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.
Category: Obituaries
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.
Gittens, William (Billy) Patrick
Billy, 66 years, beloved husband of Melany Gittens, father of Adrianne, grandfather of Dion and Derrell. Billy passed away suddenly at the Souris Health Centre on October 8, 2025. A celebration of Billy’s life was held at Kowalchuk’s Funeral Chapel on Monday, October 20, 2025. In memory of Billy, donations may be made to the Souris & Area Harvest Food Bank c/o Municipality of Souris-Glenwood Box 518 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0.Dodds, Douglas Gordon
Dad was born on December 8, 1930 at the family farm, in the same room that his own dad was born. He passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025 with family by his side. October 8 was also his parent’s anniversary.
Dad was predeceased by his wife Shirley (Lone) and his parents Gordon and Christina Dodds. Brother and sister in laws, aunts and uncles, 7 nephews and 4 nieces, and cousins.
He is survived by his daughter Tannis (Clint) and his son Cam (Maralee), grandchildren; Tara (Corey), Melissa (Kelly), Rhett (Chevy) and Madison (Dane), great grandchildren; Saydee, Mayson and Austin. Doug is also survived by sisters; Margie, Dianne and Linda (Clint), sister in laws Doris Nield and Audrey Lone, several cousins, nephews and nieces.
Dad went to school at Elgin, completing Grade 10. He lived on the family farm, which was purchased by his grandfather John Dodds in 1887. After finishing his schooling, he worked at numerous jobs, electrician, truck driver, mechanic and digging wells. But he was always a farmer at heart.
He rented land from Agnes Dashney and later bought it.
Mom and Dad met in Elgin when mom was babysitting Auntie Doris and Uncle Andy’s twins, and after a courtship they married on March 19, 1955. This was also mom’s birthday. Thus began their married life in the little house on the farm
Tannis was born on June 21, 1958 and Cam completed the family on November 9, 1961.
When Tannis was 6, Dad began the project of building the new home on the farm. He once told us he couldn’t get a loan for a house but he could for a combine, always the farmer. When mom and Dad retired, Cam and Maralee raised their family on the farm, and now Rhett and Chevy are carrying on the legacy. Rhett is 5th generation to farm.
Dad belonged to the Rink and Hall Committees and was a councilor for the RM for some time. He was also a member of the Legion. Dad enjoyed sports and liked watching the Blue Jays and the Jets. He played hockey in his youth and he curled. He enjoyed golfing, until just a few years ago. He played pool back in the day at the pool hall in Elgin and loved getting together with the guys for a game of pool in Souris the last few years.
Cards and checkers kept his mind active. Dad loved country music. He had a love for versatile tractors and restored several. The family enjoyed following him to tractor pulls in Manitoba and North Dakota. His family and the land were his priorities right up till his passing.
Mom and Dad enjoyed travelling, Happy Hours and entertaining. Camping in their motor home and golfing in the summer with friends was very special.
Sadly, mom passed away suddenly and Dad was at loose ends. He continued wintering in Mesa and met Bev Mitchell. They had a great time together for about 22 years, until age and health kept them apart. Thanks to Bev and her family for treating dad as one of their own.
Dad sold his home 2.5 years ago and moved to Victoria Park Lodge in Souris. Over time he accepted the move and carried on trying to be positive. His health deteriorated over the last few years and we knew he would soon be moving on.
Thank you to the Staff at Victoria Park Lodge for your kindness. To the staff at Souris Medical Clinic…you are all so special and we are so appreciative. To the Doctors and Staff at Souris Hospital, your kindness and compassion made this journey so much easier for dad and our family.
Dad loved to tour the countryside, watch harvest, and checking out the crops. He was always up for a visit and staying up to date with what was happening around him. He had a great mind, and was always thinking. His hugs were so comforting and his smile lit up at room.
Rest in peace Dad, You are so loved.
A graveside funeral service for family and friends was held at the Elgin Cemetery on Saturday, October 25, 2025 followed by a time of fellowship at the Elgin Hall.
Donations can be made to charity of your choice.
Refvik, James Ingvald
Jim, 87 years, beloved husband of the late Myrt Refvik, father of Coralee, Mitchell and the late Kurt. Jim passed away at the Souris Personal Care Home on September 21, 2025. In keeping with Jim’s wishes, a private family interment was held at the Boissevain Cemetery. In memory of Jim, donations may be made to the Brandon Humane Society.