August 12, 1953 – April 15, 2021          We sadly announce the unexpected passing of Kenneth Nickolas Firman at the age of 67 at the Arborg & District Health Centre. He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his nephew Nicholas (Kari) of Ottawa, and his niece Tanya of Seattle. He also leaves numerous cousins whom he cherished dearly.

Kenny was predeceased by his parents, Steve and Olive, his brother, Terry and sister-in-law Mary, and his fur baby, Orlie.

Kenny was born and raised in Arborg. After completing High School, he worked at the Arborg Co-op for Bjorn Bjornson, hauling fertilizer. The job entailed driving a large truck for the very first time. Kenny rose to the challenge and quickly mastered that skill. He was so proud of this accomplishment that he framed his very first pay cheque. Kenny attended Red River College taking a commercial cooking course, after which he worked at a number of hospital kitchens. Kenny returned to Red River College, graduated with a hairdressing diploma and secured a job at the T- Eaton’s company, where he worked for several years. Kenny also worked at the Rankin Inlet Hotel, NWT and on the Dew Line as a cook.

Kenny successfully owned and operated, Ken’s Catering Service and catered hundreds of special events in the area. He was most famous for his roast beef dinner topped off with the best gravy. Kenny was also very community minded and volunteered at the Arborg Heritage Village for the past 10 years. He volunteered his catering services and expertise annually, managing and planning the meals for several of the largest fundraisers in the community. Kenny’s “catering girls” were treated like family and once a year Kenny made sure to take them to the city for a special meal and maybe even a stop at the Casino.

For the past 15 years, Kenny was employed at the Arborg Assisted Living. He was passionate, personable, and hardworking employee who took great pride in creating delicious, nutritional and tasty meals. He was mentor to many young staff members at the Assisted Living over the years and a co-worker that everyone looked forward to working with. Kenny was loved and cherished by all the tenants and staff at the Arborg Assisted Living and the feeling was mutual.

Ken was a devoted and loving son and care giver to his Mother in her later years. He was proud of his nephew and niece and often spoke of their accomplishments. Kenny took pride in renovating his house by himself and tending his beautiful yard and flowers. He was well travelled and loved traveling. His last two trips to England, he invited his cousins Alice, Gwen and Hazel to join him to meet relatives there and research family. Kenny was so looking forward to traveling again when restrictions would be lifted.

Another of Kenny’s favourite hobbies was attending auction sales, where he spent the whole day looking for treasures and socializing. We will miss his unmistakable laugh, his big smile and his daily compliments.

Kenny was a kind, caring, companionate, and fun-loving man, a wonderful person who will be missed by everyone who knew him!

We would like to thank the Ambulance Attendants and the e Emergency physicians and staff at the Arborg & District Health Care Centre for their compassionate care.

If so desired, you can make a donation in Kenny’s memory to a charity of your choice. There will be a celebration of Kenny’s life at a later date.

“Til we meet again”

After a courageous battle with Cancer, at the age of 73, Maureen Ann Maskow passed away on April 15, 2021 at the Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital.

Left to mourn Maureen’s passing are her sons Kurt (May), Trent (Roxanne), grandchildren Dylan, Mary, Harley, Donavin, great grandchildren Lucy and Roman, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.

Maureen was predeceased by her husband Wilfred, son Todd, daughter-in-law Rosemary, parents Leo and Kathleen Magnusson, sister Gail and her husband Lorne Van Achte, brother John and his wife Beryl.

Maureen worked for homecare for 30+ years and made many great friendships along the way.

Cremation will take place and a private interment will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba. Maureen’s family would like to thank all of the staff at the Teulon Hospital for their exceptional care during her stay there.

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Annette Marie Welsh on Friday April 9, 2021 at Riverview Health Center. Annette was born at the family home near Inwood, Manitoba on October 17, 1945.

She is survived by her siblings Bea (Bill), Esther, Denise, Bernice (Fred), Art (Tracy), Eileen (Paul), in-laws Agnes, Theresa & Rita as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews that each held their own special place in her heart.

Annette was predeceased by her husband Teddy of 44 years, her parents Madeleine & Edgar Sanderson, her brother Victor and sisters Cecile & Florence.

Annette grew up on a farm near Inwood and attended a one room school approximately 3 miles from the home until grade 8. She attended high school at Inwood Collegiate then went to work in the Teulon Hospital as a nurse’s aide. Her next job was a telephone operator at MTS during which time she met Teddy. Two years after they married in 1970, they moved to Castlegar, BC. She moved back to Manitoba in 1975. One of her long-time jobs was at Paulins in Winnipeg until it closed in 1989. She then went to Red River College, began working with the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) in 1991 and retired from there in 2005. She moved to Poplarfield where she lived until 2018. Annette’s favourite hobby was curling and she knew everything there was to know about the sport. She participated in many bonspiels and in Poplarfield was part of a group called the “Gremlins”.

Annette took pride in the volunteer positions she held and worked diligently to serve the Metis community. She thoroughly enjoyed attending many MMF events particularly the AGA. But family was the most important to her. She was loving, had a heart of gold and was always there to help.

A Funeral service was held for immediate family. Urn bearer was Leon Richard. Honorary Pallbearers were all of her other nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Riverview Health Center. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the MMF Bereavement Fund in honour of Annette Welsh.

May 1, 1927 – March 28, 2021              Peacefully on March 28 at Betel Home, Selkirk, MB. Jean left us to join her husband John, son Robert, special friend Victor, and her beloved dog T.K.

Survived by her daughter Deborah, granddaughter Ashley (Brent) and great grandchildren Sadie and Damon John, sister Winifred and numerous nieces and nephews.

Born in Ontario, with moves to Buck Lake, Alberta and Gimli, Manitoba, Jean made many life long friends along the way.

Jean loved to drive, sew, and listen to her old time country music. Jean was a very strong willed and independent lady.

Thank you to the wonderful staff at Betel Home Selkirk for their great care during her stay and comfort and compassion in her final days. Special thanks to Lindsay – who was there from day one.

Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date.

July 17, 1942 – March 21, 2021

Lena left us on Sunday morning to join the love of her life Dutchie.

She is survived by her loving children; Liz (Deryl), Don (Shirley), Manny (Laura) Grandchildren; Chantelle, Daryl (Kolten), Tyler, Brittany (Matt), Samantha (Avery), Amanda (Mike). Great Grandchildren; Everett, Deegan, Quinn, Hunter, Caliyanna, Ashton, Grace, Abigail. Numerous extended family and treasured friends.

Lena was predeceased by her loving husband Dutchie; her parents Victor and Susanne. Siblings; Amadee, Irma, step-brothers and step-sisters; James, Alexander, Hilda, Dorothy, Marie Rose, Marie Therese.

Mom loved being with her family enjoying the grandchildren and great grandchildren. She looked forward to family birthdays and holidays. She enjoyed planting her flowers, gardening and crafts. Camping with our Dad was her favorite. Mom was loved by everyone she met and she always had a kind word or a warm smile for you. She always enjoyed a good cup of coffee or meal with her friends.

We’ve lost a mother, grandmother and friend, whom we will truly miss. You will be in our hearts forever Mom xoxo.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff at the Stonewall Hospital for the care and support.

Cremation has taken place, and a private service will be held at a later date with the family.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba.

GOD’S GARDEN

God looked around his garden
And found an empty place,
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering
He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough
And the hills were hard to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids
And whispered, ‘Peace bethine’.
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn’t go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.

A MOTHER’S CROWN

Heaven lit up with a mighty presence,
as the Angels all looked down.
Today the Lord was placing the jewels
Into my mother’s crown.
He held up a golden crown,
as my darling mother looked on.
He said in His gentle voice,
‘I will now explain each one.’
‘The first gem,’ He said, ‘is a Ruby,
and it’s for endurance alone,
for all the nights you waited up
for your children to come home.’
‘For all the nights by their bedside,
you stayed till the fever went down.
For nursing every little wound,
I add this ruby to your crown.’
‘An emerald, I’ll place by the ruby,
for leading your child in the right way.
For teaching them the lessons,
That made them who they are today.’
‘For always being right there,
through all life’s important events.
I give you a sapphire stone,
for the time and love you spent.’
‘For untying the strings that held them,
when they grew up and left home.
I give you this one for courage.’
Then the Lord added a garnet stone.
‘I’ll place a stone of amethyst,’ He said.
‘For all the times you spent on your knees,
when you asked if I’d take care of your children,
and then for having faith in Me.’
‘I have a pearl for every little sacrifice
that you made without them knowing.
For all the times you went without,
to keep them happy, healthy and growing.’
‘And last of all I have a diamond,
the greatest one of all,
for sharing unconditional love
whether they were big or small.’
‘It was you love that helped them grow
Feeling safe and happy and proud
A love so strong and pure
It could shift the darkest cloud.’
After the Lord placed the last jewel in,
He said, ‘Your crown is now complete,
You’ve earned your place in Heaven
With your children at your feet.’

 

Joyce Irene Davis passed way on Friday, March 12, 2021 from a short battle with cancer.

Predeceased by her parents Orvan and Mary Hawkins; sisters Laura, Mable, Evelyne, Dorothy, Eleanor and Doreen and brother Jack.

Survived by sisters Viola and Mary; son Barry and Beverly; foster daughter Evelyn Laham; granddaughter Jen Holmstrom (Kris) and grandson Greg (Ashley); great grandchildren Maddison Penniston, Millie and Poppy Holmstrom and special friends Shirley and Don Campbell and Nancy McGowan and Steve Shier and family.

Mom was born in Carman, MB. on October 1, 1928. The Hawkins family moved to Rosser, MB. where she grew up and met the love of her life Jim Davis and were married in November, 1947. Mom worked hard over the years and made a good life and loving home for us all. Mom and Dad moved from the farm to Lions Manor in Stonewall in 1994 where they met many new and old friends. Dad passed away on June 7, 2003.

Mom had many hobbies and talents. She spent many hours sewing and quilting and did many other crafts. She loved her get togethers for card games and bingo or just tea breaks. One other love was to dance and she, with all her dancing partners, travelled to many communities to attend the senior dances and enjoy a good meal. She also met a dear friend Bruce McGowan who they shared many happy times together. Bruce passed away in November 2010.

A special thanks to Moms closest and dear friends Nancy McGowan and family, and Don and Shirley Campbell. They spent many hours together sewing and quilting. They were also there for Mom when she needed help especially the last few weeks.

A special thanks to Interlake Regional Health Authority, Palliative Care and the Homecare specialists as they assisted Mom and our family through this difficult journey. In lieu of flowers, in Mom’s name donations may be made to Palliative Care Manitoba, Alzheimer’s Manitoba or a charity of your choice. A private family graveside service will take place at a later date.

Sept. 2, 1943 – March 10, 2021    Survived by husband Jake, brother Steve (Emily), cousin Gloria and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sylvia and Jake had a hobby farm near Argyle, MB. where she enjoyed looking after cattle and making hay. She also worked 11 years at Sig’s Grill in Stonewall where she met many wonderful people. After retirement they moved to Winnipeg and she then enjoyed city life.

As per her wishes she will be cremated and no service will be held. Remember her as you will.

Feb. 15, 1925 – March 10, 2021     Peacefully on March 10, 2021, Olive passed away at Rosewood Lodge.

She leaves behind her three daughters Marlene, Vivian and Faye (Brent); 4 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and a great-great grandson.

She was predeceased by husband Fred, son-in-law Jim and grandson Robert; as well as 12 sisters and brothers.

Mom was a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary, Stonewall Branch #52. She worked for the T. Eaton Company in Winnipeg for a few years and then married Fred. She opened her home to borders on Ruby Street, while raising her family. After moving to Stonewall she opened up Stonewall Florist. She loved to bake, can pickles and you couldn’t beat her fried chicken and cinnamon buns. There was always a pot of “hair curling coffee” on the stove when friends, neighbors and grandkids visited. Mom was seldom seen without a cat on her lap and a dog at her feet. Her and Callie always loved their afternoon “catnaps”.

She loved to knit and watch curling and baseball on television, the daily crossword puzzles was a must. Playing cards for money and joking with everyone was a favorite pastime. Her long road trips consisted of picking wild flowers, berries, “bullrushes”, and “pussy willows”. Listening to all the “oldie records” especially Wilf Carter and Anne Murray always brought a smile to her face.

Thanks for the great care she received from Home Care workers, Stonewall Hospital, Teulon Care Home and Rosewood Lodge. A private family service was held on Saturday, March 13 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, with interment in the Stonewall Cemetery.

Special thanks to Pastor Mark for his visits and comforting words. Also to Ken Loehmer for his compassion. If friends so desire, donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2528 King Edward Street, Winnipeg or to a charity of your choice.

January 28, 1932 – February 27, 2021     Peacefully on February 27 at the age of 89, Dad passed away at Goodwin Lodge with his daughter, Roxane, at his side. He was predeceased by his wife, Laura (2019), and son Roger (2016). He is survived by his daughter, Roxane (Craig), grandchildren Kristen (Kirk), Jennifer, Wesley (Brenna), Michelle (John) and Brayden; his son Ross (Sonya), grandchildren Kaila, Kailen, and Rye; and his son Rodney (Diana), grandchildren Jade (Garrett), Jake, and Jacey.

Surviving family members are sisters Kay and Gloria, as well as sisters-in-law Helen and Myrtle, along with many nieces and nephews.

He is now reunited with his parents, Fred and Anna; sister, Mary; brothers, John, Harry, Mike, Steve, Alex, Joe, Kost, Paul, and Dan; sister-in-law, Hattie; brothers-in-law, Mike and John; niece, Linda; and nephews, Clayton, Gary, and Brian.

Dad was born on the family farm in Wheathill District. He moved to nearby Chatfield in 1949 to operate his father’s General Store. Mom and Dad were married in 1954. Together, they operated the store until 1970, when they made the big decision to move the store and attached house to Teulon and converted the building into a restaurant. With their four children, they opened G & L Restaurant in 1971, quickly becoming famous far and wide thanks to Mom’s incredible cooking. Expansions included The Cardinal Lounge and Motel, and eventually they sold the highly successful establishment in 1986.

Dad entered the construction business with his partner, Nick, in 1965, when they started land clearing. Later, they worked for the municipalities of Armstrong and Rockwood building roads, in addition to digging dugouts and drainages. Dad was an active business owner until just a few years ago as his health began to decline. Rodney worked alongside Dad for 20 years.

Dad was an avid outdoorsman, and for many decades he was well-known for his trapping skills. One of his many pastimes was digging Seneca roots to be sold for medicinal use. Dad operated a grain farm near Silver in the ’70s.

His lifelong passion was baseball. In 1946, he joined the Chatfield baseball team, along with four of his brothers, and as their pitcher he lead the team to dominance throughout the Interlake. In the early ’50s, he was invited to a professional baseball tryout in Florida but declined to continue operating the store. The Chatfield team was inducted to Manitoba’s Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 in recognition of their great success from 1952–1957. While playing in tournaments with Chatfield, Dad played league-organized baseball with the Balmoral Orioles. He became involved with the Teulon Whips in 1971, winning back-to-back provincial titles in 1974 and 1975, when they also went on to win the Western Canadian championship. He continued to play, coach, and manage Teulon men’s baseball over the course of five decades. Serving as a town council member in Teulon throughout the 1980s, Dad had an essential role in the development of Green Acres Park. In addition to their numerous provincial titles, the Teulon Cardinals’ all-time highlights included a spot at Nationals in 1991 and again in 1998, which was also the year that Dad had been inducted to Manitoba’s Baseball Hall of Fame for his individual achievements both as a player and as a coach. Dad was involved in baseball for 68 consecutive years (1946-2014). Dad pitched his last game when he was 68 years old at Chatfield Oldtimers’ tournament in 2000; ironically the same place where he threw his first pitch in 1946 with the Chatfield Cardinals. Ross and Rodney played for the Teulon Cardinals for many years, keeping the team active until 2014. Many have cherished memories of Dad’s baseball journey. Sport truly does create friendships and memories that last a lifetime!

We would like to thank the staff at Teulon Hospital and Goodwin Lodge for their care and compassion over the past few years. Special thanks to Ken Loehmer for his thoughtfulness and unwavering support. Sincere gratitude to Father Peter Chorney and Father Barry Schoonbaert.

Family and friends are invited to leave condolences or to share memories on his tribute wall at www.klfuneralservices.ca.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Teulon Senior Resource Box 418, Teulon MB R0C 3B0, IERHA — Attn. Goodwin Lodge Box 89, Teulon MB R0C 3B0, or a charity of one’s choice.