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John “Jack” William Graefer
Jack was born
in Morden, MB on Nov.13, 1927 and passed away suddenly on Nov. 28, 2003 at the age of 76 in Portage la Prairie, MB. Jack is survived by his loving wife Pearl of 52 years and children Jo-Ann, Robert (Pat) and Sandra (David), grandchildren Tanya (Grant), James (Ashley), Benji, Christy, Justin, Michael, Blake and Graham, great grandchildren Keegan and Max. Jack is survived by his sister Margaret of Winkler, MB and brother Robert (Anne) of Forestburg, AB and many special nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents William and Gladys Graefer of Winkler, MB and brother Gordon of Regina. Jack was employed in Winkler at Prairie Canners and International Harvester. He was a dedicated employee of Campbell Soup in Portage la Prairie, MB from the opening of the plant until it closed, over thirty years. While Jack was employed by Campbell Soup, he was sent to Iran to train officials on safe canning procedures. Jack enjoyed traveling with family and friends, fishing, visiting the cottage, playing cards and especially spending time with his great grandchildren. Jack was always eager to lend a helping hand to those who needed it. Funeral Service for Jack Graefer will take place at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Portage la Prairie, Monday December 1, 2003 at 1:30 pm. Pastor John Blum to led the service. Kevin Doell and Eva Korfman will sing the special music and the congregational hymns will be “How Great Thou Art”, “I Come to the Garden” and “Amazing Grace” with Eva Korfman presiding at the organ. The ushers are Terry Doell and Kevin Doell. The pallbearers will be David Boucha, Ray Doell, James Fries, Justin Graefer, Benjie Klassen and Grant Tenant. Family and friends are to gather together for the reception in the church’s lower Auditorium served by the members of the Redeemer Lutheran Church. Cremation will follow the service and a private family interment will take place at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made in Jack’s memory to the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 20-12th St. NW, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 2S6 or a charity of one’s choice. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Jack by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements.
Mary Helen Kirkwood (nee Dutson)
Peacefully at Douglas Campbell Lodge, Mary Helen Kirkwood passed away on November 23, 2003 at the age of six days short of her 95 birthday. Predeceased by her husband Lorne, three brothers James, Ernest and Gwynne Dutson and sisters Margaret Durnin, Nora Robb and Frances Forsythe, she is survived by sister-in-law Win Dutson and many nieces and nephews. Mary was born
the eldest daughter of Gwynne and Ethel Dutson and was raised in the Portage area. In 1941 she married
Lorne Kirkwood who predeceased her in 1946. Mary spent many years as a Manitoba telephone employee and retired in 1973. Mary was an active member of Trinity United Church in the UCW and the Ruth Rebekah Lodge for over 40 years and was a past noble grand. She enjoyed her many years of residence both in the Oddfellows Towers and later with her friends in the community of Douglas Campbell Lodge. Funeral Service will be held at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 2:00 pm on Thursday, November 27, 2003 with Rev. Ross Taylor officiating. Interment is to follow at Hillside Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Portage Office, c/o Catherine Newham, 103 Wilkinson Crescent, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1A7 or Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8. . A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Mary by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements.
Thomas Robert Fender
On Thursday, November 20, 2003 at the Portage District General Hospital Thomas Robert Fender passed away at the age of 69 years. Predeceased by his first wife Jean in April 1974, father Robert in 1958 and mother Minnie in 1979, Tom will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife Doris of Portage, sister Miriam (Murrey) Mitchell of Hamilton Ontario, several nephews and nieces and their families, extended family, Ruth Reid and a few other close friends. Tom worked for 18 years at Agassiz Youth Centre until ill health forced him to retire. He was a home body enjoying gardening, his pets and visiting close neighbors. We never lose the one we love For even when he’s gone Within the hearts of those who care His memory lingers on. Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Sunday evening, November 23, 2003 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, November 24, 2003 at 11:00 am at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel with The Rev. Norman Collier officiating. Interment is to follow at Hillside Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Portage Office, c/o Catherine Newham, 103 Wilkinson Crescent, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1A7 or Manitoba Lung Association, 629 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1P6. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Tom by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements.
Martha Elizabeth Minton (nee Rawlings)
Peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2003 at the Portage District General Hospital, Martha Elizabeth Minton passed away at the age of 90 years.
She was predeceased by her husband William, son Ronald, daughter Vivian Morton, brothers William, Ernest (infant), George, Oswald (Bud), Raymond, Reginald and Arthur and sisters Viola and Edith. She will be lovingly remembered by her sons William (Marjorie) of Amaranth, Arthur (Helen) of Riding Mountain and Phillip (Leanne) of Jasper Alberta, daughter Elizabeth (Bruce) Caron of Winnipeg, son-in-law Robert Morton of Winnipeg, 9 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 8step great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. She will also be remembered by her sister Emily Mayor, sister-in-law Betty Rawlings and numerous nieces and nephews.
In keeping with her wishes, there will be a Graveside service held on Friday, November 21, 2003 at 2:00 pm at St. Annes Cemetery, Poplar Point with The Rev. Brad Elliott officiating.
As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Martha’s memory to Research with Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2B7
A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Martha by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements. 857-4021
Harry Moore Gillespie
Peacefully, on Monday, November 10, 2003 at Portage General Hospital, Harry Moore Gillespie of Macdonald, passed away at the age of 96. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Violet; parents Adam and Anne Gillespie; 2 sisters, 6 brothers and daughter-in-law Sharon.
He will be lovingly remembered by sons Dale (Jo-anne) of St.Albert and Terry (Gayle) of Thomas Lake and daughter Valerie (Rick) of Macdonald. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Jeff (Nicole) and their children Amy and Ben all of Calgary; Kurt (Julia) of Calgary; Stephen (Meagan) of Vancouver; Kimberly (Dale) and their children Mackenzie and Landon all of Morden; and Erin (Gary) of Winnipeg. Harry is also survived by sisters-in-law Lillian, Dorothy and Phyllis and brothers-in-law Cecil and Kenny plus several nieces and nephews.
Harry was born
August 10, 1907 in Gladstone. In the spring of 1934, Harry rode into Macdonald with his brothers along with their horses, wagons and machinery to the Greenhalf farm on the edge of town. November 18, 1939, Harry married
Violet Blair.
They farmed in the Macdonald district until 1976.
Harry will be remembered as an active member of his community; always ready to lend a helping hand to neighbours and travellers. His passions were family, music and golf. Harry’s sense of humour will be missed by all.
Friends and family are invited for a time of viewing and visitation on Thursday evening, November 13, 2003 at 7:00 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.
A service to celebrate Harry’s life will be held at Trinity United Church, Portage la Prairie, on Friday, November 14, 2003 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Ross Taylor officiating. Internment will follow in the family plot at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
If friends so desire, donations may be made in Harry’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba. Suite 200, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3L 0K6, (204) 949-2000.
A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Harry by Mckenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements. 857-4021
Betty Lillian Mary Walmsley (nee Oliver)
On Friday, November 7, 2003 at the Portage District General Hospital Betty Walmsley, passed away peacefully at the age of 81 years. She was predeceased by her parents, Lillian and William Oliver and brother Don Oliver. Left to cherish her memory are the husband she loved – Bob Walmsley of Portage la Prairie, daughter Heather (David) Evesham of England, son Mike (Frances) of Spruce Grove Alberta, grandchildren Tanis (Jonathon), Jocelyn (Richard), Kathryn, Tommy (Dee) and Steven (Hanna), great- grandchildren Danieke, Marijke, Matthijs and Misha, sister-in-law Teddy and nieces and nephews.
Betty was born
and raised in Ilford, Essex, England. When she left school she trained as a secretary at Grays Secretarial College. From 1940-46 she served in the A.T.S. (Auxilliary Territorial Service) pioneering the then high-speed war data punch-card information retrieval system. She married
Bob in 1944 and after the war they lived in Balham, London. In 1952 she moved with the family to Morden Surrey. There she was very involved in her children’s lives and schooling. She served as a school volunteer, school “dinner mother”, school secretary, school business manager and cub-scout leader. In 1968 she realized what they all knew …that she was a teacher at heart! In 1971 she graduated from Whitelands Teaching College, emigrated to Portage with Bob, and started her successful teaching career at the Manitoba School where she worked until she retired in 1982. Betty very much enjoyed people, painting, traveling, swimming, gardening, camping/fishing (particularly at Sportsman’s Corner) and spending time with family.
In 1995 she began to fight a circulation disorder that resulted in her going to Douglas Campbell lodge in 2001. She will be remembered fondly by all as a patient, humble, loving, sensitive, appreciative, optimistic woman, full of good humor and a genuine love of people.
Bob would appreciate it if you would consider directing any expressions of sympathy to Sunset Palliative Care Inc., (Box 92 Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3A7) rather than through the sending of flowers. Thanks!
Should you have any memories of Betty that you would like to have included in a memory book, please feel free to e-mail them to mandfwalmsley@aol.com or mail them to Mike and Fran Walmsley , 1008 1st Street East, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7H 1T5.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 10:30 am on Wednesday, November 12, 2003.
A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Betty by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements. 857-4021
Jean Oscar Guiboche
On Saturday, November 8, 2003 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, Jean Oscar Guiboche, beloved husband of Paulette, father of Christina (Scott) Robertson and Natalie (Trevor) Handford and grandfather of Daylan, Logan, Landan and Tyran Robertson, passed away at the age of 75.
Funeral Mass to be held at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church, 1125 Sask. Ave, Portage la Prairie on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 2:00 pm with celebrant Father Michael Wollbaum. Viewing will be prior to the service at 1:30 pm.
As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Jean’s memory to ICUnit of Brandon Reginal Health Centre, 150 McTavish Ave. E., Brandon, MB R7A 2B3
A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Jean by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements. 857-4021
Stephen Hancharyk
With his family by his side, Steve Hancharyk, passed away at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 at the age of 79.
Steve leaves behind Stella, his beloved wife of 59 years of Portage, son Wayne (Karen) of Calgary AB, daughter Jayne (Keith) Leslie of Winnipeg, grandchildren Keith (Karen) of Airdrie AB, Kim of Nanaimo BC, Wade (Jamie) of Vancouver BC, and Blair of Winnipeg and great granddaughter Kyrstie of Airdrie AB. He is survived by two siblings Wally (Jackie) and Rose (Tony) along with their families. He was predeceased by his parents Michael and Nellie, two sisters Pauline and Frances and brother Bill.
Steve was born
January 8, 1924 at Garland, MB and attended Gonta School. He excelled in various sports, fastball being his favorite. At the age of 16 Steve began playing the violin and had continued to play most his adult life at weddings and socials. In October 1944 he married
Stella Sokulski and moved to the Pas MB where he worked at Western Grocers for 39 years of continuous service. Steve loved gardening at the farm and helping Stella with the preserves. His hobbies included hunting, fishing and curling. Upon retirement at the age of 60 years, Steve and Stella moved to Portage la Prairie.
Memorial Service will be held Saturday November 8, 2003 at 10:00 am at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel with Celebrant Father Hafichuk officiating. Interment is to follow at Oakville Cemetery.
As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Steve’s memory to Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2B7.
A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Steve by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements. 857-4021
Eva Isabel Tremaine (nee McLean)
Peacefully with family at her side, Eva Tremaine passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2003 at the Lions Prairie Manor, Portage la Prairie at the age of 89 years.
Predeceased by her husband Lawrence, brother Jim and daughter-in-law Diane Tremaine, Eva leaves to cherish her memory her son Duane (Rena) of Russell and daughter Cheryl (Terry) Martin of Portage; grandchildren Paul (Randi) Martin, Terri-Lynne (Glen) Sullivan and Lance Tremaine; great grandchildren Brittany and Teegan Martin and Liam Sullivan; step grandchildren Randy (Deanna) Wondrasek, Troy (Kim) Wondrasek and Wade Wondrasek; step great grandchildren Paul and Nicole; sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, nieces and nephews.
In keeping with her wishes there will be a private family interment. The family invites you to a tea to celebrate the life of Eva on Saturday, November 8, 2003 at 2:00 pm in the Trimble Room at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel, 56 Royal Road S., Portage la Prairie, MB
As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Eva’s memory to the McKenzie United Church, 85 11th Street NW, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 2S2 or to the Lions Prairie Manor Foundation Inc., 24 9th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3V4.
A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Eva by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements. 857-4021
Sidney Arthur Walmsley
On Tuesday, October 28, 2003 at the Portage District General Hospital, Sid Walmsley passed away peacefully at the age of 79 years with family at his side.
He is predeceased by his parents George and Effie Walmsley.
Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife Dorothy of Portage la Prairie, sons Donald (Michele) Walmsley, of Neepawa and Robin (Val) Walmsley of Winnipeg, daughter Kerry-Leigh (Kevin) Clark of Portage la Prairie, grandchildren Cheryl, Kelly (Kirk), Michael (Linda), Jeremy, Rebecca, Ashley, Morgan, Nicole, Lynette, and Stephen, and brother Robert (Betty) Walmsley of Portage la Prairie along with nieces, nephews and their families.
Sid was born
in Winnipeg and raised in London, England. He served in the British Army during World War II and was a member of the following regiments – Highland Light Infantry, the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, the Royal Fuseliers (City of London Regiment) and the MI-6. He served from 1940 – 1946. Returning to Canada he married
the love of his life, Dorothy. Shortly after marrying, he returned to school attending United College (University of Winnipeg) becoming an ordained minister of the United Church of Canada. He served in parishes throughout rural Manitoba until becoming Chaplain at the Manitoba School for the Mentally Retarded in Portage la Prairie. While there he received numerous international awards and accolades for his teaching, development of Advanced Training curriculum and editing of an international Mental Retardation Journal. He was also a member of the Royal Society of Health.
While in Canada, Sid was actively involved with the Militia in both Virden and Portage and was actively supportive of the Royal Canadian Legion, speaking at numerous Remembrance Day Services, schools and community groups about the war years.
Sid’s passions were people and theatre. A founding member of the Virden Dramatic Society, Prairie Players of Portage and lastly he and Dorothy formed their own production company “Candlelight Productions”. Not content with just directing plays, he received two Canadian Playwright awards, was on the Board of Directors of the Canada Arts Council (the Dominion Drama Festival) and he taught theatre courses on the side. Sid was instrumental in forming the Portage Arts Council in 1977. He recently received the Queen’s Jubilee medal.
Sid was a friend and support to too many people to mention. He leaves behind virtually a regiment of close friends. His capacity for love was boundless. His life was full and his last efforts had been put towards writing a book about his war years which will be published this spring
Sid was the kind of person whose presence always filled the room.
Sid will be remembered for his sense of humour and optimism as well as his non-judgemental and empathetic ways with people. He will be truly missed.
As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Sid’s memory to Sunset Palliative Care, Inc., Box 92, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, R1N 3A7
Memorial Service will be held 3:00 pm Saturday, November 1, 2003 at Trinity United Church: 15 Tupper Street S. Portage la Prairie, MB.
A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Sid by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements. 857-4021
