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BLACKWELL: William Vernon, beloved husband of Glady, passed away peacefully with family by his side, after a lengthy bout with cancer, at Virden Health Centre, on Wednesday, July 5th, 2006 at the age of 82 years. Vernon was born to William and Annie Blackwell at Carman, Manitoba, on October 12, 1923. After Annie passed away, Vern was raised by his aunt and uncle Mary and Foster Dougall near Carman in the Barnsley District where he attended the local Forest Public School. Here he met and later married Glady Tompkins, on September 28, 1945 at Carman, Manitoba. They farmed at Barnsley and Sanford and then in 1968 purchased a farm in Griswold. When he retired from farming in 1974 and moved into Oak Lake, Vern started driving a school bus for Fort La Bosse School Division, where he continued to work for fifteen years. Vern and Glady moved to Virden in 1978 and continued to live there after retirement. Vern loved a good game of cards, camping, boating, fishing, snowmobiling and carpentry. He also enjoyed family vacations when they traveled to Expo 1967 in Montreal, Alaska, South Dakota, B.C., to name a few. Vern is lovingly remembered by his wife Glady; Daughter, Lesa (John) and their son Chance; Son, Clayton (Brenda) and their sons Dustin (Karla) and Jeffrey (Krystal). Vern is survived by two sisters and one brother and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Vern’s Life was held at Brockie Donovan Chapel in Brandon on July 10, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. followed by a private family interment
at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Urnbearers were Dustin and Jeffrey Blackwell and Chance Rogers. Donations in memory of Vern may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, MB R7A 2W8 or the Canadian Diabetes. Association, 727B -10th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 4G7.
BUIZER, Adriaan "Archie": In full assurance of our Savior, the Lord took to himself our beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, Adriaan "Archie" Buizer, on August 20, 2007, at the age of 53. Archie will be remembered by his loving mother Sara, devoted brother Keith, adoring sister-in-law Cindy, nephews Jay and Jesse, special Aunt Maps Buizer, special cousins Caroline (Brent) Campbell, Letta Buizer, Angela (Bruce) Smith and Alice (Scott) McGregor and special friends Charlyne (Dion) Wiseman, Marlyne Campbell, Jean Campbell, Brian (Cathy) Campbell as well as many cousins living in the Netherlands. Archie was predeceased by his father Johannes "John" in 1994. Archie was born in The Netherlands and came to Canada with his family at the age of two. He loved life and possessed a strong faith. He was committed to his Church and was happily involved with singing and distributing bulletins every week. Archie worked at COR Enterprises Ltd. during his adult life before retiring in February of 2006. Everyone will remember him for his warm smiles and big hugs. Archie was a loyal, considerate, friend – always thinking of others. He loved car magazines, music, and celebrations. He made friends everywhere he went and was very good at remembering names. Archie had an extraordinarily positive attitude. He was firm in purpose. Even in the past few years in poor health and the last three months in failing health his wonderful qualities shone through. A huge thanks is extended to all of his special caregivers at both the hospital and at home. Also, thank you to the Christian Reformed Church family for the constant prayers and support, and to his friends and extended family for their love and kindness. A memorial service celebrating Archie’s life was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on Friday, August 24. Donations in his memory may be made to COR Enterprises Ltd., 364 Park Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 7A8 or the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation (Dialysis Unit), 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B2.
BILINSKI: John lost his 9 month battle with cancer peacefully on Tuesday, August 14, 2007 in the Palliative Care Unit at the Assiniboine Centre with his loving family at his side. John was born in Brandon on December 12, 1928 to Frank and Katherine Bilinski and had one younger sister, Jeanne. In 1963, he married Kathy (Greaves) and they had four children, Andy, Jeanne, Darren and Jody. He was blessed to have 7 grandchildren, Tanner (8), Connor (5), Miranda (3), Hannah (7), Marshall (6), Marian (3), Alice (2) and was anxiously awaiting another grandchild. John was employed with the CPR for 39 years, retiring as an engineer in 1989. During that time he also owned a flower shop, was a roofing inspector, sold life insurance and sold farm machinery. John's other passions included gardening, wood working, coaching boys hockey and girls softball. After retirement, his coffee club held great enjoyment for him. John was a member of the Sokol Hall Association and Brandon Council UCT #448. John is survived by his wife Kathy of 44 years, his children Andy (Emma) of Abbotsford, BC, Jeanne (Murray) Lushaw of Winnipeg, Darren of Yellowknife, NT and Jody (Brad) Hesse of Coquitlam, BC; grandchildren Tanner, Connor and Miranda Lushaw, Hannah and Marshall Bilinski and Marian, Alice and soon-to-be new baby Hesse; his sister Jeanne (Dave) Bears of Winnipeg. He also had a large extended family. He was predeceased by his father Frank, December 20, 1972, his mother Katherine, July 15, 1990 and his father-in-law, Charlie Greaves, October 31, 2003. In keeping with John's wishes, he will be cremated and his ashes will be interred in British Columbia at a later date. A Memorial Service will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Saturday, August 18, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Raju Madanu of St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church officiating. The Urnbearer will be his wife, Kathy. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Inc., 675 McDermot Ave, Room ON1160, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9 or to the BRHC Foundation, (Palliative Care), 150 McTavish Ave. East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3.
BELL: Helen Josephine (née Bezanson). The family of Helen Josephine Bell sadly announce her passing on July 29, 2007 at her residence in Lions Manor. Born on the farm near Killarney, Manitoba, Helen began her education in Hullett school, then moved with her family to Swan River, Manitoba and completed her schooling at Shaw District school and Swan River Valley Collegiate. Upon completion of high school, Helen moved to Brandon and continued with education in nurse’s training at the Brandon Hospital for Mental Diseases. Following graduation, she continued to live and work in Brandon most of her adult life. Helen was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Edith Bezanson (1953 & 1991); sisters: Violet Leslie (1996), Eva Baines (1967) and Eileen Leggatt (2007); brothers: Oliver (Bud) Bezanson (1983), Wellington (Bill) Bezanson (2006); and her beloved husband Kenneth Scott Bell (1992). Helen is survived by her three sons: Kimberley (Carmen) of East St. Paul, MB, Garry (Joyce) of Brandon, MB, Robert (Carol) of Winnipeg, MB; her step-son Dennis of Vancouver, B.C.; eight step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandsons, many nieces, nephews and other extended family members. She was also predeceased by her good friend and companion of many years, Earl McPhail. His family of sons Ray and Barry and daughter Erliss, their partners and children, survive with memories. During Helen’s growing years and schooling, she was very active and interested in stage, singing, dance, art and the sports of track and field and softball. She loved farm animals, especially horses and could often be found spending time with them in the pastures. Helen always wished to be a nurse, so when she started her training away from the farm, many of her former activities had to be traded off for studies and work. Since retiring from nursing, Helen kept busy participating in various activities including knitting and crocheting, playing cribbage, bowling and volunteering her time to the causes she held dearest. She was a life member of both the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #3 and the Sokol Club. In addition, she served as an Honorary Life Member of the Heritage Club and MGEA and in earlier years was Treasurer of the Army, Navy League Unit #10 Ladies Auxiliary. Beyond all else, Helen was known as a real people person who cherished her time spent with her family and friends. She was known for her keen sense of humor and her love of a good laugh, as anyone who knew her could attest. The family wishes to acknowledge and provide a heartfelt thanks to all Helen’s friends who made the last years of her life as full and enjoyable as they were. In keeping with Helen’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no memorial service. Interment will be held in the Veteran’s Section of the Brandon Cemetery, beside her late husband, Ken. Donations, if desired, in Helen’s memory may be made to the Canadian Diabetes. Association, 727B-10th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4G7, the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 2W8, the A.L.S. Society, 2109 Portage Avenue, Rm.N108, Winnipeg, MB, R3J 0L3, the Brandon Firefighters Charity Fund, 136-11th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4J4 or to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #3 – your choice.
BROWNLEE: Caroline Fanny (Down) passed away peacefully at her residence, Fairview Personal Care Home, on Friday, July 13, 2007 at the age of 89 years. Caroline was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on January 6, 1918. She was raised in the village of Rounthwaite, Manitoba where her parents, John Leonard Douglas Down and his wife, Ellen Fanny (Banning) operated a grocery store and post office. Caroline attended school in the village followed by high school in Wawanesa, Manitoba, where she graduated in 1934. She remained with her parents, helping her father and mother and in the community until her marriage to Wesley Clark Brownlee in 1940. They moved to Brandon, Manitoba where they resided and raised their family. They became members of Knox United Church. Through the years, their family attended church and Sunday school and were married in Knox United leaving beautiful memories for her to treasure. Caroline was a life member of Naomi Rebekah Lodge No. 6 and held various offices. She was musician for many years. In 1994, she was elected as Assembly Musician at the Grand Lodge Sessions in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was also awarded the Degree of Chivalry in Minot, North Dakota in honor of her many years and contributions to Rebekah and Oddfellowship. Caroline moved to Lions Manor in December, 1993 and then to Fairview Home in November, 2004 where she carried on with her music and enjoyed the friendship of the residents. Left to cherish her memory: daughter Donna (Don) Pottinger, son Ross (Jean) Brownlee, son Craig (Judy) Brownlee, daughter Myrna (Wilfred) Jordan, eight loved grandchildren and great granddaughter Lauren Pottinger. As requested by Caroline, her grandchildren will serve as pallbearers: Duncan Pottinger, Douglas Pottinger, Juli Robinson, Leigh Brownlee, Christopher Brownlee, Kelly Exner, Dean Jordan and Tyler Jordan. Caroline is also survived by her loving sister, Evelyn Ruth Russell of Winnipeg and her brother Alan Frank Down and his wife Mary of Redding, California; her sisters-in-law Agnes E. Down, Agnes Down and Noreen Down, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Caroline was predeceased by her husband Wesley Clark Brownlee, brothers John, Jim, Leonard and Harry, infant granddaughter Keri, nephew Jimmy and brother-in-law Bob. A memorial service will be held at Knox United Church, 451-18th Street, on Monday, July 16, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. A private family burial will take place prior to the service. Caroline will be laid to rest beside her husband, Wesley Clark Brownlee in the Brandon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may donate to a charity of choice.
BATTERSBY: Leonard James "Len" Battersby, passed away suddenly on June 27, 2007. Len was born in the R.M. of Sifton on the family farm on June 18, 1937. He was predeceased by his father Herman Battersby, his mother Mersetta Battersby, brother Arthur "Art" Battersby and brother-in-law Lionel Weatherald. Len is survived by his daughter Pam Battersby, son Brent (Cheryl) Battersby and grandchildren Brynne and Mitchell, of Brandon, sister Phyllis Weatherald of Oak Lake, MB, sister Katherine O’Donnell of Mission, B.C., sister-in-law Dolores Battersby of Chater, as well as many nieces and nephews and too many friends to mention. Len was born and raised by the Oak Lake marsh. He received his education at Lansdowne School #145. Much of his early years were spent fishing in summer, hunting deer and waterfowl in autumn and trapping muskrats in the late winter. He worked for several farmers in the district before moving to Swan River to live and work. He then moved to Brandon, where he worked for Jack Crang and MacArthur’s, driving trucks. He was Service Manager for Binkley Motors and worked for Swan River/The Pas Transfer hauling freight and eventually becoming Manager. Len moved his family to Chater in the late 1960’s, and in 1973, he began his career with the "Good Roads" as an Operator. He made many lifelong friends that were very important to him. One of the highlights of his time at the Highways Department was the spring of 1980, when he and others where called to the Porcupine Forest to fight the large forest fire. Len’s face would beam when he told the stories of the low beds and the big cats. He retired from the Highways in 1997 but still remained in touch with his buddies at "the shop." Len loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He spent many hours doing what he loved and took many photos of the things he would see. A short talk of Len’s after pushing bush for deer and not hearing any shots went… "See any deer?" "Yes." "Why didn’t you shoot?" "Don’t know." "You’ll never get a deer if you don’t shoot. The next time I push a deer out to you, you had better be knee deep in empty brass when I come out!" He enjoyed the trips with his best friends to Wyoming to hunt mule deer and antelope. He was an executive member of the Brandon Wildlife Association and member of Hartney Game and Fish. He was also a member of the ANAF where he enjoyed the ever-present good-natured ribbing that took place during the meat draws. Len cherished the friends he made throughout his lifetime. You would be hard pressed to know someone who knew more people than Len did. He had a special relationship with his grandchildren, Brynne and Mitchell and his soft side would show whenever they were near. A memorial service to celebrate Len’s Life was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 with Rev. Laird Russell-Yearwood officiating. All in attendance were Honorary Pallbearers. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Len may be made to the Canadian Diabetes. Association, 727B – 10th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 4G7. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com.
BAKER: Garth Davis Baker passed away at his residence on Sunday, May 6, 2007 at the age of 69 years. Garth was born in Brandon on March 15, 1938. He attended Gorrie School and lived on the Baker Homestead, helping with the dairy operation. Following the sale of the dairy, Garth continued farming the grain and beef operation, with his brother, Lyle. Garth enjoyed travelling in the winter time, exploring the world, and trying new activities. He was curious and interested in all aspects of life. Garth enjoyed music. He sang at community functions in his early years and listened to music and audio book tapes in later years. He was an avid rock hound and was a member of the Rock and Gem Society. He was also a leather craftsman and artist who loved to sketch, especially nature scenes. He shared his crafts with friends and family. Health problems plagued Garth early in life, but, while at times this slowed him down, it never deterred him from interests or activities. He continued to farm with his brother, Lyle until ill health forced him to retire during the winter of 2002. He resided at Central Park Lodge, Brandon until his passing, where he remained active in leatherwork, sketching and assisting the staff in fixing small items around the building. Garth was very independent, was interested in people, loved to socialize, was known for his hearty laugh and sense of humour and enjoyed good-natured teasing. He helped others as a handyman using his tools and crafts, brightening up the elevator with his sketches, or making a leather case to hold the ball of wool from getting away, which was very much appreciated by staff and patrons at Central Park Lodge. Garth loved his electric scooter and surprised family and friends where he would travel. The scooter allowed him to scoot all over Brandon, giving him the independence he so dearly enjoyed. Garth is survived by his brothers: Lyle Gordon (Nancy) of Brandon and nephews, Jonathan and Christopher and Dale (Donna) and nephew Craig (Danielle, twin boys, Benjamin and Matthew) all of Naperville, Illinois, and niece, Karen of Buffalo, New York as well as numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Julianna Margaret, July 22, 1984 and his father, Cecil Lyle Baker, September 10, 1949. A memorial service will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. with a private family interment taking place at the Brandon Cemetery
prior to the service. Rev. Margret Kristjansson will officiate. The urnbearer will be nephew, Jonathan Baker. A reception, hosted by the Brandon Hills Fireflies, will be held at Central United Church immediately following the memorial service. If friends wish, donations, in memory of Garth, may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Unit 3, 824-18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 5B7 or to the Canadian Diabetes. Association, 727B-10th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 4G7.
BOYD: Isobel Agnes Boyd, of Fairview Home, passed away at her residence on March 26, 2007 at the age of 82 years. Isobel was born July 5, 1924, the 7th child of Andrew and Agnes Boyd, on a farm in the Moore Park district. She resided with her Dad and Mother on the farm where she enjoyed helping out. Isobel loved animals and they loved her. One of her favorites was a horse named Queen. After the death of her father, she and her mother stayed on the farm until 1977, when they moved to Brandon. In 1984, Isobel moved to Fairview Home. Isobel enjoyed doing crafts, knitting and embroidery work. After moving to Fairview, she became very involved as a volunteer worker and received awards for her work. She continued this until an accident in 2003 curtailed her activities. Isobel is survived by her siblings, Helen (Nell) Dawe, Alex (Ella) Boyd, Jack (Margaret) Boyd, Marjorie (Don) Young and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her father Andrew, mother Agnes, sister Annie Phillips, brothers Andy Boyd, Murray Boyd and Archie Boyd. The Funeral Service will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Monday, April 2, 2007 at 2:00 p.m., with lunch to follow at the George Brockie Fellowship Centre. A private interment will be at Rosewood Memorial Gardens prior to the service. Active Pallbearers will be Darryl Boyd, Jim Boyd, Craig Young, Gerry Paddock, Ron Miller, and Don Tulloch. If desired, donations in memory of Isobel may be made to Fairview Home Foundation, 1351-13th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4S6.
BERESFORD: Peacefully, on Wednesday, March 14, 2007, Alex passed away at the Stonewall and District Health Centre at the age of 91. Alex was born in Scotland on October 30, 1915. He moved with his family to Margaret, Manitoba, in 1916, where they farmed. Alex served in the RCAF medical unit from 1941-1945 and was stationed in various locations across Canada. He married his wife Lyla on June 6, 1942. He and Lyla moved to Austin in January 1947, where Alex managed the Pool Elevator in Austin for 33 years. Alex was actively involved in the community. He was a founding member of the Austin Credit Union and was active in the United Church and Masonic Lodge. Alex loved sports and excelled at baseball and curling. He was the draw-master for local bonspiels and was a chief organizer of the annual July 1st ball tournament. After his career with Manitoba Pool, he and Lyla moved to Brandon in July 1980, where they spent a very happy retirement. Alex was a kind and gentle man, who was always quick to smile and lend a hand. He was a very proud grandpa and great grandpa. He took great pleasure in all his grandchildren’s activities and accomplishments. He loved family events and never forgot a birthday or special event in their lives. Alex moved to Rosewood Lodge Personal Care Home in Stonewall in December 2005 to be closer to family. Alex is survived by his son, Kevin (Arlene) and grandchildren Ryan (Lyndsy), Jeff and Melanie and great granddaughter, Chloe, as well as his sister Mary Way. Alex was predeceased by his wife, Lyla, of 59 years, in 2001. The family would like to thank the staff at Rosewood Lodge and Stonewall and District Health Centre for their kind and compassionate care. It is greatly appreciated. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service to celebrate Alex’s life will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, Brandon, MB on Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Laird Russell-Yearwood of Central United Church officiating. Interment will follow at the Brandon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, it was Alex’s request that donations be made to the Southwest District Palliative Care, Box 1282, Stonewall MB, R0C 2Z0.
