It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts we announce the unexpected passing of W. J. (Bill) Ridgeway, aged 82, of Grosse Isle, MB, on the evening of June 18, 2025. Bill was born on July 7, 1942, growing up and spending his entire life in the community he loved. 

Bill was a dedicated educator, farmer, businessman and respected member of the community, after graduating he took his Industrial Arts teacher training at the Manitoba Institute of Technology. He furthered his education at Bradley University in Illinois, and the University of Northern Colorado, focusing on Industrial Technical Education and Psychology. Bill continued to expand his knowledge with numerous courses in agriculture and agribusiness, and he enhanced his professional skills through training with the Insurance Brokers Association of Manitoba.

Throughout his career, Bill made significant contributions to the workplaces and communities he served. He was President of the Manitoba Government Employees Association and the founding president of the National Union of Provincial Government Employees, an instructor at Red River Community College, served as an advisor to Members of Parliament, was a substitute teacher with the Interlake School Division, and proudly carried on the family farming tradition while operating Ridgeway Insurance Agency. 

Bill was predeceased by his infant son Richard, as well as his parents, Frances and John, and his in-laws, Mary and George Laing as well as many cherished relatives and lifelong friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, of 59 years, Norma, and their children: Tracy (Dick) Proctor, Kelly (Chantel), Beth (Daniel) Mason, and Robert. Bill was a proud grandfather to Baily (Ashley), Kayla, Christopher, and Maria.

An active member of his community, Bill was involved in numerous clubs and organizations, including the Grosse Isle Recreation Club, Vintage Locomotive Society, Manitoba Pool Elevators, AG in the Classroom, St. Michael’s Anglican Church, the Royal Canadian Legion, Rosser Agribusiness, Rockwood Agricultural Society, Canadian Seed Growers Association, Warren and District Chamber of Commerce, Manitoba Canola Growers Association, Manitoba Straw Producers Co-op, Royal Winnipeg Rifles Reserve and Cadet Corps, Khartum Shriners, Regional Health Authority Committees, Stonewall and District Lions Club and Lions Manor. His political experience was extensive, serving as a long-standing member and volunteer of the Liberal Party. No matter your political leaning Bill was always ready for a spirited discussion. 

Bill enjoyed sports, cheering on the Jets, Bombers, and going to Goldeyes games, as well as supporting his children and grandchildren in their endeavours. Family was at the heart of Bill’s life, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 5, at 1:00 PM at the Grosse Isle Recreation Club in Grosse Isle MB.  

 Brooke Florence Gray (Riddell) passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at the age of 85. She was born and raised on the family farm in Warren, Manitoba. Brooke is survived by her sons Dale (Laurie) and Terry; daughters, Susan McRae (Terry), Sherry Barnes (Dave) and Cathy Gray (Scott). Also mourning her loss are her grandchildren, (Dale) Sean, Micheal, Christopher; (Susan) Brian, Julie; (Terry) MacKenzie, Kennedy; (Sherry) Owen, Cole; (Cathy) Charlize, Riley. She leaves behind a great-grandson (Julie) Parker and a great-granddaughter (Sean) Artis.

 Brooke was predeceased by her brother Bob Riddell and sister Lee Sutherland. She also leaves to mourn, her brothers Jim Riddell and Chris (Helen) Riddell, Gordie (Donna) Riddell and many nieces and nephews. Mom married Jim Gray in 1961 and graduated as an RN from the Grace Hospital school of nursing. The next 35 years she spent caring for others in hospitals across Ontario and Manitoba.

During her marriage to Jim, the family moved throughout Ontario and Manitoba. Her favourite place was the orchard just outside of St. George. With dad constantly traveling, she managed 5 small children and a busy orchard operation. The work load eventually became too much so they decided to sell and move on and on and on. Mom was a bit of a rolling stone that liked to move every couple of years. She was always customizing and modifying her furniture to make it suit her homes. She loved cooking and entertaining family. She taught us all the importance of sitting around a table sharing and celebrating a meal together. She was not a fan of buffets! She made the absolute best buns. She also introduced us to white sugar…. on and in everything!

 Mom’s greatest love was for her 11 grandchildren. She was a “get down on the floor and play” kind of grandmother. Whether it was building forts out of boxes, making rafts out of wooden pallets or just playing games, she will be greatly missed by all of them. When something didn’t taste good she’d go to her cake decorating drawer and pull out a bottle of coloured sprinkles to toss on anything that didn’t taste good. Her grandchildren had no trouble eating after that.

 Mom loved to sing and was a member of several choirs. She loved music and dancing and watching live baseball games. She was up to travel anywhere in the world. If it was by bus, even better! She danced to her own beat and didn’t care much about what others thought. She is now in the hands of our maker and she’s finally settled. We are honoured to be your kids mom and we love you very much.

Internment is planned for August. 

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Roy Gilbert Hogarth of Stonewall aged 87 years, who passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at the St. Boniface Hospital.

Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Roman Catholic Church of the Annunciation, Woodlands, Manitoba.

December 29, 1934 – June 8, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother Dorothy on June 8, 2025 at the age of 90.

Dorothy will be deeply missed by her daughters Suzan (Mark Edwards) and Leyla. She was predeceased by her sister Jean Booth as well as her aunt and uncle Doris and Bob Armstrong.  We are comforted by memories of her love, and knowing she has finally been reunited with her husband Mehmet who accidentally predeceased her 52 years ago.

Dorothy was born in Willenhall, England to George and Annie Booth on December 29, 1934. She lived there into her early twenties, and worked as a telephone operator and secretary.  While travelling in Cyprus, she met the love of her life Mehmet, and they married on August 1, 1960 in Nicosia, Cyprus. As their marriage ceremony was conducted in Turkish, a second service was held in London, England for the benefit of her English-speaking family.  Feeling there were better opportunities in Canada, Mehmet and Dorothy immigrated to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in 1963 where Dorothy worked in the office of a T.B. clinic.  In 1964 they moved to Teulon, Manitoba where Mehmet set up a veterinary clinic. Dorothy was his right-hand woman and helped out wherever she could.  After the sudden passing of her husband, Dorothy was employed by Canada Post at the Teulon Post Office, and eventually became the Postmistress until her retirement.  Although incredibly busy working and raising her family, she volunteered in the community by serving as the Secretary Treasurer of the Teulon Figure Skating Club and United Church Sunday School.  She was also a member of the United Church Official Board. 

Dorothy took pleasure in the simple things in life.  She liked doing crosswords and reading.  Days were filled with numerous coffee or lunch dates with her many friends.  She loved animals, and a part of every day was dedicated to feeding the birds, deer and rabbits that frequented her yard.  Dorothy cherished all family visits, and celebrations both big and small.

Dorothy’s two daughters were her greatest priority and she devoted her life to raising them.  She was blessed with strength, courage, and selflessness and used these gifts to bring up her girls as a single parent.  This was not a small feat, as there was no family support nearby.  Dorothy was incredibly proud and supportive of Suzan and Leyla.  She was always in attendance at their numerous activities.  Dorothy provided her girls with a beautiful life. 

A private family ceremony honouring Dorothy’s life was held on June 16, 2025 at the Teulon United Church.

For those who wish, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.

Her family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful staff at the Simkin Centre for their incredible and compassionate care of mom over the past year.

December 31, 1936 – June 6, 2025

It is with great love that we say goodbye to Gigi, who passed away peacefully at the
age of 88.
He will be forever missed by his children Vincent (Jana), Cynthia (Mark) and Jennifer
(Ryan), and his 5 grandchildren whom he adored Megan, Rylan, Chloe, Dylan and
Sasha. He was predeceased by his parents Wasyl and Nastia, brothers Mike, Tony,
Joseph and Walter, sisters Mary, Justine and Olga. Gigi is survived by his sisters Ann
and Steffie.
Gigi was the youngest of 10 children, born on a homestead in Poplarfield. His father
(Wasyl) passed away when he was only 3 months old, leaving him to be raised by his
mother (Nastia) and mostly his sisters. Attending school was often not an option as he
was required to help provide on the farm. We were always told stories of all the siblings
sleeping head to toe in only two beds with homemade down comforters and their hair
freezing to the walls.
Gigi was introduced to his wife Aileen through her dad’s brother Lawrence Husiak, who
was a close friend. The courtship began in Poplarfield and they both moved to
Winnipeg to start their careers. Gigi joined the Manitoba Power Commission at the age
of 21. His career with Manitoba Hydro spanned 33 years with placements in Gillam
and Jenpeg. In 1991 he retired from his position with Haulage Services in Winnipeg.
They raised 3 children. Vincent, born in 1969, with Cynthia born 3 years later and then
Jennifer, 3 years after that. They settled in Stonewall in 1978. It was a busy household
full of kids sports, Ukrainian dancing, camping, family BBQs and many, many funerals.
The school board once reached out to Aileen to confirm that was actually a reason that
the kids were missing so much school.
Summers were either spent traveling jammed in the camper going from East Coast to
West Coast, fishing at Perrault Lake Camp with a new crew every time or just at home
on the lawnmower, in the garden or by the BBQ. Always shirtless with a dark tan and a
cold beer in his hand. The rest of the year Gigi enjoyed cutting wood and hunting with
brothers and nephews in Poplarfield and Duck Mountain. Gigi curled in Stonewall and
Stony Mountain until 2017. He loved to play a game of cribbage with Jen or anyone
who came to visit him. The Jets or Blue Jays were always on in the background.
Gigi would do anything for his grandchildren. Especially his first, Megan. His Little
Mouse. She could do no wrong. Gigi would show up to Vincent and Jana’s house in
Stonewall at the crack of dawn everyday. Whether it was to babysit, go to the park or
just to deliver the mail and have a coffee. In the summer of 2001 a major life event
took place. We were all at Perrault Lake Camp and Megan developed a rash from
Gigi’s moustache. The next thing we knew off to the shower Gigi went and a new man
appeared. For the first time ever his children saw Gigi clean shaven without mustache
all for his Little Mouse. Then came Rylan, and Chloe, Dylan and Sasha. He always
saved his loonies and toonies to put in a pill bottle and wrap up for their birthdays or
special holidays.
In the last few years he looked forward to watching Heartland, eating a good meal and
his monthly haircut. Such simple things.
Thank you to everyone who took time to visit Gigi the last few years. We would
especially like to acknowledge Paulette, Gordie and Shirley who would often provide a
home cooked Ukrainian meal.
A heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Extendicare Red River Place in Selkirk and
Rosewood Personal Care Home in Stonewall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Diabetes Canada or the charity of your
choice.

DECEMBER 25, 1942 – JUNE 3, 2025

After a brief battle with cancer Russell passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025 at the age of 82. Predeceased by his parents Eric and Gerda, brothers Stewart, Robert, Clifford and sister Evelyn. Wife Linda and numerous in – laws.

Left to mourn Russ’s memory are his children Bonnie (Wanda), Leah (Ken) and Joe (Elissa). Grandchildren Tarrant, Aiden, Kelsey, Jonas, Toren, Andrew, Wyatt, Jesse, Jolene and Charmaine.

Russ was born in Teulon, Manitoba and lived his life on the homestead he built for his family. Dad was a proud Swede and maintained involvement with the Norris Lake Community. He was a brilliant Machinist and Gunsmith and well known to the Interlake. Dad worked for 60 years as a Machinist at Kilberry Industries, Wesley Machine Shop and operated his own machine shop at home. His knowledge of Teulon and Inwood’s history was admired by many. Russ had many lifelong friendships throughout the years and cherished each.

In Dad’s later years, he spent countless hours watching and supporting Jonas and Toren in all of their sporting activities. Walking them to the bus in the mornings, baking cookies and muffins. He loved ice fishing, road trips, and singing to old Swedish tunes.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all of those who took the time to visit Dad’s while he was in the hospital. A special thanks to the compassionate care the staff at the Teulon Hospital gave Dad.

In keeping with Russell’s wishes, there will not be a funeral service.

The family will conduct a small celebration of life at a later date with family and friends.

October 27, 1956 – June 3, 2025

We are saddened to announce that on the 3rd of June, 2025, Karen E Sheldon (McGillvray) peacefully passed away after a long battle with cancer.  She was 68 years young.  Karen was comforted by her family at the Selkirk Hospital at the time of her passing.  Karen is predeceased by her parents, Wes and Janet McGillvray.  Karen leaves behind her loving husband of 46 years Ross Sheldon, her children Jacquelyn (Cody Appleyard), Carly (Chad Leganchuk) and her three siblings, Kelli (Philip Palmer), Kristi (Mark Painter) and Jim (Holly Beasse) along with many nieces and nephews.  Karen is so loved by her 4 grandchildren, Ryan, Madelyn, Brooklyn and Sawyer.  She will be deeply missed.  We love you always and forever Mom, Rest In Peace.

There will be a private graveside service at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Selkirk Hospital for their kindness and compassion shown to Karen over her last few days.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Karen’s memory to Stonewall Palliative Care.

1953 – 2025

Our Family is saddened to announce the passing of our Brother, Uncle, Cousin, and Friend, Antoine “Tony” Desjarlais, on June 1, 2025 at the age of 71 years.

He was deeply loved and will be forever remembered by his siblings, Agathe, Benny, Margaret (Elie), his Aunt Maude McKay, and his numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Alice Desjarlais, brothers Denis, Robert, and Andrew Desjarlais, nieces Helene and Jeralynne Boyer – Desjarlais, Crystal Coutu, and nephew Clayton Coutu.

Uncle Tony was always walking somewhere, in his younger days Uncle Tony was a familiar sight on Highway #6 between St. Laurent and Winnipeg as he was a frequent hitch hiker.  He had a big love for music, especially the country classics and was often found enjoying them at high volumes.  He also found much joy in playing cards, especially poker with his family and friends. 

Pallbearers will be Alvin Gaudry, Hayedon Richard, Robert Coutu, Darren Coutu, Melvin McKay, and Norbert Langelier.  As Uncle Tony was so present in the lives and upbringing of all his nieces, nephews, may they all consider themselves as Honorary Pallbearers.  He would have loved that very much.

Many heartfelt thanks to the staff at Stonewall Eriksdale, MB for their wonderful care of our Uncle Tony.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the St. Laurent Roman Catholic Church, St. Laurent, MB, on Saturday, June 14, 2025 with viewing and prayers at 11:30 am, and Mass following at 12:00 pm.  Interment to follow in the St. Laurent Cemetery. 

You’re at peace now after your long battle with your illness. 

You are free now to reunite with our

departed loved ones that you so dearly missed.

Until we meet again,

Rest in Peace Uncle Tony 

XO

September 12, 1950 – May 31, 2025

It is with profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of our Mom, Sandi Koch (nee Stiff). On the morning of Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Stonewall Hospital, Sandi passed away with daughter Keely and granddaughter Iyla by her side.

Sandi was born on September 12, 1950, in Calgary, Alberta. They relocated with her family to Ontario, where she spent most of her childhood. With the support and love of her mother, the family moved to Winnipeg to pursue further opportunities. As the oldest child, she took on a “motherly role” to her siblings and continued these caring traits throughout her life. It quickly became evident her nature was to help and support people of all ages, as she began her early career at Marymound, helping troubled youth.  

She was predeceased by her mother, Doreen Olson, in 2021, as well as sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and, sadly, friends. We know she has reunited with them now, visiting over coffee or a Corona. 

Sandi cherished her family, especially her grandchildren, supporting them in all they chose to undertake – volleyball games, shopping, fishing stories – and showing them an abundance of love. She always put others ahead of herself and helped in any capacity she could. A super kind heart that will be missed by all the lives she touched. 

She leaves to mourn her husband Irv; children Keely, Kurt, and Jody (Albert), as well as grandchildren Teylor, Iyla, Colton, Kobie, and Willow; brother Sanford (late Pam), sisters Heather (Duncan), and Lois (Marcel), as well as sister-in-law Elsie Thiessen (late Peter) along with their families. Sandi’s vast list of friends is insurmountable and includes too many to mention individually.

Her loving touch also extended to her fur babies, which she doted on daily, making sure they received plenty of treats and cuddles. Sadie and Buddy will miss their mama dearly.

Sandi was a wonderful woman who could brighten any room or situation with ease. Her sass and humour were shared with many, and her distinct laugh will be remembered by all. She was a long-time member of the Stonewall Legion and held various roles over the years on the auxiliary. She truly was a pillar of the community wherever she went; her dedication and commitment to friends was like no other.

In her middle years, Sandi enjoyed curling bonspiels, numerous “girls trips,” and dancing the night away with her husband and friends. In her later years, she still remained the life of any party. She was an avid sports fan, from curling and tennis, to hockey and football. She attended too many games to count, including “Worlds” whenever possible for any sport…why pass up an opportunity to have a great time with friends and represent our country?

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the Stonewall Hospital for the dedicated efforts they took on the day of her passing, and for the care, compassion, and professionalism they exhibited.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Sandi at the Stonewall Legion June 27th at 2:30pm. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.