Ede sold their farm and moved to the big town of Teulon continuing to help any way they could and enjoying neighbours close by. The last few months were spent at the Shaftesbury in Winnipeg where they were well taken care of and Bill had the staff giggling as he kibitzed with them. Above all else, Bill was a family man. Sister Joyce said Bill was a great brother to her, Hazel, Barry, Clair and Wayne. He taught them many things, always helped them out and was so much fun to be with. Traditions were important; the family gathered for holidays, Friday Night parties and Sunday dinners. They spent time together at their Gimli cottage, Bomber games (he was a loyal fan and season ticket holder) and enjoyed taking the grandchildren on summer adventures (by motor home, by house boat, staying in hotels and motels, visiting historic sites and taking in beautiful views along the way). He never missed a concert, a game, a recital or competition; Bill would be there, cheering them on. His sense of humour kept the family smiling. His favourite tunes to sing to his grandkids were Don’t Fence Me In and Sioux City Sue. And when he wasn’t teaching from the frontlines, cheering from the sidelines, telling jokes or singing tunes, he was passing on his words of wisdom: It can be done. Be careful what you choose; you may get it. Check the small things. It was a life well lived. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

“Oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies above. Don’t fence me in. Let me ride through the wide open country that I love. Don’t fence me in. Send me off forever but I ask you please, don’t fence me in.”

Special thanks to Dr. Loudon, Seven Oaks Hospital & HSC for their comforting care of Bill.

Donations in Bill’s memory can be made to: CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave. #1160, Winnipeg MB R3E 0V9 Teulon & District Seniors Resource, Box 418 Teulon, MB R0C3B0 Teulon Christmas Cheer Board Inc., Box 37 Teulon, MB R0C3B0

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother on August 3rd, 2022. Audrey passed away peacefully with her daughter in-law, Cindy by her side.

After a brief illness, we said our final farewell. Mom was blessed to constantly have family by her side for the month she spent in hospital.

Audrey is survived by her son, Craig (Cindy), grandson, Evan and granddaughters, Lauren (Jordan), Taylor (Braden), and great grandson Rhys, son, Keith (Janice), grandsons, Patrick and Jordan (Ashleigh) and son, Rodney, (Margaret Ann), and granddaughters, Katherine, Ashley, and Laura.

Audrey was predeceased by her husband Bob who passed away January 5th, 2022, her parents, David and Myrtle Cathers, and her brothers Mervin and Kenneth Cathers.

Audrey was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 5th, 1928. After spending several years in the USA, they moved back to Manitoba, where they lived in Headingly and eventually settled in Woodlands. Mom attended business college in Winnipeg and was employed at Winnipeg Electric. She had fond memories of her time working in Winnipeg and spoke of the time that everyone was let go from work to assist with sandbagging during the great flood of 1950. She referenced the great friendships she made during her time there. Mom often spoke of playing baseball, she was quite proud to tell you that when a game was close, she was called in as the relief pitcher as she was left-handed.

On June 26th, 1954, Audrey married the love of her life Bob Brad. They were married for 67 years.

They were so fortunate to have their three sons reside within a mile of their family dairy farm, where the boys worked side by side with their parents. Family was everything to Mom, she loved that Rodney joined her for breakfast, it was the highlight of her day and he kept her up to date with what was going on in the community. She spoke fondly of her time with Craig and was so proud of how he stepped up and took over the bookkeeping and day to day operations after the passing of Bob. She appreciated all the visits from the grandchildren, especially after Bobs passing, both at home and during her stay at the hospital. She was so proud of her grandchildren. She was very thankful that she got to meet her first great grandchild, Rhys, he was the apple of her eye. Rhys came numerous times to visit, and she would light up – shake her head, and say “he is such a good boy”.

Over the years, Mom was extremely involved in her community. She was a member of the ACW, a 4-H leader, ran the canteen at Bingo (up until she was 88), and assisted at the Prairie Dog concession stand in Warren and Grosse Isle.

In her younger days she loved gardening, her face lit up when you gave her any type of plant or flowers, she truly had a green thumb, she loved reading her daily Free Press, her People magazine, enjoyed watching baseball, curling, the Bomber games, and rarely missed Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

Mom was blessed with a sharp mind, and a great memory. If you were lucky enough to be having a cup of tea with her, she would recount stories from her youth.

Mom spent a month between Stonewall and Teulon Hospitals in palliative care. We would like to thank all the staff that cared for Mom, noting the exceptional care that both Mom and family received from the following, Melinda, Kim, Joyce, Brenda, and Ann.

Audrey’s family would like to thank everyone for the many phone calls, messages, cards, flowers, food, and baking, it means the world to all of us.

There will be a service for both Mom and Dad at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or to the Woodlands Community Hall, 204 Argyle Street, Woodlands Manitoba, R0C 3H0 in memory of Mom and Dad.

Loved always, never forgotten.

Evelyn York (Lawrence) with family have gathered. She was called home to meet her Savior on July 30, 2022.Evelyn is survived by her family; James (Joanne), Arlene (Michael), Keith, Susan (Michael), her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Victor Assels in 1971; her parents Bert and Edna Lawrence, and in 2019 her daughter Joan (Randy Porcher).Evelyn met Owen York whom she married in 1984 and together they moved to Alberta. Owen passed away in 2016.

Evelyn loved gardening. While in Alberta she built a greenhouse where she started most of her plants from seed. Soon the house was surrounded by a colorful array of multiple flowers. The deer were pleased with her selection of plants too and, although mischievous they, too, were loved.

Evelyn often spoke of the great enjoyment she received from her times with her “sisters” in the Lord. She spent time working in the office of Children’s Youth Ranch and also taught Sunday School. Some of those children are now married and still corresponded with her on Facebook.Her last few years in Stonewall were spent enjoying her ever increasing family, especially her great grandchildren.

In her last few months, Mom enjoyed living with her son-in-law, Randy. There, she was surrounded by family and cared for by Maria and Hannah, her home attendants. And, we can’t overlook the many angels in the health-care field for their loving care and dedication to Mom.

There will be a private family funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Bethel Orphanage in Kisimu, Kenya, ℅ Box 4646, Stonewall, MB R0C 2Z0.

Gwendalyn Darlene Buchanan (nee Tronrud) passed away peacefully @ Dr. Evelyn Memorial Hospital in Stonewall, MB on July 26, 2022 at the age of 66 with family by her side.

Gwen was predeceased by her parents David Tronrud and Elsie Tronrud, father- and mother in-law William (Bill) and Ethel Buchanan.

Gwen is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Bruce, son Trevor (Christine) and grandchildren Alexis (Sam), Brooklyn, Riley (K.C.), son Tyler (Martina) and grandchild Archer and daughter Jennifer (Jeremy)and grandchildren Isabelle and Aiden. Gwen is also survived by two brothers Mark (Christine) Tronrud and Brad (Karen) Tronrud and in-laws Brenda (Brian) Morash and Janice (Cliff) Harrison, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

Gwen was born in Teulon and spent her early years on the family farm West of Inwood. She moved to Winnipeg after high school graduation and worked at Great West Life. She married Bruce on June 26, 1976 and moved to Argyle to start a family and be a staple in the community. She worked for the Interlake School Division for over 30 years in various positions but her heart was always in driving the school bus.

Over the years she fought many health battles but her attitude always remained upbeat. Her positive attitude led her to be a volunteer support worker for Cancer Care Canada for over 15 years.

Mom spent countless hours putting her heart and soul into her family’s involvement with 4-H, the Argyle Curling Club, the Argyle Community Hall Board, Argyle School Parent Council and anything in the community for which she could provide a committed and selfless helping hand.

Mom and Dad enjoyed travelling and camping. Her true passion in life was for her kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews, and everyone else she called family. Mom and Dad enjoyed travelling to attend their kids’ various events and eventually their grandkids’ events as well, including anything from sports to recitals to concerts. Gwen was everyone’s #1 cheerleader.

Thank you to Dr Kerr Graham and the staff at Dr. Evelyn Memorial Hospital for the care and compassion you provided mom in the last few weeks.

A graveside service will be held at the Argyle Cemetery 1:00 pm, Saturday, July 30th with a celebration of her life to follow at the Buchanan Farm from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., bring your own lawn chair.

Honouring mom’s love of flowers please feel free to fill the cemetery with them. Donations can be made in her name to South West District Palliative Care Inc.

“Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy”

After a courageous fight against Cancer, Garnet passed away peacefully at the Stonewall Hospital on July 23, 2022.

Garnet will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Bunny, his son, Joe (Nadine) and daughter Penny (Sheldon). Grandchildren Kristin (Brendan), Michael (David), Amber-Dawne (Jeff), Tyler (Megan), Devan (Anna), Koenraad (Brooke), Christy, and his precious great granddaughter Blayke, and numerous friends.

He was predeceased by his son Chris, father Ernie, mother Jennie, mother-in-law Lilian McEwan, brother Bert, brother Dick, sister-in-law Alice, and nephews Marvin and Gary.

Garnet was born in Stonewall, on October 12th 1943, and went to Centre School.

Garnet married the love of his life Bunny in 1964 and together they raised 3 children, Joe, Penny, and Chris.

They spent their summers camping and fishing and traveling with the kids and many friends.

Garnet farmed for many years with his brother Bert, and upon Bert’s passing, he was able to continue his passion for farming with his son Joe. His farm life allowed him to create great friendships within the farming community.

Garnet loved flying and his children were the only kids lucky enough, to jump in the plane after supper and fly over the crops and he would even let us fly the plane.

He took pride in teaching Joe how to fly, and seeing him attain his pilot’s license.

Garnet had a SnoJet business and could fix most anything, he always had spare parts and if you needed something, would often say, “I think I have that in my stock”.

He spent the last 2 winters working on many projects side by side with his son Joe which they both enjoyed very much.

He taught his grandchildren how to fix various quads, trikes, boats and anything they brought him.

When Penny bought a property with an old tractor, he took the grandchildren there and showed them how to get it running and drove it around proudly as the grandkids watched with great admiration.

To the grandchildren, whatever grampa said was always right, he knew everything.

Garnet went on many snowmobile trips, and created many memories with friends and family.

He passed his love for snowmobiling on to his children and grandchildren.

Garnet was a councillor and Reeve for the RM of Rockwood and his passion to do the right thing allowed him to develop many bonds, both within the council and the community which he felt blessed to have until his final days.

Garnet retired to the lake and became very involved in the community at Lake Manitoba Narrows and especially Skunk Bay, working at The Lodge and giving back to the lake community he so loved.

Penny and the grandchildren were very lucky to spend many summers at the lake with grama and grampa and as adults the grandchildren continued to spend time fishing and making memories with them.

He loved fishing with his friends, but, especially his grandchildren, who also cherished his life lessons, but most of all his storytelling and love.

When he became a great grampa, the sun rose and set on the little girl.

He often said she was perfect, the most beautiful little girl, and whenever he saw her his eyes sparkled.

He volunteered for many community groups and was always willing to help out wherever he could.

As many of his friends said, he had strong morals, and believed in always doing the right thing.

Our dad was our best friend, our mentor and he had so much patience he didn’t tell us how to do things, he taught us.

He instilled the values of kindness, love, and the passion for life, in us all.

He often said, if you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all.

A memorial service was held July 28th 2022, at the Legion in Stonewall.

The family would like to thank Ken Loehmer for his guidance and compassion, Shirley Williams for a beautiful service, Arnie Appell for his singing and capturing the spirit of dad.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Jim Campbell, for sharing not only his memories, but the memories of so many of dad’s friends.

As a family we want to thank Dr. Graham for his support and care of Dad through his journey with cancer. Dr. Hicks, as well as the many doctors and nurses at Cancer Care Manitoba.

To the entire staff at Stonewall Hospital, thank you for taking time to talk to dad to fill his days with stories, and for your kindness to the family on his long stay. To Janice, as dad would say his “Senior Advisor”, thank you for listening to dad’s stories, and indulging him in a good story whenever he asked. You all made his last days brighter.

To his Advisor Sheldon, thank you for all the love you gave dad, no words can ever express how much comfort we all had knowing that you were there when we couldn’t be, Dad truly loved you.

To The Men’s Club, and his many friends, thank you for the visits, the phone calls, most all of all the stories and making dad’s final days full of laughter.

To his grandson Devan, thank you for making the beautiful urn, that he wanted so much for you to make it was perfect.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, remember dad through donations, to the Victoria Cemetery, Cancer Care Manitoba and the Siloam Mission.

Dad, you have left a void in our hearts, but we were so blessed that you also filled our hearts with so much love, laughter and memories we will spend the rest of our lives cherishing you.

Rest in peace dad, you are with your son Chris whom you missed so deeply.

Peacefully July 19, 2022, our mother Audrey Cecile Lebedeff took her last breath and went to be with the Lord. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2021, Mom spent her last few days compassionately cared for by the staff at Grace Hospice.

Her 86-year journey fills our hearts and minds with so many fond memories and stories of her. Mom was born January 14,1936 in the family home on the farm in Erinview. She met her Prince in 1954 and their first date was a dance. Married in 1957 and their family life began. Mom was blessed to be home to raise the three of us while supporting Dad’s Plumbing Business as his Bookkeeper.

Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, she was well known for her homemade buns, meatballs and her fabulous Vinarterta. She was incredibly talented and loved to spend time doing her knitting, crocheting and needlepoint. After their kids left the nest, Mom and Dad went back to their love of dancing in 1986.

Mom leaves behind her husband of 64 Years, Nikola (Nick), Daughter Kelly (Garry) and Grandsons Nicholas (Gloria), and Brendan, Great Grandchildren Naomi and Landon. Son, Dan (Tracy) and Granddaughter Megan. Daughter Judy and Grandsons Jackson, Jordan and Jakob. Predeceased by her Father Reidar, Mother Lavina and two brothers Wray and Ross.

With moms wishes, cremation has taken place, along with a private family service. There will be a Social / Memorial Celebration of her Life on Sunday, October 23, 2022, at Meadow Lee Hall, Marquette MB 1:00-5:00pm. Family/Friends are invited to share in a dance or two to honour Mom and Dad’s love of old-time and square dance.

Donations in Audrey’s memory may be sent to Grace Hospice.

Thank you to Dr. Daenick, Nurse Shawna at Cancer Care as well as Sarah, Palliative Co-ordinator, MB Health and All the incredible staff at Grace Hospice.

It is with incredible sadness that we mark the passing of Peter John Polson on July 18, 2022 following complications surrounding a recent stroke.

Peter was predeceased by his beloved wife, Charlene Margaret (Morrison) Polson, brother Bill (“Hunchy”), sister Della, and brothers-in-law Billy Appler and Donald Fedoruk. He is survived by daughter Laurel (David Yeo), son Kevin, and his precious granddaughter Jacynthe. Also left to mourn his passing are siblings Danny Polson, Emily Funk, Jennie Brown, Olga Fedoruk, Jerry Polson (Louise), John Polson (Cathy), and many nephews and nieces.

Peter was born on September 6, 1936 in Winnipeg. A large family of nine children living on Dufferin Avenue, Peter’s mother Mary was left to care for them after the death of his father, Joseph, in 1949. From a young age, Peter and his brothers and sisters worked hard, learned responsibility and the importance of strong family ties and of helping one another, especially through scarcity and tough times. Those bonds endured for many decades to follow. It was through his youngest sister, Olga, that Peter was first introduced to Charlene, and each quickly realized that they were truly meant to share a life. They married on May 16, 1959 and would spend the next 55 years together. Many happy family memories were created at the cottage at Grand Marais, Christmas Eve gatherings on Redwood Avenue, and barbeques on Bachman Bay. Food, drink and laughter were in abundance on these occasions!

Peter worked as a clerk at CPR for 17 years until 1969. It was then that he decided to return to school, completed his GED, and was accepted into Red River College to study carpentry in 1971. Determined to support his wife and two young children, at age 37 Peter completed his studies and became a master at his craft. While driving around the city he would often point to buildings and bridges he helped to construct. He would go on to enjoy a successful career as a carpenter with Winnipeg School Division, including several years as Union president, until his retirement in 1997.

Generous and optimistic, Peter loved working with his hands and spending free time gardening and wood working. Many family trips to Victoria, BC to visit Kevin were made, and upon Charlene’s passing in 2014 he moved there for five years. Winnipeg was always home, though, and in 2020 he returned and was able to enjoy the company of family and his little pup Benny for the remaining months of his life. Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Friend – Peter meant so much to so many and knowing him was an honour. Losing him is keenly felt.

We love and miss you, Dad, but take comfort in knowing you are together again with Mom.

Love you bunches, always. XOXO