October 26, 1934-January 19, 2022     Sophie passed peacefully, in her sleep, at Lions Manor Personal Care Home.

She will be remembered with love by her partner, Norman Macdonald (Norrie), sister-in-law Theresa, niece Barb (Peter), nephews Brad (Sylvie), Ron (Karen) and Doug (Teresa), great nieces and nephews Melissa (Chris), Amie (Paul), Michael (Kathleen), Magdalena (Arik), Stuart (Christina), great-great-nieces Natalie, Maëlle and Rebecca, and great-great-nephews Felix, Dale, Sawyer and Matthew, Norrie’s daughters Kirsty and Fiona and grand-daughter Rachel, as well as many cousins and long-time friends with whom she enjoyed travel, ‘going for coffee’, the symphony, or other outings. Sophie was predeceased by her parents Paul and Annie Melnychuk, her brother Zenon and her sister Ollie, as well as cousins and several friends whom she missed terribly.

Sophie was born and grew up on a small farm near Balmoral, Manitoba, the middle child of three. She attended school in Balmoral, completing Grade 11, then joined her sister in Winnipeg to continue her education.

Sophie was hardworking and eager to learn. She took advantage of every opportunity to take courses and continue her learning throughout her career. This resulted in many employment and advancement opportunities, helping to break through some of those ‘glass ceilings’ experienced by professional women of the time. During her career, Sophie worked for Century Motors, The Citadel, Wawanesa, Investor’s Group and Morguard, to name a few. She was recognized as a Fellow of Life Management Institute in 1980 for specialization in Administrative Management and received an Award of Merit from the Purchasing Management Association of Canada in 1990. Sophie was proud and humbled by her employment accomplishments, given that she didn’t have the opportunity for post-secondary education. She also maintained life-long friendships with many people she met along her career path.

Once she left the world of ‘paid work’, Sophie became an owner and operator of Silver Treads, a uniquely accessible tour company in support of seniors who benefitted from door-to-door transportation. She did extensive research about places of interest in Manitoba and worked with local businesses to provide refreshment and meal stops along the way. Tour days were extremely busy, and with the help of Norrie, specific needs were addressed so that all guests could enjoy their tours. There were many ‘regulars’ on the tours, who became Sophie’s friends.

Sophie also enjoyed travel beyond Manitoba borders. As a single woman, she enjoyed touring with friends to destinations such as the Orient, Europe, Russia and Ukraine. She also travelled with Norrie to Scotland and enjoyed a challenging but memorable trip to Hawaii with Barb.

Volunteerism was an important part of Sophie’s life, with a strong commitment to the Broadway community where she made her home. Over the years, she sang in church choirs, was on the executive of the Winnipeg Ski Club, taught dance lessons at the YMCA, fed the birds in the Broadway neighbourhood, and supported various fund-raisers including the Balmoral United Church walk-a-thon. One of her strongest and proudest commitments was to the Friends of Sherbrook Pool. Sophie and her friend Randy Conway were part of a small group of volunteers who worked tirelessly to keep the pool open for years beyond the time the city intended it to be closed.

Sophie was devoted to her parents in their elder years, and spent much time on weekends, driving to Teulon to spend time with and support them. She continued to maintain her parents’ house in Teulon for many years. Sophie loved working in the garden on the Teulon property, digging weeds by hand and letting ‘volunteer’ vegetables and flowers grow as they pleased. She couldn’t bear to destroy a ‘good plant’. When rabbits or deer ate her vegetables, she patiently acknowledged that “they have to eat too”, even though she valued the healthy vegetables she was able to harvest each fall.

We will miss many things about (Auntie) Sophie. Most immediately, we miss our conversations, her laughter and her love.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

On Sunday, August 28 at 2:00 p.m., a committal of the ashes will be held at the Victoria Cemetery, Road 84N, Balmoral, Manitoba, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at the Balmoral Hall.

If friends and family so desire, donations in Sophie’s name may be made to Lion’s Manor Personal Care Centre, 320 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2W6 or Goodwin Lodge, Box 89, Teulon, MB R0C 3B0. Our family would like to thank the staff on the 2nd floor of Lion’s Personal Care Centre for their care and compassion during the last few months of Sophie’s life, and for helping her bring laughter to the unit. Finally, thank you to Sue and Ellie for their support of our family. Ken Loehmer Funeral Services, Teulon, in care of arrangements. Condolences may be left at klfuneralservices.ca

It is with deep sadness that the family of Mary L. Smith announces her peaceful passing on Monday, January 17, 2022 at Riverview Health Centre, Winnipeg, with the love of her family and special friend, Rev. Milly Malavsky encompassing her.

Mary is survived by her son Jim (Joyce); daughter Phyllis (James) Marsch; grandchildren: Michael (Emma) Smith, Jennifer (Chris Taylor), Jason (Kathyrn) Nagy, Colin Marsch; great grandchildren: Brendan, Skylar, Danika, Rhys; brothers: Mike (Shirley) Panchuk, Nick (Sharon) Panchuk; sister: Lil (Martin) Dodd and many nieces, nephews and friends, notably Florence Smart and longtime neighbors and friends, Bunny Graham and Faith Brown. Mary is predeceased by her husband, George Smith; daughter, Christine Fillion; grandson, Sean Nagy; parents, Michael and Tina Panchuk; her brother Bill Panchuk.

Mary was born on September 13, 1930 in Ansonville, ON, where she lived until she was 5 years old. At the age of 5, she moved with her parents to live with her grandparents, who owned a farm just north east of the town of Stonewall, MB. It was here where she attended all her school, up to and including grade 9. Upon her graduation from grade 9, the excitement of having her first job, attracted her to move into Winnipeg, where she lived with her aunt Doris and uncle George Demetrioff in St. Boniface. Mary’s first job was as a waitress with Canada Packers, in what was then known as a private cafeteria for the administrative staff. After a couple years, she returned to Stonewall where she continued her employment as a hostess/waitress at Wilf’s Café. It was here where mom met her favorite regular customer and love of her life, our dad, George Smith.

Over the years, Mary enjoyed part time employment with Avon, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce in the dining room as a hostess/waitress, and in retail at the Dominion and then Safeway bakery counter. Although mom enjoyed the connections with others throughout her various job opportunities, mom always put the care for her family first. This especially held true in her willingness and warm embrace of child rearing her young sister, Lil, as her own, along with her own children throughout her early years of being a mom. Mom was never idle, filling her spare time with a number of enjoyable hobbies, needlework, knitting, crocheting, calligraphy, gardening and especially loved tending to African violets and flower gardening, baking and cake decorating, and making pressed flower pictures and bookmarkers. Mom shared her patience, joy and pride in teaching anyone who was interested in any of her hobbies, including how to make our traditional family favorites of pyrohy, chroostycky, holubtsi, along with Scotch oatcakes and scones.

Mom and dad celebrated their 54th Wedding Anniversary before dad’s passing. Throughout those years they enjoyed square dancing, bowling, and taking family trips. In their later years they continued to enjoy the adventure of travel with one another, visiting Canada from coast to coast, parts of the US, Europe, the British Isles – making a couple trips specifically to visit dad’s family in Scotland, and also to Australia where they visited longtime friends. Mom’s life time dream to connect with extended family in Ukraine came true when she travelled there on a tour and was able to coordinate a visit with them. In keeping with mom’s interest in strengthening her knowledge in faith and spirituality, she had the opportunity to join a Charleswood United Church tour of the Holy Land. This trip along with all the others held many happy memories, the numerous photo albums mom and dad compiled over the years was proof of this.

A celebration of Mary’s life was held on Monday, January 24, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Boulevard, Winnipeg, MB, followed by interment at Stonewall Cemetery, Stonewall, MB. Rev. Milly Malavsky officiating.

As per government regulations, all guests must be fully vaccinated and able to provide valid proof, masks must be worn during the service and social distancing will be adhered to.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Riverview Health Centre, 1 Morley Ave, Winnipeg, MB. R3L 2P4 or Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Boulevard, Winnipeg, MB, R3R 0G6.

The family would like to extend warm thanks to the manager, doctors, nurses, allied health care workers and support staff on UNIT 2 West at Riverview Health Centre for their care of mom over the past 4 ½ years. You were like a second family to mom. Your care, concern and gentle understanding with mom and her family is truly appreciated. Also heartfelt thanks to Rev. Milly Malavsky and Rev. Dr. Michael Wilson for their spiritual care and pastoral presence.

The day you left and gained your wings, Our hearts just broke in two, We wish you could have stayed with us, But Heaven needed you.

You left us with the memories, And we love you dearly still, No matter how much time goes by, You know we always will.

You were a very special person, With kindness in your heart, And the love we had together, Grows stronger now that we are apart.

We know we cannot bring you back, Although we wish it everyday, But a piece of us went with you, The day you went away,.

October 16, 1931 – January 13, 2022

Peacefully after a brief illness Morley Kenneth Rosen passed away at the Stonewall Hospital.

He is survived by his loving wife Bertha Rosen of 65 years, his sons, Mark (Charlie), Craig (Gina) and his sister Sandra Bogden of Nanaimo.

Morley was born to Julius and Laura Rosen in the area known as One Six; south of Morden. He was educated at Deer Creek School and spent his younger days on the farm.

Morley and Bertha were married on August 25, 1956. They took up residence in the Beverly block apartment on Notre Dame Avenue in Winnipeg. Their first home was built by Morley, his dad and brother Sydney at 1779 King Edward (formerly Rosser Road) in the Brooklands area of Winnipeg. Their next home was purchased in Tyndall Park. They then moved to Stonewall and remained in their home for 30 years; until July 2017 when they moved to the Lions Manor Phase 4 in Stonewall.

Morley worked his whole career with Canadian Pacific Railway. First as a lineman and then moved to be a foreman for the Signals Department until his retirement in November, 1986. Being a young retiree by today’s standard; he decided he would do something for fun and a new career path….. He chose wood cutting and splitting and would process approximately 40 cords of wood a year. He manually split the wood until he and his son’s built him his own wood splitter. They were all very talented mechanically. Hence his nickname “Woody”.

Morley and Bert are longtime Legion members always supporting the local Stonewall Branch # 52. He will be missed at the Legion by his many friends. Friday nites were filled with playing pool, laughter and fun times. The flag was at half mast in his honor.

Morley and Bert travelled to many, many places in the world; Mexico, Hawaii, Germany, Portugal, Netherlands, Switzerland, Florida, and Austria to name a few. Their favorite place was Switzerland. There were also frequent driving trips to B.C. to visit family there. Morley loved to drive.

Morley celebrated his 90th birthday with a family dinner at the Keg. It was joyful and wonderful to all be together. His sister Sandra and sister in law Linda travelled from B.C. to celebrate this milestone. He later told us it was the “Best day of his life”. It is a wonderful memory for all of us.

The family truly thanks Dr. Venter and all the staff at the Stonewall Hospital for their extraordinary care and compassion that they exhibited to Morley and our family in his last days.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no service as per Morley’s wishes. There will be a private spreading of his ashes in the future.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests that a donation be made in Morley’s name to the Stonewall & District Hospital Foundation, Box 3109, Stonewall, Manitoba, R0C 2Z0,  https://my.charitableimpact.com/charities/stonewall-district-health-centre-foundation-inc  or to a charity of one’s choice.

Thank you

Peacefully, with his family by his side, Walter Lloyd Stewart passed away on January 12, 2022, at St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 83.

Dad will be lovingly remembered by Darlene, his wife of 53 years, daughters; Michelle (Lyle), Lisa (Dennis) and son Murray (Kristin) and grandchildren Kyle (Kezia), Grace and Aiden. He will also be dearly missed by brother Ken (Marilyn), sisters-in-law Kitty, Mary, and Joyce as well as numerous friends, nieces, and nephews.

Dad was predeceased by his parents Walter and Ethel, brothers Alex, Glenn, Murray (Ruby) and Keith, sisters Doreen (Bob) and Beryl (Sam), mother-in-law Edna and great granddaughter Emily.

Dad was born on December 4, 1938, the youngest of 8 children, to Walter and Ethel Stewart of Lilyfield, Manitoba. The family later moved to Balmoral in 1945 where Dad was raised and attended school. Dad began driving a milk truck for Rockwood Victoria Co-op in 1965, working alongside his older brothers and making many long-lasting friendships. He married Darlene Fisher of Argyle in 1968 and took over the family farm in Balmoral. Dad was very active in the community over the years, serving on both the hall board and the curling club executive. He was also an avid curler. Dad remained on the farm until moving to Stonewall in 1990. Years later when Murray purchased the farm, Dad enjoyed visiting the home he grew up in. Dad continued to drive the milk truck until 1998, retiring after 33 years of service. He then continued to work at the Balmoral School with Mom until she retired several years later.

Family was very important to Dad, and as kids he never missed our baseball or curling games. He was always supportive, caring and wanting to help us however he could. He was especially proud when Michelle and Lisa both graduated as registered nurses. He was a wonderful grandfather. Dad spent a lot of time with his grandchildren. He was so proud of Kyle when he graduated from the police academy and got married. He loved going to Grace’s baseball games and watching her ride her horse, Echo. He cheered on Aiden at his hockey games and enjoyed their discussions on politics and current events. They were very close to Grandpa and will miss him terribly.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dad’s nephews, Glenn Appleyard, Walter Stewart, Ken Stewart, John Good, Ron Stewart, Don Stewart, and Raymond Stewart.

The family would like to thank Dr. Hicks and staff at Stonewall Hospital and the staff of 5ASouth and ACCU at St. Boniface Hospital for the wonderful care Dad received.

In memory of Dad, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba. A service will be held at a later date.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father and grandfather on January 5, 2022.

After a brief illness we said our final farewell to the pillar of our family. Bob’s legacy will live on in his sons and grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Audrey, his son Craig (Cindy) grandchildren Lauren (Jordan), Taylor (Braden) and Evan; Son Keith (Janice) grandsons Patrick and Jordan (Ashleigh) and son Rodney (Margaret Ann) granddaughters Katherine, Ashley and Laura.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Wilfred and Margaret, his brother Lorne, sisters Audrey, Betty, Bernice and Beverly.

Bob was born in Winnipeg, on August 30th, 1929. On June 26th , 1954, Bob married the love of his life (Audrey Cathers) they were married for 67 years. He spent his entire life in Woodlands farming first along side his father and then with his wife and three sons.

Bob was an active member for well over 50 years as a board member of the Woodlands Hall. Right up until Covid hit, Bob was still helping out at socials (in behind the bar) and if you attended the Woodlands Bingo, Bob was at the loonie table, taking your loonie and stamping your card. You would have been greeted with a huge smile and we are sure he probably teased you.

He had been a member of the Lions Club of Warren. He spent many years volunteering at the Prairie Dog Central at the concession stand whether it was in Warren or Grosse Isle. He always had a story to share when he came home, he truly enjoyed the outing.

When his three sons were involved in the dairy 4-H club Bob was active in assisting them.

Bob’s two passions in life intertwined, family and farming. He was so fortunate to have his sons involved in the day to day operations of the family farm, and all three families living within a mile from him. Bob loved his conversations with his sons. Talking with Craig about the dairy aspect of the farm, with Keith regarding the crops, and with Rodney about haying.

Bob loved going for a crop tour, was involved in seeding and was very proud to tell you that he was still driving the combine at the age of 92.

Bob was blessed with a sharp mind, and a great memory, if you were lucky enough to be talking with him, he could recount events from over 80 years ago like they happened yesterday. He loved to tease and joke. We will forever remember how his eyes would light up and the huge smile on his face.

Bob was extremely proud of his grandchildren and very interested in all that they were doing, whether it was face to face or a phone call, he treasured the time spent with them. The grandchildren would say they loved their visits, his sense of humour, wisdom and his overall fun-loving nature.

The family would like to thank Dr. Loudon and staff for the over twenty years of care that they provided to Bob; we will forever be grateful.

Bob spent 6 days at the Stonewall Hospital in palliative care. We feel fortunate as a family that we were able to visit him the only restriction was two at a time. A huge appreciation to the covid screening ladies as we constantly rotated through the doors. To Dr. Graham and the many nurses and health care aides that provided care, there are no words to ever express our gratitude, for keeping Bob comfortable.

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

Loved always never forgotten!!

As per Bob’s wishes service to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to South West District Palliative Care. Box 1282, Stonewall, Manitoba, R0C 2Z0.

October 5, 1975 – January 3, 2022      Our beloved Dawn passed away at HSC on the evening of January 3rd, 2022.

She will be lovingly remembered by daughter Courtney (Stephen); grandson Aiden; Mom and Dad, Rhonda and Murray Schultz; sister Lorilee (Dan); grandparents Don and Marion Schultz; Auntie RosaLynn and Uncle Don; Auntie Sandie and Uncle Domenic; nephew Tyler, Andrew and cousins and many dear friends. She is also survived and deeply loved by Vern Doroschuk and family. Also lovingly remembered by special friend Mike.

Dawn was predeceased by her beloved Pop and Gram. Due to COVID, no service will be held at this time.

Rest in peace Dawn. We love you.

July 22, 1964 – January 2, 2022         It is with profound sadness that we announce our Colleen passed peacefully with her favorite music playing following a courageous, hard–fought battle with cancer.

She is survived by her mother Florence, brother Glenn (Denise); sister Maureen Mateush (David) and brother Mark (Monika) Danika, Eric, Blake; Uncle Arvid (Jann) and family; Uncle Wayne (Chris) and family, cousin Diane (Terry) Malone, as well as numerous relatives in Manitoba, USA, Ireland and Sweden.

She was predeceased by her father Bill in 2003.

Colleen was born in Winnipeg, MB and received her education in Stonewall, MB. She graduated from the University of Manitoba, Dental Hygiene Program with honors in 1985. After graduation, she practiced dental hygiene at dental offices in Winnipeg and Port Coquitlam, BC.

She had a mutual love with her patients and always looked forward to catching up on their lives at the next appointment.

Colleen lived and worked in BC. for 9 years during her career where she enjoyed the beauty of BC. and in particular she developed a love of Salt Spring Island. Colleen considered herself a spiritual person seeing the beauty in nature. She loved her hobby farm in Lilyfield with her dressage horses, ducks, bantams, caring for animals in need, walking her dog on her wooded trails and along her field, tending her planters and perennial beds, playing violin, baking and cooking. She had a passion for all animals and a compassion for ones with disabilities.

No matter her own personal circumstances, Colleen always was very generous and giving. It didn’t matter if it was Christmas or someone’s birthday, she made sure to give a special gift. Even in her last days, her generosity and giving nature were evident… We thank you from the bottom of our hearts Colleen.

Interment will take place at a later date in Lilyfield Cemetery when it is safe to gather.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Black Bear Rescue, Box 585, Stonewall, Manitoba, R0C 2Z0.

Thank you to Dr. Graham and the wonderful, caring staff at Stonewall Hospital and the Southwest Palliative District for the family room.

Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow I am the diamonds glints on snow, I am the sunlight ripened grain I am the gentle Autumn’s rain When you awake in the morning hush I am the swift, uplifting rush, Of quiet birds in circled flight I am the stars that shine at night Do not stand at my grave and cry I am not there, I did not die.

(nee Lavender) December 31st 1937-December 20th 2021    Peacefully, after a courageous battle with cancer, Marion Strick passed away on December 20th 2021.

Left to mourn her passing are her sister Dianne Florence, her children Gord (Judy), Les (Barb), Howie (Rose-Ann), and Barbie (Clint) Eskilson, grandchildren Mike, Steve, Niki (Vince), Troy, Kirk, Nadine (Justin), Robert (Brittany), Brooklyn (Blake), great Grandchildren Ryan, Olivia, and Timothy, along with countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and her aunt Audrey.

Marion was predeceased by her husband Albert, parents Andrew, Evelyn, and step-father Allan, brother Jimmie, sisters-in-law Gladys Olson and Irene Zablotny, and brothers-in-law Elwood Olson and Brian Florence.  Mom was born on December 31st 1937 in Teulon, Manitoba. She grew up and lived her entire life in Inwood. She became a teacher at age 17, after completing one year at Provincial Normal School, where she made many lifelong friends. Mom continued taking correspondence and distance-ed courses and earned a Bachelor of Education degree in 1987. We were all very proud of her accomplishment.

She married Albert Strick in 1957 and raised their four children in Inwood. In 1966 they settled into their farm on the east end of town. Mom was always active on the farm, looking after the books and milking cows with the rest of the family. The dairy cows were sold in 1997 and mom retired, but still looked after the farm finances and accounting.

Mom loved gardening, flower beds, pickling and canning each year, and taking pictures. She spent many days preparing entries for the Teulon Agricultural Fair (usually around 100!) and Teulon Pumpkinfest. After the fair, all her entries along with the ribbons won, were on display around her house. There were always unexpected wins on a few entries that she thought were “not so great”.

Her kitchen was always a welcome place for family and friends, especially on Thursday mornings for “coffee club”. In her later years she travelled to Ottawa, Florida, British Columbia, and Hawaii, but her favourite place to be was home.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Stonewall Hospital who went above and beyond caring for mom. Marion will be honored at a private family service, with a celebration of life to be held at a later date.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to a young local family who recently lost their father. Cheques can be sent to: Adrian Rink, Box 85, Inwood MB, R0C 1P0.

September 12, 1932 – December 20, 2021     We are greatly saddened by the sudden passing of our beloved Jim, in his 90th year, on the evening of December 20, 2021, in the Stonewall Hospital.

Deeply grieving are his wife of 68 years, Helen, daughters Leslie Patterson (Rick), Kathy Keon (Greg), and son Cal (MaryEllen). He was predeceased by son Gordie (Daphne) on December 19, 2011. His children were a source of great pride, joy, and comfort throughout his life.

Jim was also predeceased by his brother Ted (Agnes), sister Wilda (Vernon) Jones, niece Darlene Jones Berubé and nephew Scottie Harris. Siblings surviving him are sister Donna Baldwin (Kev deceased), Carol Nichol (Dan) and brother George (Barb).

Forever missing Grandpa are nine grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren and dozens of children throughout his life (many now grown with children of their own) who called him Grandpa Jim. He had a magical way of connecting with every child he met.

Jim was born September 12, 1932, his birth certificate location reading NE ¼ section 36-12-1W Rosser, Manitoba. His parents, Charlie & Emma (Moore) were both descendants of early Manitoba pioneer farming families and it was through the common struggle and joys of farm life that he absorbed the values of hard work, love of animals and love of the land. One of his sayings to his children as they were growing up was “Someday you’re going to have to do something you don’t want to do”, perhaps learned so well as a youth on the farm.

Having been born into the community of Grosse Isle nine days apart, no one can be sure when he first met his wife Helen Borthistle, but it surely must have been in the early thirties at some social function in the local gathering place – the upper floor of the old Red Brick School. Attending that dear old school, mutual attraction grew, and they were married in August 1953.

After leaving school Jim took up the trade of plastering and stuccoing, later becoming the trade instructor at the then Manitoba Technical Institute. When plastering gave way to drywall he was hired as salesman/trouble shooter for Westroc Industries. He later worked for Provincial Drywall. On a cold wet pre-dawn morning in the fall, he would leave a cozy, comfortable bed, get appropriately dressed and go out into the middle of a field somewhere and dig a muddy hole (called a hide) for a customer to whom he had promised a good goose-shoot that morning.

A family home was built on a small acreage in Grosse Isle in 1956. His talent for creating decorative coved ceilings and archways is preserved well there. Inevitably a barn soon appeared on the property and the children grew up enriched by the experience of life on a farm with a variety of farm birds and animals.

He partnered with his brother George in running the family farm, purchasing farmland, fondly referred to as “The Ponderosa”. On this land is located a large slough which has been converted to a protected wetland.

Jim was an enthusiastic competitor in any sport he played or coached. In his early twenties, with family to support, he gave up hockey for curling. The pinnacle was reached in 1985 when as a member of the Senior Men’s Manitoba championship team he was able to experience the excitement and pride of playing for Manitoba in the Canadian Senior Men’s Championship in Yorkton.

He never shirked hard or dirty work, one time coming home from the hall looking particularly disheveled and soiled from top to bottom. He revealed he had been in the crawl space under the hall looking for a plumbing malfunction. He was asked if he thought he would be given a medal for doing such a thing. Amazingly, Queen Elizabeth gave him a Diamond Jubilee medal for volunteerism.

Always a salesman he could even sell an idea, the greatest one being the saving of the iconic Ridgeway House and moving it to what would become the Heritage Site in Grosse Isle as an attraction for the passengers disembarking from the Prairie Dog Central each summer weekend. With the overwhelming support and energetic volunteers, it was refurbished and dedicated on the site in 2011. Several more heritage buildings have been added. In the process many strong friendships have been formed between members of our community and the wonderful people of the Vintage Locomotive Society and the dedicated volunteers who run the Prairie Dog Central.

Jim was fondly dubbed “the mayor”, “the chief” and had become the chief skunk eradicator of the town and surrounding area.

He was a mischievous “provocateur extraordinaire”, an agitator to get important things done (preferably on “Jimmy time”) and a fighter in every way. During his greatest fight with cancer, he became a source of hope, support, and comfort for the many others he knew with cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held when feasible. Jim’s final resting place will be at the St. Michael’s Anglican Church cemetery near Grosse Isle, a few yards from where he was born.

The family is forever grateful for the kindness of the paramedics, hospital staff and Dr. Pinniger on the day of his passing and to Dr. Wong and all at Cancer Care Manitoba where Jim made many friends.

Donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the Grosse Isle Heritage Site Inc, Box 34, Grosse Isle, MB, R0C 1G0 or a charity of one’s choice.

December 6, 1948-December 20, 2021      After a courageous battle with cancer, James (Jimmy) Sheldon passed away December 20th at Stonewall Hospital.

Jimmy is survived by his brother Ralph and sister-in-law Sarah of Australia, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and too many friends to mention. He was predeceased by his brother David and sister-in-law Audrey.

Jim was born in Stonewall to Thomas and Margaret Sheldon on December 6, 1948. He was educated in Stonewall and raised on the family farm west of town. Farming was in his blood, and he spent many years farming with his brothers. He was trained as a steam fitters and spent a long career in the trade working for CP Rail, where he formed many friendships. Upon retirement from the railway, he returned to farming, working for his good friend Jack Grandmont. He was the happiest working the land, and spent endless afternoons out “crop checking”.

Since illness slowed him in 2016, his pastime became having coffee with his many friends at Tim Hortons. One of Jim’s passions was quading and snowmobiling. He spent many hours volunteering and riding with the local snowmobile club. He always had time for a ride, and recently really enjoyed riding with his nieces and nephews.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be held at a later date when gathering is permitted. A private family internment will be held when Ralph and Sarah can travel.

The family would like to thank Jim’s cousin Dan Croy who has driven him to all his appointments over the last five years, and has walked the road with Jim every step of the way. Also to the many doctors and nurses at Cancer Care Winnipeg, Selkirk Hospital and Stonewall Hospital, whom he formed special bonds. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, 1160-675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, Mb, R3E 0V9.