On February 18, 2022, after a brief illness, Slawka Bejzyk passed away peacefully at Betel Home in Selkirk at the age of 93.

Slawka came to Canada from Ukraine with her parents and three brothers before the start of the Second World War. They settled on a plot of land near Komarno, MB where they worked hard to make a new home and start a farming operation. Slawka went on to become a teacher and spent most of her life teaching in the Komarno/Teulon area while continuing to live on the farm that her family originally settled. As a teacher, Slawka had a long career and taught many hundreds of children. Teaching young children especially suited Slawka as she had a gentle and caring way about her. Following the war she spent time in Europe teaching the children of Canadian service members and came back with many stories of her European adventures. She always felt it was her duty to help people.

Whether it was through teaching, sending care packages to relatives in Ukraine or helping her family, she was always giving of herself. As members of her family aged and developed illnesses, she always did everything she could to assist them and make their lives easier. She never complained instead showing appreciation for what she had and for those around her.

Even towards the end, as her life became increasingly difficult, she would aways be quick with a smile and a kind comment, appreciative of the care she received at Betel Home and those who visited her. She never lost the ability to smile and say silly things that would, in turn, make you smile. Slawka will be greatly missed by her nephew David Bejzyk (Alyssa Lindsay), niece Melanie Bejzyk and brother Ole (Sonja) Bejzyk. She will be buried at St. George’s Cemetery just down the road from the family farm, once again close to the beloved family members who preceded her, brothers Taras and Steve, and mother and father Maria and Nykola.

Sept 15, 1941 – Feb 14, 2022     With the heaviest of hearts, we sadly write to inform you of the passing of Lorne Grant Willis, of Petersfield, MB. at the age of 80 years.

Lorne will be forever missed by his loving wife Merle of 58 years and left to cherish his memory are his children DARREN (Leona), LORNA (Deme), GEORGE (Sherylyn), ALLISON (Ron). Papa’s grandchildren and great grandchildren who he loved dearly; GAVIN (Felicia) Mia, Zoe, Chloe, Haven, KAYLA (Lucas), Hunter, Abygale, JUSTIN (Danielle), Raelynn, Dominic, ASHLEY (Trevor) Paige, Caroline DYLAN, KOLE and TRISTAN; his beloved cat Spotty will miss him as well. He also leaves behind his brother Lance (Rosemarie), sister-in-law Dale and their families and numerous friends and relatives.

Dad was predeceased by his twin sister Lorna, his parents Ernest and Lillie,  grandson DUSTIN and brother Allan.

Lorne was born in Teulon, MB. He was raised on the family farm. He worked at Nelson River Construction before taking over the family farm. He was also a school trustee. He worked as a Manitoba Public Trustee until retirement. Dad had a love of hunting, fishing, camping throughout his life and then gardening in his later years. Dad was very proud of his Metis heritage.

Our heartfelt thanks to all the staff involved in Dad’s care that he received the last 6 weeks. In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to a charity of your choice or treat a friend to coffee in Lorne’s honour. A private funeral will be held at a later date as per Dad’s wishes.

It is with absolute heartache we announce the passing of our beautiful Mom on February 10, 2022.

Mom was born in Kocurice, Slovakia on October 18, 1933.

Her parents Gabriel and Petrina Yankech immigrated to Canada with infant Yolana (Elaine) and Mom on her “Tato’s” shoulders. They stepped off of the Duchess of Richmond in Quebec, the fall of 1938. The family settled on land near Komarno, Manitoba. Growing up and schooling was not easy for Mom. Not being able to speak English, she had a very hard time. Even her given name Ludmila, was changed to Emily by the teachers.

She moved to Teulon, at the young age of 14 to live at the Hunter House and was given a job at the Hunter Memorial Hospital. She worked there for a few years, sharing her few dollars pay with those at home, always taking many candies and needed things to everyone.

Mom met a wonderful man, our Dad, through her aunt, who lived in the Good Hope District, close to the Lohmer’s. There, they planned their life together. They were married June 26, 1954 and lived in the Good Hope area, Stonewall, and again in the Good Hope District. Meeting and being married to our Dad, she often said, was the happiest time in her life.

Mom had several jobs as a young woman, the Dr. Evelyn Memorial Hospital in Stonewall, the Red and White Store and the restaurant at the “3 mile corner”.

Mom was devoted to her family. She was a stay at home wife and Mom, and did everything for us. All her life everything was please and thank-you. She appreciated the simple things in life. Losing our Dad so young was devasting for her, they did everything together.

She was the heart of our family and we have so many wonderful memories. She was a great cook, making everything delicious, giving us so many great holidays and birthdays. We never left her house empty handed.

She loved hockey games, whether they were her son’s or her grandsons’. Her grandsons were her treasure. She babysat both of them for awhile. When they both played hockey, she totally enjoyed going to games anywhere, and supported the team with her signature Lemon meringue pies.” She was so proud of her 3 goalies.” Our family drives in the van, were always so much fun. Her love of music, of all kinds brought a smile to her face. She could play the harmonica and even took guitar lessons. She loved the music of Ringo Starr, her love of all animals, brought many a stray cat to her house. She made pets out of them all. They knew where to go.

Mom was young at heart, and we all shared so much laughter at her youthful “just for fun” antics. Mom being the oldest of nine children, we are so glad her remaining sister and brothers have their own cherished memories of their sister.

Mom will be greatly missed and always lovingly remembered by her son Albert (Maureen) and her daughter Caroline (Wayne). Her grandson Brent (Meaghan), her grandson Cam and her great grandchildren Maisie and Brandon. Her sister Elaine and her brothers John (Jean), Joe (Lois), Richard (Marla), Victor and Ben. Many nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.

Mom was predeceased by her loving husband Les, her grandson Kevin, her sister Anna and brother Steven, her parents Gabriel and Petrina and special extended family members.

“Rest in Peace Milka ”

Mom, you are my sunshine, you always were and will always be “my only sunshine.”

A private family service was held on February 17, 2022.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Glenn on February 6, 2022, at the age of 74. Left to mourn his loss is his beloved wife of 53 years, Sharon (Evans), and their daughters, Audra (Dale Hume) and Melissa, as well as his two grandchildren, Alexander, and Grace, who were so remarkably close to him.

Glenn was born on April 16, 1947, in Treherne, MB to Merle and Ambrose Nesbitt, where he grew up with his younger sister Audrey (Hutlet) and his older brother Doug.After completing grade 11 in Treherne, he moved to Winnipeg where he attended Red River College and obtained his Journeyman plumbing ticket. Sharon and Glenn were married on October 19, 1968. His plumbing career took him to many places, including Churchill where he helped build the hospital, Fisher River, and in later years Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, where he also worked on the pipelines.

In 1974 Glenn and Sharon moved to Cypress River with their young family where they eventually took over the Evans family farm. Glenn continued to work as a plumber while farming. He retired in 2012 and he and Sharon moved to Gunton to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. Once settled, they helped care for their grandchildren and Glenn worked part-time at the Teulon Co-Op Gas station. He enjoyed meeting and talking with people, getting to know his community. He could talk to anyone about anything! Glenn and Sharon also enjoyed taking day trips, exploring the Interlake. When he was done working at the Co-Op, he enjoyed time with family, including some competitive card games at the kitchen table! Grandpa attended many hockey games, figure skating shows and competitions. Dad was always ready to lend a hand and helped Dale and Audra with many renovations over the years. Melissa was the recipient of his advice and assistance with minor repairs, as well. Glenn, Dad, Grandpa, you will be missed beyond words.

The family would like to thank Dr. Venter for his care over the years, the staff of Stonewall Hospital, Selkirk Regional Health Centre ER, Medicine and Med-Surg units where he was an inpatient over the years, as well as the EMS and RCMP. Thanks to Ken Loehmer of Ken Loehmer Funeral Home Services for his support and guidance.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Lung Association in Winnipeg. To honor Glenn’s wishes, a private family memorial will be held at a later date.

Rest in peace.

December 20, 1942 to February 5, 2022     John Newransky was born at Gronlid, Saskatchewan, and moved to Reston, MB, in 1945.

At age nine John found faith in Jesus, and from age 14 his life goal was to invest his time in children’s ministry. He taught children in camps, VBS, Sunday School, Junior Church, Good News Clubs, Brigades, Awana, and Child Evangelism classes.

When John was a child his father became very ill. John began milking cows when he was 5-6 years old, and did much of the farming from when he was nine. He had to drop out of grade 10 to farm full time.

At 18 John went to work at a mine in Thompson, MB where he earned a steam engineering ticket.

In 1963 the family moved to a farm at Brooksby, SK. John began studies at Nipawin Bible Institute, and graduated in 1966. He joined the Canadian Sunday School Mission (CSSM) to do children’s ministries, and after marrying Doris Sydor in 1968, they began working as full-time missionaries with the CSSM at Beaver Lake Bible Camp, near Flin Flon. Two years later their first child, Steven, was born. During that time, John completed his grade twelve studies at the local high school.

In 1973, when their second child, Debra Jean, was two weeks old, the family left Denare Beach, SK, to move to 100 Mile House, B.C. For the next seven years John was Director and Developer of the Lake of the Trees Bible Camp.

In 1982 the family moved to Dauphin, MB, where John built a career as a contractor. He built and installed kitchen cabinets and windows, and built nine houses, four in and near Dauphin. He also developed a rental business in Dauphin. He worked at many jobs, the last one being the renovation of the Kal Tire building in Dauphin. John was suddenly forced to retire in 2005 when he developed a severe heart condition and received a pacemaker. Later that year he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

Outside of ministry and work, John loved many hobbies. He organized a hockey team, fished and hunted. He loved birds and had many feeders in the yard. The last few years he gave up hunting and enjoyed the deer taking refuge in the yard. He was devoted to family, travelling many miles to be with his parents and siblings, and loved being a parent and grandpa. John enjoyed games and pranks, always getting a good chuckle when he could catch someone out. He loved music, playing the guitar and singing. In his early years he had enjoyed square dancing and playing fiddle. John explored his artistic side crafting wood and glass, as well as story-telling and documenting with photography and film. John loved people, and dearly loved his coffee time, considering anyone in talking distance a friend with whom he could pass the time. His caregivers at Rosewood Lodge Personal Care home experienced his smile and joy in their presence even when he could no longer communicate as he once did.

John leaves behind his wife Doris, son Steve and daughter Debra Jean, son-in-law Bruce, and grandchildren Emelia, Corrin, Jacob, and Jessica.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be given to Rosewood Lodge, Stonewall, where he was lovingly cared for by Dr. Graham and the staff, or to CSSM, now called “One Hope Canada”.

Condolences can be left below.

The memorial service will be live-streamed on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. CST. Click here for the link to the service and for other information: http://funeral.gracenote.ca.

Aug. 7, 1952 – Feb. 2, 2022 Heaven gained another great ball player, race handicapper, and general good guy when Jim passed away suddenly on February 2, 2022.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and his sister Judy Morris. He is survived by partner and best friend Bev, mother-in-law Marion, son Jeff (mother Sharon, wife Chantal, daughter Zena), brother Al, brothers-in-law Wayne, Bob, Ken (Francine), Russ (Laura), sister-in-law Tracy (Todd), nieces and nephews.

Jim was born in Lethbridge, spent his youth in Belle River, Ontario, and then his adult years in Winnipeg, MB. Jim spent the majority of his working career with the City of Winnipeg and then in ‘retirement’ held jobs with MTS and Standard Aero. These last years he worked for Equal Opportunities West. This position was one he loved very much; being with everyone at the agency brought him joy.

You may have known Jim by a different name! He was known as Spyder, James, and Jim. No matter the name, he enjoyed his connections to various ball teams (Rib Shack, Classics, Manitoba Speed). Jim was a skilled pitcher, and a keen strategist when coaching.

Jim had a second home at Assiniboine Downs, and valued his many friends (brothers) and fellow handicappers there.

Jim loved to chat and banter with people; he knew how to work a crowd, family gathering, or party, and would do his best to get folks laughing with his famous jokes. You are likely able to imagine Jim’s delivery followed by his own laughter.

Jim kept various notes (horses, NFL picks, jokes) and one highlight was this poem he saved.

Friendship is a chain of gold Shaped in God’s all perfect mold. Each link a smile, a laugh, a tear. A grip of the hand, a word of cheer. As steadfast as ages roll, Binding closer soul to soul. No matter how far or heavy the load, Sweet is the journey on friendship’s road.

Following Jim’s wishes, no formal service will be held.

With the heaviest of hearts, we sadly write to inform of the sudden passing of Nancy Fleury (Friederici), of Teulon, Manitoba (“Nanny”) at the age of 75. This incredible lady will be forever missed by the great love of her life, her best friend, devoted and adoring husband of 57 years, Eugene, and her beloved daughters Laurie (Angus) and Cathy (Keith). Also left to mourn and celebrate her life are grand-daughters Brandy (Tony), Nikki (Marty) and step-grandchildren Megan (Moe), Alexandra, and Tyler (Kristy), along with great-grand-daughters Toni, Marley (Brandy), expectant grand-baby (Nikki), and Elizabeth (Alex), Darius and Rae-Anne (Megan). She is also dearly missed by her life-long best friend, Ellie Hodges of BC, and her extended family, which she adored.

Mom was born in a 1 bedroom farmhouse on February 19, 1946 to Otto and Martha Friederici of Arborg, Manitoba and was one of 8 children, the youngest of 4 daughters. She was pre-deceased by her parents, brother Herman, and by her grandson Christopher (Cathy) but is survived by loving sisters Helen Puhach, Tillie Twohig, and Shirley Carbert (Don), and brothers Eric, Albert (Judy), and Arthur (Betty).

Those who knew her will not soon forget the great love she had for family, her strong compassion for all, her desire to do things right, her strong determination, and that wicked, sometimes inappropriate sense of humour that endeared her to all. Her go-to quote was “couldn’t give a rat’s arse”, which would always bring a smile to our faces because most times she really couldn’t. She was that liberated, and told it like it was, even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. She taught us that when life got tough, get tougher, and yet to always find the way to be kind. She was hard working, compassionate, so humble yet strong, always loving and honest, caring and forgiving and she always, always put the needs of others before her own. Her favourite of the 4 seasons was Spring, as she had a deep love of plants and gardening – her favourite flowers being lilies and roses. She loved camping, fishing, fireside hotdogs, and sometimes just to go for a car ride in the countryside to enjoy dad’s company. She was also an amazing cook, making something extraordinary out of seemingly nothing, passing her passions through generations to come.

She was also the strongest believer in helping others, and quickly saw the need to help locally when mom and dad moved to Teulon in 1977. She started many local charitable organizations including the Teulon Christmas Cheer Board, the local Food Bank, and she was an avid catalyst for donating to those in need, ultimately receiving the Governor-General’s award for Community Service in recognition of her hard work.

It’s impossible to sum up in a few paragraphs the essence of who she was, but the best of her will be carried in us all for our lifetimes and beyond. She is forever loved and missed by those fortunate enough to have known her.

As hard as it is for us to say goodbye, it’s time for you to rest in peace, beautiful lady. You will always be remembered with the greatest of affection. Your legacy lives on in us all.

A heartfelt thank you to the nurses and doctors at Stonewall Memorial Hospital for their kindness and compassion to ensure mom was comfortable.

Her loving family will be hosting a celebration of her life in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, we respectfully request donations in her name to your local food bank.

Peacefully on January 30th, 2022 at the age of 92 our amazing Uncle Eric was called home to rest. He was predeceased by his parents Gottfried & Rosa, brothers Gerry, Holdy, Roland & Hank.

He leaves to cherish his memory his sister Trudy (John) Magas, sisters-in-law Silvia, Lydia, Alwyn & special friend Dorothy. As well as numerous Nieces & Nephews, Great Nieces & Nephews and Great-great Nieces.

Eric was born September 4th, 1929 in Winnipeg. Grew up in Starbuck and in 1949 his family moved to Stony Mountain. Eric always felt grateful and blessed for family, friends and his health allowing him to farm into his 80’s. He had a special love of gardening and a great game of crib. He enjoyed curling, bowling and hunting. Eric made the best wine and had a lifelong love of woodworking. Happiest when surrounded by his family. He loved each and everyone of us and made sure we knew it.

Thank you to the staff at Stonewall Hospital, Dr. Graham, Christine Skakum (Palliative Care) & all the home care workers. A special thank you to Diane Ammeter for her care, strength, expertise and unconditional love.

Funeral service to be held on Saturday, February 5th at 11:00 am at the Stonewall United Church. Proof of Vaccination required.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Siloam Mission or the Salvation Army as Eric had the biggest heart and believed in helping others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 3, 1961 – January 26, 2022     Suddenly, while on the job at Muskrat Dam in NW Ontario, Keith passed away at the age of 60. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Lois (nee Benedictson), whom he took great joy in reminding that she was older than he was – and he made sure everyone knew it. He is also survived by his daughters, of whom he was immensely proud: Melissa (Barry) Hopman, Christy (Adam) Putz, Rachelle (Jim) Manness and Megan Hnatiuk; grandchildren, his pride and joy: Sebastian, Caleb and Charolette Hnatiuk; his sisters Lois Matis (Rod Boles), Lorine (David) Waters and Beryl (Rudy) Singbiel; Lois’s family and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Rosella Cook, his brother-in-law Steve Matis and niece Shelley Matis.

Keith grew up in the Komarno area where he farmed with his parents, married and raised his family. His spontaneous adventures with his family made many wonderful memories, from going to hotels with waterslides, often including extended family, a spur of the moment midnight trip to Winnipeg to a Garth Brooks CD release, camping trips, adventures to BC because “it rained too much to make hay”, taking the whole family on a Caribbean cruise to a last-minute trip to Disney World that included the grandkids, just to name a few.

He learned to operate Cat dozers as a teenager and continued to work in the construction industry in Manitoba as an equipment operator, in Saskatchewan as a Consultant and on the Husky Sunrise Project in Fort McMurray, Alberta, as a Supervisor. About ten years ago he and Lois decided to start their own construction company, K & L Contracting Ltd., completing many projects across Manitoba. Keith took great pride in putting a pushpin on the map where each project was located. He had a knack for estimating a job, the logistics to complete the job efficiently and establishing a congenial rapport with employees, clients and engineers alike.

He was so looking forward to retirement this fall, was excited to tour in their RV, and spend their winters at their newly purchased condo in Texas, that had his favourite, “a pool within walking distance!” He wasn’t one to shy away from sharing his opinion but he had a heart of gold, helped family and friends whenever he could, especially if it involved something with more than 100 horse power! He took co-workers and employees under his wing, mentoring them in both work and life skills. He always had everyone laughing and was the life of every party. His competitive spirit was evident when playing Scrabble, Chess or any game where it was “boys against the girls”. He will be sorely missed by everyone who had the privilege to know him.

Thanks to JoAnne and Sandra and everyone for your prayers, condolences, food, etc. and for your offers of meals, support and assistance. A special thanks to Clayton who went above and beyond when we couldn’t be there.

A private memorial will be held at a later date.

John 11:25 “… I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”