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William Thomas Farguson

December 23, 1942 – April 10, 2019 It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Bill (Tom) Farguson on April 10, 2019 at his winter home in Inwood, Mb. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 53 years, Bette, his children, Bryon (Sue) Farguson, Lorraine (Darren) Cassan, Brenda (Wade) Martinussen and his grandchildren [Will and Jessica Farguson, Jaimi Farguson (Cody and great grandson Jacob), Justyn, Devon and Brett Cassan, and Brad, Alex and Samantha Martinussen. Bill is survived by his sister Leone (Dutchie) Loman and brother Murray (Jan) as well as several brother and sisters-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Bill will be missed by the many lifelong friends he made through his 76 years while growing up in rural Brandon, his years with Manitoba Hydro, later running his own businesses, Rockwood Wiring (Interlake) and Northern Comfort (The Pas), working with Swampy Cree Tribal Council (Opasquiak Cree Nation) and holding numerous teaching positions throughout Manitoba. As per Bill’s wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service. A come and go gathering will take place on Saturday, April 20th from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at the Balmoral Community Hall in Balmoral, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stoke Foundation.

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Jean Hendrickson

May 18, 1930 – April 10, 2019 Jean Frances Hendrickson (born Jennie Sklepowych) was born at home on May 18, 1930. Her parents, Rose Negrych and Nykola Sklepowich, were Ukrainian immigrants. Her mother came to Canada as a child with her family, her father immigrated alone as a young man. They met, married, and farmed in the Venlaw area near Gilbert Plains, Manitoba. Jean was a twin, but her sister did not survive the birth, and Jean forever felt something was missing in her life. She had three older brothers and five older sisters, all of whom predeceased her, and a younger sister, Zita, who survives her. Jean is survived by her six daughters, Barbara, Kathy (Allan), Susan (Terry), Lorna, Karla, and Jennifer (Gord), and her son Henry; and her grandchildren Anthony (Lorraine) Hendrickson; Jonas, Aaron, and Kieran Hendrickson-Gracie; Jane, Thor, and Hanna Hendrickson-Rebizant; Kristin Hendrickson; Nick and Claire Pankiw; Adam, Matthew and Peter Revel; and Luke Hendrickson. Jean is also survived by her sister-in-law Bernice and many much loved nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Jean lived on her family’s farm near Gilbert Plains, excelling in school, playing ball, and making lifelong friends, until her mother’s death in 1948. She moved with her brothers and sisters to Winnipeg and had many stories about life on Young Street. She started grade 12 at United College, but decided instead to teach on permit at Oatfield, a one room school near Eriksdale. Jean loved that year in Oatfield and believed her year there helped her get through the grief of her mother’s death and to grow up. She returned to Winnipeg to finish high school at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate, then went to teach, again on permit, at Cossette School in Inwood. There she would meet Wallace Hendrickson, a handsome and slightly wild young Swede, who most likely literally swept her off her feet. After a year in Normal School to train as a teacher (class of ’52), Jean taught for a year at St. Daniel School near Carman. Jean married Wallace on July 4, 1953 and taught for two years at Pembina Crest School in Winnipeg before she and Wallace, with baby Barbara, moved to Wekusko for a northern adventure. Five years later they returned to Winnipeg, now with four little girls, and lived in the house at 736 Warsaw Avenue. The next move, but not before two more girls joined the family, was on January 1, 1967, to a farm near Narcisse. Henry was born after this move, and Jean and Wallace would live out their days on the farm. There were years of hard work on and off the farm, (Jean returned to teach in Inwood) and watching her children grow up, her daughters move away, and her son take over the farm. Jean lived through the most exciting of times. This world has changed so much over the past nine decades. Jean was always learning, whether in classes, reading, watching television, and listening to the radio, or from the people who graced her life. She was interested in all world issues, politics and in most sports, and she had an opinion on everything. Jean loved a good joke and always had a joke to share. She loved her garden and her flowers. She loved meeting new people and her Jean’s home was always a welcoming place. The coffee was always strong, the food was always delicious, the company and conversation were always good. Rarely did a day pass without someone stopping by for business or pleasure. Our mother was smart and strong and determined and hard working. She was kind and supportive and loyal. She was proud of her family, of her home, of her life. She had lifelong friends but made new friendships quickly and easily. She was a cherished teacher to so many children. She was a special daughter, and a loving sister and a wonderful friend. She had a long, successful marriage and worked side by side with our dad, before he passed away in 2016. She was a really good person. And mostly, to us, her seven children, she was a wonderful mother. Our mother had a full and blessed life. We like to think that our mother died peacefully and satisfied, without any great regrets. She was a woman of great faith and was not afraid to die, but she loved the life she lived. Lorna and Kristin were with her as she left this Earth. Our lives will never be the same, but we are so blessed to have had her for as long as we did. We will hold her dearly in our hearts. A family memorial will be held at a later date. Memorial donations, if desired, can be made to the Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Inwood, Manitoba; or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.

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Donald Gustave Lorentz

It is with great sadness that we announce Donald Gustave Lorentz passed away on April 8, 2019 at Concordia Hospital at the age of 73 after a lengthy illness and fall. All who knew Don in his final years of failing health marveled at his courageous attitude and ability to persevere through it all. Don’s loving wife Joan of 52 years, sons Cory (Sherrie) and their children Kaden, Braelynn and Ashton, as well as Chris (Stacy) and Chris’s children TJ and Austin and Stacy’s children Cam and Nate, remember Don. His sister Audrey (Kelvin) and brother Bob (Karen) survive Don. His parents Gustave and Alma Lorentz predeceased Don. Don was born in Winnipeg on June 6th, 1945. He attended school and graduated from Tech Voc High School. At a very early age he worked part-time for the City of Winnipeg. In 1970 he was offered full time employment. He operated specialty heavy equipment, became a foreman and was later elevated to foremen-3 position until his retirement. Don retired after 47 ½ years of service with the City of Winnipeg. Don found great enjoyment and pleasure by visiting family and friends, good food, and as he said, good company. His grandchildren were his greatest joy; he loved spending time with them. Don was a lifetime member and board member of Lutheran Church of the Cross. We recognize Neil & Erna Martin and Jules & Heather Brunel as Honorary Pallbearers. At Don’s request, he wished to have his grandchildren, two sons, and Brian Colbert to be Pallbearers. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday April 15, 2019 at Wojcik Funeral Chapel, 1020 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB. Viewing will take place prior to the Service. Interment will be the following day at Windsor Cemetery in Teulon, MB with the immediate family.

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Joan Rita Henke

nee (SCHARF) Heaven has called back its most precious angel. Our hearts break to announce the passing of Joan Henke, AKA “Mama” on April 1, 2019. For over 60 years she was the better half of the “Duo” known as Mama and Willie. Mama was raised in Oak Pointe, MB and was the youngest of 10 children. She met the love of her life when she moved to Winnipeg for work when she was a teenager. The duo was meant to be together and they used to joke that a Scharf was marrying a Henke. Joan and Wilf spent their working life in Winnipeg but going to the lake was a huge part of the Henke families’ life. From the time the boys were young, Joan and Wilf made sure to spend every weekend enjoying the splendor of life at the cottage, first at Spruce Sands and then at their retirement home on the lake in Arnes, MB. There have been so many memories, so much love and friendship that have developed over the years that it will forever remain a cherished place for so many. Joan is survived by her soul mate Wilfred, their 2 children Darrell and Shawn, her much loved daughters-in-law Susan and Robyn and many loving nieces and nephews. What is important to know about Joan is that she was truly the most loving and altruistic person anyone could know. Words cannot describe the truly angelic person she was. She honestly wanted the best for others, not just because it was the right thing to do, but because she truly cared more about her friends and family than she cared about anything else, a quality we all aspire to. Before Joan passed she made a point to ask us to say thank you for the love and support expressed by her friends and family. She wanted you to know she loves you all and appreciates everything. She also wanted us to express her thanks to the staff of Ward H3 at The Health Science Centre for the amazing care and compassion that was shown not only to Mama, but the entire family. As per Joan’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Donations in Mama’s memory may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba or any charity that helps animals.

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Lawrence Hawryluk

July 22, 1937 – March 30, 2019 Surrounded by the love and care of his family, Lawrence passed away peacefully, after a long battle with cancer. Lawrence will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Helen, his children, Darcy (Elise), Darrell (Melody), and Darlene (Trevor), his grandchildren Derek (Stephanie), Megan (Luke), Niki (Jarius), and Michael (Krista), his great-grandchildren, Jayce and Owen, and his eight brothers and sisters and their families. Special thanks to Donnie and Sally for their ongoing presence and love. Lawrence was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Celia Hawryluk, and his brother, Albert. An Interlake boy, Lawrence soon met and married the love of his life, Helen. They eventually settled in Winnipeg where they raised their family. Lawrence worked at Versatile Farm Equipment for over 31 years. Lawrence enjoyed wood-working, working on cars, and camping, but his greatest treasures were his family, kids and grandkids. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 1:00 pm at Odd Fellow’s Hall, 374 1 St W, Stonewall, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations can be made to Children’s Wish Foundation. Our sincere gratitude to the staff of H4 at HSC and the staff of Cancer Care.

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Alfred Sutton

Peacefully in the early morning of March 29th 2019, Alfred Sutton passed away at Stonewall Hospital at the age of 90. Alfred lived with Parkinson’s for decades, but lived a good life through his Doctors care, determination and positive outlook. He is survived by his wife Bernice Sutton of 61 years and sister Doris in England who will soon be celebrating her 100th Birthday. Also his son Keith (Jean), daughter Lynette (Derek) White, and niece Joyce (David) Pelletier and grandchildren Bradley, Benjamin, Stephen, Leontine, Carl, Natalie, Simon and Allison. Born Mar 21, 1929 in Crewe, Cheshire, England. He was a lad from the farm who at 17 years old joined the Royal Air Force on November 11th 1946 on Arthur, his father’s Birthday (Remembrance Day). He was trained as a mechanic fitter and served with the RAF for 8 years traveling to many countries in Europe, Africa and India, some of which no longer exist. He learned to sail in Southern Rhodesia, South Africa and off the coast of Karachi in future Pakistan, drove a motorcycle in England, all before leaving the RAF and immigrating to Canada in 1956. After working as a heavy equipment mechanic on the Pine Tree Line (Radar) he met Bernice at a YMCA Square Dancing Evening in Winnipeg and soon after married in 1958. He continued to work as a mechanic while raising a family, learning to skate, volunteer coaching (19 years) and among many things was a leading contributor in the establishment of Ringette Canada earning him a place in the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. The Funeral Service will be held at Stonewall Quarry Park Heritage Arts Centre, on Saturday, April 6 at 1:00 p.m. and his final resting place will be Lilyfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson’s research would be most appreciated as over 20+ of his life has been enjoyed because of their efforts. The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude that’s to Dr Hobson of Deer Lodge Hospital, Interlake Home Care, Stonewall Hospital and Staff, and Dr Sahari for the dedication, professionalism and care that has made Alfred and the family’s last days together peacefully and memorable.

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Garth W. Ellis

April 16, 1951 – March 23, 2019 It is with unbearable sorrow we have sent our dear Garth home to be with his Lord and Savior. Garth left us on Saturday, March 23rd, 2019. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Laureli; sons Kevin (Lori-Ann), Trevor (Cathy); grandchildren Marisa, Katrina, Rebecca, Trevor Jr; brothers Ken (Sharon), Russell (Ivy), sisters- in -law Joan and Gerry. Mother- in- law Regna (mom 48 years) sisters -in- law Debby (Sheldon), Valdean (Darwin), Kelly (Rob), uncle Eric & aunty Olie. So many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and incredible friends. Predeceased by his parents Joseph and Elizabeth, siblings: Bruce, Dorothy, George, Marg, & Gordon, father- in- law Lawrence Bezo. Garth grew up in Foxwarren, MB. Garth and Laureli (Bezo) married March 6th, 1971 and were blessed with sons Kevin & Trevor. Garth was a very talented and respected manager of the meat department at the Courts IGA. He finished his career at Price Choppers. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 30th at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Lutheran Church at 871 Cavalier Dr., Winnipeg.

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Olga Blahey

It is with sad and heavy hearts; our family announces the sudden and peaceful passing of Olga Blahey on Mar 22, 2019 at the age of 79 years. Olga will be lovingly remembered by her husband Bruce of 36 years, and her daughters Sharon (Terry), Alexis and Megan; Karen (Mike), Kailey (Bradley), Brett & Brooke; Kathy (Phil), Braeden and Brielle. Her brothers Michael (Anne), Bernie (Louise), and sister Clara. Sisters- in -law Anne & Inez, brothers & sisters- in- law and nieces & nephews. Mom was predeceased by our father Walter in 1978; her parents Joseph & Mary, brothers Paul, Walter & Lenard and sister-in-law Liz. Mom was born October 4, 1939 and she was the third eldest in a family of seven. She attended Rembrandt School and completed her education at Churchill High & Teachers College. Mom taught in one room school houses until the amalgamation in 1967. After this she joined the family business, Arborg Bakery where she carried on until 1983. Mom loved her home, garden, and best of all cooking for her family. Her grandchildren loved her perogies, borscht, and her special baking that she did for each one of them. During her life she was active in her community, mom was a lifelong member of the Legion Ladies Auxiliary branch, where she was awarded with a forty-year service award for being treasurer. Mom was also a very active member of St. Philips Roman Catholic Church in Arborg, and in the Chatfield Community Club as a treasurer & volunteer worker. Mom also enjoyed volunteering and spending time with the ladies from Meleb Park. Those who knew mom, knew she poured her heart into everything she was involved with. A prayer service will be held on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at 7:30 pm at Fisher Branch Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church. Funeral service will be held on Monday, April 1, 2019 at 10:30 am at Fisher Branch Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church Fisher Branch, Manitoba. Pallbearers will be Terry Wolbaum, Mike Oxenforth, Phil VanderZalm, Wayne Blahey, Paul Humeny and Bradley Mutchmor. Interment to follow at Meleb Cemetery on Highway 7. Mom will be treasured forever in our hearts. Goodbye Olga, Mom we were blessed to have you in our lives. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Heart & Stroke Foundation or OHEYS Autism Programs.

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Michael Leochko

July 21, 1960 – March 21, 2019   After a short and courageous battle with cancer, with his family at his side, and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Michael William Leochko on the early morning of March 21, 2019, at the age of 58, at the Health Science Centre Winnipeg. Left to mourn his passing his loving family, wife Karen, sons, Jasper (Skylar) & Zak; mom Theresa, sister Sherry & Tom Pedlow, brother Billy & Bev Leochko, children Devin & Samantha; mother- in- law Mary Bernice Swedlo, Sharron & Paul, Janice & Barrett, Jenn & Pete, Sandy & Billy, Kalon and Alysha, Connor & Carlea, Jim, Joyce, Jack and Wendy, Blake and Janelle, Johl & Keelan; aunties, Annette, Cecile, Yvonne, Agnes, and Rita( Tata); numerous cousins and lifelong friends. Michael was predeceased by his Dad Walter (Slim) Leochko, infant brother (baby), Nephew Kyle, father- in- law Pete Swedlo, and many aunties and uncles, cousins & friends. In 1991 Michael married Karen and took over the family farm. Michael also worked at the Department of Highways since 1983. From shoveling asphalt, to filling holes, snow plowing and eventually became the sub-forman. Along the way made he many friends and many stories to be told. In Michael’s spare time he enjoyed snowmobiling, playing a good poker game, fishing, camping, a hunting guide and an overall avid hunter. The best achievement for Michael were his two sons Jasper and Zak. They were the highlight of his life, from going to baseball, hockey and curling games, feeding the buffalo or just a tour around to look for deer or elk, which he didn’t have far to go. Having the two of them achieve awards for their deer horns, so early in life is quite the accomplishment because who knows when the next time will be. Michael was a hard worker and always ready to lend a helping hand wherever needed, even in the kitchen. Michael and his Mom made perogies and were successful, even making the cabbage ones (and good at that). His forever all- time favourite, and will be missed, his head cheese, he was particular and done to a “T”. From going to King Buck for coffee, or just having a visit with friends, Michael was well- liked, a smile on his face (or that grin look). He will be sadly missed by many, forever in our hearts. A celebration of Michael’s life will take place Friday, March 29 at 1:00 p.m. in Poplarfield Community Hall, with Shirley Williams officiating. Burial will take place at the Poplarield Community Cemetery. Pallbearers: Kalon Jonasson, Jenn Humeny, Tony Welsh, Gary Kochan, Lawrence Staska and Wayne Pokrant. Honorary Pallbearers: Paul Humeny, Donny Wallach and Larry Leschynschyn. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, you could make a donation to Terry Fox Foundation. We would like to thank the staff at Arborg & District Health along with Dr. Donnelly, plus at the Health Science Centre. Also thank you all who helped while Michael was sick and during the hospital stay. Words can’t express the gratitude!!! Never be forgotten.

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Robert White

Peacefully on March 21st, 2019 Robert William Melvin White peacefully passed away at Rosewood Lodge in Stonewall Manitoba. Born on June 25th, 1937, Bob is survived by his sons Derek (Lynette) and Dain (Kristine) and his grandchildren Leontine, Carl, Taylor and Konner. Predeceased by parents Mel and Eva (Barker), daughter Darla in 2007 and wife Vivian (Halen) in 2017. Bob was born in Winnipeg in June 1937 and went to school at Phipps School until grade 9 when he took over their dairy farm at the young age of 15 and milked cows for 42 years. Bob was an active member of the community and served on many organized boards over his life time including counselor for the RM of Rosser for 12 years. As a long- time member of the South Interlake Rockwood Agriculture Society Bob was involved in many projects on the ag grounds. He also liked to collect and restore antique tractors, trucks and toy farm equipment which lead Bob into being one of the founding members of the Rocklands Antique club. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 27th, 2019 @ 1:00 PM at the Stonewall Legion. Donations, in lieu of flowers can be sent to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3L 0K6. Special thanks goes out to the hard working staff at Rosewood Lodge in Stonewall who worked hard to keep Bob healthy, happy and comfortable in the last years of his life.