Anne Parham (nee Kohut), age 104, passed away on October 21, 2023 in the Souris Personal Care Home, from complications arising from a fall. Anne was born in 1919 on the family farm in Rosa, Manitoba, the fourth child of six and the only daughter born to Ukrainian immigrants Samuel and Tatiana Kohut.
In 1929, the family resettled to a farm south of Souris. Ukrainian was Anne’s first language, but she quickly learned English attending Souris School and later, Lily School south of
Gordon Llewelyn Powell
Gordon Powell, beloved husband of the late Noreen (Kitchen) Powell, father of Terry, Brenda, Sandra, Rhonda and Brian, passed away peacefuly in his sleep in Strathmore, Alberta on Friday, July 22, 2022 at the age of 88.
He was born in Souris in 1934 to L.B. “Chappie” Powell and Hattie (Rose) Powell, the second of their two sons. He is predeceased by his wife Noreen, father Chappie, mother Hattie, brother Lyle and grand daughter Kristin Knodel.
Gordon was raised on the family homestead farm 5 miles north west of Souris, attended Wolflea country school and graduated from Souris High School. After high school Gordon worked for the CPR out of Souris. In 1958-59 he took teacher training at Brandon University and then taught school in Souris for 6 years. He worked as assistant secretary treasurer for Souris-Glenwood and then as secretary treasurer for the Souris Consolidated School Division. Through this time he also assisted his father Chappie on the family farm.
In 1973, he began farming full time. He was involved with raising cattle, hay and field crops on the farm originally homesteaded in 1882 by his great grandfather, Thomas Powell. Besides producing some good cattle, his farming exploits provided both entertainment and humour for friends and neighbours.
Gordon demonstrated an exceptional life long commitment to his family, community, province and country. He was keenly involved with numerous boards, committees, and organizations. In school he was president of the student council. He served as town alderman, ambulance attendant, superintendent of St. Luke’s Sunday school, Little league manager, coach and secretary treasurer, secretary of Souris Advisory Planning committee, Charter member of Hillcrest Museum, Souris River Round Table, Board of Victoria Park Lodge, Chamber of Commerce, Souris Drop In Center, member of the District Health Advisor Council, member of Royal Canadian Legion #60, to name just some of his involvements.
Throughout the years, Gordon’s focus was continually on the welfare of the people of his community and good government. He was extremely personable and interacted with many people, …. almost everyone. A trip to the post office, the corner store, Ferg’s, pharmacy, shoppers mall in Brandon usually converted into an extended social event.
He had exceptional recall of local history, local families, people and who and where people were. If someone’s Souris ancestor played for the NHL – Brooklyn Americans, he remembered. If your uncle moved to the Okanagan in 1950 after the war, he remembered what town he moved to. If you told him your farm location, he could probably tell you who homesteaded it. If you went to school in Souris, he could probably tell you the names of some of your classmates.
He followed a range of sports, hockey, curling, and baseball. In his younger years he played and really enjoyed baseball and hockey. He loved conversation; sports and politics and local lore over crib or bridge was always great. Especially with a good cup of tea.
Gordon and Noreen are survived by their five children and their families. Terry & Bev Powell of Brandon, Manitoba Brenda & Keith Knodel of Medicine Hat, Alberta Sandra & George Hamel of Sherwood Park, Alberta Rhonda & Denis Mousseau of Olds, Alberta Brian & Shannon Powell of Olds, Alberta Eleven grandchildren and their families. Loni Powell, Anna (Powell) and Brian Grant, Tom Powell, Nick Powell and Brittany Powell, Meg (Hamel) and Jeff LeGatt, Jeff Hamel, Sharla (Hamel) and Dusan Jakovljevic, Evan Mousseau, Dayle Mousseau, Samantha Powell and Statia Powell. Nine great grandchildren Rowan Powell, Liam and Brody Grant, Leevye and Lily Powell, Emery and Cohen LeGatt, Lela and Alek Jakovljevic.
And two sister in laws and their families Dolly Powell and Ruth Martin.
Dad and his family were very fortunate to be able to spend many days with family gatherings and visits over the years. He was very proud of his family and he will be missed sorely missed by all of us.
The notes that have come in since Dad has passed, paint the picture of who he was. He was personable, caring, and loved to smile. Always enjoyed a joke, a conversation, a card game, always with a cup of tea.
A memorial service and reception for Gordon was held on Friday, September 30, 2022 at St. Paul’s United Church, Souris, Manitoba.
In memory of Gordon, donations may be made to the Souris Museum.
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
James Allan Polwarth ‘Al’ was born on a farm north of Melita (previously Broomhill) in June of 1927; the only child of Jim and Jean Polwarth. Dad started school in Broomhill, although he admitted he was not a regular attendee and went as far as Grade 8.
Dad worked as a grain buyer for Ogilvie Elevators, later sold to Manitoba Pool Elevators, until he moved to Souris in November of 1949. He applied to work as a trainman in Minnedosa, but was told there was more opportunity in Souris throughout the winter months. It wasn’t steady work, so Al worked part-time driving and delivering coal for Buscarlet Transfer. He met his future wife and best friend, Lauree Stonehouse, and built a new home in town in time for the wedding in June of 1955.
Between 1957 and 1959, diesel power came for the Canadian Pacific Railway, which lessened the number of jobs during this time. Dad took employment with the Souris Creamery, delivered Bonnie Brae products, and worked carpentry with the late Harold Johnson Construction. By this time, mom and dad had started a family: Ian was born in March of 1957, Colleen in January of 1959 and Vonna in July of 1960. At this point, they realized that railroading was not going to be a steady income and in 1959, the family purchased a farm in the country, including a home in disrepair. The snowstorm of 1959 was one of the worst winters in history and unfortunately, they had no fences or corrals raised, or any feed stored. In the spring of 1960, Harold Johnson and Dad started renovating the old farmhouse – new shingles, replaced windows and doors, new siding and cupboards, and a water system. The family moved to the farm that summer once the repairs were done.
In 1961, Dad also entered the trucking business by hauling cattle to Brandon and surrounding areas. He quit the railroad in 1967 to focus on farming: cattle, pigs, chickens, cows and continued hauling. By the mid 1970s, the trucking business had become a full-time enterprise and Mom was not only a homemaker but bookkeeper for Polwarth Transport Ltd. In 1981, they sold the farm but retained 33 acres, and subsequently build a new house and large shed. Mom and Dad retired in 1996 and sold the family business. You couldn’t go anywhere with Dad where he didn’t meet someone he knew from his truck driving days, as he was a regular at the Brandon Livestock Yard. Mom and Dad both believed that to have locals patronize the business, you supported local. Unfortunately, Mom was diagnosed with cancer in 1996 and Ian as well in 1998. Ian passed away in 2001 at the age of 44 and Mom in 2002 at the age of 73.
Dad met Lillian Strain in 2006, and quickly became good friends and companions over the last 15 years. Dad and Lil spent their time travelling; vacations in Victoria where they first met, a bus trip to Nashville and flew to Halifax where they joined an Atlantic bus trip. They enjoyed driving to Brandon for supper and a movie, and frequented the Morden Corn and Apple Festival. Dad would never turn down one of Lil’s home-cooked meals, and together they had the nightly ritual of Jeopardy. Dad always wanted to return to his roots, so he and his daughters travelled to Scotland and Denmark and on another occasion joined Vonna and John to Las Vegas. Over the years, Dad enjoyed his weekly golf games with his buddies, was a tireless Lions member and served two terms as a councilor for the Town of Souris.
Dad’s hearing in his later years wasn’t so good. His father passed away at the age of 99 and suffered the same fate, refusing to wear hearing aids. At that time, the technology for hearing assistance wasn’t as advanced, so Dad would roll up a piece of paper into a funnel and put it into grandpa’s ear to talk to him. That gave his children ammunition to threaten Dad as he knew what they would do if he didn’t adapt to the changes needed as he aged.
In May of 2010, Dad purchased a house in the town of Souris and subsequently sold the farm in July of 2011. He decided to sell that home in 2016 and moved into the Crescent Manor a couple of blocks away. In early 2020, his health declined such that he was admitted to Souris Hospital until a room became available in the Minnedosa Personal Care Home, closer to his daughter Colleen. In April of 2021, Al had a fall in hospital and although the surgery was a success, he never quite recovered. His mantra was “I eat good, I sleep good, and I feel good… and I still have my memory”, which was so positive considering his dementia. He may not have remembered what he ate for lunch, but he always knew his daughters, sons-in-law and their children, and continually asked about them by name. He always voiced his belief that he had a good life and admitted to a few close calls over the years. Dad adapted to all the changes in his life well; from improving technology, or farmhouse to a house in town, to apartment living, and finally the care home.
Predeceasing Al was Lauree, Ian, mom’s sister and her husband, Eleanor and Glen Henderson, and mom’s brother, Fred. Surviving are two daughters and their respective families: Colleen and her husband Stew, and their three children Morgan and her partner Stephen, Gillian and Matthew; Vonna and her husband John, and their two children Frank (sons Dylan and Jaxen) and George and his wife Deidra (son Rylan). In addition, he is survived by Fred’s widow, Hazel, and mom’s sister, Mary Lynn, and nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank those at Congregate Meals in Crescent Manor for the wonderful meals and for letting Dad finish the jello. This service is so important to those who are not able to prepare a nourishing meal for themselves. As well, a thank you to the staff at Souris Hospital, Minnedosa Hospital, Brandon Hospital Acute floor and Minnedosa Personal Care Home for their care and support.
A funeral service was held at St. Paul’s United Church, Souris, on Saturday, September 11, 2021 with a private interment in the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery. In Memory of Al, donation may be made to the Hillcrest Museum Box 1287 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0 or to the Souris Railroad Museum c/o Municipality of Souris-Glenwood Box 518 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0.In memory of Al, donations may be made to the Souris Hillcrest Museum Box 1287 Souris Manitoba R0K 2C0 or to the Souris Railroad Museum c/o Municipality of Souris-Glenwood Box 518 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0.
Penner: Lee (Hatch), 77 years, beloved wife of Eric Penner, mother of Kelsey, Trever and Ryan, passed away in the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Monday, August 9, 2021 after a life well and fully lived. A celebration of her life was held at the Oak Lake Community Hall, Oak Lake, Manitoba on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Interment in the Oak Lake Cemetery followed by a time of refreshments and fellowship at the Oak Lake Community Hall. In memory of Lee, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba.
Myrtle Lily Page, age 98 passed away peacefully on April 26, 2021 in Souris.
Myrtle was born June 8, 1922 on her parent’s farm in the Brandon Hills. While growing up there she attended Delton School. On March 25, 1944 she married Alfred (Fred) Page of Beresford, Manitoba. They farmed in the Brandon Hills and then south of Beresford.
Three daughters survive Myrtle: Frances (Don) Dodds, Eunice (Ed) Dewhurst, and Marjorie Page. Also surviving Myrtle are daughter-in-law Arlene Page, 11 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Her husband, Fred in 1975, her son John in 2020, her parents Robert and Catherine Lindsay, her 10 brothers and sisters and their spouses predeceased her.
Myrtle was active in the community. She belonged to the United Church Women, was a life member of the Women’s Institute and belonged to the Fellowship Club in Souris.
Mom had a large garden, raised poultry, and kept herself busy sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting. Mom liked to play old-time music on the organ and listen to the bagpipes. She liked watching sports live and on television until her eyesight failed her. Mom liked playing games with the kids. She was the first one under the Christmas tree to find gifts for everyone to open.
Mom spent the last nine years of her life in the Souris Personal Care Home. The staff became her second family and she enjoyed visiting and joking with them. We thank them for that. Visits with her family were always enjoyed.
A family funeral service was held at the Souris-Glenwood Cemetery on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 with Rev. Harvey Hurren officiating. Pallbearers were Gerry, Jeff, and Andrew Dodds, Chris Page, Cole Kirkup, and Barry Good.
Rest in Peace Mom.
Special thanks to Dr. Cram, staff at the Souris personal Care home, Kowalchuk’s Funeral Home, and Rev. Harvey Hurren. In memory of Myrtle, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
As we began writing this, we struggled to condense this into something that is an appropriate length. So we apologize in advance if this appears to be long and rambling, please bear with us, as we try to share a little bit of Mom with you.
Lillian Marie Peaslee was the third daughter to Lilly & Harry Fradley of Souris and was born on a Friday, March 22nd, 1946. She proudly lived in the Souris area her entire life. Her early years were spent growing up on their property adjacent to the Souris Cemetery as her father was the caretaker and gravedigger there. She remembers watching him carefully and meticulously dig the graves. Each was precisely measured and squared perfectly, which couldn’t have been easy back in those days, as it was all done by pick and shovel in that gumbo clay. In fact, Marie’s father’s grave was the very last one to be dug by hand in the Souris cemetery. They started using equipment after that.
As a young girl, Marie remembered quietly waiting in the designated shack nearby, during graveside funeral services. Then, after everyone had left, she would assist her father by first carefully removing all of the flowers & wreaths so that he could close the grave; and then it was “her job” to place the flowers and wreaths back on the grave for display. She had so many wonderful stories about her Mom and Dad and her sisters Dorothy and Fay. Their fox farm, and their annual summer holidays up to Clear Lake. Her parents died when she was in her teens, so for several years she lived with her older sister Fay, brother-in-law Albert Long, her goddaughter/niece Frances and her nephew Clifford. She referred to them as her children before she had children.
She moved to the big city of Brandon in the 1960s, lived at the YWCA before finding a small apartment, while she worked at the Bus Depot; later as a dispatcher at Imperial Taxi for several years and finally at MTS on 9th street. She married Bert Peaslee in September of 1970 and raised us on the family farm 12 miles south-west of Souris until the late 1990s when they moved into town.
Mom ran a tight ship on the farm when we were growing up. Meal times were precise, daily & weekly chores and activities were scheduled. She spent hours manicuring the four acres of farm yard and flower beds. She maintained a huge garden, raspberry bushes and a field of potatoes which always yielded a bountiful harvest. And of course, as you can all relate; she was the chief “gopher” running here, there and everywhere for parts and materials for the farm. Moving equipment from one field to another, helping with the animals and repairs as necessary; while never failing to have dinner on the table at 12:00 or supper on the table at 6:00.
In the mid 1990s Marie was diagnosed with Wagner’s disease – which was quite rare at the time. It affected her kidney function and she was forced onto dialysis. At that time, conventional thinking meant that was it, you were on dialysis for life & because of her Wagner’s diagnosis, her life expectancy was not great either. She was able to do this particular type of dialysis at home and successfully did for two years, when miraculously, one of her kidney’s began functioning again. Unheard of. Marie had one kidney specialist tell her that her particular case had been one that was used as a reference for med students, teaching them what was possible in the area of kidney recovery. Marie became the poster patient for this amazing phenomenon. She got a kick out of visiting the kidney specialists in Winnipeg for her annual checkup, because she would often get approached by staff wanting to ask questions, or hear the staff whispering “oh, SHE’S the one!!!”.
Recreation: Mom liked needlepoint, puzzles, playing cards. She was always a big fan of soap operas. She called them ‘her stories’. As far back as “The Edge of Night” & “Another World”, to present day “General Hospital”, “Young and the Restless”. She also liked to watch curling. I’m not sure if she had always liked to watch curling, or if she just resigned herself to becoming a fan over the 50 years of sitting and watching Dad curl. But her specialty was KNITTING!!! She could knit a toque and matching set of mitts while sitting and watching Dad curl a ten end game at the rink! She was very talented and VERY fast!! She taught us all how to sew and how to knit. I am not very good, but one of her granddaughters is quite good and definitely takes after her grandmother in that regard. She is also famous for her Christmas cake, for her homemade bread, apple pudding and stew with dumplings. She is not so famous for her jello. (family joke) One Christmas her lime jello must have been made from an expired package or something, because it did NOT jiggle as jello is supposed to. Rather, it just kind of sat there and was glued to the serving dishes. We can still recall the roars of laughter at “ jello that didn’t jiggle,” and it became a running family gag.
Another story that was shared recently by a friend, was an example of what a great neighbour Mom always tried to be. Marie had gone to their house at Underhill one day to assist them with installing some gyprock on their ceiling in the dining and living room. Somehow, early in the day, the seat of her pants had ripped – and true to form, without missing a beat, she just borrowed a pair of the husband’s coveralls and carried on for the rest of the day until the task was completed.
Marie was predeceased by parents Harry Fradley and Lillian Johnson Fradley; sisters Dorothy Swaenepoel and Fay Long, brother-in-law Albert Long; She is survived and lovingly remembered by husband Bert Peaslee of Souris; Two Children Leanne (Tom) Zelenesky of Gillam, Rod Peaslee of Oak Lake; Six Grandchildren, three of whom she helped raise, Darby Peaslee of Brandon/Calgary; Dan Peaslee of Souris, Drake Peaslee of Souris, Ashley (Braden) Haigh of Rivers, Stephanie (Barrett) Miller of Gillam, Matt (Sarah) Zelenesky of Gillam; Three great-grandchildren Adeline Miller, Rogan Haigh and Torren Haigh. Marie was VERY close to so many nieces, nephews & cousins….the list is endless…. You know who you are. When I asked her if there was anything that she wanted me to tell any them, she thought for a minute and just shook her head and said “Just that I love them all!”
For about the last ten years Mom’s back started giving her quite a bit of trouble. Though she was unable to enjoy dancing or standing for long periods, she refused to let it slow her down too much. Her and Dad celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last September. We had been so ultra focused on the return of her kidney issues in December; how to get her back on the home dialysis so that she could regain her strength and recover (like 26 years ago), that most of us missed, or subconsciously ignored all of the warning signs of serious trouble. By the time she was actually officially diagnosed, her poor body was so weak it just wasn’t equipped with enough energy for a battle. True to form, she is the strongest woman we know. Stubborn and determined to live long enough for her immediate family to make it to her bedside. We take comfort in the fact that, despite the challenging covid rules and regulations, we managed to make the best out of a truly crappy situation.
We choose to try and see the positive in any circumstance. So, it was a blessing to have been such a short time between the official diagnosis and her death. Just long enough for opportunity to privately spend time with her, sharing laughs & stories and acknowledging how much this all sucks. It afforded us time to pose important questions and have some treasured discussions. Facetime and telephone calls like explaining to her grand daughter, over the telephone from her hospital bed, her homemade bread recipe and that secret ingredient was love? Or where are those darn skidoo keys that were put in a “safe” location never to be seen again?
Like everyone else that knew her, we KNOW for CERTAIN that she was an amazing lady. She was loved beyond measure by us all, and we are beyond sad. But thankfully, we also KNOW for CERTAIN that she knew all of that!!
In closing, as I said, these last days we discussed a lot. I asked her if there was anything in particular that she wanted to be remembered for. She smiled and thought for a moment…. I expected something profound; something obvious; being a good wife? good mom? good neighbour? good community citizen? good friend? (ALL OF WHICH ARE AN UNDERSTATEMENT) …. But no, ….modest and self deprecating, Mom shrugged, looked at me and said with a confident smile, “I make pretty good Christmas cake!”
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions a funeral service will be held at a later date. Notifications will be posted prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, in memory of Marie, donations may be made to your local Royal Canadian Legion.
Palmer: Edmee Marguerite Yvonne (nee Nannan)
Peacefully, with her daughters by her side, Mom passed away at the Souris Health Centre on Sunday, December 27 at the age of 96.
Edmee was predeceased by her husband Harold; parents Paul and Odile; and siblings Marie, Maurice, Gabriel, and Yvonne.
She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Noreen Papineau (Richard), Myrna Brister (Art); her grandchildren, Brett (Stasia), Mark (Renée),Troy (Heather), Sheena (Shawn); great-grandchildren Zoë, Owen, Una, Finnegan, Muirenn, Claire, Myles, Ward, and Evan; nieces, nephews and close friend and confidante Tom.
Edmee was born (Sept. 21, 1924) and raised in the Deleau MB district. After high school, she obtained a teaching certificate at the provincial Normal School in Winnipeg. While teaching at the Wolflea one room schoolhouse, she met her future husband Harold. Married in 1944, and after several years of farming, they settled in Souris MB.
Edmee worked as a receptionist in the local dental office, and later at the Sutter Medical Clinic. She taught her daughters the art of multitasking while she supported their many activities.
Mom enjoyed gardening, cooking, golfing, and the activities at the local senior centre. Mom and Dad liked to travel and to spend winters in Weslaco, Texas.
Edmee will be remembered by family and friends as a caring, supportive, and loving person with an infectious smile. She was so proud of her family and followed the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with interest and encouragement.
Thank you to the staff of the Victoria Park Lodge, Manitoba Society of Seniors, Home Care, Dr. D. Cram, and the staff of Souris Health Centre for your dedicated and compassionate care of our Mom.
Cremation has taken place. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be held at a later date. In memory of Edmee, donations may be made to the Souris Health Centre Palliative Care Fund c/o Prairie Mountain Health, Box 10 Souris, MB, R0K 2C0 or a charity of your choice.
Phillips: it is with great sadness we announce the passing of Bill Phillips on December 22, 2020 at the Souris Health Centre. Bill was born November 15, 1944 in the Souris to Jeanne Demer of Souris and Sandy Phillips, an Air-Force mechanic at the Souris Airport during the War.
He is survived by his wife Janet of 56 years and sons Rob of Hartney and Rick in Montreal. He is also survived by his brother Don (Cheryl) of Brandon, sister Bev (Bill) Wilson of Gladstone and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was predeceased by his grandparents William and Marie Demer, his parents Sandy and Jeanne Phillips and his step-father Bert Caskey of MacGregor.
Bill and Janet were married at the St. Luke’s Anglican Church on August 22, 1964. Bill drove a delivery truck for Souris Bonnie Brae Creamery until it burnt, he then worked for Lloyd Dandridge at the Souris Bakery for 8 ½ years. In 1972 they bought a farm east of Souris and shipped their first tank of bulk milk on December 1975. In 1987 they sold the dairy and bought a small farm at Grande Clairiere. At that time Bill got his Class 1 license and drove a semi for Keith Jones of SKL Enterprise Melita for 16 ½ years; a dream come true for him.
A graveside funeral service was held at the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery on October 2, 2021. In memory of Bill donations may be made to the Souris Hospital Palliative Care Fund c/o Prairie Mountain Health Box 10 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0 or to a charity of your choice.
Page: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John “Johnny” William Page, on Thursday, August 20th, 2020 at the age of 67. He passed away peacefully at the Souris Hospital with his family at his bedside.
John was born in Brandon, Manitoba, on October 21st, 1952, the only son of Alfred and Myrtle Page. He was raised south of Beresford, Manitoba with his three older sisters, Frances, Eunice and Marjorie. John’s passion for farming started at an early age as he helped his father tend to the fields and the animals. He took over the family farm at the young age of 22.
John loved to share stories about his school days at the South Beresford School and Souris High School. He fell in love with his high school sweetheart, Arlene Copeland, from Bunclody, Manitoba and they were married in 1972. They made their home east of his parents farm on the Thomson farmstead. They were blessed with Jacqueline in 1974, Christopher in 1975, and Michelle, in 1978.
John had a great passion for sports. He played catcher and first base for the Bunclody Blues fastball team, proudly wearing the number #10. He earned many trophies including Most Sportsmanlike Player, MVP and various batting awards, with one teammate always referring to John as having the “sweetest swing”.
Dad’s favorite pastimes were skidooing, hunting, spending time at the hunting shack, coaching hockey, and running the kids to various activities. He loved his years playing slowpitch for the Blues, and the friendships with his teammates. He curled and played oldtimer hockey and proudly displayed his trophies. He was a devoted community member and served as a Municipal Councilor and on the Souris Arena Board of Directors.
John’s world revolved around spending time with his family and his friends and doing what he loved the most – farming. He loved to spend his days with Chris, working the land and troubleshooting together. Farming with Arlene, Chris and Crystal gave him the greatest joy.
John had a zest for life and a passion for people. He loved spending time with Arlene and his children, watching the grandkids playing sports all over Western Canada. He enjoyed teaching the grandkids how to play cribbage, all the while “chirping” them when he took the lead. He looked forward to visiting with friends over the back of a truck or at the ‘staffroom’, and loved going for the mail to catch up with people in town. He enjoyed attending Ag Days and visiting with the guys at Rocky Mountain Equipment. He looked forward to attending local auction sales – whether he was looking for machinery, an old friend or the best slice of pie.
John loved to travel throughout Canada and to warm destinations including the U.S., Mexico, Cuba and Jamaica. John and Arlene always remembered a return trip to Waikiki in January, 2018 as their most favorite trip together.
John was known for his positive outlook on life, big friendly wave, famous finger point, special twinkle in his eye and an infectious smile. He had the strongest handshake, and a bone-crushing hug. He was generous with his time and would always stop and chat, ask how you were doing, talk about his grandkids or the score of last night’s game. He teased people if they drove something other than a “Ford” or if they purchased farm equipment that was not “red”. He loved to make jokes and tease, and always tried to leave people with a smile. He lived a life well-lived and found joy in each and every day.
John is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Arlene, daughter Jackie Kirkup and sons Cole and Avery, son Chris (Crystal Sadler) and daughters McKenna, Kelsey and Raylee, and daughter Michelle (Derek Deleau) and children Ella, Maddox, Jace and Kyan. He is also survived by his mother Myrtle Page, his three sisters, Fran (Don Dodds), Eunice (Ed Dewhurst) and Marjorie Page, his sister-in-laws Donna (Don Fenwick) and Cheryl (Mike Carrier), along with 13 nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his father, Fred Page.
A Celebration of John’s life was held on Sunday, August 23rd at the Souris – Glenwood Cemetery. We are extremely grateful to both Reverend Harvey Hurren for officiating, and Val & Dexter of Kowalchuk’s Funeral Home for the arrangements, and excellent care and guidance during this difficult time.
We would like to thank everyone who reached out to extend support, a helping hand, and delicious food during John’s illness, and since his passing. During John’s stay in the hospital he always commented about how the staff was so good to him, and how he was in good hands.
The special care John received, from Dr. Cram and the staff at the Souris Health Centre was heartfelt, compassionate and very much appreciated. Our hearts have been touched by the ongoing condolences and expressions of sympathy. We are truly grateful to be a part of such an amazing supportive and loving community.
Memorial donations in memory of John can be made to the Souris Hospital Palliative Care Fund, ℅ Prairie Mountain Health, Box 10, Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0, or to the Souris & Glenwood Foundation, Box 518, Souris, Manitoba, R0K 2C0.
May you rest in peace,
John, J.W., Dad, Papa.
You will be forever in our hearts.