February 1, 2025

“Jimmy O”

It is with profound grief, sadness and heaviest of heart I must announce the passing of

My Dear Sweet Jimmy! Jim is our beloved Husband, Dad and Papa and will be forever

loved and missed beyond what any words can adequately express.

Jim passed away February 1, 2025, at the age of 68, suddenly and very unexpectedly,

while doing what he loved best, driving his big-rig.

Jim leaves to mourn and cherish his precious memories, his wife, the love of his life,

Brenda-Lee Olson (nee Neufeld), his children, Wes Olson (son), Holly Marie Olson

(daughter & Steve Demkey), Sally O’Callaghan (daughter, & Navi Horsfield), Mac James Robinson

(grandson, Holly’s son), Kelvyn Robinson (honorary son, Mac’s Dad) as well as our

fur babies, Katie and Mishka. Jim is also survived by many family members from both

sides of our family to numerous to mention as well as his/our countless friends (you

know who you are).

As you all know, Jim tragically passed away February 1, 2025. Jim was on his way from

Georgia to Edmonton, AB when he suffered a catastrophic heart incident caused by an

enlarged heart just east of Regina, SK. We were, very sadly, unaware of this condition

he had as he showed no signs of anything wrong. That night, the weather was bad, the

roads were bad as a snowstorm was causing all kinds of havoc. Jim was planning on

getting into Regina and “park it” for the night. With an extremely heavy heart, I have to

say, he did not make it there. The medical examiner assured me nothing could have

been done. Even lf a heart surgeon had been there, my precious Jimmy could not have

been saved. She told me, “Your husband is a HERO! Jim should not have had any

control over his body at this point and he should, by rights, have crashed”. HE DID

NOT! He did pull the truck over to the shoulder as best he could, put the truck in neutral,

turned on his hazard lights, and with his foot on the brake, sat back in his seat and

promptly went to “sleep”. I have been assured, Jim did not suffer. I was told, his heart

just stopped. Liked flipping a switch. One minute you’re breathing, the next minute,

you’re not. It was that fast.

Jim started his working career at a very young age. If I recall correctly, he started

working at a local neighbourhood gas/garage station at around 12 years old as well as

attending school. It wasn’t long after, when his attentions turned to flashing lights first

with tow trucks and then added the sirens of the ambulance in 1973 with Les Baker as

his mentor. After awhile, Jim’s head was also turned by the lure of the elusive highway

and “Big Trucks`. This man, as I came to understand, always threw his whole self into

everything he did. Good, bad or indifferent (and everything in between) it didn’t matter.

Jim always did it with passion and his absolute best!

Over the years, Jim forged many friendships pretty much with everyone that ever met

him. He has been a great mentor, confidante and a personal “atlas” to so many. Even

the dispatchers have often had other drivers call Jim to get proper directions to just

about anywhere and any customer he had ever delivered to.. even if it was just once

that he had been there himself, he had it in his “bible”.. or just simply in his head

Highway numbers, exit numbers where the best place was to stop. He had it all.

Jim was known on the road as “Stampede”, “Jimmy 0” and my personal favourite,

Brenda’s Husband/Dance Partner! Many of you out there have referred to him as “The

Legend of Jimmy 0″ and I have to agree. Jim was loved and adored everywhere he

went. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it. Many times, he

helped someone, a family down on their luck, a bus full of young 20 year olds just trying

to get back home with a broke down bus. He would fill their gas tanks and fill their

bellies to help them get on their way. He truly was a modern day Hero in so many ways.

Rest easy now Sweetheart. You served your last call well. As always, you kept the

“Shiny Side Up!” right to the end! Let’s all raise a glass to my dearly beloved. And as

always:

My Dear Sweet Jimmy, I’ll see you in my dreams: I love you and I’ll talk to you tomorrow.

G’nite Sweetie! I love you EVERY BREATH! Thank you for the Best 25+ years of my

life! You will always be my “Knight in Shining Armour”. “And remember Jimmy, I get the

first and the last dance of night. Keep your dance card open for me Babe”!

You are encouraged to arrive in your highway tractors if possible. I have been informed

you can park on Main St as it is a Sunday.

Funeral Services for Jim will be held February 23, 2025 at 13:00 hours (1pm) at the Stonewall

Legion 459 Main St, Stonewall, MB

Internment to follow at the Balmoral Victoria Cemetery after the service. Then return to

the Legion where we will celebrate “Jimmy O”

Ken Loehmer Funeral Services in charge of arrangements

1948 – 2025

Our hearts ache with sadness as we announce the passing of our beloved Lorraine after a courageous battle against cancer. She was born in Neepawa, October 28, 1948, middle child of Kenneth and Dorothy Martin.

She was predeceased by her father Kenneth Martin, her mother Dorothy Pearl Burton, her sister Verna Wilson, her mother-in-law Jeanette Marcoux, father-in-law Paul Laroche and mother-in-law Jeanne St. Louis and her grandson Kenneth.

Left to mourn her passing, her husband of 38 years Joe, daughter Catherine Malpas (Jeff), step-grandson Judd Malpas (Vanessa), brother Robbyn Martin (Ashley), sister-in-law and brother-in-law Gerry Wilson, Andree (Serge), Sylvie (Christian), Line (Pierre), Roger (Chantal), Lise (Sylvain), Rene, and Gerard (Denise), 17 nephews and nieces and 17 great nephews and great nieces, aunt Louisette Marcoux, aunt Pierrette Arel, uncle Raymond St. Louis ( Carmelle), Henri Demers, and special friend Brooklyn who referred to Lorraine as her Nana. There are numerous cousins and friends.

After her elementary and secondary education, she enrolled at Brandon University to become a teacher. She then went to the University of Manitoba for her education degree. This was the start of a long career as a teacher (1967 – 2003) mainly in St. James Assiniboia. She also worked evenings, weekends and summer jobs cooking in various restaurants, golf clubs, summer camps for the Fryers family and Larson family then doing taxes at H&R Block. She was a great writer and became editor for the Prairie Star, the Interlake Insight, the Lions International Newsletter (Pride parables) and script editor for its train time. The only other work on her wish list was to make flower arrangements.

We have to remember she was a farm girl and her work ethic was second to none. Lorraine had many talents and hobbies such as an avid gardener, prolific writer, quilter, oil painting on canvas and let’s not forget her musical talent, she played piano, organ, violin and guitar and had a beautiful voice for singing.

In her younger years she loved to curl, play volleyball and being a softball pitcher. She loved her furry babies, Josie, Finn, Echo, Harley and many others. Even through her busy schedule Lorraine always put family first, the birthdays, anniversaries, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas were always special with a decorated table and feast to boot. In her later years she read book after book. Lorraine was very humble, generous and dedicated to her love ones, she was not only an example but also an inspiration to all around her. Her gentle nature attracted many lifetime friendships. She will be missed by many but nonetheless remember for her great soul.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Venter, Dr. Paul and his team at Health Sciences Centre CancerCare, Dr. Alexander and his team at the Selkirk Hospital CancerCare, the Home Care team especially Riva, and the Palliative Care team, also to the family members, friends and neighbors (too many to name but you know who you are) that have helped her through her journey.

Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, February 16 at 1:00 p.m. at Stonewall Royal Canadian Legion, 459 Main Street, Stonewall, Manitoba. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a pet rescue of your choice or a charity of your choice.

July 8, 1948 – January 26, 2025

Robert Green passed away suddenly at home in Fisher Branch on Sunday, January 26^th.  Robert leaves to mourn his wife of 51 years Betty (nee Walker), his children Donald Green (Amy Johnston), Sandra (Philip) Lappage, Angela Green (Fraser Hebert), Jodyne Green and Crystal (Andrew) Meisner, his grandchildren Curtis (Brandi), Morgan (Bjorn), Walker (Rosalie), Joshua, Madison, Caleb, Wade, Xander, Logan, Katelyn, Aiden, Mason and Garrett and great grandson Rowan.  He also leaves his mother-in-law Rollande Walker, his siblings Amelia Hrabluik (Les Allen), Sharon Lawrence (Dennis Jones), Velma (Norman) Nicoll, David (Alice) Green, brother-in-law Gary Lawrence and his sisters-in-law Pat Philippe, Barb (Reg) Marginet, Judy (Dave) Rea, Brenda (Bill) Nostedt, Cindy (Gord) Maddock, Sheila (Doug) Lawless, Kelly (Rick) Lounsbury, Cateland (Greg) Penner, Connie (Doug) Petersen, and Sandra (Daren) Hird, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Robert was predeceased by his parents James and Beatrice Green, his father-in-law Bill Walker, brothers-in-law Normand Philippe and Peter Hrabluik, his nephew Tony Nostedt and his cousin Donald Grobb.

Robert was born in Treherne, MB and raised on a farm in the Tiger Hills south of town. As a young boy he attended Pinkerton School and later Treherne Collegiate and worked on the mixed grain and livestock farm with his dad.  When he was in grade 11, he left school to work on the farm full time and bought his first piece of land.  While growing up, he was a 4-H member and a leader for the Treherne 4-H Seed Club.  It was at a 4-H curling event where he met Betty Walker and they married on October 20, 1973.  They continued farming with his dad until 1982, when they moved their growing family to Fisher Branch and established their own cattle ranch, which became G7 Ranch.  Robert and Betty loved farming and took a lot of pride in the cattle that they raised.

Robert was a Councilor and Reeve for the RM of Fisher for 17 years.  He was also a Board Member of East Interlake Conservation District and the Ashern Auction Mart.  He enjoyed visiting and meeting new people and he saw the value in working with everyone to make his community better. 

When he was younger, he enjoyed hunting moose, elk, deer and geese with his father-in-law Bill Walker, cousin Donald Grobb and numerous other friends.  As he got older, fishing became more of an off the farm priority. Last fall, he thoroughly enjoyed sturgeon fishing on the Fraser River in BC with Mark Gray, Richard Wright and Jodyne.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 1^st at 1:00 pm at the Fisher Branch Community Centre. 

Memorial Donations may be made in Robert’s memory to the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program at www.manitobafarmerwellness.ca or a charity of your choice.

aka (Carla)

January 13 / 1955 – January 24 / 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Kathy at the age of 70, at Arborg Hospital.

Kathy was survived by her husband Ted of fifty years; sons Carey, Chad and Michael; grandsons Tayson and Landon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Kathy was predeceased by her parents Robert and Kay Scott.

Mom enjoyed summers at the cottage in Grindstone. Boating and figure skating were a passion of hers. She was a figure skating instructor and skating with Toller Cranson was a highlight of her career. Planting flowers was another hobby of hers. Endless hours were spent working at the Arborg Hospital, and Arborg Bar in which she got her nickname “Carla” from Cheers.

Thank you to all the staff at HSC for all of your kind words. Paramedics Mark and Jon for all your hard work. Also to the doctors and nursing staff at the Arborg Hospital.

A family service will be held at a later date.

December 15, 1929 – January 21, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our dear Mom and Baba at the Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg.

She is survived by her six children Donna (Gord), Rose Anne (Owen), Kenny, Tommy (Bonnie), Linda (Murray), Raymond (Susan); twelve grandchildren Tyra (Darren), Trisha (Dan), Jonathan (Chantelle), Janna, Jared (Hallie), Danya (Eric), Amanda (Matt), Anthony (Stefanie), Carah (Sean), Duncan (Loida), Tyler (Diana), Julia (Nathan); and her six great grandchildren Clara, Justin, Hayley, Ember, Jack and Libby.

Also surviving her are her sister Marie, brother-in-law Victor (Charlene), sisters in law Theresa, Carol (Tom) and Helen.

Mom was predeceased by her husband John, her parents Anne and Stephan, sister Sandra, brother John and many in laws.

Mom was born in Hlyniany, Poland, third of four children. In 1939 her whole family sailed to Canada to visit her Fathers Sister and ended up staying here. The family settled in the Pleasant Home area. She loved her music which included playing her accordion at any given opportunity. On November 7^th, 1953 she married her sweetheart and travel partner John Dziedzic; together they blazed trails on the road to the west coast including southern California and the island on BC to the east throughout Ontario and down in the USA to New York.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 12 noon at the Komarno Community Hall on Second Street in Komarno, Manitoba, Pastor Dave Friesen officiating. Active Pallbearers will be her grandsons Jonathan Wedel, Anthony Dziedzic, Duncan Campbell, Jared McDonnell, Eric Meier, Matt Friesen. Honourary Pallbearers will be Tyler Metcalf, Sean Stapley, Nathan Misir, Roy Ostafichuk, Alex Shulha, Orest Rybachok, Darren Harmon.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald St Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2 or the St Mary’s Cemetery, Polson, MB in care of Theresa Capuska.

Our family would like to thank the staff at Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg for all their genuinely exceptional care and love shown to our mother; the whole front line staff of workers truly cared for Steffie aka Momma.

Vichnaya Pamyat

Dec 6, 1943 – Jan 16, 2025

Our hearts ache with immeasurable sadness as we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, Eugene Fleury on the morning of January 16, 2025.

Dad was born at home to Joseph and Eva Marie Fleury in Binscarth, MB on December 6, 1943. A proud Metis citizen, a favourite childhood treat was his mother’s Bannock and Jam. Dad described himself as troublesome, scrappy, and carefree in his youth, gaining discipline as an Air Cadet, and supported by his strong mom; he also enjoyed playing pool, baseball, and road hockey.

He lived in Zelma and Watrous, SK as well as Oakner and Hamiota, MB while growing up. Dad played junior hockey with the Watrous hockey club and was asked to try out for the WHL’s Saskatoon Quakers (Farm Team to the LA Blades) around the age of 16, but life circumstances at that time did not allow him that luxury. Dad taught himself to drive in his 1949 Ford, having lost his own father suddenly at the youthful age of 8. He had a lifelong passion for hockey, first as a player, a coach, and a lifetime fan of the WHA/NHL Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club.

He moved from Binscarth to Winnipeg in the early 1960’s where he met his best friend and love of his life, Nancy Friederici (“Nanny”) on a blind date, and the rest is history! They married on May 1, 1965, and raised 2 beautiful daughters, Laurie Eva Marie and Catherine Annette Angela, born 10 months apart. While in Winnipeg, they enjoyed league bowling, evenings with family (Thursdays were Game Nights – unless the Jets were on the Radio), weekends dancing at Assiniboine Downs with friends Fred & Marlene Nagam, Rolly and Audrey Boadway, and eating Gondola Pizza – always Thin Crust Pepperoni.  

Life was hard, but not without the rich rewards of a happy and loving household. Dad held a variety of jobs to support his young family, from working on loading docks, driving cement trucks for Building Products, eventually finding his calling as a Class 1 truck driver at Reimers & MacArthur Trucking, culminating his career as a professional award-winning driver at Kingsway Transport. Mom and Dad, never ones for city life, moved their young family to Teulon, MB in the summer of 1977, where they remained until the time of their passing.  

Some of dad’s fondest Teulon memories were leading the Teulon Tigers to the MAHA Juvenile Provincial Championship in 1983, and to the Peewee Championship in 1999-2000. Dad’s house was always full of girls (Mom, us, our friends, and even the pets); we are certain he was thrilled to have these boys to mentor. He remained well-loved and respected by his team in the years that followed.

He and Mom were the original founders of the Teulon & District Food Bank & Christmas Cheer Board (‘78), Canada Day Celebrations (est. 2000) and dad also served as the Chairperson of the Teulon & District Metis Association Inc. for many, many years, establishing a youth drop-in center and community resource center for all during his tenure. He received plaques of recognition for his service to the MMF’s Laws of the Hunt in 2002, and for his dedication to the Teulon Local and the communities they serve.

Together, they shared a lifetime of love & laughter, some hardship and immense joy along the course of their almost 60 years together. They loved deeply, challenged each other, and shared common passions for the outdoors and everything Nature had to offer. They became the ultimate power couple, loving life and becoming whatever the other needed to be throughout their time together on this earth and beyond.  Dad enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and spending as much time as he could with family, especially after mom’s sudden passing on Jan 31, 2022. He missed her deeply every day.

Dad was kind, honest, loyal, hardworking, quiet, strong, passionate, loving, caring, supportive, funny, charismatic, smart, resourceful, resilient, and so much more. He loved to tease and throw out words like “Indubitably” as though they were part of his daily vocabulary, which was always good for a laugh. He adored being a grandfather and spent countless hours with Brandy and Nikki, pulling them in a cart behind the garden tractor back in a simpler time, catching suckers in the Spring ditches, or teasing them relentlessly until Mom made him stop. They had numerous nicknames for all of us – Laurie (“Lou” or “Lo”), Cathy (“Capper” or “Tigger”), Brandy (“Mushmouse” or “Bandit”), and Nikki (“Nik” or “Nikster”). There were many more, but for the sake of preserving our collective dignity, we’ll just leave it there! 

It is impossible to appreciate the essence of a man in a few short sentences but just maybe you can gain an understanding of how important he was to every person whose life his touched. They instilled lifelong values in us all, values that we cherish and will all carry forth and pass on for lifetimes to come.

Dad was pre-deceased by his loving wife Nancy, father Joseph, mother Eva, brother Maurice/SIL Agnes, sister Mary/BIL Mel, BIL Pete, grandson Christopher, and other beloved family members, too numerous to list.

Left to mourn his passing are his daughters Laurie (Tim Verdone), Cathy (Keith Halmrast), granddaughters Brandy (Tony Stark) and Nikki (Martin Dobson), along with his great-grandchildren Toni, Marley, and Jack. His sister Kate Venne, his brother Allan Ducharme (Lorna), and their families. He also leaves his step-grandchildren and their spouses/families: Megan (Darius, Rae-Anne), Alexandra (Elizabeth) and Tyler (Kristy, Harrison).  Much love and acknowledgement to all sides of our beautiful family and their extended families, including Mom’s life-long best friend, Ellie Hodges of Mission BC, who was like a sister to our dad.  

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the two teams of paramedics and RCMP who worked so hard to change the outcome. With sincere gratitude to Constable Janis Kelly – your compassion and empathy will soon not be forgotten.  

In accordance with Dad’s wishes, Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life and interment with Mom will occur sometime in the summer of 2025.  

In lieu of flowers, a donation to your local food bank or shelter in their honour would be appreciated.

The finality of losing both parents is hard, but we find solace in knowing you and Mom are together again, as it has always been. Your everlasting love is a testament to the boundlessness of time.

Loves last gift, Remembrance.

Peacefully, on January 12, 2025, Robert (Bob) Frederick Brian Boyd passed away. He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Marvel Boyd; sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Les deLaroque; daughter-in-law, Jane; and grandchildren, Matthew and Jennifer. Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 65 wonderful years, Lorraine, their children Howard (Heather), Jamie (Cathy), Kathy (Luke), and Roberta (Larry), 15 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren who brought endless joy to his life.

Born on October 1, 1938, in Stonewall, Manitoba, Bob grew up on the family farm in Argyle and attended school there till Grade 11. He then completed Grade 12 at Warren Collegiate while also driving the school bus. After graduating from Teacher’s College in 1958, Bob married Lorraine Fairchild in 1959. Together, they built a loving home and started their family.

Bob’s teaching career spanned Rosser, Myrtle, Jefferson Junior High, and finally Warren Elementary, where he taught from 1968 to 1993. Known for his enthusiasm and dedication, he often led spirited student games at lunch and left a lasting impact on his community and students.

Beyond teaching, Bob was deeply involved in community service. He founded Scouts in Myrtle, led 4-H, served as a Lay Reader with the Anglican Church, a member of Elks and coached baseball. During this time, he earned a Bachelor of Pedagogy and Pre-Master’s in Educational Administration, while also managing the family farm.

In retirement, Bob continued to serve his community, leading the Interlake Youth Justice Program, piloting provincial assessment tests, serving as RO for Elections Manitoba, marriage commissioner and co-founding the Warren and District Lions Club. He also enjoyed hobby farming and competing in pony chuckwagon and chariot racing. Above all, his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Rosewood Lodge for their compassionate care. A private family celebration of life will be held later. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice, honoring a remarkable man who lived a full and meaningful life.

January 4, 1937 – January 8, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Frank Dziedzic at the age of 88 years old.  Left to cherish his memory is daughters Dana (Walter) Stewart, grandsons Duncan and Cameron and Darci (Ken) Loehmer, granddaughters Ella and Alexa.  Survived by sisters Theresa and Carol and brother Victor. Predeceased by wife Diane Dziedzic.

Born in 1937 in Polson, MB family was the most important thread to his life.  Having come from a family of 23 kids was a great point of pride for him.  How they all preserved in life and succeeded. 

Frank was a cattle rancher his entire life, first with his brothers, then marrying Diane in 1968 and buying their first farm in Komarno.  From modest beginnings with their tiny house with no running water to raising their daughters at Oak Hammock Ranch, moving there in 1978. 

The Ranch were dad’s best years, he was strong, and the farming was good.  2500 acres of beautiful hay land with no stones!  The work ethic Dad was raised with was passed on to his girls. In all aspects of his life family came first.  Working side by side, or sharing a meal, dad just wanted to be together.

 He loved a good time.  His favorite was sitting around a kitchen table surround by his friends and family.  He made sure they traveled ever winter to somewhere hot.  Retirement to Whytewold and winters in Mexico led to moving to Stonewall and being Winter Texans. Their final home was in Lion’s Manor in Stonewall.

Dad was always content with his life and his family.  He wasn’t impressed by how much you had in your bank account but by the work ethic and compassion you showed to others. He loved to talk, there was always a story to be shared.  He really was humble and kind.

Thank you for the life you gave us. 

If friends or family so desire, donations can be made to the Interlake Community Foundation, Box 1575, Stonewall, MB, R0C 2Z0.

A celebration of Frank’s life will be held on January 17, 2025 at the Teulon Rockwood Community Centre, 14 Main Street, Teulon, MB at 12 pm.  Pallbearers will be nephews Tom Dziedzic, Raymond Dziedzic, Randy Dziedzic, Leonard Dziedzic, Larry Dziedzic and Jason Allen.

On January 7th, 2025 surrounded by love, Rita Smith passed away.

Left to mourn her passing is her husband of 55 years, John Smith, her children Shane and Gail Smith, Braxton and Robin Smith, Morgan Smith and Jonathan Hoeppner, Carol and Johnny Vermeer, grandchildren Brooke (James), Zachary (Gabi), Deaken, Hyde, Mavis and Miriam. Her siblings Wade and Sharon Benjaminson, Patricia Benjaminson and David Murray, Jeanne Benjaminson and Marlon Persaud, Sister- in- law Cheryle (Mike), lifelong friends Jan and Barry Bremner, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews and many close friends.

Rita was born In Winnipeg in 1947, the middle child of loving parents Fred and Mavis Benjaminson, with two older brothers and two younger sisters.  They were a very a close family and remained so all her life.  Family was always the most important thing to Rita, which of course included pets.  She loved riding her childhood pony Smokie all over Kirkfield Park, including into her school which got her suspended.  She often shared memories of holding hands with her grandpa, walking around his vast gardens, and growing up by the Assiniboine River, finding wild flowers, and all sorts of creatures to scare her beloved sisters with.  

Rita attended Westwood high school, where she met her husband John Smith.  They were quite the power couple. John, the big strong football player from Brooklands and the beautiful, blond tom boy.  They were married in 1969, and moved to Dugald Road, with their 2 Saint Bernards, and added some horses, had lots of legendary parties still talked about and welcomed their first son Shane.

She went to Red River to become a Lab Technologist, and she loved her career.  She worked at Cadham Lab, Children’s Hospital, Deer Lodge with her Mother Mavis, and then spent 28 years working at Teulon Hospital where she also became an x-ray tech.  Her bubbly personality made her popular with the patients, and her skill and knowledge were admired by her co-workers. She also trained lab students for RRC. She spent countless nights and weekends on call, driving back roads at all times of night, in every kind of Manitoba weather, and the vast majority of the time did it happily.  

In 1974, they moved to an  acreage  near Argyle, and this became their forever home.  Here they added more horses, chickens, many dogs the size of horses and cats the size of dogs. They also welcomed Braxton and Morgan.  They loved being in their beautiful yard and working in their huge gardens, going for walks, and cross country skiing.  She loved hosting  BBQ’s and bonfires, going to Twin Beaches, and Hillside Beach, and spending time with family and friends. 

Rita loved to travel and took many family trips to California, and Western Canada to spend time with friends and family.  Her and John also took two trips to England, the Mediterranean, and 2 trips to Thailand, and a memorable Mother daughter trip to Churchill.

She loved her family more than anything and was the best Mother.  She was thrilled to become a grandmother and then overjoyed to be a great grandmother.  Nothing made Mom happier than being around babies and children. She 

She was tough as nails, and faced adversity with grit and always a beautiful smile on her face.  Through cancer, surgeries, broken bones, and even a horse falling on her, that smile never failed.  It stayed the same when she was diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Dementia and Primary Progressive Aphasia.  The last few years were tough, but she still delighted in the sun on her face, northern lights, flowers, good food, and especially in her family. She was so happy to live with her two young granddaughters for the last years of her life. She was eternally optimistic and always chose to be happy.  

To know her was to love her.  She will be so missed and always loved.  A celebration of life will take place in May.

We her family would like to thank the entire staff of Rosewood Lodge in Stonewall.  The Nurses, recreation workers, office staff, dietary aides, housekeepers, every person in that building  showed her the compassion and love she deserved and that was a lot.  You preserved her dignity, and took the stress off of us, and we can’t thank you enough.  

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, please consider donating to The Alzheimer’s Society or to The Cancer Society. 

(nee Specaluk)

September 5, 1951 – January 6, 2025

It is with deep sadness we the family, announce the passing of Brenda Marie Hamaberg on January 6, 2025, at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre.

                                                                                                                                                                           Brenda leaves to mourn and cherish her memory, her husband of 54 years Wayne; daughter Wanda, grandson Cody and son Dwayne. She also leaves her older brother Larry (Beryl) Specaluk, her sister Valerie (Rick) Reykdal, younger brother Tim (Patty) Specaluk, sister-in-law Faye Shalagon and nephews and nieces to numerous to mention.

She was predeceased by her parents Stanley and Olga Specaluk; her in-laws Roger and Lillian Hamaberg; sister-in-law Katheryn Smaldon and brother-in-law Mike Shalagon.

Brenda was born in Gimli and raised in Winnipeg Beach where she went to school.  She moved to Norris Lake when she met and married Wayne.  She had numerous jobs including Bill & Bea’s, Promo Wear, Inwood and Teulon Golf Course and finished her working career at the Teulon Elementary School where she was an educational assistant.  She was a member of the IPCCC. She loved camping, the outdoors and especially gardening.  You could always find her in her flower beds.  Bingo was always a good time with her crew from Norris Lake carpooling to Inwood. In the last couple years to recent she enjoyed cheering on her great nephew Blaze and the Teulon Tigers.

 But without a doubt her favorite time was spending it with family.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Brenda’s life will take place later this year in the summer.

 In lieu of flowers donations can be made to your choice of charity.

At this time the family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr Loudon and staff in Teulon. The doctors and nursing staff at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre for their care and kindness; and to the family and friends of the community for their out-pouring of support and kindness.

There were seven Spanish Angels
At the Altar of the Sun
They were prayin’ for the lovers
In the Valley of the Gun
When the battle stopped, and the smoke cleared
There was thunder from the throne
And seven Spanish Angels
Took another angel home