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It is with heavy hearts the family of Doug (Karl Douglas) Black announce his passing on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at the age of 69 years. Doug will be forever loved and missed by his wife Sherri, his devoted daughter Tenille (Gregor) Black–Greaves of Winnipeg, Manitoba, his loving step-daughter Brady (Brandon) von Niessen of Salt Spring Island, B.C. He adored his 4 grandchildren Lincoln and Madyx (Winnipeg), always offering positive encouragement in all aspects of their life including their passion for hockey;  Macey and Knox (Salt Spring Island) lived further away but Doug always loved visiting, being well entertained by Mace and sitting with Knox as he drew art for Papa. Doug is also survived by his sister Lynn Madden – a great sister to her three brothers (Barry – deceased), Dana Black (Penny Gilson), nieces, nephews, cousins; mother-in-law Wanda Meadows (Doug – deceased), brother-in-law Garry Meadows (Maxine), Carol (Jim – deceased) devoted friends and Best Buddy Remi. Doug often watched Remi and always joked about Dougie’s Doggie Day Care – my house, my rules!

Doug was born in Minnedosa, Manitoba on March 19, 1955 and was the third child to Jim and Margaret Black.  His Dad passed away on Jan 25, 2005 (the same day Doug passed away, pretty sure this was planned!); his Mom August 10, 2013 and his brother Wayne Black, April 12, 2024.

The family moved to Brandon in 1968, living on 3rd & Southern Ave. and then settling into the forever home on 14th Street, the “Hub” of all family gatherings and Sunday dinners where a lot of family values were instilled and laughter was heard. Earlier family times were spent with family camping at Curran Park, Rivers and Minnedosa – family memories treasured by all. The Black family are close,  if anyone was ever in need one would be there to help and defend – this was Doug through and through. He was also all about the kids, he always said he was a kid at heart and always on the lookout for the ones in need. The home on 14th was not just a family home, Doug and Dana had a ‘couple’ of parties while their parents were away! Doug loved story telling about these times, their mother was likely smarter than they thought and many stories likely untold.

Doug attended school in Minnedosa and Brandon and at the age of 18 he joined the Army for a short time returning and working at a variety of jobs, moving furniture, Beaver Lumber, Coca Cola, manager of Suds Bar and a bouncer at the Unwinder. In 1991, he moved to Dauphin where he started his MTS career at Sydor Farm & Garden where the MTS cellphone store was located. He had great knowledge of the cellphone industry which only grew as cells became the item you couldn’t live without. He won Top Motorola sales Performer in 2001. He made great friends while he lived there with lots of memories made in the “shed” with Bob, Glenn, Mark and gang! In 2002, he moved back to Brandon continuing with MTS with Elite Communications as Manager until this location closed. In 2011, Doug joined the team at Kal Tire as Outside Sales Manager until his retirement in August 2019. Some people just have a knack for sales and Doug was one of them.

From his young age Doug loved sports; from coaching hockey, playing hockey as goalie and fastball. In 1976, Doug, his Dad and brother Wayne played ball for Modern Dairies; he also played for the Brandon Commercial Fastball League (Shear Power Salon); in 1971 he played goalie for the Boissevain Border Kings, in 1972 for the Virden Oil Kings and in 1975-1976 was named MVP for the Wawanesa Jets.

Doug lived his life on his terms and was passionate about every aspect of life.  He loved life and family always came first.  He had strong opinions and was always open for a good debate, you always knew how he felt.  He loved to be surrounded by family and good friends – It didn’t matter what you were having for dinner, it was who you were having it with 🙂  Doug and Sherri were married on Dec. 25Th, 2006 in their home on Silverbirch Drive. Lots of hours were spent in their yard, on the deck and in their garage, cranking his favourite tunes, drinking “a few” beverages and watching his beloved Bombers. Whenever the Bombers had a touchdown the pig would fly! Hotel California was the place to be till all hours of the morning. Home was his favourite place to be besides being on a beach in Mexico with Sherri, family & friends. Doug and Sherri moved to Souris when they retired – first thing that was  accomplished was a large deck built by his brother Dana where countless hours were spent from morning to night. This was the place to be, saying “Hi” to all that walked by, usually commenting on how the Bombers were doing.  He also had a love for hunting ducks and geese with his brother-in-law Jim and friend Matt – they knew the Souris area well and there was never a dull moment when the hunt was on.

Fishing was a sport Sherri and Doug enjoyed immensely – they loved to hammer them as he would say with lots of tales of the ones that were lost and the ones that were caught. The never forgotten fishing trip on Dauphin Lake in Myran’s boat, lack of gas and a rain storm was an experience they reminisced about many times. Dauphin Lake became the favourite place to fish, off the docks at Hudson Point. No boat was needed as this became a yearly May long weekend tradition and was always looked forward to with Carol & Jim where the competition got heated up. Lincoln & Madyx always joined them the following weekend which Doug and Sherri treasured with the boys, making lasting memories. This anticipated fishing trip will continue with Papa being by their side every fish that is caught.

The Celebration of Doug’s life was held Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the Victoria Inn – Imperial Room (old Unwinder) where Sherri and Doug first met. Guest donned themselves in their favourite team jersey and even some green was present in the room! Interment was in the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers were Lincoln Black-Greaves, Madyx Black-Greaves, Gregor Greaves, Scott Snow, Bob Hammond, Drew Hawkins, Matt Kitely and Myron Krawchuk.

For those who wish to make a donation in memory of Doug, we chose two, close to his heart – he loved kids and sports – Souris Minor Ball (etransfer to minorballsouris@gmail.com) or Box 968 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0 or to Souris Minor Hockey-Linda Ryckman Fund (to help kids who otherwise couldn’t afford to play hockey) (etransfer to smh.sourisminorhockey@gmail.com) or Box 238, Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0.

Thank you to all of our family and friends for the love and support while Doug was at home, the Home Care girls, Dr. Cram and the amazing, loving staff at Souris Medical & Souris Hospital and  Dexter, Val and Rick at Kowalchuk’s Funeral Home.

He came, He saw, He laughed.

To view the service Click Here click to read more

George “Claire” passed away peacefully at his residence at Davidson Memorial Health Centre in Cartwight, Manitoba on January 8, 2025.  Claire was born on February 16, 1945 in Brandon, Manitoba and was the youngest of three boys born to Roy and Beryl Bartley.  He was raised and attended school in the Carroll and Souris areas.  Claire met Barbara (Ryckman) while working as a beverage waiter at the old Souris Hotel where she worked as a waitress.  They married on September 16, 1967 in Souris and spent 51 years together before Barb’s passing in 2018.  They raised three girls together, Kimberly, Heather and Tammy.  Claire did numerous jobs throughout his life but from 1976 to 2005 he was employed by the Department of Highway where he retired as a grader operator.   In 1985 Claire and Barb relocated to Brandon with their family and resided there until 2008 when they relocated to Killarney.  Dad was an avid reader, loved fishing, camping, and watching planes, trains and people.  He loved music and dancing, telling stories and jokes.  He knew people in almost every place you could think of.  Claire spent quite a few years refereeing hockey (a sport he loved) in and surrounding the Souris and Brandon areas, as well as being an avid hockey fan.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren and they were one of his greatest joys in life from the time they were born until his passing.   Claire was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Barb, his mother and father, and one brother.  Claire leaves to mourn his three children; Kimberly (Jason) Soltys, Heather (Kevin) Skeoch and Tammy (David) Holowchuk, and three beautiful grandchildren; Kayla, Courtney and Brody.  The family wishes to extend their deepest thanks and gratitude to the staff at Davidson Memorial who cared for Dad during the final couple of years of his life.  A celebration of Claire’s life was held on January 16, 2025 at Kowalchuk’s Funeral Chapel in Souris with Reverend Douglas Craig officiating.  Private interment has taken place at Souris and Glenwood Cemetery.  In memory of Claire, donations may be made to Davidson Memorial Health Centre in Cartwright Manitoba. click to read more

Paul passed away at the Souris Personal Care Home on December 22, 2024 at the age of 92 years. A graveside service for family and friends was held at the Grande Clairiere Cemetery on Friday, May 23, 2025. In memory of Paul, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. click to read more