Gordon, 73 years passed away in the Rideau Park Personal Care Home, Brandon, Manitoba on December 6, 2025. A graveside service will be held at the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery in the spring of 2026.
Author: editor
Smutko, Donald Allen
Donald Allen Smutko
January 19, 1955- December 3, 2025
With deepest sorrow the family announces the passing of Don Smutko on December 3, 2025 in Souris, Manitoba at the age of 70. After a courageous long, hard battle with cancer, he is finally at peace and pain free.
Don is survived by his loving and devoted wife Judy Smutko of 14 years and his children, Sarah, Kelsey (Justin), Alicia (Reid) and Ryan (Trisha). He leaves behind his much loved grandchildren Grace, Makayla, Owen, Genevieve, Kaitlin
Chabluk, Brielle Brighton Marie
Brielle, 12 years of age, beloved daughter of Chris Chabluk and Tesa Steinke, loving sister of Kinton, Taven and Kyden, granddaughter of Rose Chabluk and Linda Steinke. Brielle passed away unexpectedly in the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre on December 3, 2025. A funeral service was held at St. Paul’s United Church, Souris, Manitoba on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, following the church service the celebration of Brielle’s life will continue with a reception at the Souris-Glenwood Community
Perera, Kahandawela Shantha
Perera, Kahandawela Shantha, 68 years old, passed away in the Brandon Regional Health Centre, Brandon, Manitoba on Friday, November 21, 2025. Viewing was on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Kowalchuk’s Funeral Chapel, Souris, Manitoba.
Vinck, Cecile Emma
Cecile (Nee Dooley), 86 years, beloved wife of Ed Vinck, mother of Larry (Shelley), Murray (Keri), Allan (Sandra) and Nicole, beloved grandma and great-grandma. Cecile passed away in the Willowview Personal Care Home Reston, Manitoba on November 13, 2025. A service will be held at a later date. Notifications will be posted prior to the service. In memory of Cecile, donations may be made to the Grande Clairiere Cemetery Fund Box 149 Hartney, Manitoba R0M 0X0.Moir, Clare Arthur Campbell
Clare, 79 years, beloved husband of Agnes Moir, father of Erin (Jack) and Charlene (Kevin), grandpa of Alice, Aiden, Mary and Alex. Clare passed away in the Souris Personal Care Home on November 10, 2025. Funeral Service was held at the Griswold United Church on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Interment in the Griswold Cemetery. In memory of Clare, donation may be made to the Griswold United Church Box 41 Griswold, Manitoba R0M 0S0 or to the Griswold Cemetery Box 5 Griswold, Manitoba R0M 0S0.Kohut, Carol Beatrice
Carol passed away peacefully with family by her side in the Souris Health Centre on November 8, 2025 at the age of 72 years. Carol is the beloved wife of Don Kohut, mother of Bridget and Donna, stepmother of Michael (Kelly), Jeff and the late Steven, grandmother of Brandy, Dawn, Brendan, Jadin, Jeremy, Jaxson and Jessie.
Carol was born January 12, 1953 in Gainsborough, Saskatchewan to George and Beatrice Quantrill. Carol along with her siblings Georgina, Bernice and Robert grew up in Carievale, Saskatchewan.
Carol married Joe Thimsen in 1971. They welcome daughter Bridget in 1973 and daughter Donna in 1974. Tragically losing Joe in 1974, Carol spent the next several years raising her 2 young daughters.
Don and Carol’s adventure began in January 1992 and married October 26, 1996 in Souris, Manitoba. Carol loved life on the farm with Don. Summers they enjoyed camping and tending to their garden. Fresh produce was shared and enjoyed by family and friends. For 15 years they provided a safe and loving home to Foster Children.
One of Carol’s greatest loves was her beloved pets. Most recent addition her Chihuahua, Daisy who misses her dearly.
Carol was predeceased by her husband Joe, Parents Beatrice and George, sister Bernice, son Steven, Grandson Carlos.
On behalf of the family we would like to give a special thank you to all the wonderful staff at the Souris Health Centre who cared for Carol.
A funeral service was held at Kowalchuk’s Funeral Chapel, Souris, Manitoba on November 21, 2025 with interment in the Souris-Glenwood Cemetery. In memory of Carol, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.
Butler, Della Marie
Della Marie Butler (Burnett), 60 years, loving wife of Jim Butler, mother of Kristin (Greg) and Dustin, grandma of Westyn and Halle. Della passed away peacefully at her residence in Souris, Manitoba surrounded by her family and her three sisters on November 6, 2025. Della joins her mother Jean, father Howard, brother Doug and many others in heaven. A celebration of Della’s life was held at the Souris & Glenwood Community Hall on Friday, November 14, 2025 with a private interment in the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery. The family asks in lieu of gifts and flowers donations may be made in Della’s memory to the Souris School to give students more opportunities to participate in sports (checks may be made to the Souris School or etransfer to officesouris@shmb.ca).Bowie, Heather Dawn
Dawn, 78 years, beloved wife of Keven Bowie, mother of Sean (Mary-Rose) and Erin (Pam), grandmother of Phoenix, Logan and Paul. Dawn passed away at the Souris Personal Care Home on October 14, 2025. A celebration of Dawn’s life and legacy will be held at a later date. Notifications will be posted prior to the service. In memory of Dawn, donations may be made to the Souris Personal Care Home ~ Activities Fund c/o Prairie Mountain Health Box 10 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0.Waldner, Leonard
In Loving Memory of Leonard Waldner
October 31, 1956 – October 13, 2025
Leonard Waldner, 68, of Souris, Manitoba, passed away peacefully with family by his side on October 13, 2025.
Leonard was born on October 31, 1956, in Portage la Prairie, and was raised in a Hutterite colony. The second youngest of ten children, he was spirited and adventurous, eventually leaving the colony to explore the outside world.
In 1978, Leonard married Margaret (née Stahl), and they built a life together, raising three children—Julie, James, and Erin—and settling in Souris, Manitoba.
Despite having only a Grade 6 education, Leonard carved out a full and meaningful life, grounded in hard work, determination, and perseverance. He held many roles over the years including farmhand, manager of a regional waste collection facility, and the one he enjoyed most, a truck driver in the oil fields. Leonard obtained a Class 1 driver’s license and was proud to call himself a professional truck driver.
A devoted Boston Bruins fan, Leonard’s passion for the team began in childhood, when he would ride his bike for miles to watch games on a black-and-white TV. One of his most exciting moments was traveling to Boston with his son James to see the Bruins play live. The team’s 2011 Stanley Cup win brought him immense joy.
In his younger years, Leonard was an active member in the community. He was often seen with a VHS recorder in hand, volunteering his time filming local events for Access 12, the community television channel, ensuring special moments were preserved for others to enjoy. Leonard also served as the “music man” for the Southwest Cougars, managing game music with cassette tapes. Leonard continued to volunteer where he could and for many years he ensured the grass was mowed at the local Baptist church.
Leonard’s belief in God and connection to the church was a steady and sincere part of his life. Though not always vocal, he tried to live by his values, finding strength and guidance in his relationship with God.
A passionate lover of music, Leonard brought joy to countless gatherings with his guitar and singing. Many evenings were spent around a campfire with Leonard playing music, surrounded by family and friends.
Leonard found joy in nearly any outdoor activity: fishing, hunting, camping, playing horseshoes, and simply being outside. Leonard and Margaret had a seasonal campsite at Miller’s campground near Portage where they spent their summers. Leonard golfed regularly and looked forward to the annual golf tournament he participated in with his son, James. Tending to his vegetable garden and chopping wood were activities that brought him peace.
One of Leonard’s most cherished traditions began in 1988: the annual May long weekend camping and fishing trip to Dauphin. This trip became a beloved family event, one that he looked forward to each year and spent weeks preparing for. He wanted to share this experience and invited many others to join him over the years. It was a time of laughter, stories, and connection—exactly what Leonard valued most.
Leonard is lovingly remembered by his wife, Margaret Waldner (née Stahl), and their children:
- Julie Wachal, mother to Zachary, Marcus, and Emily
- James Waldner, father to Evan, Carter, and Emma
- Erin Eissner, mother to Farah
Leonard’s seven grandchildren were the pride of his life. He shared a unique bond with each of them, and their presence brought him endless joy and purpose.
His passionate approach to his interests and to his relationships with others left a lasting imprint on all who knew him. Leonard will be remembered for his fiery spirit, fierce independence, strong opinions, and the unwavering love he had for his family and friends. Whether behind the wheel of a truck, watching a Bruins game, or telling stories at the kitchen table, he lived with pride, humour, and heart.
Rest peacefully, Leonard. You were deeply loved, and your memory lives on in all of us.
As per his wishes, Leonard was cremated. A Celebration of Life was held at Kowalchuk’s Funeral Chapel in Souris, Manitoba, October 20, 2025.
In memory of Leonard, donations may be made to:
Souris Palliative Care c/o Prairie Mountain Health Box 10, Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0.