April 22, 1928 – November 18, 2025

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Audrey Cassels, cherished mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, at the age of 97 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

She is survived by her daughters:  Eleanor (Les), Daphne, and Kathleen (Jim), son-in-law, John; grandchildren:  Kristin (Jonathan), Lauren and Jaimie; Charlie (Mariah), Jeff (Andrea) and Lisa (Jason); Alex and Brent (Alycia); and 14 great-grandchildren.  Audrey was predeceased by her husband, Jim; daughter, Rita; parents Eleanor and Frederick Broadfoot; sister, Connie; and son-in-law, Gord.  She was a special aunt to nieces and nephews.

Audrey was raised by her parents on a farm in the Fisherton area, where she attended a one-room school. She spent her grades 11 and 12 at Rupertsland in Winnipeg, and then attended Normal School before teaching in one-room schools in Teulon, Prairie Grove and Grassmere.  In 1952 she married Jim and settled on the Cassels farm at Warren where they raised their girls and participated in community activities.  Mom was involved in curling, bowling, Women’s Institute and very active in the 4-H program as a local leader, regional and provincial representative.  She loved teaching the young girls and boys.

Mom’s faith was very important to her and after her move to Winnipeg in 1983 she joined the parishioners at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Woodhaven and became actively involved in the ACW and the quilting group where she was always happy to help new quilters.  Mom loved quilting and her family cherishes the quilts she gifted to each one, as well as the Petit Point pictures that she spent endless hours stitching.  She enjoyed sewing and knitting, baking cookies, cakes and cinnamon buns to share with family, and early morning walks at Polo Park Shopping Centre with her friends.

Family was very important to her.  She was proud of her children and grandchildren and loved spending time with them.   She will be remembered for her smile, kindness and unwavering love.

The family would like to thank the staff at Riverview Health Centre (CD1) for the compassionate care provided to our mother for the past two years, and to the staff in Evergreen 1 at Waverley/Rosewood for the previous four years in her dementia journey.

 A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Woodhaven, 2700 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg MB  R3J 0R1 on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm.  Reception to follow in the church hall.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Woodhaven, 2700 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg MB  R3J 0R1.  Telephone:  204-832-0117.  E-mail:  standrew@mymts.net.  Website:  www.standrewswoodhaven.ca. OR Alzheimer Society Manitoba, 10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB  R3C 4G2. alzmb@alzheimer.mb.ca. Telephone:  204-943-6622 / 1-800-378-6699.

“The quilt of my own life

Finds voice to talk, sing, write, and pray…

As it weaves a hundred stories in its own eclectic way.

And with each stitch of grace and hope my legacy is built;

All fragments finally made a whole…

The pieces of my quilt”

Prayer:  Pieces of my Quilt

November 30, 1944 – November 14, 2025

After a courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis, our beloved husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and best friend was forced to leave us. Al did not lose his battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis, rather he won the battle, but in the only way left to him – by escaping its grasps, and forever and finally leaving it behind. It is with deep sorrow that we announce his passing, 17 days short of his 81^st birthday.

Al will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years Gayleen (Essex), children Alan and Grant, sister Marian Ulyatt (Norm), brother-in-law Ken Essex (Pat), sister-in-law Margaret Beauchamp (Lorne), many nieces and nephews, as well as extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Margaret (Peggy) Nixon, brother Tom Nixon, niece Terri Essex, nephews Tommy Nixon and Brian Nixon.

Al was born and spent his early years on the family farm in the Gordon, MB, community. His education started at the East Rosser School. He was able to attend the ceremony of the reopening of East Rosser School at the Grosse Isle Museum (September 2016). That was a proud moment for him to reconnect with old school friends that attended. From there the family moved to Brooklands and then moved rurally again and he finished his education at Stonewall Collegiate where he met his future bride, Gayleen, and they were married in September 1967.

In 1965, Al joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, and his first posting was to Rivers, MB. This began his long history of being a proud airman from which he retired after 33 years at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. He saw service in many countries and most provinces and territories in Canada. From Alert (at the top of the world) to war-torn countries like Bosnia, working in any capacity of rebuilding and repairing as the Canadian Armed Forces saw the need through the United Nations. He did two six-month tours in the Middle East with the United Nations, as well as shorter tours around the world and Canada.  He assisted in the restructuring and rebuilding from the devastation in Montserrat after Hurricane Hugo tore through that country. Postings throughout his military career included Rivers, MB, Portage la Prairie, MB, Chilliwack, BC, Cold Lake, AB, to Winnipeg, MB, where he served from 1982 to his retirement in 1996. His comment when asked was always “the Military paid me to enjoy my hobby” which was in the Construction Engineers.

His two sons were born in Chilliwack with the majority of their schooling being in Stonewall, which is unusual for a military family.

Family was so very important to Al, whether teaching his boys life skills, being involved in their sports, family camping trips, road trips home for family visits, or exploring the country – he loved life.  His commitment to community, his always wanting to lend a helping hand, and his smile will always be remembered by all who knew him.

One of his great loves was his 59 years with Scouts Canada. He was looking forward to receiving his 60-year pin next year. From starting a Cub Pack in Rivers, MB, he moved up the ranks as a Scout Leader, Venturer Advisor and on to leading a team of trainers, training future leaders in the organization. He received many commendations and awards for his many achievements throughout those years.

In 1981 in Cold Lake, AB, he was awarded the Medley Community Council award – Citizen of the Year, for the construction of a Scout Hall at Camp Vanier. On the presentation it was said that “On arrival to Medley some four years ago, Al has realized two of his primary ambitions: construction of a Scout Hall at Camp Vanier and its rapid completion all of which was the direct drive of Al. His involvement in the Scout movement has been four years of dedication in Cold Lake.”  In 2007 he received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Manitoba Provincial Scouting Council and a 40-year Service to Scouting Certificate. In October 2017 he received a Bar to the Silver Acorn for continued and especially distinguished service to Scouting. He served in a provincial capacity as Assistant Provincial Commissioner for Venturers/Rovers, Training Committee, Area Commissioner – Service Area 6, Trainer and Group Commissioner – Stonewall.

Milestones and achievements through his years in the Stonewall/Rockwood area were many.

He joined and assisted with the Stonewall Christmas Cheer Board for over 25 years from its inception. He served as the “food and gift pickup person” around town, involving his Scouts and Venturers as assistants. He did bicycle repairs for distribution to children, coordinated moving of toy hampers and food to the distribution centre and helped load recipient family vehicles; he was the public relations representative and with Gayleen continued to be available until Christmas Eve to ensure no family in need of a hamper went without.

Al was a life member of Blood Services and was proud to do his part in helping others by donating for over 50 years.

He trained in logistics on the Disaster Response Team with Canadian Red Cross from 2001 to 2009. Trained in Registration and Inquiry for Disaster Services (1999). He received a 3-year Milestone award in 2002 and a 10-year Milestone award in 2007.

He was a MELS (Medical Equipment Loans Service) technician for the Stonewall Depot for several years.

He was a Member of the Royal Canadian Legion and assisted with the Fall Suppers for 26 years.

Al worked on the construction of The Youth for Christ Drop-in Centre along with the toboggan run for winter carnivals.

He served on the Building Maintenance Committee for 3 years in Stonewall United Church.

He was a Neighbourhood Watch Co-Captain for 15-20 years for the Oakwood Estates community – RM of Rockwood, MB.

Al, along with his wife Gayleen, was a recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s “Make a Difference Community Award” presented by Lieutenant Governor John Harvard in 2005.

Al joined the Odd Fellows Fraternal Organization and for over 25 years was so very proud to do his part to keep their motto alive: “Friendship, Love, and Truth.” He was dedicated to making a positive difference within his community and province through the Odd Fellows Organization and served a term as Grand Master of Manitoba.

A Celebration of Life will be held December 6^th, 2025 at the Stonewall United Church, 369 First Ave N, Stonewall, at 11:00 am, with a lunch to follow at the Odd Fellows Hall, 374 First Street W, Stonewall.

Al’s nieces and nephews will serve as Honorary Pallbearers:

Jacquie Loschiavo, Bob Essex, Lorraine Essex, Teren Essex, Brycen Essex, Lori Beauchamp, Karl Beauchamp, Greg Ulyatt, Janice Bosch, Walter Nixon

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation for research into eliminating this disease, or a charity of one’s choice. Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 3250 Bloor Street W, East Tower, Suite 600, Toronto, ON, M8X 2X9, or online at cpff.ca.

The family would like to thank Dr. L. Homik, Debbie Homik and the Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group family for their caring and support throughout this journey.

Thank you to the Stonewall RCMP and EMS for their kindness and support. A special thank you to Ken Loehmer for his gentle guidance as we face our new tomorrows.

The saddest word mankind knows, will always be “Goodbye”

August 10, 1959 – November 12, 2025

With deep sadness, the family of Susan Grace Yake announces her passing on November 12, 2025 after a short and courageous battle with cancer.

Susan is lovingly remembered by her partner, Bob; her sons, Sean and Braden (Maureen); her mother, Mary; her siblings, Joy, Mike (Cheryl), and Karen; her stepsons, Chris (Andrea) and Mark (Cassandra); and a large extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is predeceased by her father, Harland, and her brother, John.

Born on August 10, 1959, in Manitou, Manitoba, Susan was raised on the family farm in Snowflake as the third of five children. Growing up surrounded by wide-open fields, animals, and the steady rhythm of farm life shaped her enduring love of the outdoors and her lifelong connection to horses.

One of Susan’s greatest passions was horseback riding, and in 2010, she was able to make her dream come true of buying an acreage with Bob and her own horses. She also found joy in sewing, especially in creating beautiful quilts for her family.

Susan will be remembered for her calm strength, her deep devotion to family, and the unshakeable kindness she offered to everyone she met.

A private service to honour Susan’s life will be held for close friends and family.

Her presence will be deeply missed, but the love she shared will carry on in all who knew her.

March 23, 1966 – November 10, 2025

Surrounded by her family, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Brenda Beauchamp on November 10, 2025, at the age of 59. She passed peacefully, after a courageous battle with cancer, with her loved ones by her side.

Brenda was predeceased by her parents, Cally and Helen Beauchamp. She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Brandi (Peter), and her cherished granddaughter, Callie, who was the light of her life. Brenda will also be deeply missed by her brothers, Craig (Kim) and Jim (Laura), as well as by her many nieces, nephews, and all her other family members. She will also be profoundly missed by her best friend Jen, as well as all of her friends who she loved spending time with.

Born on March 23, 1966, mom was a lifelong resident of Woodlands, Manitoba, a place she proudly called home. She was deeply rooted in her community and will be remembered for her infectious smile and her ability to find joy in every moment. Mom spent many summers on the baseball field—whether she was playing, coaching, or simply cheering from the sidelines. You could often find her with an ice-cold beer in hand, enjoying the game she loved. In the winter months, she was known for her stellar dance moves on the social dance floor. In her final days, mom even made sure to brag to her doctors about her dancing skills, always keeping her humor and spirit alive.

Mom was an active and dedicated member of her community, serving on the Woodlands Rec Centre Board for many years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Woodlands Minor Ball in Brenda’s memory, a cause close to her heart.

A service to celebrate Brenda’s life will be held on Friday, November 28th at 1:00 PM at the Woodlands Community Hall.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Selkirk Hospital for the compassionate care mom received during her stay.

July 1, 1950 – November 7, 2025

With sorrow we wish to announce the passing of our brother, uncle and friend, Daniel (Don) Ledarney. He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Irene Ledarney, sister-in-law Maria Ledarney. He leaves behind his brothers Murray and Larry, sister Maureen (Vic) Medwid. Also nephews and nieces and their families.

Daniel enjoyed traveling with his nephew to Jamaica and Vegas. He was very intelligent, in 1974 he received a Diploma in Biorhemiral Technology, in 1993 a certificate in Building Construction Technician. In 1998 a Diploma in Multimedia Computer Applications Specialist Program.

He worked also as a graphic designer which he loved and did until his retirement.

His hobbies were gardening flowers and vegetables which he liked to share with others. He enjoyed berry and mushroom season when Daniel and his Dad would sneak out to their secret patches. Due to Dementia he spent the last few months in Selkirk Mental Hospital. We wish to thank the staff for all the love and care they showed Daniel during his stay.

Rest in Peace dear brother we love you.

The Ledarney family

December 29, 1956 to November 5, 2025.

 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Patrick Larry Dolynchuk on November 5, 2025 at the young age of 68.  Patrick was a loving father to Nathaniel and Sarah (Mike) and a devoted stepfather to Jennifer (Ryan) and Lisa (Clint), he was a proud grandfather to Corey, Kailee, Parker, Iver and Greyson, who brought endless joy to his life.

Patrick will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Teresa, his father, Larry and his brother Dale. He was predeceased by his mother Doreen, whom he loved dearly.

 Born and raised in Winnipeg, Patrick later found his happy place in Stonewall, a community, he fondly called Mayberry. Known for his easygoing nature and his sense of humor Patrick loved the simple pleasures of life, good food, friends and time spent outdoors. His passion for barbecue was unmatched. He took great pride in perfecting his brisket often rising at 5 a m to ensure that it was smoked to perfection before family arrived. Patrick also cherished his weekends watching the CFL with Teresa and, especially his lifelong buddies for over fifty years. Classic rock bonfires and the great outdoors were the soundtracks and settings for so many happy moments. Patrick’s warmth, generosity, love for family and friends will forever be remembered. His legacy lives on in the laughter, love and countless memories he shared with those who were lucky enough to know him.

 A celebration of Patrick’s life will be held at a later date, in lieu of flowers, the family asked that you raise a glass, share a story and remember him with a smile just as he would have wanted.

It is with profound sadness that the family of William “Bill” Keith Stewart announce his sudden passing on November 3, 2025 at the age of 65.

Bill was born in Winnipeg on February 13, 1960, to Mary and Keith Stewart. Throughout his childhood, the family moved to several communities across southern Manitoba before eventually settling in Winnipeg. From a young age, Bill loved fishing and always looked forward to annual fishing trips to Flin Flon and Jan Lake, Saskatchewan. Later on the family made trips to Grand Rapids, the bigger the gang the better.

Bill graduated from Garden City Collegiate Institute in 1978, and joined the Winnipeg Police Cadets in 1979. From there he progressed to the Winnipeg Police Academy in 1980, graduating later that year. After 30 years of service to the community Bill retired from the Winnipeg Police Service in 2009. After retirement Bill continued working in investigations with Manitoba Public Insurance, Province of Manitoba, Xpera Risk Mitigation and Investigation, Investigative Solutions Network Inc. and as Municipal Emergency Coordinator for the RM of Rockwood. 

In 1985, Bill married Theresa with whom he had three children, Sarah, Dylan and Tessa. Bill’s children were the most important thing in his life, and everyone who knew him could hear how proud he was of them. 

He later married Diane McRae in 2010 at the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland. Together Bill and Diane enjoyed travelling the world, spending time at the lake with their many friends and family, and caring for many animals over their years together. 

Bill was an important member of the curling community and past president of St. Vital curling club from 2007 – 2008. He was also a proud member of Wounded Warriors Canada, devoting their time and energy to support resiliency and recovery from post-trauma injuries. 

His love for his family and friends, commitment to the community, devotion, strength, and unique sense of humor will always be remembered. Those of us who knew him would say he was larger than life. He had a genuine influence on everyone he encountered, no matter how big or small. We’ll always cherish his memory knowing he made positive impacts everywhere he went, whether it was by saving lives or simply making people laugh — his memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Bill was preceded in death by his father Keith, and is survived by his wife Diane, his children Sarah, Dylan and Tessa, his mother Mary and his brothers John; and Walter (Dana) Duncan and Cameron, (Leanne) Garrett (Maria) .

The celebration of life will be held on November 12, 2025 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at Canad Inns Destination Centre Garden City located at 2100 McPhillips St, Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Winnipeg Police Service Veterans PTSD Peer Support Group via e-transfer to pamsteciuk@gmail.com.

August 28, 1955 – November 2, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mervin Stewart McDonald, loving husband, dad, and Papa.

He leaves to mourn his loving wife Linda, children Evan (Brooke), Londa (Joseph), Kody, Kacy, and grandchildren Kayleigh, Logan, Kole, Kaydin, Ondray.  He is also survived by siblings Gordan, Maureen, Rick, Bob (Marlaine), Brenda (Chris), and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mervin was predeceased by his parents Morgan and Violet McDonald, his sisters-in-law Lynn and Bernice, and brother-in-law Ed.

Mervin was born and raised in Gunton which is where he married Linda in 1976 and raised there 4 children together.  Mervin worked on the family farm until changing careers into metal fabrication.

He had a great love for the outdoors, including camping, hunting, and fishing.  In the later years enjoyed ice fishing with everyone and deer hunting on the land near to where he began hunting.

 A celebration of life will be held at Gunton Greenwood Community Hall for his friends and family to gather and share memories.  It will be held on Sunday November 16, 2025 from 11am – 2pm with a private burial to take place on another date.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend Russell Crockatt at the age of 78, on October 29, 2025 at Selkirk Hospital. He was predeceased by his son Colin in 2021, his parents Sadie & William, sister Anne and brother-in-law Cliff. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 54 years Barbara Crockatt, and siblings Ken (Virginia), Barb (Verne), Donna (Peter), Wendy (Dave), daughter-in-law Pam (Robert), and grandchildren, Paige, Max, and Lucy along with many family members and friends.

Russell was born on March 13, 1947 in Winnipeg, one of six children.  He married Barbara on December 19, 1970, they farmed and built a life in Argyle where they raised their son Colin.  Russell worked very hard to build his farm and legacy, trucking for Leo’s to be able to upgrade from a mobile to the custom home he and his friend Cyril built in 1973. Barbara or Barbie as he called her, truly was the love of his life, although not overtly romantic anyone who knew them could attest to their partnership and his love for her.  

Russell greatly cared for his animals, working cattle by horse and always a softie to sneak food scraps to the family dog.  He was happy to invest in the welfare of his animals, with the calving barn, and CCTV for calving set up both in the kitchen & bedroom to what family members referred to as “cow-vision”.  Russell was an active member in the farming community, showing cattle at fairs, and enjoying trips to Agribition, Ag Days and Brandon Fair. He enjoyed socializing with his friends and peers at the coffee shop and curling rink over the years. When he was younger he enjoyed playing sports and watching the Jets and Bombers along with attending their games with Colin.  Additionally, winter holidays and camping in the summer with friends were always looked forward to. 

He was very proud when Colin went to University to get his Agriculture Degree with his intention to return to the family farm.  They farmed alongside each other from 2004 until Colin’s passing in 2021 and continued to help and support Pam with the farm afterwards. Russell found great joy having the next generation take over the farm and have his grandchildren run around the farm.  As he slowed down, he found time to spend with the grandchildren and enjoy their smiles, laughter and energy. His eyes would light up when he saw them! He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Barb and family would like to extend their thanks to the coffee shop crew for always being there for Russell over the years and to the staff at Selkirk Hospital during this past week for their great care. 

The graveside service will be held at the Argyle Community Cemetery on Friday Nov 7th at 1:30pm with a luncheon at the Argyle Community Hall to follow.  Everyone is welcome.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Argyle Curling Club (Box 31 Argyle) or to a charity of your choice.