Sharon Lee Howell (O’Hearne) passed away on February 9,2022, at the young age of 71 after a brief fight with cancer in Souris Manitoba. With her only child Nicolle (Nikki)& son in-law Darryl Moreau by her side.
Sharon was born in London, ON. March 10,1950. To her loving parents Donald & Francis (Divers) O’Hearne. She went to school in France as a young child. Sharon’s parents laid roots in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1962 after Donald was posted with the RCAF. Sharon graduated
Barrows, Marjorie Eileen, 92 years, beloved wife of the late Harvey, mother of Don, Sandra, Jack, Shirley and Ken, passed away in Hartney, Manitoba on Saturday, February 5, 2022. Funeral service was held at the Hartney Centennial Centre on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Private interment in the Riverside Cemetery, Hartney. In memory of Marjorie, donations may be made to the Hartney Community Health Centre or Cameron Lodge, Hartney, Manitoba.
Danebrock: Yvonne, 62 years, beloved wife of Heinz Danebrock, mother of Derek, passed away suddenly at her residence in Souris, Manitoba on Wednesday January 26, 2022. A celebration of Yvonne’s life was held at Kowalchuk’s Funeral Chapel, Souris on Saturday February 26, 2022. In memory of Yvonne, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
To view service click here
Keeler: Bryan left us unexpectedly on Monday, January 17, 2022 at the age of 35 years. Bryan is survived by his wife Yasemin, daughters Mya and Jane, parents Wayne and Audrey Keeler. A private family graveside service was held at the Lauder Cemetery on Friday, April 22, 2022. In memory of Bryan, if you so wish, a donation may be made to the Bryan Keeler Family Trust Fund at the Hartney Sunrise Credit Union, the Hartney Golf Course Box 271 Hartney, Manitoba R0M 0X0, or the Lauder Cemetery Fund Box 66 Lauder, Manitoba R0M 1C0.
It is with heavy hearts, the family announces the death of Ernest Henry “Sam” Phillips. With family at his side, Sam passed away January 5, 2022 in the Souris Health Centre at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Florence and his sons; Steven (Sharon) and Scott (Keri). Also mourning his loss are his sisters; Marie, Betty and Janette, and his brother, George, and their families. He will be sorely missed by his sisters-in-law, Leona, Dorothy, Marguerite and Janice, and his brother-in-law, Bob, and their families. A public graveside service was held at the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery; Souris, Manitoba on Wednesday January 12, 2022. In memory of Sam, donations may be made to the Souris Hospital Palliative Care Fund, Souris Health Centre, Souris Minor Sports or a charity of your choice. “Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.” Dr. Seuss.Video of Sam Phillips Service available click here
It is with great sadness the family announce the passing of Willard Glen Spratt on January 4, 2022. He was the second of four children born to Willard and Marjorie (St. John) Spratt of Elgin Manitoba on April 25, 1931. Glen will be lovingly remembered by his wife Shirley of 56 years, and children Cheryl (Don) Tufts of Boissevain, Ross (Maria) Spratt of Winnipeg, and Colleen (Dave) Wozny of Winnipeg; grandchildren Erin (Jason) Henderson of Portage la Prairie, Alanna (Dustin Conrad) of Calgary, and Derek (Pam Kerkowich) of Minto; great grandchildren Dillon, Gavin and Ethan Henderson, and Dilynn Conrad; sister Jean Lovett of Killarney and sister-in-law Irma Spratt of Brandon; as well as many nieces and nephews. Glen was predeceased by his parents, brother Harold, sister Mary McPherson, brothers-in-law Ken McPherson of Brandon Hills and Winston Lovett of Killarney.
Glen attended Elgin School. In winters, he did chores for the neighbours when needed. Glen taught Sunday school for many years at Elgin United Church. After graduation Glen continued to work on the farm, and also had winter jobs. One winter he worked as a doorman at the Marlborough Hotel in Winnipeg, another winter he worked in Pine Falls cutting wood with a bowsaw for the pulp mill, where he was paid by the cord. The next winter job involved driving a cat train (International TV14A) over frozen lakes. They moved the town of Sherridon to Lynn Lake using three cats and six drivers working rotating shifts. They pulled five sleighs carrying houses, the bank and school buildings, fuel, groceries, etc. In 1950, he attended Edmonton Technical School, and studied welding and mechanics.
Glen purchased the farm, west half of 36-5-21, from his Dad in 1952. He was a grain farmer, had a registered grain cleaning business for many years and some winters he kept feeder steers. 2013 marked 100 years for this fourth, now fifth-generation farm. Glen married Shirley on April 10, 1965 at Trinity United Church in Brandon. They built a new home on the farm in 1966. In 1995, after many years of farming, nursing and raising their family, they retired to their home in Souris. They had a front row seat to the 2011 flood.
Glen and Shirley enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, Oahu and Nicaragua. They also enjoyed family trips to the Mayan Riviera, the Henderson’s wedding on Maui, and an Alaskan cruise. Glen and Shirley enjoyed 28 years at the Royal Scott in Victoria. He loved Thanksgiving gatherings with family at the property on the Souris river. This is a special annual family tradition that has been going on for nearly 20 years. Glen was very proud of the farmers, technical and engineering careers of his family. He was especially proud of the many nurses in his family; his mother, two sisters, wife, two daughters, and two granddaughters have nursing careers spanning from 1924 to the present day.
Farming was always very important to Glen. John Deere green was the right choice for farming equipment, as far as he was concerned. With the help of his family, they restored many antique plows and John Deere tractors, as well as a 1929 Chevy truck. Glen’s love and his dry sense of humor will be missed.
Shirley gave him a picture of an old John Deere and the verse at the bottom said it all; “There are three things in life that I hold most dear, God, my family and my trusty old John Deere”.
A celebration of Glen’s life will be held at St. Paul’s United Church, Souris, Manitoba on Saturday April 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a private interment in the Elgin Cemetery. Thank you to Dr. Cram, Dr. Sequeira, all the nurses, hospital staff, homecare, Kowalchuk’s funeral staff, neighbours, family and friends for their concern and support. In memory of Glen, donations can be made to the St. Paul’s United Church Memorial Fund or Manitoba Heart and Stroke.
William Fraser (Bill) Good passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the Souris Personal Care Home on Tuesday December 28, 2021. Bill was predeceased by his wife Deb Good and parents Bill and Helen Good. Bill will be lovingly remembered by his four sons Barry (Laura), Craig (Tanya), Derek (Stephanie), Glenn (Nicole), as well as grandsons Braeden, Josh, Cash and Ryder. He will also be forever missed by his sister Barb (Ken) Falloon numerous nieces and nephews, mother-in-law Betty Fitzpatrick, sisters in law Juanita McNish and Glenda (Lyle) Laird and extended families.
Bill was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on January 6, 1949 to Bill and Helen Good and they spent the first 5 years of Bill’s life on a farm at Pense, Saskatchewan where Bill Sr. was from. The family then purchased a farm at Souris, Manitoba and they left the “Good” country at Pense and headed to “Fraser” country where Bill’s mom Helen was from. He was raised on the family farm east of Souris, Manitoba with his sister Barb.
Bill farmed most of his life with his dad Bill Sr. and, also drove truck hauling milk and gravel as well as the school bus over the years until health forced him to retire in 2012. After retirement Bill continued to live on the family farm lending a hand to his brother-in-law Ken moving trucks, picking up parts for Craig, giving his grandson Cash rides to school, or any errand any of his sons needed done when called upon. Bill loved all four of his sons equally and unconditionally, and when asked was there to help or support them at the drop of a hat. He also loved his grandsons’ and was their biggest fan, ready to cheer on Braeden and Josh playing hockey or soccer, Cash playing baseball or spending time with his youngest grandson Ryder at Glenn’s place in Saskatchewan.
Unfortunately, in August of 2019 Bill suffered a life changing stroke. It may have changed his life but never changed who he was or his personality, his eye rolls when someone said something, he disagreed with was proof of that. He was limited in communication with a few words, but still had a few swear words in his vocabulary and he knew exactly when to use them. Bill always looked forward to the visits when he was able to in person, or through facetime on the iPad, and always ended with what we called the Bill Good wave. Bill was very fortunate to have a sister who loved him very much. Barb was there for him day in and day out to keep him on his toes and rarely a day went by that she wasn’t there to visit him.
As everyone will know, Bill was also quite fond of the local coffee shop and it was a morning ritual that he enjoyed immensely taking in all the local banter and helping solve the world’s problems. He enjoyed the friends and neighbors that also frequented the coffee shop and the friendly arguing over which make of truck was better Ford, Chevy or Dodge. This was one of the things we know he missed a lot when he could no longer go.
A caring, kind, and supportive father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend, Bill always put everyone’s needs ahead of his own. Bill will be sadly missed by all, but memories of him will last forever.
Due to the Covid -19 restrictions a private service will be held with interment in the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery. A public celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date, notifications will be posted prior to that service. In lieu of flowers, in memory of Bill a donation may be made to the Souris & Glenwood Foundation, Box 518, Souris MB, R0K 2C0.
Thomas (Tom) Mills Aitken was born August 5, 1940 to parents Andrew and Annie Aitken. Tom passed away peacefully at Hillcrest Place Personal Care Home on December 24, 2021 at the age of 81 years. Tom was predeaced by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Agnes and Jack Stillwell. After the passing of Tom’s father, Tom and his mother immigrated to Canada from Glasgow, Scotland and settled in the Elgin area. Tom graduated from the Elgin School and lived in various places in Manitoba. Tom was a kind man with a gentle spirit. For those who knew him, Tom was a man of few words and a great love of all sports. In his final years curling and golf took precedence. He was a true gentleman and will be lovingly missed by his wife, Marion, step-son Douglas (Liz) Leforte. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Hillcrest Place for providing excellent and loving care for Tom for the past 6 years. In keeping with Tom’s wish no funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, in memory of Tom, donations may be made the Alzheimer Society or to a charity of your choice.
On November 27, 2021, 21 with heavy hearts we said Good-bye to our Mom, Verbena Mae Turnbull at Hartney Community Health Centre. Mom was born September 17, 1940 at Souris Hospital to Eddie & Eva Maguire, the youngest of 8. She was predeceased by her dance partner and husband, Howard Turnbull. Her brothers; Melford, Jack, George and his wife Jean, and her beloved sister Gwenda (married to Bob Hughes). Brother in law, Arnold Sagman (married to sister Eileen). Sister in law Corrine (Turnbull) Elliot and brother in law Lloyd Turnbull. She is survived by her sisters Eileen Sagman and Audrey (Tom) Sundell, brother Glenn (Marion) Maguire and sister in law Dorothy (Turnbull) Robinson. Her children; Theresa Wood (Shawna & Jamie Sucart), Tracy & Bill Hodgson (Jessica & Billy , great grandson Reed Marks), (Brett & Luanne, great grandson Will Hodgson), Ted & Joanna Turnbull (Melissa & Aaron, great grandson Owen Hemminger), ( Jordan & Emily, great granddaughter, Olivia Turnbull), (Dustin & Kaleigh, great grandson Rennyn Turnbull), Michyla Turnbull & Colby Hamel. Special nieces Wendy Toews, Karen Borne and Cindy Cairns.
In 2020 “Grandma Bena” wrote an autobiography, a collection of stories of her life. This is a great keepsake for the family . She shared many stories about growing up on the farm, south of Elgin. Going to dances at Riverside, Deloraine and Souris, Halloween pranks, working at Bing Juke’s Drive Inn as a car hop from grade 11 through her teacher’s training. At the tender age of 14, she lost her father after a series of heart attacks. Life was challenging but the family made it work. Mom received her teacher’s certificate from Brandon College in the late 50’s, taught in Keye’s and then at Dand, where she developed many life long friendships. From her book, “I was a terrible teacher and felt sorry for those kids having to learn from me.” Teaching was not her calling. She first met dad, Howard Turnbull, at a school dance in Elgin, 1959. That was the beginning of many fast dances together. In 1961 they were married. They lived at the Experimental farm in Brandon until 1964. This is where they started their family and beekeeping journey. Theresa, was born in 1962, Tracy came along in 1964 and Ted in 1967. The family moved back to Elgin where they bought a house for $1000 with a 2 car garage, perfect set up for the bees.
At the age of 24 with 2 kids of their own, Mom and Dad started looking after foster children. In excess of 40 children of all ages were looked after by Mom over the years. Our cousins, Wendy, Karen and Cindy Maguire also lived with us. Mom provided love and stability for us all. The Rummoli table was full!!! At that time Mom and Dad were building the honey farm and all the extra hands helped out immensely. Somehow Mom was able to keep all of us fed and watered, clean clothes on our backs and helped in the extracting room when needed. The work was not without time for play. On occasion, Dad would come home and say, “Mother, pack up the kids and lets go!” Without a blink of an eye the station wagon was packed and off we went. This love of travel continued throughout Mom’s life.
Dad and Mom took trips with their siblings, friends and grandchildren. In her early 40’s, she decided to fulfill her life long dream of being a nurse just like her big sister Eileen. She completed her LPN course at Brandon, then worked at the personal care home in Boissevain and Souris. We were all very proud of her. She enjoyed this time immensely. Throughout her life, Mom was very involved with her children’s sports and extra curricular activities. The Church has always been very important to her. She was the choir director for many years in Elgin, played the piano and a member of the UCW. She tried her darndest to get us all up to tempo for the Candle Light services every year (to limited success).
As the years went on Mom took time for herself with curling, golf and gardening just to name a few. She always had a knitting project on the go. Many of us have beautiful sweaters and blankets as special keepsakes. Her entrepreneurial spirit took her knitting to the next level. She opened up a business in Souris to sell other items on consignment and her knitting. She enjoyed her time with her customers and friends.
Her love of gardening opened an opportunity to work at Sadler’s Greenhouse in the spring helping plant the seeds for the upcoming summers. She thoroughly enjoyed this time of year. Mom was Grandma Bena to her grandchildren. They all have fond memories of hot chocolate after skating, and the occasional “dead” cookie as she called them. Grandma Bena was always present in the moment for the kids. She loved being a part of their day to day lives and celebrating their accomplishments. Grandma Bena’s door was always open and she never failed to provide a word of encouragement and wisdom.
Mom and Dad’s life became more challenging later on when Dad’s health began to deteriorate. Throughout this time, Mom’s devotion and compassion shone through. With Dad in personal care, Mom decided it was time to sell the house and she moved to an apartment in Brandon. Shortly there after, Dad passed away. This was a very difficult time for us all, but Mom continued to hold the family together. Her life in Brandon gave her the opportunity to meet new friends and reacquaint with some life long friends. She took advantage of this time to try some new activities such as lawn bowling, computer courses, volunteering and of course joining her new church friends and groups. We are so thankful that Mom had such a strong circle of friends that helped her through the loss of Dad and the challenges of her cancer diagnosis.
With the challenges of Covid, we had a small family funeral service in the Elgin United Church on December 6, 2021. This was a beautiful setting full of memories and comfort. Our families shared some comical stories and a few tears. The hymns were sung at a good pace as Mom loved. A time of fellowship with many friends and family was shared that afternoon as well. Donations in memory of Mom, can be made at your discretion.
Elizabeth-Jean Margaret Kohut, lovingly known as Bette-Jean sadly passed away on November 17, 2021, her 78th birthday at Brandon Regional Health Center. Bette-Jean was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on November 17, 1943. She settled in Souris after graduating from the University of Manitoba in 1964 when she married, farmer Jim Kohut in 1966.
Bette-Jean’s record of achievements is too long to list. Her family is proud of each and every one of these accomplishments as she set very high standards for herself and her family. Bette-Jean reinvented herself many times to get the job done, whatever that job may have been, and without complaint. Bette-Jean was an avid quilter, gardener, dog lover and best grandma ever. She was funny, feisty, very clever, witty and sweet.
Bette-Jean is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jim Kohut. Oldest son Jamie Kohut of Souris along with his wife Shannon Kohut and their two children, daughter Riley and son Jackson. Oldest daughter Sue-Ann Zawada of Hong Kong along with her husband Darrell Zawada and their three children son Will and daughters Ryan and Andie. Youngest daughter Christine Kohut of Toronto along with her husband Justyn Szymczyk and daughter Iza. She is also survived by her best furry friend, Teddy.
A celebration of Bette-Jean’s life will be held in the summer of 2022. In memory of Bette-Jean, donations may be made to the Town of Souris Beautification Fund, c/o Municipality of Souris-Glenwood Box 518 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0
“Too much fabric? I think the phrase you’re looking for is; Too SMALL sewing room”.