December 30, 2024

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Robert Barry Snell (Bob), December 30, 2024.

Bob was born on January 17, 1949, the first of six children of Lloyd and Marion Snell (deceased). He was also pre-deceased by a sister, Linda and brother, Russ.

Left to mourn his passing are his brother Ken (Francine), sister-in-law Laura, and sisters Tracy (Todd) and Bev (Ken) as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews, and friends.

Bob was born in Manitoba, lived for a time as a youth in Puntzi, B.C. and then with his grandparents, William and Myrtle Napper, in Stonewall during his high school years. As a young adult, Bob worked for Manitoba Hydro in Gillam and Long Spruce. He soon moved to Alberta and worked at Esso for many years, and later other companies that performed plant shutdowns. Bob was also proud to have worked on the world’s largest offshore oil platform, the Hibernia oil rig near the end of his career.

Our brother exemplified many family characteristics. He was intelligent, witty, stubborn, and skilled in ways that enabled him to take care of things that needed attending. Oh, and he was a bit of a trickster! Shared memories include those where Bob snuck out the second floor window of the Napper’s in order to go uptown in Stonewall to buy smokes and hang out; deflating tires to allow a car to take Bob and friends on a railroad joy ride, and also pretending to be asleep as the rest of the family left for holiday get-togethers, only to arrive there before everyone else! He was very giving, often treating the family to dinner at the Round Table for mom’s Boxing Day birthday.

He really did like to surprise people. Sometimes he would meet up with travelers at the train station, show up to surprise his parents at a special anniversary, or call you up just to sing a friendly ‘Happy birthday.’ Ken recalls Bob travelling to Prince George to see the drag races as he put the Falcon through its paces. Bob liked fast cars too! He had an MG that came to an end just north of Winnipeg (long story) as well as a pretty fancy (and fast) Mazda.  One time, Bob was on the receiving end of a not so happy surprise when he had a too close encounter with a moose. He was a lucky man to have escaped that with just a few bruises, not so, the moose!

Bob was adventurous. Tracy remembers the excitement of going to the airport to pick up Bob when he arrived home from some locale. He seemed like an exotic world traveler, even though he may have been returning from Manitoba’s north. He did become a world traveler, going to Hawaii, and later exploring all that Portugal had to offer and more. He enjoyed camping in Canada and the United States and checking in on snowbird friends in Arizona and Texas, usually with his friend, Ron. One time, Bob even rented a Harley and rode down the coast of California.

Speaking of being adventurous, when Bob lived in Alberta, he wanted to build a house and live off-grid. With a little help from Dad and Russ the house went up and Bob managed pretty well with coal/wood stove, solar panels, and windmill. He even managed to bake shortbread cookies on one of his stoves!

Bob enjoyed skiing. This may have begun while being pulled behind a snowmobile up and down the lane, but then extended to cross country and downhill excursions. Bob once treated Bev to a winter vacation and opportunity to try skiing at Lake Louise and Sunshine mountains.

With Russ, Bob attended a major airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Both had their private pilots’ licenses, so they found a common interest at the airshow. This was another way they both got to ‘go fast!’

After the passing of our dad, Bob moved back to Manitoba to help with mom’s care. He seemed to enjoy that quiet life. In addition to taking care of Mom and her dog Pal, he would pick up the daily paper to work on his puzzles and engage in a bit of gossip with Jack at the store or ride his bicycle in Argyle. (We suspect he liked to chat up some of the lady walkers there too!)  Bob would take Mom on outings such as supper at the Rock or the Hitching Post, attend community teas, view historical buildings or anything else he thought might interest her. Mom loved to play the piano by ear, and Bob showed some musical ability too, playing ‘In the Mood’ and singing ‘King of the Road.’

After Mom’s passing, Bob returned to life as a bachelor, this time in Stonewall, Manitoba. He continued to pick up the paper daily, perhaps stop by Sigs or Chicken Chef for a coffee as he worked a puzzle and later making his way for supper, again to The Rock.

Bob was quiet, and sometimes boisterous. He lived life his way and as he often said, things were, “tickety boo!”

Cremation has taken place, and a private family gathering will occur in the spring. In lieu of donations, please remember to tip your server at The Rock.

September 5, 1945 – December 24, 2024

Peacefully, after a lengthy illness, Ruth Adeline Blahey (nee Fedorchuk) passed away at the Arborg Personal Care Home early Christmas Eve morning at the age of 79.

Ruth is survived by her sons Michael (Thelma), Bradley (Debbie) and her beloved grandchildren Dawson (Leah), Brooke (C.J.) and Steven. She will be missed by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, David Wabick, Victoria Fedorchuk, Carl Blahey, Gail Blahey and Louise and Bernie Sobie along with nieces and nephews Suzanne, Pam, Monica, Lorrie, Kelly, Jennifer, Stephany, Tiffany, James, Darryl, Jeffrey and their families. Ruth’s cousins, neighbors and friends will all miss her.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband David (2022), her parents John and Sophie Fedorchuk, her sister Christine Wabick, brother Gordon Fedorchuk, brother-in-law Jim Blahey, sister-in-law Sandra Leschyshyn and David’s parents Steve and Marie Blahey.

Ruth was born in the Gimli Hospital September 5, 1945. Her family lived in Silver where she attended Hastings School and Arborg Collegiate for high school. After high school she took a job in Winnipeg and would come out on the weekends to see her family and David. She and David were married July 19, 1969 in Winnipeg. They settled on the farm in Skylake where they spent their entire married life together.

Ruth was very close to her family and enjoyed supporting events in the Silver and Chatfield communities with her family. She enjoyed growing flowers, feeding the birds and watching the wildlife in the area. She and David did some travel across Western Canada to visit family as well as one memorable trip to St. Kitts.

After David’s passing, she made the move to town to the Assisted Living complex in Arborg. She so enjoyed living there and making and renewing friendships. However, as her health declined, she spent more time in the hospital and eventually a move to the care home was required.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Silver Community Hall with interment to follow in the Skylake Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice are appreciated.

A very big Thank You to all the doctors and nurses at Arborg and Gimli Hospital who always took such good care of Ruth. To all the homecare, assisted living and homecare staff, the family thanks you for always making Ruth feel comfortable. Many thanks to Ken Loehmer for his caring and support at this difficult time.

Vichnaya Pamyat

November 2, 1939 – December 22, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Merv passed away peacefully at Goodwin Lodge, Teulon, Manitoba at the age of 85.

He is predeceased by his wife of 52 years; Lyle in 2013. He will be lovingly remembered by his children Todd (Crystal), Terri (Dale) and Brent (Joanne) along with his grandchildren Derek, Niki, Robyn, Devin, Kelsey and great grandchildren Jayce, Amy, Owen, Karsyn and Isaac.

He is survived by his sister Eileen Wonnick, sister-in-law Myrna (Ross) Malcolm, sister-in-law Eileen Campbell in addition to many nieces and nephews.

Merv was born and raised in Teulon, where he met Lyle. They were married on October 7, 1961. He was employed as a welder in his early years with Joy Manufacturing until they moved back to the farm where he was raised as a child. He continued to farm for many years to come. We will always remember Dad tinkering with something, fixing almost anything, and building or creating things he wanted. Growing up on the farm created so many wonderful memories for us that we will always cherish.

Dad loved getting together with friends when he could; fishing and camping. Every weekend it seemed he had someone at the farm visiting; the door was always open.

Cremation has taken place and a private family ceremony will take place in the spring.

The family would like to thank the staff of Goodwin Lodge for their care, kindness and love for Dad.

“Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference in your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be the household word that it always was.”

June 4, 1940 – December 21, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our Mom, Tove Mann on Dec.21, 2024 after a brief illness. She is survived by daughter Dawn (Steve) and son Grant (David); son-in-law Gord Goresky and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by husband of 65 years George and daughters Leslie and Pamela. 

Mom was born in Inwood, Manitoba and lived her life with Dad in Stonewall, Winnipeg and B.C. 

At Mom’s request no service will be held. The family would like to thank the staff at Oakview Place in Winnipeg for the love and support shown to Mom in her final months with us. 

Rest in peace Mom

We will miss you forever and we will search the stars above for your continuing light and guidance. Your beauty, your warmth and your enduring love for us all will be remembered always. 

The family is saddened to announce his passing on December 10, 2024. Following a life marked by creativity, courage & following in the footsteps of his Lord Jesus Christ Allan (Al) passed away peacefully at the age of 93 with family by his side.

Al was born January 1, 1931 predeceased by his sister Myrtle, Parents James & Susanna Hickey & daughter Linda Thomas.  He is survived by his wife Helen of 70 years, Brother Ron (Joyce), Nieces Barb (Scott), Great Niece Madison, Nephew Kevin (Kathy), and Granddaughter Andrea (Ross), Great Granddaughters Georgina & Harriet of London England.

In his early years, due to health issues he attended high school in Iowa & Illinois while living with an uncle and then His sister. On his return to Canada he worked in a local garage to earn enough money to purchase his first car, a 1924 Model-T Ford which the family still has.  He then moved on to work with a lineman crew for Manitoba Hydro. Allan & Helen were married in 1954 & resided in Winnipeg and as the electrification of rural Manitoba was taking place in that era he would have to remain away from home for long periods.  Not ideal for newlyweds; so shortly after he changed to driving busses for Winnipeg Transit. This only lasted for less than two years and another career change.  This time to Correctional Services Canada and a move to a home near Stonewall and although he was told he would never last in this type of work he advanced to Head Social Development.  Some 30 years later he retired only to return under contract to teach a course called Breaking Barriers to both Staff & Residents, in various institutions across Canada.

After retiring Al & Helen got involved in a winter workers volunteer program for Rio Grande Bible Ministries in Edinburg Texas.

The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to Dr. Venter of Stonewall & the Doctors, Nurses & Staff of Selkirk Regional Health Centre for the compassionate & excellent care given to Al during his Stay.  During many visits he would comment on how well he was looked after.

A funeral service will take place at New Life Church, Stonewall Manitoba at 2:00 pm on Thursday Dec. 19, 2024.  Interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Rio Grande Bible Ministries, 103-2005 St. Mary’s Road Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2N 4P1

October 26, 1929 – December 9, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother, Beulah Jones, on December 9, 2024 at Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital at the age of 95.

Beulah was the youngest child, born on October 26, 1929 in Rosetown, Saskatchewan to Robert and Adelaide McCulloch. She grew up in Argyle, Manitoba as part of a loving family along with her brother Lloyd and four sisters Minnie, Verna, June and Rhoda.  The values of love, faith and community that shaped her upbringing remained central in her life.

On July 31, 1948, Beulah married Lloyd Jones of Warren. Together they raised four children: Gordon (Marie), Barb, Jerry (Deb) and Bryan (Donna).  She was a proud grandmother to Jamie (Sherry), Jacey, Jeff (Verna), Bob (Stacey), Heather (Lance), Brent (Lauren), Kelly, Nolan, Jeri-Lee (Kelvin), Myles (Stephanie) along with 19 great grandchildren, 2 great- great grandsons.  She shared in many fun times  with her special niece Darlene Campbell.

Beulah was predeceased by her husband Lloyd in 1988, son Bryan in 2008, son-in-law David Fairlie in 2019, grandson Ryan Fairlie in 2005, great granddaughter Brynlee Jones in 2021 and companion Clayton Garrioch in 2022.

Mom was a devoted member of Warren United Church, a life- long member of the Warren UCW and also a choir member for many years. She found joy and purpose in her faith-based service.  Her dedication to her church fostered lifelong friendships and brought her deep fulfillment.

Mom had a great passion for curling, sewing, knitting, crocheting, oil painting and reading in her later years.  One of her greatest joys was tending to her flower gardens and she always kept a beautiful yard which gave her a great deal of satisfaction.  After Dad passed, Mom was fortunate to become an avid traveler journeying and exploring numerous places and cultures in the world. In 1991, she built a new home in Warren and enjoyed 23 years living there until her move to Lions’ Manor in Stonewall in 2014.

Mom was a classy lady with lots of feist and will be fondly remembered by many for her good sense of humor and big smile.  Her kindness, devotion and vibrant personality left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

We would like to thank Michelle Loehmer and the Home Care staff that assisted Mom during her last year at Lion’s Manor.  A special thank you is extended to Dr. Graham and the staff at Stonewall Hospital for their care. Also a very special thank you goes to the caring staff at Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital for the wonderful care Mom received in her final year.  Also a special thank you is extended to Ken Loehmer for his professionalism and guidance.

A funeral service will be held in the spring of 2025.

In lieu of flowers, Mom’s wish was for donations to be sent to Warren United Church, Box 324 Warren, MB, R0C3E0 or a charity of one’s choice.

“If roses are growing in heaven, we will ask God to pick a bouquet for us and send them to our dear mom and grandma.”

February 9,1944 – December 3, 2024

We as Rob’s family are saddened to announce his passing on Dec. 3 at the Stonewall & District Health Centre.  Rob was predeceased by his parents Valdi and Edith Thorvardson, and a brother Sam last July.

He is survived by a brother Ken (Isabelle) children: Michelle (Randy) – Darcy, Derek, Deron (Meaghan), Son Karl (Lynette) – Jayden, Thomas, Lachan, Valerie (Craig) – Patrick (Stephanie), Hillary, Sage and Quinn, his sister Sylvia (Marcel) and a sister-in-law Beverley -Richard (Nadine) and their children – Learyk, Jerzee and Hayden as well as Danielle (Gerry).

Rob went to the Ideal School for GR.1- 8 and St Laurent School for GR 9 -11.

He then stayed on the family farm to help. Farming was certainly his greatest interest. He greatly enjoyed the haying season and spent many days helping other farmers in the area with some farming activities.

He also enjoyed working with the cattle starting with the milking herd and then went on to look after the Black Angus

Although schooling was not his favorite pastime, he did enroll in a correspondence course from a Chicago institute for an auto mechanics course and passed it with a 100%. He also took other courses to improved his mechanics, welding, or other types of farming upgrades. He repaired many farm implements to keep old machinery in working condition and spent a lot of time in the shop.

Rob lived a very simple life on the farm and made his weekly drive to town to pick up his mail or groceries. He would come to visit and attended family events.

Celebration of his life will be held at the Inwood Community Hall on Saturday, December 14 at @ 2 P.M. with Pastor David Fielder officiating. Lunch will follow and then the graveside funeral will take place.

The family extends our thanks to all the Health Professionals who have been very kind, compassionate and caring especially Dr. K. Graham, Christine at Palliative care, Cynthia and Kirsten at Home care. To all the health care personnel at the Stonewall hospital, thanks for your support. You all have done a great job and provided excellent care to us as well.

Instead of flowers any donation in Rob’s name could be made to the Stonewall Palliative Care Unit.

Thanks also to all our friends who were there for us during this difficult time to offer their help, donated food or chat.

May 9, 1935 – November 29, 2024

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of John Barbour on November 29, 2024, at the age of 89 at Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital and Care Home.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Florence (Flo); their sons Glenn (Rosa), Doug (Nicole), Calvin (Beth), and Dale; John’s daughter Bonnie from a previous relationship: his sister Ethel; grandchildren Curtis (Caitlyn), Dustin, Tessa, Santana (Carisa), Christopher (Katie), and great grandchildren: Penelope, Max, and Malcolm.

John was predeceased by his parents Jack and Ada, his sister Jean Kuran, and brothers-in-law Bob Gottfreid and Robert Kuran.

John was born on May 9, 1935, and raised on the family farm in Balmoral, Manitoba. In his youth he built a deep circle of friends that would stay with him throughout his entire life. Losing those friends over the last few years, was the hardest part of getting older for Dad.

Dad travelled and worked across the country in his youth: he went out to British Columbia for a year to work in Vancouver, and worked on telegraph lines across British Columbia and Northern Ontario. By 1959 he was back in Winnipeg and met and married Florence Allen on May 23, 1959. Life would give them 65 good years together and a family.

After getting married, Dad came out to the family farm in Balmoral and took up farming. He took provincial training, expanded the farm, and added cattle and pigs in the 1970s. Dad also began working part-time at Headingly Correctional Centre as a guard in the 1970s: a career that would quickly became full time and that would take him into retirement in the 1990s.

Work at the jail and farming kept Dad busy: but he always made time for family vacations during the summer. Some of the best vacations were with the extended family and Dad always welcomed his nieces and nephews on the farm with open arms. We travelled across Canada to the West Coast and toured the camp grounds of Manitoba and Northern Ontario before building a family cabin at Grindstone Provincial Park. Some of our fondest memories are of Dad standing around the Coleman stove—the clank of a pot touching the grill—as he cooked breakfast for us.

Dad used to say that there were beach families and non-beach families: he always made sure we were a beach family. He loved heading up to Winnipeg Beach or heading over to Lockport on the weekend to pick up a hotdog from Skinner’s or the Halfmoon Restaurant.

Dad had a knack for telling stories and giving people knick-names. He would regale his family with stories at the dinner table and his friends at the Rec Centre in Balmoral.

Retirement gave John and Flo a new lease on life and a chance to spend more time together. They spent their winters in Mexico and British Columbia, before settling into making annual trips down to Arizona. Along the way they made new friends in every community they stayed and in Arizona they joined a robust community of Balmoral snowbirds.

Dad loved golfing and some of his best retirement moments were spent travelling with his crew up to Inwood Golf Course, or to other golf courses in the Interlake, where they could spend an afternoon together and share stories about who was doing what in their community.

Dad’s last year was spent at Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital and Care Home the family deeply appreciates the care attention that the staff their provided for him.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Balmoral Community Hall, Balmoral, Manitoba.

Margaret was born in Tisdale Saskatchewan on May 23, 1937 and passed on November 26, 2024. Mom was born prematurely so, it is from those tenuous beginnings that her strong will to live and lust for life were cultivated. These strengths served her well throughout her lifetime giving her the strength to carry on when even she was in doubt.

Mom enjoyed some early years in Oak River Manitoba where she formed life long friendships that lasted the tests of time. These days as a young girl were happy times that were fondly remembered. Her teen years were spent in Steinbach MB. where her father was the local Pharmacist.

Possessing a quick mind and a quick wit. Mom entered University at the tender age of 16. Life and work interrupted the formal education; however, it did not hinder Margaret’s ability to handle a multitude of tasks.

Soon Margaret was blessed with her two children Brock and Brenda. The focus was on being a mom. This included a life changing decision to leave the city and allow her offspring to grow up in a rural environment. It was the BEST decision ever! What followed were some very great years in Springfield MB where dogs, horses and outdoor living took a priority for Margaret’s family.

During the 1990 – 2000s, Margaret settled North of the town of Inwood in the Interlake where some ranching and more dog memories were created. When the farm was sold a journey to Vancouver was in order where Mom lived until returning to the Interlake in 2016.  Mom’s time in Vancouver was treasured as she was able to spend time with her daughter Brenda.  The two enjoyed quality “mother/daughter” time with some memorable adventures thrown in as well.

“Aging is not for the faint of heart”, and this reality settled in on Mom’s life over the past 10+ years. This did not diminish that fighting spirit, the twinkle in her eye, the sense of mischief that made Mom such an interesting woman.

Mom’s final four years were spent in the excellent care of the good people at Rosewood Lodge in Stonewall MB. The family would like to express our gratitude for the kindness and understanding of all of the staff members who helped Mom over these past few years. It was heartwarming to hear the shared stories from the staff of their experiences with Mom. She was small, but mighty and made an impression. Margaret’s strength, toughness and spirit were common themes when others shared their stories. We are grateful for their kind words.

Margaret is survived by her son Brock Haywood (Susan), daughter Brenda Taylor (Ian) and sister Barbara Weatherby (Gord). As per Mom’s wishes the family will have a private memorial at a later date.