Obituaries

John, 91 years, beloved husband of Jean Kuchar, passed away at the Souris Health Centre on February 26, 2024. In keeping with John’s wishes a private service will be held at a later date. In memory of John, donations may be made to the Souris Health Centre c/o Prairie Mountain Health Box 10 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0.

KOHUT, Kenneth “Ken” Robert

December 8, 1951 – Souris, Manitoba

January 16, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Kenneth “Ken” Kohut passed away suddenly on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 in Calgary, AB after 72 years of a generous and principled life.

Ken, beloved husband of Mailodys Pérez, was born in Souris, MB on December 8, 1951, the first child of Joan and Harry Kohut. He received his education at Souris Collegiate, graduating in 1969. Ken attended the University of Manitoba, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Mathematics and Computer Science. Ken moved to Calgary in the late 1970s and began work as a systems analyst with the City of Calgary followed by Petro-Canada/Suncor.

Ken enjoyed reading, traveling, music, the outdoors, fishing and visiting with his many friends and family. When you became his friend, you were his friend for life. He was a dedicated environmentalist and outdoorsman, and he advocated strongly for the land and water of Alberta. His passion for fishing was instilled by his father at an early age. Upon moving to Alberta, this passion changed to fly fishing and exploded exponentially. This led to a connection with a vast network of friends.

Many of his favorite moments were spent on the Bow River with his fellow anglers. Ken was instrumental in beginning the Petro-Canada Fly Fishing Club or PCFFC and was a member of both the Trout Unlimited Bow River Chapter and national organization of Trout Unlimited. He was also an active member of the Bow River Trout Foundation.

Fishing took him on many adventures, including locations such as Smithers, Bella Coola, Belize, and Cuba. During one of these trips to Cuba, he landed the most important catch of his life—his wife Mailodys and her daughter Melissa. We all thought he would be a lifelong bachelor prior to this. Next thing you know you find him shopping for little girl’s clothes at the mall. His time with Mailodys and Melissa brought him great joy and happiness.

In 2019 Ken was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Myeloma is an incurable cancer, but Ken faced it head on. He felt very fortunate to be able to benefit from the world-leading treatment he received in Calgary, and he was an avid supporter and advocate of the Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Blood Services, the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, and the Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation.

Ken is survived by his wife Mailodys and stepdaughter Melissa. He is also survived by his sister Elaine Phillips, brother Tim Kohut (Joan Agnew), sister-in-law Shannon Kohut, mother-in-law Moraima Pérez, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Ken was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Joan, brother Glen, and brother-in-law Randy.

We would like to thank the doctors and nurses on Unit 36 Special Services Building of the Foothills Medical Centre for the compassionate care they provided to Ken during his last days. We would also like to thank his friends who supported, cared for, and watched over him.

Cremation has taken place. At Ken’s request, no formal service will be held. click to read more

It is with much love and sadness that we share the news of the passing of our mother, Helen Kain. Helen passed away peacefully in Souris with her family by her side on December 29, 2023. She is survived by Debra Kain of Souris, Manitoba, and Leah Kain (husband Michael Hansen) from Sarasota Florida, USA.

Helen May Kain was born to Stan and Jessie (Waterman) Brown in Souris on September 14, 1927, one of three children. Helen was pre-deceased by her beloved husband W. John Kain in 2003 and her brothers Arthur in 1986 and Claire in 2017.

Helen grew up on the farm in the RM of Glenwood. She and her brother Art attended Lily school arriving by horse and buggy. She completed her high school in Souris, graduating in 1946. After graduation, Helen taught on permit at Glenvale School for one year before going to Central Normal School in Winnipeg. There she excelled at softball, basketball, dancing, and academics and developed some lifelong friends.

After graduation, Helen returned to Southwest Manitoba to teach at Powerville School. She boarded with Amy and Basil Hillis who became forever friends. To the date of her death, she kept in touch with former students.

Helen married W. John Kain on October 28, 1953, becoming an integral part of the Kain farm at Chater and lived there for the next 50 years, becoming a valued member of the community. She was a member of the local church, taught 4H and substitute taught at Chater School. Her two daughters were born in 1956 (Debra) and 1958 (Leah).

Helen was an active farm wife, milking dairy cows, baling hay and straw, driving the combine as well as providing meals for many hired hands and farm workers. She loved to read, write poetry, garden, and watch the many birds that landed on her windowsill.

Eventually, Helen and John sold the dairy quota and moved to cow calf and grain farming. John had an interest in Real Estate and they both took their real estate exams. John became the Broker and Helen was the Office Manager as they successfully operated John Kain Realty for many years.

Helen and John loved to travel. They took trips to England, Scotland, Jamaica, and Costa Rica. They purchased a fifth wheel, travelling across Canada and north to Alaska.

John passed away January 15, 2003. Helen stayed on the farm for the next nine years, adopting her best friend Tucker, a spicy border collie. Helen and her daughters travelled to Ireland, the Mediterranean, Eastern Canada, and the Panama Canal. For over 15 years Helen spent part of each winter in Florida with Leah and Mike.

In 2011, Helen and Tucker retired to Souris, residing at the Old Mill Estates. There she enjoyed the company of many old friends, happy hours, and long walks in the park. Helen enjoyed one last lovely Christmas Day in 2023 with her family prior to her passing at the age of 96.

Many thanks from the family to Dr. Cram and the caring Prairie Mountain Health Homecare staff, all who made it possible for Helen to remain in her own home until her passing.

Celebration of Helen’s Life was held at St. Paul’s United Church, Souris, Manitoba on Wednesday May 1,2024. Interment at Chater Cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Helen may be made to Funds for Furry Friends or a charity of your choice.

To view the  service please click here click to read more