Isabey, John Narcisse Edmond, passed away peacefully at the Souris Health Centre on Friday, March 20, 2015, at the age of 84 years. Dad was the oldest of four children. He was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Donalda, parents Narcisse and Germaine Isabey, in-laws Mae and Sawrey Watson, and brother-in-law Roland Hennessey (Marguerite).
Dad took his early schooling at St. Jean’s convent at Grande Clairière, Wauchope, SK. and finished at St. Boniface and St. Paul’s colleges in Winnipeg. In 1949, dad joined his father to work in the family business, Hartney Machine & Motors.
In 1959, he married Donalda (Donnie) Watson and had two children, Larry and Bev.
Dad was a member of the B.P.O. Elks in Hartney for many years. He was a goal tender for the men’s senior hockey team and would later become a manager. He enjoyed hunting pheasants and made many trips to Alberta and the States with his close friends.
There were many family camping holidays with the gang (mom & dad’s close friends). Dad’s boat kept everyone busy with water skiing for the kids or lake cruises with the adults. Dad loved to drive and sight see, so family trips also included road trips out west to visit family and into the States. Where ever we travelled, he was never far from his faith as we would say prayers and the Rosary for safe travel, and would always look for a church for Sunday mass.
Playing board games, cards and especially crib was a family favorite and he was always up for a game. Dad also enjoyed playing with his model trains, building and adding to his miniature community.
Family was very important to dad. He loved to watch his children & grandchildren play sports or music, he was our greatest supporter.
Dad was a devoted business man and many times, worked beyond regular hours to help customers. He was extremely proud when Larry became the 4th Isabey generation to be part of Hartney Machine. Through the years the business was acknowledged for numerous awards: 75 years with Ford, Manitoba Centennial Business and 120th Anniversary in the garage business in 2013.
Though not as active in the business following his heart attack in 2010, dad was still involved in decision making and his opinion was valued.
Dad lost his best friend and wife when mom passed away suddenly of a heart attack in 1999. With his passing, dad has been reunited with mom in the life of the everlasting.
Left to survive are: Larry (Joyce), grand children Paige, Brooke (Ryan) and great grandson Spencer, Blake (Haley), daughter Bev (Guylaine), sisters Marguerite Hennessey, Marie Beaudry (Fern), brother Jack Isabey (Claris), along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral mass was held at St. Jean’s Catholic Church, Grande Clairiere, Manitoba on March 25, 2015 with interment in the Grande Clairiere Cemetery. In memory of John, donation may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to the Souris Palliative Care Fund c/o Prairie Mountain Health Box 10 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0 or to a charity of your choice.
Special acknowledgement to Dr. Cram and the Staff and the Souris Hospital Centre for their care and compassion to dad and the family during dad’s final journey.
Larry and Bev, I am sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a good man, a good businessman, a leader in the community, and a good father.
Larry and Bev and families – my sympathy on the passing of your dad. Some of my best memories of Hartney include my time spent working at Hartney Machine & Motors. I hope your memories of your dad bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Brenda Lougheed
Larry and Bev. I am so sorry to hear about your dads passing. I am going to miss my friend and his bugging me about referee’s and hockey. Take care .
We have many great memories of John going back many years. We are very sorry that we will be unable to attend his memorial service.
My heart felt condolences to Larry, Bev and their families on the loss of their father and grandfather, my uncle John.
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. I know you have many treasures to hold dear.
Thinking of you all and sending lots of love from all of us.
Valerie
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Extending my deepest sympathies to you and your families. Kathy & Trevor Luten
Sorry to hear about your father/ grandfathers passing. I truly enjoyed having visits with John at Blake’s baseball games. Extending our sympathies to the family.
Larry, Bev and family,,
We were so sorry to hear about Uncle John’s passing. My last memory of him was when he came up to our cottage when the boys were younger. They remember him playing cards and of course Yatzhee with them. I wish I could be there but unfortunately I cannot. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Bev Larry and family
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was always such a proud man and he was always so very proud of you his children and grandchildren. Hold tight to your memories they are precious. Heartfelt condolences to you all.
Dear Larry, Bev and families….
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Brent Thomas contacted me to let me know. I have many fond memories of both your Dad & Mom and want you to know that both of you (actually all of you) are in my thoughts and prayers. John is at peace with his maker and re-united with your Mom. May he rest in peace. May the love and support of family and friends give you strength and comfort during this sad time and in the days ahead. This comes with deepest sympathies and lots of love.
Bev, Larry, Joyce, Paige, Brooke and Blake, Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad (Grandpa). May your wonderful memories of him help to carry you through the sad days ahead.
Thinking of you all.
Sincerely,
Penny & Bob
Isabey family, We are sorry to hear about John’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
My brother was a great brother and I will him dearly. I will always cherish the good memories of us growing up. We were so sorry that we could not be there to give support to the rest of my family . The pleasant visit we had with him last Christmas will be with us forever.
Our deepest condolences and so sorry we were unable to attend.
We will miss John’s stories and his friendship.
Bev, Larry & families, am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Thoughts are with you.