October 3, 1966 – July 12, 2021     Surrounded by his loving family, Brad peacefully took his last breath on July 12, 2021 after his battle with cancer.

Brad is survived by his wife Gertrude, his 3 children Brandy, Stacey (David), and Jason. His eight grandchildren Sammy, Angelina, Johnny, Brandon, Sophia, Myla, Conner, and Lexi. Brad is also survived by his mother Patricia and his brother Darrell.

Brad was predeceased by his father Ernie and his brother Rodney.

Brad enjoyed spending time outdoors, you could always find him at the lake fishing, and boating with his wifey, children, grandchildren and close friends. Brad loved entertaining and making holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas, very special for his family. He lived for those moments of seeing the children and grandchildren’s eyes light up. Brad knows he is the go to guy for the best Ukrainian food and burger joints in Manitoba. As a long-haul truck driver Brad cherished his job at Penner Oil hauling fuel across Manitoba including ice road trucking.

A service was held at Norris Lake Cemetery Monday, July 19 at 11am.

August 13, 1955 – July 9, 2021     It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Mairi Bender announces her peaceful passing on July 9, 2021, at the age of 65; at home, with her girls by her side, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Mum was such an important person to so many people. She will be forever loved and remembered by her girls: Stacey (Tyler), Katie (Andrea), Kim (Brad), and Jen (Trapp); her siblings: Carol (Wayne), Barb, Nancy, and John; her grandchildren Kevin and Casey; and her grand-pups: Walle, Bronco, Phoenix, Aspen and Lux; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents Rick and Ida Sherburne, and her sister Anne.

Mum was born and raised in Ajax, ON, along with her 5 siblings. She lived in Ontario for her youth, until transferring to the University of Winnipeg to finish her post-secondary education. Not long after, she met her husband of 17 years, Rick, and after a few years of marriage, they started their family. After separating in 2000, they continued to co-parent their daughters Stacey and Katie. She purchased another home in North Kildonan and lived the remainder of her life there.

She loved spending time with her family and friends, especially dining out and getting season tickets for the theatre with her usual group: Maria, Jackie, Tim, Joy, Karen, Kathy and Linda. She also had quite the green thumb, and loved having, tending, and visiting gardens, with Assiniboine Park being a favourite spot. She also loved to travel and made it to a few North American destinations on her list in her lifetime. She loved to read, colour, and always had a sudoku book on the go, with a fresh cup of tea for every activity, but especially for watching her British TV shows.

A special thank you to Dr. Chowdhury and Robert of Cancer Care; the staff at Health Sciences Centre, including Dr. Zarrabian and Dr. Johnson, and orthopaedics unit GD2 nursing staff, especially charge nurses Joe and Lindsey; as well as HSC Palliative and Home Care departments, especially Aleisha. You all went above and beyond for us, and it was truly appreciated. Also, to Dr. Graham for your guidance for Mum over the years, and especially through this difficult time – you were definitely a source of comfort for her. And to Comforts of Home Care for your efficiency and amazing staff, especially Kimberly, Ashley, and Jackson. We honestly don’t know what we would have done without you. Thanks to all the friends, family, and loved ones who pitched in and supported us any way they could through these last few months, especially Katie and Nicole Murphy, Katelyn Chuckrey, and the teaching staff at Birds Hill School. Thank you to Maria, Jackie, Alice and Tauba for reminiscing with her in the final days – your friendships meant so much to her. Also, to Father David Black and funeral director Ken Loehmer for being there as soon as we needed you – you both brought great comfort in tough moments.

Her openness, incredibly large heart, and ability to tease gently and sarcastically made her very easy to talk to, and a first choice for many to come to vent to, when they had a problem, or needed a shoulder to cry on. She will truly be forever missed.

Because there was so much love in Mairi’s life, we will be holding two Celebration of Life events. The first will take place later in August at the Assiniboine Park Conservatory, with a gathering afterwards. The second will take place next summer in Ontario with details to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local dog/pet rescue, in her name.

WE HAD A WONDERFUL MOTHER

(By an Unknown Author, modified to read “mother” instead of grandmother)

We had a wonderful mother, One who never really grew old; Her smile was made of sunshine, And her heart was solid gold; Her eyes were as bright as shining stars, And in her cheeks fair roses you see. We had a wonderful mother, And that’s the way it will always be. But take heed, because She’s still keeping an eye on all of us So let’s make sure She will like what she sees

Wrexford Ancel “Rex” Pickell  of Edmonton, Alberta July 15, 1941 – July 9, 2021 Rex passed at Misericordia Hospital, Edmonton on Friday, July 9, 2021. He was predeceased by his partner Joni Young on December 11, 2015.

He was born to Dr. A.D. “Cy” Pickell and Lillian Florence “Lil” (nee Howe) in Stonewall, Manitoba, July 15, 1941.

He will remembered by his children, son Derek Pickell (Nitsa), daughter Brooke McCalmon, Joni”s family daughter Karissa Olson (Quinn), son Allan Young (Sharon), daughter Barbi Price (Dennis), by his siblings Merle Tomyk (Barry), Doug Pickell (Betty-Lou) of Stonewall and Gary Pickell of Modesto, California, several grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.

As a child Rex loved to spend time with his grandparents Bill and Ethel Howe in their home at the Canadian Pacific Railway station in La Riviere, Manitoba. Helping inspect trains and traveling by rail with Bill, he gained his lifelong passion for trains. Throughout life he travelled by train at every opportunity especially to Grey Cup games as the CFL and the Eskimos were passions of Rex’s. Rex was a fan of many sports and enjoyed cards, his classic car collection and he will be remembered particularly for the time he enjoyed at his cabin on Lake Manitoba and the pleasure he got from his many trips on his Harley. In particular Rex will be remembered for his sense of humour.

He attended school at Stonewall Collegiate, the University of Manitoba and University of Guelph College of Veterinary Medicine. During the late 1960s working as a veterinary pharmaceutical representative he witnessed the frustration of veterinarians unable to obtain medications for their practices in anything less than 2 weeks. He responded by developing a warehousing and distribution system in Edmonton able to deliver medications and supplies to veterinarians throughout Western Canada overnight using available public transport. This prior to the service by Fedex and UPS by years. Delibrex thrived, and providing this wonderful service to the communities of Western Canada became his career mission. Rex was wonderfully kind, compassionate and generous. He never hesitated to stop and help anyone in need or distress, even putting himself at considerable risk more than once assisting accident victims. He was always ready to help a friend in need, and wonderfully generous with his favourite charities. Rex dearly loved, adored and admired his Grandmother Ethel Howe. As he wished, his ashes will be interred with her in a simple graveside ceremony.

Rex was the valedictorian for his high school graduating class. In his address he compared the graduates to leaving port on a ship to sail the seas and explore the world. Rex has completed his exploration of the world and has returned to his home port and will rest in peace in the loving memory of his family and friends.

Cremation has taken place and a graveside service for family and friends was held at 11:00 AM Saturday, July 24 at Stonewall Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the South West District Palliative Care Inc., or your favourite charity.

June 10, 1939 – July 7, 2021   It is with great sadness the family of Lynn Mann wish to announce the passing of our dearest Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma. With relief in our hearts, we know that she is finally at peace and free from her life-long struggle with rheumatoid arthritis.

She will be forever remembered by her children: Brad (Donna) Mann, Bambi (Bruce) Rutherford and Heidi (Dale) Fitchett; grandchildren: Jason (Nicole) Mann, Laura (Ian) Billingham, Kaitlyn (Scott) Yurick, Brittany (Kurt) Kelly, Josh (Caitlin) Rutherford, Ashley and Nicholas Fitchett; great-grandchildren: Jason and Austen Mann, James and Connor Billingham, Easton, Ava, Sophie and Mya Yurick, Willow and Rhodes Kelly, Lili and Navy Rutherford. Surviving brothers are: Stuart and Jeff Wood. She was predeceased by her parents, Lloyd and Sadie Wood and husband, Robert (Bob) Mann.

Mom was born and raised in Teulon, the oldest of three children. She attended high school at Glenlawn Collegiate in Winnipeg and thereafter worked at Great-West Life. She met the love of her life, Bob Mann and they were married in 1957. They raised their family in Stonewall. Oh, how they loved to dance and travel – Australia, Disney World, Europe and many camping trips brought much joy and family fun over the years.

Mom was very active in the Kinette Club of Stonewall, Church of the Ascension (Anglican), IOOF and with the local Rockwood Festival of the Arts. She loved to play the piano and received her training with Mr. Ted Lincoln of Winnipeg. Mom also taught piano in the community for many years. Mom enjoyed sewing and in 1977, she purchased her own fabric store, known as “Bobbins Buttons and Bows” in Stonewall. Mom played a key role in their many business ventures.

Mom’s greatest joy was her family, always looking forward to family gatherings at Christmas, Easter and birthdays. Mom was interested in what everyone was doing. As Mom enjoyed her “sweets”, there was always a bowl of chocolates or candy on the table.

Mom had a beautiful smile and was a quiet woman of integrity, amazing strength, positivity, compassion and love. She will be missed but never forgotten.

The family wish to express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Graham and the nurses and care-providers at Stonewall Hospital for the compassion and comfort they bestowed to our Mom and Grandmother.

In lieu of flowers if you so desire, donations may be forwarded to the Church of the Ascension, Box 550, Stonewall, Manitoba R0C 2Z0.

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

Mom and Grandma and Great-Grandma – “Forever in our memories, till we meet again!”

March 12, 1939 – July 1, 2021      It is with great sadness that we announce Lenore’s passing on July 1st at the Seven Oaks Hospital. She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 60 years Bruce, daughter Barb (John), Granddaughters Lena (Josh) Julie (Cody) and son Dave (Carmen). She is also survived by brother Oliver (Shirley) and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Lenore was born the third of six children to Harold and Lena Lyons on March 12, 1939 in Winnipeg where she had her early education. A move to the farm saw her completing her high school education and graduating from Balmoral, MB. After a year teaching on permit in Mafeking, she attended Teachers College in Winnipeg and graduated with a class of 650 in 1959. She taught for 2 years at the Lakeside Hutterite Colony.

Lenore married Bruce Matthews in 1961 and they started their married life and family in Charleswood. In 1967 they took on their Centennial project of building their own home in the Lilyfield area south of Stonewall and this was where they raised their 2 children Barb and Dave. In 1980, another move to start a farm in the RM of Woodlands north of Argyle. Lenore was an active part of starting and growing the farm alongside Bruce and Dave. From sheep to cattle, some grain farming and hay production as well as an electric fencing sales business kept her busy.

Lenore was active in the United Church and UCW in Lilyfield and Argyle, and lent her support to the many community dinners and fund raising events. She was an amazing homemaker, her love of cooking, baking, gardening and sewing was boundless and her talent immense. She made it all seem effortless and loved to pass on these skills to her special little friends who came to spend time with Mrs. Matthews. She cherished her time spent with her granddaughters and enjoyed watching them grow into the capable women they are today. She was so very proud of them both.

One final move to Metropolitan Kiwanis Courts came in 2018 where they made some new friendships and adjusted to a slower pace of life. The family wishes to thank the staff at MKC for their kindness and assistance these past 3 years. We would also like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at The Seven Oaks Hospital 3rd floor Unit 1 for the excellent care and kindness shown to Lenore in the past weeks.

In lieu of flowers, if you so desire, a donation may be made to The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation.

There will be a small funeral held with the immediate family. Thank you also to Mona Denton of the Lilyfield United Church and Ken Loehmer Funeral services for their assistance in the arrangements.

After his courageous battle with cancer, we are saddened to announce the death of Merlyn Biloki, age 78 years.

Merlyn was born at the St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg to parents Helen and Demetro (Dan) Biloki. Until attending school, Merlyn would share how the only two languages he spoke were Ukrainian (spoken at home,) and French, (spoken by his neighborhood playmates.) Many of those playmates, he stayed in touch with all throughout his adult life.

Merlyn was an avid bowler, billiard player and loved to roller skate. He also enjoyed fishing, curling and playing goalie for his rec hockey league. Merlyn was born with an exceptionally strong work ethic that lead him to start his own paper delivery business at a very early age. This devoted work ethic continued and strengthened, helping him become an electrical journeyman and thus begin his electrical career with well known companies such as Keewatin Electric and Boeing.

Throughout his life, he continued to work hard, and developed and ran multiple businesses of his own. Primarily, he started his company, Interlake Electric, which he operated and grew until deciding to get in to the grocery store business. With that decision, he built Family Fare in Teulon, which he owned until he retired.

In 1963, Merlyn married the love of his life, Kathleen. They were virtually inseparable for their 58 years of marriage. Merlyn loved to take Kath for a spin on the dance floor, travel or enjoy the simple things in life, such as hanging out at the lake or going for a ride in the golf cart with her. They also chalked up many years of games of Crib, (always keeping track of wins and losses!) Together, they welcomed three beautiful children, Curtis, Alison and Cory. Merlyn was proud of many things, but he was most proud of his children and grandchildren.

Merlyn belonged to several organizations and was a dedicated Hunter Memorial Hospital Board Member, RM of Rockwood Councilman, Kinsman and was a long time Lions Volunteer. Merlyn is survived by his wife, Kathleen, sons Curtis and Cory and his daughter, Alison. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kayleigh, Riley, Emily, Alex and Hunter. Merlyn was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Dan, sisters Evelyn and Christine and brothers Vernon and David.

Cremation has taken place. A private family interment will take place at a later date and a public memorial ceremony is yet TBD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lions, HSC Cancer Care, or the Palliative Care Unit at Stonewall Hospital.

Dorothy passed away at her residence, Room 44 Shura Lane, Rosewood Lodge Personal Care Home, Stonewall, MB. on Wednesday, June 23, 2021.

She is survived by her daughter Louise Lathe, Chico, California, her sister Margaret Tarrant, Fort Frances, ON., her sister Gladys Hall, Phoenix, AZ., her brother Henry Main (Doug Moore) Stonewall, Mb., many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Horace and Eleanor Main (nee Clark), her husband John Nemeth, her son-in-law John Lathe her brother-in-law Charles Tarrant, her brother-in-law Hillary Hall and by many members of the Main and Nemeth family.

Dorothy grew up on the family farm and attended school in Balmoral. Following her marriage she lived in Balmoral, Stonewall and Winnipeg. Dorothy worked for a time as a sales clerk in Sears in Winnipeg. In the 1960’s the family relocated to California where John had been born and where he obtained work as a mechanic at United Airlines. Dorothy again worked at Sears in California.

Following her husbands death she lived in various homes in California. She returned home to Manitoba and lived with her brother Henry on his farm at Balmoral. She moved into her own home on 1st St. W in Stonewall. Here she was in walking distance of the Post Office, Sig’s Grill and Chicken Chef which she patronized regularly. She worked as a volunteer driver for The Seniors Resource Council.

She eventually moved into an apartment in Stonewood Place where she resided until she could no longer live on her own. She entered Stonewall Hospital and was moved to Teulon Hospital. She was accepted for residence in Red River Place, Selkirk, until a room was available in Rosewood Lodge, Stonewall.

Henry and Doug thank very much Michelle Loehmer and the Home Care staff and to the Staff of Stonewood Place for all their efforts on Dorothy’s behalf while she lived in her apartment. Thank you to Dr. Venter and Michelle for assistance in arranging for personal care placement. Thank you to the Staffs of Stonewall and Teulon Hospitals and Red River Place. Special thank you to Dr. Graham and the entire Staff at Rosewood Lodge for all their care, compassion and patience with Dorothy over the last year and a half. Thank you to Ken Loehmer for his assistance with arrangements.

Cremation has taken place and her ashes have been interred in her parent’s plot in Victoria Cemetery, Balmoral.

May 12, 1946 – June 22, 2021      After a lengthy battle with cancer Brian passed away peacefully with family by his side.

Brian is predeceased by his father Arman and mother Elizabeth. Sisters Sandra, Darlene (Gary) and Beverly.

Brian is survived by his wife Darline, daughter Pam, son Darren (Debbie); Grandchildren Brittney, Danika, Dae-Lee, Darra, Grace, Emma and great grandchild Brylynn.

The family would like to thank the staff at Stonewall Hospital, as well as special thanks to Christine for all the ongoing support Brian received. As per Brian’s wishes no service will be held.

In lieu of flowers , if friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to SouthWest District Palliative Care, Box 1282, Stonewall, Manitoba, R0C 2Z0.

Sept 12, 1945 – June 16, 2021     With both profound sadness and peace, we announce that Donald passed away after a series of health challenges. He is now resting with his Lord and Saviour.

Donald is lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years, Stephanie; his four sons, their wives and his grandchildren – Don (Susie), Shane (Tera; Cohen & Brooklynn), Brett (Nicole; Mia & Zach) and Russell (Megan; Caius & Emlyn). He is survived by his brothers Joe (Gail), Ervin (Maureen), Robert (Wendy) and Kenneth (Marlene) as well as sister-in-law Gail Roulston and brother-in-law Robert Jensen. He also leaves behind his special and cherished nieces and nephews – Dustin, Dana, David, Ryan, Cherie, Bryan, Chris, Lichelle, Shantel, Lisa and Brad and their families.

Donald was predeceased by parents Edward and Nellie Schwartz, sisters Erna (Garnet: Sharon), Lorna and brother Wesley.

Donald’s strength, stability, integrity and devotion will be so deeply missed by our family. He wasn’t a good man but a great man.

Donald was born in St. Boniface, one of 8 children. He married Stephanie Sie on August 9, 1969 and after living in Winnipeg a short time, moved to the Stonewall/Balmoral area until moving to Arnes in 2014. Donald worked for Manitoba Telephone Service for 33 years as well as running a hobby farm in Balmoral with large herd of cattle as well as horses, wild boar, goats, chickens and turkeys.

Donald loved all things outdoors: farming, camping, canoeing, boating, fishing and golfing. He especially enjoyed sitting around a fire with his family and friends. He was a hard-working jack-of-all trades. If a house needed building, he built it. (He built two homes for his family!) When a car needed fixing, he fixed it. If a problem needed solving, he solved it. Not only did he do all these things, he loved to teach his boys these skills as well. He enjoyed playing board games with his kids until the wee hours of the morning; watching Jets and Blue Bomber games. Oh how he adored his grandchildren and spent hours playing with them, and he especially loved their hugs.

Donald also opened his home to help raise 9 foster boys which was one of the most challenging and meaningful things he did.

In their early adulthood, Donald and Stephanie found their faith in God and became very active in that faith and in their church. Many friendships were formed in this community that are still meaningful today. Donald served as both a board member and as the Board Chairman of New Life Church Stonewall, helping lead the way for the congregation with the Pastors and fellow board members.

God’s mercy gave us the most amazing miracle of Donald awakening after his stroke when a MRI showed that was not to happen. Not only that but Donald was able to come home for 2 1/2 months instead of dying alone in a hospital after being there for 2 months. Every day Stephanie reminded him of their wonderful marriage for 51 years and that he made her the happiest wife. He was the joy of her life. What amazing peace it has given her to know he is with the Lord and can truly look back at all her blessings and be so thankful for being given such an abundant life with Dad.

Your life was a blessing,

Your memory a treasure,

You are loved beyond words

And missed beyond measure.

Now deservingly rest in the arms of the Lord.

Death is the last chapter in time,

But the first chapter in eternity.