July 20, 1954 – Feb. 22, 2021       Pain free at last, with Terry holding his hand, Marcel left us and is now able to soar with the eagles.

Predeceased by parents Bill and Mae, parents-in-law, Pete and Clara, brothers-in-law Ben and Fred, sister-in-law Betty.

Survived by wife and other half, Terry and his pride and joy, their children Donna and Derek. Sister Margaret (Doug), brother-in-law Bob (Wendy), sister-in-law Kim and many nephews and nieces, some who always looked to Unc for advice.

Born in Gimli, he lived most of his life in the Homer District, first on the farm that he grew up on and then at his new home with his own family. He was a farmer at heart and was working the land from a teenager. He knew the value of hard work and never shied away from it. He met Terry in August, 1976 and they were married 2 ½ months later. Some people thought it would never last but they proved all wrong. They celebrated 44 plus years together. He tried working in Winnipeg after marriage, but lasted only 3 months. Indoors didn’t work for a farm boy. In 1979, they welcomed their daughter Donna and 2 ½ years later their son Derek completed the perfect family. Farming, although he loved it, was not the only thing he did. Fixing things, mechanicing, cutting pulp and firewood, trapping and working for Manitoba Highways as grader operator and anything else they needed him to be, for 30 years showed that he was a man of all trades.

Retiring when he was 55, the perfect opportunity presented itself. Doing everything together, Marcel and Terry now went camping to Fairford, trapping in their side-by-side, hunting, ice fishing and they had the chance to farm full-time. Doing what he always loved, he was happy to go for a ride with his dog, his shadow, when Terry had other things to do. Family meant everything to Marcel. He loved Terry and his kids unreservedly. If he could, he gave them anything and everything that they wanted or needed.

Especially his time and love. Friends and neighbors would always know who was coming when they saw the Suzuki driving slowly down the road. Known affectionately as the mayor of Homer, he kept an eye on friend’s cabins in the area. People also knew that, if they needed it, Marcel would be there to help or fix whatever, charging only a handshake or a thank-you. He said “That’s what friends do”.

Having beat cancer once 33 years ago and 2 heart attacks, his body was not strong enough this time to beat the cancer. Again, so in lieu of flowers, please donate to CancerCare MB. or to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation. Many thanks to Dr. Komolafe and the nurses at the Arborg Hospital for all their care and compassion at this time.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Marcel’s life will take place when it is safe to do so.

When I get where I’m going There’ll only be happy tears. I will shed the sins and struggles I have carried all these years And I’ll leave my heart wide open I will love and have no fears Yeah, when I get where I’m going Don’t cry for me down here.

On February 14, 2021, Alan James Porcher was called into the presence of his Lord and Savior at 63 years of age.

Alan was born on February 15, 1957 in Winnipeg and lived and farmed with his parents in St. Andrews. Alan enjoyed the outdoors, snowmobiling, hunting, picking berries but one of his favorites was going to auctions that earned him the nickname “AAA” – Alan Auction Anonymous. He loved old vehicles and John Deere tractors.

Alan was a man of quick wit and enjoyed a challenging conversation. He was blessed to take a trip to Alaska with his Dad and aunt and Uncle and later a trip to Arizona with his older brother Don, Marg and his Dad. Going for coffee with fellow farmers to Tim’s or at the airport brought a smile and much enjoyment.

In earlier years Alan attended Grant Memorial and went to Youth Groups and Volunteered as an usher.

Alan is survived by his brothers Don (Dorota), Randy, Richard (Cyndi) and five sisters: Gertie (Harry), Carol (Eugene), Grace (Marv), Florence (Brian), Kathy (Don) and many nieces and nephews.

The family extends a big heartfelt Thank You to cousin Reg, his wife Ingrid and family for unconditional love and faithful sacrificing of their time and talents to care for Alan over the years.

The family is so very grateful for all the neighbors, friends and the many farming buddies who showed kindness and care for our brother. Also thank you to the Selkirk R.C.M.P. for the compassion and care shown to the family.

You all loved big!!!

May the Lord richly bless you!

Eph. 4:2 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Due to covid, a private family graveside will take place. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to Bethel Rays of Hope Ministry, Box 4646, Stonewall, MB. R0C 2Z0 www.bethelraysofhope.com

Passed peacefully February 8, 2021 at the age of 98.

She was predeceased by her husband Ole in 1997; her parents, Marius and Eva Haslund; brothers Robert and Wally Haslund; her sister Mildred Johnson; sisters-in-law Marguerite and Rachel Haslund and brothers-in-law Evert Johnson and Eric Mager.

She is survived by her sons, Larry (Eilene) Torske; Ralph (Linda) Torske; grandchildren Kristine (Rick); Lori (Scott); David (Sherry); Traci (Rob); great-grandchildren Duncan & Thomas James-Davies, Saige MacPherson, Jordan & Jaxon Torske, Mara and Addison MacLean and her sister Myrtle Mager as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Lil was born and grew up in the Monar area west of Inwood. She married Ole Torske in 1939. They spent their first married years living in northwestern Ontario. They moved back to the Torske family farm where she lived until 2007. Lil worked hard on the family farm looking after her family, growing a garden, canning and helping on the farm. She always grew a large vegetable garden and passed on lots of gardening wisdom to her family. She especially loved her flower gardens and the grandchildren all learned to be mindful of Granny’s flowers, especially her rose bushes.

Lil was a 4-H leader for many years and many local girls learned to sew under her expert guidance. She was also very active in the Inwood W.I. where she made many lifelong friends and worked hard in her community of Inwood. Inwood Fall Suppers and W.I. Teas were always highlights in her year. She was also a lifetime member of the Provincial Women’s Institute. Lil was also a wonderful cook. She enjoyed preserving, baking and cooking meals for her family and friends. You could always count on being well fed when visiting her. All of her grandkids had favorite treats that she baked for them. She was also well known in the Interlake for her wedding cakes. She baked and decorated beautiful wedding cakes for many couples in the area. She was very pleased that the last wedding cakes she made were for her grandchildren, even if it meant transporting them great distances.

In her later years, Lil enjoyed travelling and made many trips throughout North America and the Caribbean with family and friends. She always took lots of photos and enjoyed sharing her slide shows with visitors. Family and friends were very important to Lil. She was an avid letter writer, corresponding with many friends and far away family as long as she was able.

In 2007, she moved into Goodwin Lodge in Teulon. It gave the family comfort to know that she was always well cared for there and that she was close and still able to see family and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at Goodwin Lodge for the caring and compassionate care given over the years. Due to Covid-19, no funeral service will be held at this time. If desired, donations in Lillian’s memory may be made to The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.

Nov. 1, 1941 – Feb. 3, 2021     It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Wilfred William Maskow, age 79, in the early morning of February 3, 2021 at the Gimli Community Health Centre.

Left to survive, his wife of 52 years, Maureen; sons: Kurt (May) and Trent (Roxanne); Grandchildren: Dylan, Donavin, Mary, Harley; Great Grandchildren: Lucy and Roman; His sister Sharon: Brother-in-law Ken (Marcie). Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Wilfred was predeceased by his son Todd, daughter-in-law Rosemary, his parents Bill and Mary Maskow, sister Lyn Lindstrom and his brother-in-law Martin Todd.

Dad loved the outdoors and spent all of his free time outside. He enjoyed visiting with family and friends and especially spending time with his grandchildren. Telling jokes, stories and just spending time together. Many laughs were had and many memories were made.

Cremation will take place and a private interment will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation, CancerCare or any charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at the Gimli Community Health Centre for their care and compassion with Dad during his stay there. Also, a huge thank you to friends and family for all their help over the past years to keep Dad living at home for as long as he did. Too many names to mention but you all know who you are!!

With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of James Joseph Leslie Mikula on February 1, 2021; born September 7, 1962 in Eriksdale MB.

He leaves to mourn his partner Sherry; children Andrea and Jordan; grandchildren Leeland, Chiara, Blake, Aubrey and Kourtney; brothers and sisters, Andy (Janet), John (Darlene), Myrna (Randy), Dolly (Ken), and Carol (Grant); nieces and nephews Charlotte, Wanda, Candida, Adam, Bryce, Tammy, Tannis, Daniel, Crystal, Erica, Lynnette, Megan and Ashley.

He was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Connie, and his wife Carol Mikula.

Jim was a great outdoorsman. He loved his snowmobiling, quadding and was so proud of his campsite in Mulvihill. He was a superb craftsman, and his work will be one of his lasting legacies. Jim was a staunch community supporter and always ready to lend a hand. His grandchildren were a light in his life. Jim will be sadly missed by his family and so many friends. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

‘til we meet again.

After a lengthy battle with Cancer, Gloria peacefully passed in her sleep at home, on January 23, 2021, Selkirk Manitoba.

Gloria was born to Arthur and Hazel Dunk on June 20, 1944 in Fort William, Ontario. Growing up with sisters, Joan (Joe), Gayle, Deloraine (Mike) and Dayle.

Gloria loved to swim in the Neebing River, play tennis in the summers and dig snow tunnels and skating on the outdoor rinks in the winter. Gloria worked as an operator for Bell telephone in Thunder Bay which is where she met and married her wonderful, loving husband, Leonard George Turchyn (1942-1999). Leonard and Gloria had four children, Brad (Meloney), Brent (Tammy), Tamara (1972-1973), Joanna (Jeff). Gloria had great style and taste.

Whether it be clothes or house décor, she knew how to make everything beautiful! In addition to being a dedicated and loving mother, Gloria loved family gatherings. Christmas was her favorite. Gloria knew how to make a house a home, and loved watching her grandchildren playing games such as, guess how many candies in each jar, while surrounded by her children.

Gloria also enjoyed summers at the cottage. After working part of the day on cottage life, Gloria liked to relax by the lake, beach fire and fireworks and sip a cool gin and tonic. Even on the beach in Lundar, Gloria still kept it classy. Shortly after moving to Stonewall from Charleswood, Gloria began what would be a 24 year career with Manitoba Hydro serving the Stonewall and later the Selkirk area.

Gloria was a dedicated and professional employee who loved her job, her co-workers will always remember Gloria as an energetic and fun lady. Not long after her retirement from Hydro, Gloria found a new love, Oakley. He is an energetic, fun loving Shih Tzu, who loved to cuddle with Gloria, especially in her final days.

Gloria also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Edyn, Lily, Nick, Ethan, Julia, Alexandra, Tatyana, Kali and Drew. Gloria never missed a Christmas concert and tried to split her time between soccer and volleyball as best she could. Granny loved them eternally and will be missed by all.

Special thanks to the doctors, nurses and medical staff at SRHC and HSC, who helped take care of mom with skilled and respectful care. When Covid allows, a Celebration of Life will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba.

Shirley Jean Jeffery (Deforest), also lovingly known as Big Shirl, Queenie, Shirley, Mom, Nana, Aunt Shirley and Sis. On January 22, 2021 @ 3:26 PM, Mom passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Mom is predeceased by her husband Ron, many siblings, in-laws, nephews and nieces.

She will be remembered and missed by her family Rick (Carmen), Joe (Marlo), Charlie (Janet), Kim (Bob), Sandi (Elgin). Grandchildren Mark, Andrew, Lindsey, Ian and Great Grandson Cohen. Mom also leaves her loving Sisters-in-law Brenda (Leslie) and Peggy (Jim) along with numerous nieces, nephews and special friends.

Mom was born in Tisdale Saskatchewan in 1936, youngest of 12 siblings. Later the family relocated to Port Alberni BC where she met her husband Ron Jeffery, and they started a family of their own. In 1964 they moved back to Woodlands, Manitoba where they became part of a loving community and established the Jeffery homestead.

Mom was known to have a generous heart and there was always room for one more to love. There was always room at the table for one more plate, a warm place for the weary to lay their head, a kind ear, impromptu canasta games, and a fresh pot of coffee brewing. Through all of this she became Mom and Aunt Shirley to many. Her Grandchildren, the loves of her life, remember the countless songs Mom used to sing to them. Mom could be heard singing from the kitchen as she worked tirelessly baking, preparing meals, and caring for others. Mom instilled strong family values as well as her appreciation of music. As the family grew older and moved on with their own families; Mom made sure that we were all together for Sunday dinners, family gatherings and our many holiday celebrations.

She was truly loved by all and especially the caregivers at Poseidon Care Center. Many of the staff shared their special stories and memories, during Mom’s last days with us. Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Poseidon Care Center for their loving care of Mom.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Poseidon Care Center in memory of Shirley Jeffery.

Mom’s smile was infectious, she had a mischievous twinkle in her eye and her spirit was like no other. Not even her battle with Alzheimer’s could stifle Mom’s enduring spirit. One of Mom’s favorite songs in which she sang often was ‘In the Garden by Loretta Lynn’. This song will be forever cherished by the people Mom loved. Every time this song is heard, or is thought about; Mom we know you are with us!

October 13, 1938 – January 20, 2021 With heavy hearts we share the sad news of the peaceful passing of Doe; beloved husband of 62 years, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He passed away at home with his wife Fran by his side. For the past several years Doe had a battle with cancer. He stayed strong and always kept his sense of humour.

He was predeceased by his parents Emil and Agnes (Belisle), brothers Maurice and Felix, mother-in-law Antoinette Roy, sisters-in-law Mary and Brenda, a grandson David and a great-grandson Maximillion.

Doria and Fran had six children. June Charison (Curtis), Daniel Gauthier (Deb), Michel Gauthier, Monique Ruchkall (Richard), Elise Hawryluk (Darcy) and Paul Gauthier (Trena). Doe had eleven grandchildren. Cameron (Whytnie), Jodie (Nicole), Shane (Precious Joy), Celia (Jan), Hope, Corey, Kyle, Megan (Colin), Amanda (Terry) and Janae. Doe had fourteen great-grandchildren. Chloe, Ryan, Brady, Hadley, Mayla, Levi, Jaxon, Peyton, Jazzlyn, Jagger, Nate, Nixon and Zayden. Included in his family circle are ex daughters-in-law Connie and Tara. Doe dearly loved and was so proud of all of his family.

Doe was born to Emil and Agnes and was the third born of four boys; Maurice, Ralph and Felix. He had a few years of primary school but quit to take care of Maurice his older, blind brother while his parents worked. At a young age he sought out employment. Doe worked at various jobs; he worked at the bakery Robinson Shortbread, as a delivery driver, a gravel truck driver, worked at Independent Fish, Simpson Sears as a roofer, a sanitary engineer, he worked for the city of St. Boniface in the water department checking water levels during flood season and worked at Quality Construction. He was a jack of all trades. He moved with his family to Gunton, Manitoba in 1970 and soon after took a job with Charisons Turkey Hatchery and later at Maksymyk Homes. Then he became a self employed general contractor. Doe learned his trade of carpentry from his father and a lot of it was self taught. He worked hard his entire life until the age of 80. One day he had difficulty putting a set of stairs together and he knew it was time to put down the hammer and hang up the tool belt. He loved working and enjoyed his many jobs and the interaction with his many, many customers; some of whom became very good friends.

He married the love of his life Fran Roy in April of 1958. They resided in St. Boniface, St. Vital and Gunton, Manitoba and in 1987 they moved to Alberta and lived in Egremont, Acme and then on to Bashaw. In Bashaw Doe and Fran owned and operated a motel for five years. Then from Bashaw they moved to Glade, British Columbia where Doe absolutely thrived living right next to the Kootenay river and he loved the waterfalls in the bush right in his back yard so to speak. In the fall of 2019 his ill health brought him back to his Manitoba beginnings where he lived in Lac Du Bonnet until the present time. Doe was proud of his Metis heritage and those roots really shone through with his love of nature and the wilderness. He hunted, fished, trapped, and loved berry picking. His other loves were his family and friends, dogs, his favourite bird the goose and favourite animal the moose, motorcycling (in his younger years), old time country and fiddling music; his favourite fiddler being Cliff Maytwayashing, dancing and jigging, he loved to party, gardening (for the cucumbers and beans), hockey (his Montreal Canadians and then the Winnipeg Jets), black forest cake, Chinese food and his beer. There was nothing he enjoyed more than cutting wood for his wood stove and being on his riding lawn mower cutting grass. He was such a friendly guy who took up a conversation with anyone, anywhere and walked away having made a new friend. He especially liked his coffee clutches where he could shoot the breeze with the guys. He played the lotto tickets and always had one either in his pocket or in his truck. Doe had quite a refined palate; he ate with his eyes and his comment without even tasting was always nope don’t like that. Doe had a stubborn streak and oh man he had his opinions. If someone or something ruffled his feathers it was a constant source of angst for him and all those who heard about it over and over again. He certainly was one of a kind. Doe said he wanted to return in his next life as a goose.

“Let the wide open skies be your domain and you be the lead bird in your echelon. We’ll give a quick wave and call out your name, so long for now. We all love you Doe.” We miss you deeply and will forever treasure your love and memory in our hearts.

METIS FUNERAL PRAYER “Do not look at my grave and weep; I am not there. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on the snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle spring rain. I am not there, I did not die. When you awaken in the morning hush. I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine over your head at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there, I did not die.” May we all find the power in this prayer and look to the future for reunion and a great hunt.

October 11, 1938 – January 18, 2021    It is with profound sadness that the family of Alec Dawson shares news of his passing.

Alec was born one of ten siblings on October 11, 1938 in Exton, England and died January 18, 2021 in Teulon, MB at the age of 82 years. As a youth growing up in England, Alec enjoyed tearing up the rural roads on his motorcycles, announcing to his mum and local villagers that he would soon be home. He loved dirt bike and classic TT style motorcycle racing, spending countless hours with his mates modifying bikes for greater speed. He started a haberdashery delivery business from a panel truck, selling consumer goods whilst attending night school to attain his degree in mechanics.

Never a man to sit on his haunches, after some years he decided to emigrate to Australia, but somehow ended up on the wrong airplane and landed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in 1963. There, in 1965, Alec met the daily sunshine in his life — his wife, Carol. Seeking self-employment after working for IHC farm dealerships, Alec and Carol moved to Teulon in 1968. They founded a repair and service shop called Teulon Tractor and Motor. They worked side by side throughout their 54-year marriage, raising a family and developing their business until it was sold in 1999. Alec retired in 2002. Alec made many lifelong friends servicing the greater Teulon area. He became known to his friends as “Christ-mate” because this was his English manner of leading in to whatever subject he wished to discuss with them. He had nicknames for nearly everybody he knew.

Over the years, he served as councillor and sat on hospital and hall boards, was a firefighter and eventually Fire Captain, was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and a founding member of the tractor pull committee. Not only did Alec and his friends build the skid for the tractor pull, Alec modified a Dodge 383 Interceptor engine into a WD9 farm tractor. This creation became Ol’ Blue, a crowd favourite and frequent winner for many years.

Alec is survived by his loving and caring wife Carol, his son Chris Dawson (Sarah), daughter Cathy Kelly (Brian), and daughter Julie Leduchowski (David). Alec leaves to mourn grandchildren Michael Dawson (Bree), Bradley Dawson (Rhea), Bryce Kelly (Diane), Brody Kelly (Desiree), Megan Smith (Andrew), Gavin Leduchowski (Michelle) and Owen Leduchowski. Great-grandchildren James Smith and Kane Dawson. He will be remembered by his large extended family in England as favourite Uncle Nev.

The family wishes to offer our deepest thanks to the kind and caring staff at Goodwin Lodge. Your compassion shines through. A family memorial will be held later this year. “Perhaps they are not stars, but openings in the sky where the love of our departed ones pours through and shines down on us to let us know they are happy.”