It is with broken hearts, we share the passing of our Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma, Patricia Gayle Lovatt (Hinks), who left this world on November 6th at the age of 90.
Mom was born on March 17, 1933, the 3rd of 4 children to Roy and Stena Hinks in Schuler Alberta.
After completing her high school education in Medicine Hat, Mom followed in her sister’s footsteps to Brandon, to pursue her nursing training. Her career took her to Regina Hospital before she soared as an airline stewardess
Evelyn Gail Miller (Baird), aged 67, passed away peacefully with family by her side on November 5, 2023, at Souris Hospital after a short battle with Cancer.
Born in Souris, MB on January 14, 1956, to James (Jim) and May Baird, Evelyn lived in Elgin, MB with her older brother Donald (Don). They both attended school in Elgin before moving onto Hartney Collegiate for high school.
On April 13, 1974, Evelyn married Robert (Bob) Miller. They resided on a farm near Fairfax, MB and had their daughters,
June, 79 years, wife of the late Ron Klier, passed away in the Souris Personal Care Home, Souris, Manitoba, on Sunday, October 22, 2023. Funeral Service will take place at a later date. Donations in June’s memory can be made to Souris Health Centre Palliative Care Fund c/o Prairie Mountain Health Box 10, Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0.
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
Neuman, Joseph (Joe) George, 78 years, of Elgin, Manitoba, passed away in the Boissevain Health Centre, Boissevain, Manitoba, on Friday, October 20, 2023. Funeral Service was on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Souris, Manitoba. Interment in the Elgin Cemetery. Donations in memory of Joe can be made to CancerCare Manitoba or the Boissevain Health Centre.
After fighting a courageous battle with cancer, Marylyn Service-Peters passed peacefully on the 13th October in the early hours under the beautiful skies of a new morning sunrise. She has gone to join those she loved who left before her; her mother, Margaret Service, father, Jack Service, sister, Valerie Ethier, and husband, Robert Peters.
Marylyn was a kind soul and could often be found helping others. She was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, an aunt and a friend, and will be missed by many. She loved living and fought her battle with strength till her last breath
She leaves behind her daughters Chantal (Mike) and Rachelle (Randal), her Granchildren, Riley, Emily, Chloe & Nicholas. As well has her 3 remaining siblings Rob (Kathy), Jane (Cochrane) and Mike (Pat). She was also a Step-Mother to Corey (Sue) & Kyle (Erin) and a Step-Grandmother to Emma, Hailey and Gracie.
Marilyn has lived Coast to coast in Canada and had many friends throughout the Provinces. Her most favourite spot was the East Coast of Canada where she spent 3 years in the Armed Forces, an endeavour she held with great pride.
She passed away in the community of Souris/Elgin Manitoba which she called home for over 2 decades, with her loving sister by her side.
She is home with her Lord. Good night, sleep tight, you’re loved. Till next till. May you find love, peaceful rest and eternal calm.
A Celebration of Life was held at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Souris, on Thursday, October 19, 2023.
Louise Lawson 1948 ~ 2023.
Agatha Louise Lawson, age 75, died peacefully October 12, 2023 with her family by her side in the Souris Hospital, after a long 21 year on and off fight with cancer. She was born February 16, 1948, in Boissevain, MB the second child of 5 born to Abe and Hilda Neufeld. According to Grandpa’s memories, if they had not had the incubator Louise might not have made it through the night. Louise and her family moved Souris in 1956 and she started grade 2 in Souris school and they attended St. Paul’s United Church. Her faith was one thing that never wavered and part of that faith was singing in St. Paul’s choir, which she did for over 55 years. In 1968 while singing in the choir she met dad, Bill Lawson. Louise and Bill were married in August of 1971. In August 1974 Ryan was born and in August 1977, Jana arrived and the million dollar family was complete.
Louise received her hair dressing license in 1968 and continued cutting hair for the majority of her life. Later she incorporated her hair dressing into working at the Corner Closet and Country Cuts. Mom loved her time at Corner Closet, meeting people and helping them find the perfect outfits.
Louise loved watching many different sports. It was very rare that she would miss a curling game on TV, the Blue Jays ball games or a Jets hockey game. She rarely missed the local Cardinals ball games or Elks & Cougars hockey games and enjoyed welcoming the teams over to the house after games for some “socializing”.
Mom also loved shopping. It was her number one hobby. She was thoughtful when she was buying gifts for someone and if you ever received a gift from her, it was beautifully wrapped.
Other than her family, nothing meant more to Louise then the community of Souris. She was a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, St. Paul’s UCW, and enjoyed volunteering at the Avalon Theatre in Souris. She also loved her walking group and coffee crew. She was always baking to welcome new families to the neighbourhood.
Louise was predeceased by her parents Abe and Hilda Neufeld, and brother in law Mac Draper.
Louise is survived by her loving husband of 52 years Bill Lawson, Son Ryan (Allison) grandchildren Gillian, Barrett, Jasper, and Willa and daughter Jana. She is also survived by her siblings, Betty Draper, Bob (Alexis) Neufeld, Jeanne (Don) Lewis, and Ed (Janice) Neufeld and their families, step mother Sadie Neufeld, along with many close relatives and friends.
A funeral celebrating Louise’s life was held at St. Paul’s United Church on Wednesday, October 18th with inurnment held in the Souris-Glenwood Cemetery Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made to the Souris-Glenwood Foundation Box 518 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0 or to the St. Paul’s United Church Memorial Fund Box 899 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0 or to a charity of your choice.
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After a long hard-fought battle, with sense of humour intact, and his love by his side, Ron left this world peacefully on September 28, 2023, at the Souris Health Centre.
Ronald Allan Barclay was born in Souris Manitoba, to Allan and Eva, on September 28th, 1943. His first home was the family farm north of Souris, it would also be his last. He loved everything about the farm; spring seeding and fall harvest, his huge yard, impromptu visits at the infamous staff room, his immaculately trimmed hedge, his garden (hands off the tomatoes!), and his various kitties, most recently Lincoln and Jack. He was an armchair weatherman, and could tell you what tomorrow would bring just by looking up at the sky.
Ron joined the Navy in 1961 and was stationed at HMCS Cornwallis, just outside Digby Nova Scotia. He was only there for one year but he formed a lifetime of memories in that short time, they were some of the best days of his life. The following year he returned to Souris to farm with his Dad, and brother Glen. In June 1964 he married Carole McBurney. Together, they welcomed Sandy in 1964, Warren in 1968, and Eldon in 1973. They moved to Winnipeg in 1964 where he worked for Good Year Tire. He also attended Red River College during this time, graduating at the top of his Heavy Duty Mechanics class, a skill that always came in handy on the farm. Next he worked for International Harvester, but in 1969, the pull of Souris brought the family home. He worked briefly for CP Rail, as well as the Souris arena, but eventually the urge to farm returned, and he joined his Dad and Glen once again. There were other jobs in between, the Souris Legion being one. Later in life he found a new career as a painter. Ron was very skilled at this and was always in demand due to his attention to detail.
In 1978, his beloved son, Eldy, passed at the age of 5. Ron’s heart broke along with his sons, and life would never be the same. In January 1984, Ron took his last drink and joined AA, an organization that saved him, and helped pave the way for peace in his remaining years.
One winter’s night in 1990, he attended a singles dance in Brandon, where he was approached by a familiar pretty face. Linda and Ron had known each other their entire lives, but only connected that night. Their love blossomed quickly, and they were married in December 1996, in a little chapel in Las Vegas, with family at their side. And at each other’s side the two of them would remain for the next 26 years.
Ron fulfilled a lifelong dream when he purchased his 1981 Harley Davidson Electra Glide. Together with Linda and their circle of friends, they made new friends and many memories on the ‘shovel-head’. There were lots of day trips for lunches and coffee, including annual camping trips to Sturgis. Oh the stories he would tell!
Ron became a very proud grandpa in November 1993 when Justin came along. They spent many days fishing and painting side by side, forming a lasting bond. Justin and Sandy joined Ron and Linda on one trip to Sturgis, as well as one of their many trips to Puerto Vallarta, Ron and Linda’s happy place. Warren and Renée also twice joined them in the Barbados. So many happy memories were made on these trips.
There would be a lot more people enter his life via Linda; her kids and Grandchildren, who were all so very special to him. We all knew when Grandpa Ron disappeared to the TV room, he’d had enough! There were pranks, inappropriate (but hilarious) nicknames, laughs, and always lots of love.
Ron always wanted to go back to Digby and in the fall of 2022, he finally made it. It would be the last trip his body would allow, but not even Hurricane Fiona could keep him from getting there.
Ron had many health struggles throughout most of his life, but he soldiered on, including dialysis three times a week in his last 6 months. Eventually his body couldn’t keep up. He was determined to make it to his 80th birthday, and true to character he did, passing 3 hours into his big day. He was that strong willed.
Ron was predeceased by his parents, Allan and Eva, sister-in-law Gwen, and his precious son, Eldon. Left to mourn his passing is his loving wife of 26 years, Linda, his daughter Sandy, son Warren (Renée), grandson Justin (Ashton), brother Glen, nephews Andy (Allison), Greg (Nicole), and his step children Denise (Don), Darryl (Ang), Dana (Calem), Derek (Michelle). Grandpa Ron will also be dearly missed by his step-grandchildren and great grandchildren who he made a lasting impression on: Kendra (Brennan), Ashlyn & Ryder, Brett, Tyra, Taylor (Nic), Raegan, Nathan (Tyra), Ari & Brooks, Erick, Cohen, Ella, Maddox, Jace and Kyan. He also leaves behind many loyal friends who helped carry ‘Bark’ through the tough times, laughed alongside him in the good times. In his words, what a long strange trip it’s been. We will all miss him so very much 💜
Special thanks to Dr. Cram, who has been a constant caring support for 37 years, the staff at the Souris Hospital, the Brandon Hospital, and the Assiniboine Center. Ron was always so grateful, and quick to tell us how well he was being taken care of. Thank you to Val and Dexter who have held our hands and made this all a little bit easier. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us, his family, and supported us with food and kind deeds. It is easy to see why Ron chose to make Souris his home.
Celebration of life was held on Friday October 6, 2023, at the Souris Legion. Private family gathering followed at the farm. Donations in Ron’s name gratefully accepted towards the Souris Railroad and Caboose museum, c/o Municipality of Souris-Glenwood, Box 518, Souris MB, R0K 2C0.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.
Alys (Sammy), 93 years, beloved wife of the late Charles (Chick) Will, passed away in the Souris Personal Care Home on September 20, 2023. A private graveside funeral service was held at the Carroll Cemetery. In memory of Sammy, donations may be made to the Souris Legion.
Robert (Bob) Harold Arbuckle
Dad passed away at the Souris Personal Care Home on September 19, 2023 after complications from a stroke he suffered on April 7, 2023. He enjoyed 94 ½ years of excellent health. For the last 5 months, he was bedridden and paralyzed on his right side. It was tough for him and the family as we’ve been so lucky to have him in great health for so long!
Dad was predeceased by our Mother, Bernice in March 2009 and Son-in-law, Mike Gasher in September 2022. He is survived by Sisters-in-law; Verla Hudson, Eleanor Scott and Maxine Harley. Dad is survived by his children Forbes (Lorraine), Donna, Grant (Colleen), Dianne and Neil (Corie) and by 10 grandchildren: Brett (Jessica), Jesse (Jacy), Erin (Marinus), Spencer (Megan), Madeleine (James), Adam (Camille), Danielle (Will), Dane (Alyssa), Jameson (Myckella) and Braden (Daren). He’s also survived by 10 great grandchildren: Aubree, Graham, Ella, Finley, Corbin, Taggart, Cassius, Sigrid, Chloe and Adaline. Numerous nieces and nephews survive him as well, many with whom he’s very close – notably Harvey Arbuckle from Carstairs and Jean Arbuckle from Calgary.
Dad was born in Neepawa on Nov 8, 1928. He was the youngest of 4 boys and he had a very close relationship with them even though they were many years older. Gordon, Grant, Jack and Dad (and later their wives) would often get together, despite the distance. Family has always been important to our parents. As kids, we remember long drives to Alberta through rain and snow on a single lane highway and numerous trips to Neepawa to see great Aunts, Mom’s parents, and to tend to Dad’s parent’s graves at the Neepawa cemetery.
After graduating from high school, Dad taught school for half a year due to the regular teacher’s pregnancy. The following year he attended the University of Manitoba. He graduated in 1950 with his degree in Agriculture. He was hired by the Manitoba Government and was one of the first Assessors in the province. Mom and Dad got married in June of 1951 and they lived in Winnipeg during the winter and hit the road in the summers working out of various small towns as he did the initial property assessments. Over the years they lived in Miami, Carman, Killarney and then moved to Souris in 1963. By then they had 5 kids, so life was busy! Dad’s job took him to Winnipeg in the early 80’s as he became the Deputy Director for the Manitoba Assessment Branch. He retired in 1988 and they moved back to Souris. After Mom passed in 2009, Dad remained in the house on his own until February of 2022 when we moved him to the new hotel/apartment complex in Souris.
Dad, also known as Bob, Bobby, The Bobber, Darlin, Sir R.H., Grampa, GrandBob, and GrandFather, was a true patriarch and gentlemen. He was always there for us. He’d listen – and give advice if solicited, but he was never one to direct or judge until after you made your decision! We had to figure things out on our own. He was always willing to help with a project – and over the years, he had many ‘Bob Jobs’ when he visited with Donna, Dianne or cousin Jean! He could fix almost anything and did most of his own renovations on the big house in Souris. He also wasn’t shy about exploiting the fact he had 5 kids to help him not just with the house, but also the apartment block he purchased and we renovated in the mid 70’s. In his later years, he helped Neil and Corie with many projects at their cottage. In fact, he ‘prefabbed’ a Woodshed and a Bunkhouse from lumber he had in Souris, and then transported the pieces to Willard Lake for assembly.
He was known to not spend money indiscriminately. He was a product of the Depression, and he knew what it was like to have very little. Why throw something out when you might need it in the future?
He was fiercely competitive. Cards (Bridge was his favourite), Crokinole, Ping Pong , Curling– you name it. He hated to lose and he would never ‘let you win’! He was particularly astute at Hearts – and he often got ‘control’, much to the disdain of who he was playing. “How did he do that”, was a common refrain!
Hunting and fishing were a passion. Every fall he’d head to the Oak Lake area with his Assessor buddies (and later Forbes joined) to go deer hunting. Fishing trips to Dauphin, the cottage at Killarney, and later at Lake of the Woods and numerous other lakes in northwestern Ontario were always a top priority. After Dad retired, he became an avid gardener and ‘Saskatoon grower’! Every Saturday in the summer for years he’d prepare his onions, potatoes and other vegetables and sell them at the Market in Souris – and he always sold out! The last big Saskatoon crop, he would use his cane to pull down the branches while he sat on his walker and slowly filled up ice cream pails!
Dad had a dry sense of humour – and he kept that til the end. When he was paralyzed on his right side, he referred to right arm as his ‘spare arm’!
He had the good fortune to spend time in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Barbados and many countries in Europe – notably Denmark, where he would visit Donna – first with Mom, but later it became an annual trip for him to spend a month a year there. Many winters were spent in Texas with their good friends Jim & Doris Tease. Dad’s last trip was to Alaska in the fall of 2022 for Madeleine and James’ wedding. It was special as he and his 5 kids made the trip. He was upset we couldn’t take him fishing (very rough water), but he enjoyed the time and was the first to spot a whale from our AirBnB!
He was a kind and generous Father, Father-in-law, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle and truly loved his family. Always a calm demeanor and ready for a conversation or an outing. Although we had him for a very long time, it’s still hard to lose him. We will miss him ❤️
Special thanks to Dr Cram and the staff at the Souris Personal Care Home and the Souris Hospital, where Dad spent the last 4 months. The care he received there was outstanding and we’re very grateful. The family also wants to thank Forbes for looking after Dad this last couple of years. Covid was hard on Dad, and Forbes was his main connection after his ‘coffee group’ got shut down.
To view the service please click here
A Celebration of Life was held at the United Church in Souris, Manitoba on Monday, October 2, 2023. A private interment was held at the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery. In memory of Bob, donations may be made to the Souris & Glenwood Foundation Box 518 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0 or to the Souris Health Centre Special Equipment Fund c/o Prairie Mountain Health Box 10 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0.