Thankful for her extended life, the families of Fern are saddened to announce her passing on December 7, 2022.
Fern was born in Waskada, Manitoba on September 29, 1928 and moved to Souris at the age of 8 with her parents Cecil and Gertrude Stocks and her 3 brothers Mark, Orvel, and Royden. Left to mourn her loss is Orvel. Fern spent the rest of her life in Souris. In her young teenage years, Fern was employed at the Souris Bakeshop and the Souris Airport Base during the war years.
Fern met Reginald Dunbar and they were married in 1949 and then moved to the farm south of Souris. They raised 3 children Connie (Bill), Colin(Karen)and Darcy (Val). Fern’s grandchildren include Shauna (Rob), Kerry (Thora), Travis (Cheyenne), Cale (Ang), Dillon (Erin) and Mylen. Her great grand children were Casey, Hannah, Gage, Freyja, Sonny, Regan, Jaxon and Jett.
Reg passed away in 1977 and Fern remained on the farm for the year and then moved to Souris. Colin then took over the farm. She met up with the family friend and neighbor Rene Fortin. Fern and Rene were married in 1984 and built a new home near the swinging bridge. Together they did lots of travelling and dancing until Rene’s passing. She had two stepsons Norman (Cheryl) and Ron (Joanne) and also step Grandma to Danielle, Whitney, Michael, Dane, Callum, Michelle and Taylor.
Fern loved the farm and worked hard at all aspects of farm life. One of her favorite pastimes was music and signing. She sang in the St. Paul’s United Church Choir for a span of 60 years. She also taught herself to play piano and enjoyed teaching her grandchildren to play along with her. Along with the 3 of her best friends, they formed a signing quartet “Our Girls”. They entertained at the lodges in Souris and Hartney and various events in the area. They performed together for about 30 years.
She will be missed by her immediate family the Dunbar’s and her extended family the Fortin’s as well as many friends in the Souris Community.
If you wish the donate in Fern’s memory, her wish was to support St. Paul’s United Church, Box 899, Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0 or the Souris Personal Care Home c/o Prairie Mountain Health Box 10, Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0.
“Her laugh, her smile, her spirit lives on forever”
Funeral service was held at St. Paul’s United Church, Souris, on Saturday, December 10, 2022. Private interment in the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery.
Dear Connie, Colin and Darcy and families…. our sincere condolences with your mom’s passing. Fond memories of birthday parties at the farm, with pony rides and nickels and dimes in the birthday cake and gift bags to take home and who can not forget the Field Days in Hartney and Elgin, a carload of Lily School kids and a big picnic lunch.
She was a wonderful lady, a big smile and hardy laugh… she made memories and will be fondly remembered.
Ray and Betty Howell
I have known the Dunbar family forever and Fern certainly passed on her beautiful personality and sense of logic to her children. I remember the family coming to activities at Hebron school and becoming a part of our district activities. The more the merrier.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time!
Fond memories I have when I worked as the Activity Director
At the the Souris PCH, “Our Girls” were regular entertainment for the Residents, Fern always made a point of chatting with residents, Fern was a Special Lady.
Our sincere condolences to the Dunbar and Fortin families. So sorry to hear of Fern’s passing – she was a lovely lady.
Trevor and Ruth Mealy
So sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed my visits with Fern when I was ‘home’ to Souris.
So sorry to hear. Our thoughts are with you all.
Don and Cheryl Tufts
Darcy,Val & family we are so sorry to hear of Fern’s passing our sincere condolences. We met Fern at the tea house many years ago she was always joyful to have a visit with.
Connie, Colin, and Darcy and families our sincere condolences. Your mom was the creator of great memories on the farm, birthday parties, and Saturday night trips to Souris. She was a very special lady.
Bob & Bev Wilson
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you with deepest sympathy.
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom and Grandma. She was a kind and thoughtful lady who always had time to talk. She was so community minded and volunteered to help at many events. She will be missed. You will have many great memories to look back on. Our thoughts are with you at this tough time.
Hugging and Doris
To Darcy, Colin and Connie and families: Our thoughts are with you at this time. Fern was always upbeat and caring, and you will all miss her greatly. Please accept our condolences.
Cheryl & Norm
To Darcy, Colin, and Connie. My childhood memories always have your family in them! Your Mom was such a great lady, classy and just a tiny tiny bit sassy! She spread smiles and happiness. My thoughts are with yours.
So sorry to hear of Fern’s passing. Fern was a beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Thinking of you all.
Clark and Denise King
To all the family of Fern. Darcy and Val are our neighbors and I know that they look after everyone. My sincere condolences to your family. If you need anything we can do please reach out to us. Xo Judy and Don Smutko.
Connie, Colin, Darcy and Families: our deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. She was such a wonderful lady, always had time to chat, always so interested in what was going on in your life. You will miss her a great deal.
Colin, Karen, Darcy, Val and family. Fern was a wonderful lady and we always enjoyed our visits. With our sympathies.
Dave and Linda
Connie, Colin and Darcy, my condolences on Fern’s passing. She was a remarkable lady, a great neighbour and a wonderful supporter of her community. I remember her from Lily and Souris. Last time we chatted was after a service at St. Paul’s, she was in the choir. Cherish your memories.
Ken Morrison
Thinking of you with deepest sympathy.
I have wonderful memories of our visits to the farm growing up and as an adult I loved stopping in for a visit with Fern. She was a person who was honest and real, who knew how to listen, and who empathized with others. She went through a lot in her life and she was a strong lady. She will be greatly missed. Heartfelt sympathy to Connie, Colin, Darcy, and families.
Donna and Neil Martin
When I think of Fern, two things come to mind- music and her laugh. She was a gem and will be missed by all who knew her. Rest In Peace Fern.
Sincere Condolences to the Dunbar Family. I have known Fern for quite awhile and really enjoyed our visits while she lived in Victoria Park Lodge. RIP Fern.
Teenie Carlisle
Connie, Colin , Darcy and families. Your parents were very dear friends of our parents. Many fun memories visiting at your house. It was always so nice running into your mom and having a visit. She was a wonderful caring person and I always appreciated her support with my mom. Hugs to all.
Our sincere condolences to the Dunbar & Fortin families at this very difficult time. Fern was such a lovely lady. Hold your memories close. They are so very important. Sincerely -Robert & Marilyn Pearce
To the Dunbar family, we are so sorry to hear about your mom and grandma. Take care you guys! Cyril and Kate Druwe
My sincere condolences to Fern’s family. Fern was caring, kind and a wonderful lady. Always ready with a hello and hug. I enjoyed our visits and it was a pleasure to know her. Thinking of you all at this sad time, may you find comfort in your memories. R.I.P. Fern.
To the Dunbar Family – Fern brought joy to many for so many years with her friendly greetings and smile, sharing music and community service. I am sorry for your loss.
Sincerely and with gratitude,
Pam Whitfield
Connie, Colin, Darcy and families,
Our sincere sympathy to all of you in the loss of your mom. We always enjoyed a chat with her when we would cross paths. Enjoy your memories…..
Colin & Pat McKay
Connie, Colin and Darcy, your Mom was a pure joy and a loyal friend to all. Mom considered her one of her closest friends and had such a great time singing with her and the other girls in “Our Girls” as well as the Church Choir. She always had a smile and friendly welcome when I saw her on my visits home. I am sending my sincere condolences to you and your extended families. She will be truly missed.
We are sorry for your loss. It is always difficult to lose a loved one no matter what age they are. We send our condolences. Sincerely, Ruth, Garry and family.