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Janet Elizabeth Conner (nee Ritchie)
With her family at her side, Janet Conner, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2004 at the Lions Prairie Manor at the age of 82 years. She was predeceased by her beloved husband William Conner; parents Thomas and Clara Ritchie; brother William Ritchie and brother-in-law Lou Lamania. Left to mourn are her children Marianne (Bruce) Babiuk of Winnipeg, Brian (Betty) Conner of Oakbank and Bob Conner of Morden; with 4 grandchildren
; three sisters Winnie (Earl) McDonald of Portage la Prairie, Mary (Fred) Altater of Calgary AB and Ethel (Lou) Lamania of Mount Royal NJ along with many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Janet was born
and raised in Portage la Prairie living only a brief time near Wainwright AB in her early years. She attended both Victoria School and Portage Collegiate Institute. After her mother passed away, Janet helped her father to raise her brother and three sisters. She worked as a secretary at McDonald Air Force Base during the Second World War and then at Miller and Miller Law Office until her marriage to Bill in 1953. She later returned to work in the tax department at the Portage City Hall. Janet was a very energetic, hard working person. She enjoyed knitting, needlepoint, gardening and reading. Janet had a strong commitment to her extended family, always keeping up with her nieces and nephews activities. She was a very dedicated church member. In her early years she was a member of Trinity United Church. Later she was a member and taught Sunday School at McKenzie United Church and in her later years was active in the Church of Christ. She will be fondly remembered as a friendly person who always looked for the best in people. Funeral Service will be held Tuesday morning, February 10, 2004 at 10:30 am at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. Interment is to follow at Hillside Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Janet’s memory to Alzheimer Manitoba, 21 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, R1N 1T8 or a charity of choice. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Janet by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements.
Emma Christine Bohpa (nee Doota)
Opi Za Ta Waste Win “Bird That Opens Its Wing” At her home on Dakota Plain Wahpeton Nation on February 6, 2004, Emma Bohpa, formerly of Sioux Valley, passed away at the age of 70 years. She was predeceased by her husband Wylie; parents John and Ruth Doota; daughter Joanne Bohpa and grandson Timothy Bohpa. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Sandra Smoke (Newman) of Brandon and Doris (Terry) McDonald of Portage la Prairie; grandchildren Jason Bohpa, Shannon Sandy, Pamela (Edward) Keeper, Megan Smoke (Chad), Bradley Smoke, Curtis Smoke, Ryan McDonald and Tyler McDonald; great grandchildren Jessica Bohpa, Joanie Bohpa, Twyla Bohpa, Jason Bohpa Jr., Shayanne Keeper and Gavin Johnson; sister Mary (Solomon) Hall of Sioux Valley MB; “adopted children” Val Smoke, Debbie Smoke, Laurene Smoke, Carol Beaulieu, Myrna Pashe, Phyllis Tecza, Joyce Myran, Lisa Myran, Lizzie Daniels, Annabel Smoke, Tina Smoke, Dan McKie, Vince Ostapowich, Brian McIvor and Ken Wettlaufer as well as her numerous nieces and nephews. Emma was everyone’s Mom or Kunsi. Emma enjoyed feeding people, playing bingo, watching hockey and football, doing puzzles and listening to music, especially Elvis Presley. She had a strong work ethic and was known for her keen sense of humor and quick wit. She loved and cherished all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and her many nieces and nephews. She will be especially missed by her nephew Ron Hall. Over the years, Emma found much pleasure in visiting them all. She contributed to her community by being an elder on the Health Committee at Dakota Plains. Emma will be brought back to Sioux Valley at 11:00 am to the Veterans Memorial Hall on Tuesday, February 10, 2004. Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm in the Veterans Memorial Hall at Sioux Valley with Reverend Dave Thiessen officiating. Interment is to follow in the Sioux Valley Catholic Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Emma’s memory to the Canadian Diabetes. Association, 102 - 310 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0S6. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Emma by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements.
Deborah Jane “Debbie” Meeches
“Coming Over The Hill Woman”
Our family would like to announce the passing of our mother, kookoo, sister and auntie Debbie Meeches. Debbie passed away on Friday, February, 6, 2004 at the Portage District General Hospital with her family at her side. Debbie leaves to mourn her daughters Fern Ann (Chris), Angela (Trinity) and Tanya; six grandchildren Cathline, Errol, Bradey, Colby, Elizabeth Jane and Shaden; siblings Vernon (Shawna), David (Geraldine), Timothy (Charlene), Lisa (Rob) and Fabian along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her daughter Chelsea, parents Edward and Elizabeth (nee Campbell) Meeches; siblings Larry Daniels, Faith Meeches and Curtis Campbell and Terry Meeches. Traditional Wake will be held on Monday, February 9, 2004 at 6:00 pm at the Long Plain Spirit Lodge, Long Plain First Nation. The Traditional Feast and Prayers will commence at 12 noon on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 with the Traditional Funeral Service to follow. Dave Courchene will be officiating. Interment will take place at Long Plain Cemetery. Our family would like to thank all the dedicated people who assisted Debbie during her illness with diabetes., especially those at the Dialysis Unit at the Portage District General Hospital. A special thanks to Nancy. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Debbie’s memory to Canadian Diabetes. Association, 102 - 310 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0S6. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Debbie by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements. 857-4021
Alvin Philip Williams
Alvin Philip Williams, of Portage la Prairie, husband of Phyllis Williams passed away on June 7, 2004 at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 84 years. Cremation has taken place. According to his wishes there will be no Funeral Service. A longer obituary will follow at a later date. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Alvin by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements.
Lillian “Loreen” Marie McFarlane (nee Demman)
With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Lillian “Loreen” McFarlane (nee) Demman on Thursday, June 3, 2004 at the Portage General Hospital at the age of 75 years. She is predeceased by her beloved husband William “Bill” McFarlane, parents Katherine and Allan Demman and son Murnie McFarlane. Left to cherish her memory are her children Charlene (Jerry) Lavallee of Winnipeg, Dellanne McFarlane , Cynthia (Stanley) Sharp and Crystal McFarlane, all of Portage la Prairie and grandchildren Christopher Lavallee, Azure-Dee Sharp, Brenin McFarlane and Ashley McFarlane. Loreen was born
November 4, 1928 in Brandon Manitoba. On January 16, 1945 she married
Bill McFarlane and they lived most of their lives in Portage la Prairie. Loreen worked as a clerk at Eatons and Hans Christian Toy Store and was also employed at Campbell Soup. She loved family outings, yard sales and gardening. Loreen enjoyed sewing and crocheting and her crafts were beautiful works of art. She shared her talents with the Portage After Five Club and spent many hours volunteering for the Fort la Reine Museum. Friends and family are invited to gather at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel for a Farewell at 1:30 pm on Friday, June 11, 2004, prior to leaving in procession at 2:00 pm to the Oakville Cemetery for a Graveside Service conducted by Pastor Larry Bird. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Loreen‘s memory to The Fort la Reine Museum , Box 744, Portage la Prairie, Mb R1N 3C2. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Loreen by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements.
Stanley George (Papa) Lee
Stan Lee passed away on December 14, 2003 at the age of 62 years. Funeral Service was held December 17, 2003 at Trinity United Church. Interment will take place at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 at Hillside Cemetery.Friends and family are invited to gather at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 12:30 pm prior to the procession to Hillside Cemetery. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Stan by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements.
Audrey Marion Hay (nee Poyser)
On Saturday, May 15, 2004 our beloved mother, Audrey Marion Hay passed away at the Father Lacombe Care Centre in Calgary Alberta at the age of 90 years. Mom was born
on January 17, 1914 near Austin, Manitoba; the eldest daughter of Reuben and Jean Poyser. She grew up on the family farm and began her teaching career during the 1930’s. Mom was a wonderful and successful teacher for 30 years, retiring in 1979. Her active interest in education continued in a volunteer capacity until very recently. In 1949, she married
Morris Hay and they lived in MacGregor, Manitoba. She was happiest helping others and participated in numerous community and church organizations. Mom loved traveling, reading, gardening and valued her close relationship with her family. In 1995, faced with new challenges, she moved to Father Lacombe Home in Calgary, where she remained as active as possible. Predeceased by her cherished husband Morris in 1989, her parents and infant sister and her dear sister Hazel in 2003, Audrey is survived by her daughter Betty Jean and husband Pat, her grandsons Duncan and Andrew Berry all of Calgary and her son John of North Hatley, Quebec. She will be greatly missed by her special nieces and nephew, Barbara Barnswell, Linda Boaz and Jim Boaz; as well as many other family members and friends. The funeral services will be held in MacGregor United Church, MacGregor, Manitoba on May 20, 2004 at 2:00 pm with Reverend Quentin Robinson officiating. Interment is to follow at Austin Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jim Boaz, Don Hay, Duncan Lamb, Glen Morris, Ted Poyser and Herman Weber. Honorary Pallbearers are: Helen Doell, Mary Anne Gates, Dot Forsythe, Bev Lamb, Elenor Leckie, Lillian Schneider, Ivy Taylor and Annie Thompson. If friends so wish, memorial donations can be made to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation 6 Donald Street, Suite 200 Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 or the MacGregor United Church, Box 56, MacGregor, Manitoba R0H 0R0. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Audrey by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of the arrangements.
Emma Johnston (nee Wiebe)
On Saturday, May 8, 2004 at the Portage District General Hospital, Emma Johnston passed away at the age of 85 years. Predeceased by her husband Samuel, parents John and Marth Wiebe, two brothers and three sisters, Emma leaves behind her son John (Jytte) Johnston of Portage la Prairie, daughter Maxine Kehler of Calgary, daughter Sandra (Rene) Amman of Winnipeg, son Brian (Suzanne) Johnston of Longburn, nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren, two sisters Marjorie (Clarence) McIntyre of Westbourne and Lena Brooks of Edmonton AB, one brother Albert (Lola) Wiebe of Nova Scotia along with many nieces and nephews. Emma was born
on March 26, 1919 in Steinbach, Manitoba the daughter of John and Martha Wiebe. At an early age her family moved to MacDonald Manitoba. She received her education in both Dundonald and MacDonald schools and then worked outside the home prior to her marriage to Samuel Johnston on October 25, 1937. They farmed and raised their children in the Longburn area. Emma was a member of the UCW in both the Longburn and MacDonald churches and taught Sunday school in the Longburn United Church. She was very devoted to her family and found great pleasure in hosting family gatherings. Emma enjoyed knitting and quilting for her family, reading and playing the piano and playing cards with family and friends. She has resided for the past few years in the Oddfellows Towers in Portage la Prairie. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 1:30 pm with Rev. Marg Scott officiating. Interment is to follow at Longburn Cemetery, MacDonald, Manitoba. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Emma's memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Catherine Newham-Portage Office, 103 Wilkinson Crescent, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba R1N 1A7. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Emma by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of the arrangements.
William Harry Warantz “Bill”
We would like to announce the sudden passing of William Warantz on Monday, May 3, 2004, father of Larry Warantz. He will be sadly missed by family and friends. A private family burial will be held at the family plot in the Brandon Cemetery. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Bill by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements.
William Charles Taylor
William Charles Taylor, 90, died peacefully on February 20, 2004 at the Lions Prairie Manor, Portage la Prairie, with wife Joan at his side. Left to cherish the many memories of his life are Joan, his loving wife of fifty-six years and one son Andrew. The Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 23, 2004 at 1:30 pm at St. Mary’s la Prairie Anglican Church, 36 2nd Street S., Portage la Prairie with The Rev. Norman Collier officiating. Interment is to follow at in the family plot at Hillside Cemetery As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the Lions Prairie Manor Foundation Inc., 24 9th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3V4. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Bill by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements. 857-4021
Richard "Dick" Hamilton Garrioch
It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Richard “Dick” Hamilton Garrioch on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 82 years. Left to mourn is his wife Celine Espenell of Portage la Prairie; his children Willy (Tannis) Espenell and Jacki Hutlet both of Portage la Prairie; and his grandchildren Shea, Tracy and Kristy. Dick was born
March 18, 1922 in Portage la Prairie. He received his grade three education and claimed to do everything the hard way to receive the rest of his education. In his early years, Dick worked for various local farmers and later moved to Drydon, Ontario where he was employed in the lumber mill. When he returned to Portage, he began a farm operation of his own. He loved raising horses and breaking them to drive and found much pleasure in hunting and farming. Dick was known for tinkering with old tractors and trucks. He made the best out of what he had. Every year he and Celine would attend both the Morris Stampede and the Austin Thresher-mens Reunion. Dick was a quiet man who found his happiness in his family and friends. He enjoyed his life with others and was rarely ever seen alone. He and his wife Celine would visit the Co-op coffee shop almost daily, always having a story to tell someone or a good joke to share. Dick will be remembered for his unforgettable smile; the smirk on his face; and that special twinkle in his eye. A time visitation will take place on Thursday evening, July 29, 2004 at 7:00 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. Funeral will be held on Friday, July 30, 2004 at 1:30 pm with Wilma Shirriff officiating at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. Interment is to follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Dick’s memory to Canadian Diabetes. Association, PO Box 12013 Stn BRM B, Toronto, Ontario M7Y 2L3 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, c/o Catherine Newham- Portage Office, 103 Wilkinson Crescent, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba R1N 1A7 or the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Manitoba Branch, 200 - 55 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1L8. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Dick by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements.
Bertha Rey (nee Sawatsky)
Bertha Rey, dearly beloved wife of the late Samuel Rey, passed into the presence of her Lord and Saviour on Friday, July 23, 2004 at Douglas Campbell Lodge. Mother was born
at Rosenfeld, Manitoba on January 10, 1909. Mother has resided in Portage la Prairie since 1920. She received her education in the local schools, and after taking a commercial course, was a bookkeeper with the hardware firm of Alfred Babb. At the age of eighteen, she trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour and was connected with the people who meet in the Gospel Hall here in Portage la Prairie. In 1931 she was united in marriage with Samuel Rey, who predeceased her in 1979. She is survived by two daughters, Yvonne Copp (Donald deceased 1997) of Burnaby BC and Arlene (Dale) Taylor of Melfort SK. There are also 8 grandchildren- namely: Don and Margaret Copp of Delta, BC, Sherry and David Green of North Vancouver, BC, Patty and Doug McKillop of Burnaby, BC, Janice and Jim Poulsen of Langley, BC, Wendy Copp of Phoenix, AZ, David Copp of Burnaby, BC, Susan and Scott Bayne of Warman SK. and Rey and X Taylor of Melfort SK. She is also survived by her dear sister, Susie Halverson of Glen Ewen SK. Of special mention are Helen Ronald and Bill Fuller who tended her in recent years, as if she was their own Mother. She is also survived by one sister-in-law Grace Rey of Toronto, ON. Visitation will take place at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Funeral Service will be held at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 2:00 pm. Mother will be laid to rest beside her late husband at Hillside Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Bertha’s memory to Postal Bible Studies- Box 110, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3B2 A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Bertha by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements.
Maurice Dufresne
1924 - 2004
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather. Maurice Dufresne passed away peacefully on July 23, 2004 at Portage General Hospital at the age of 80 years. Maurice was born
on July 14, 1924 in Lorette, Manitoba. He is survived by his wife, Joan; by his children and their partners: Estelle Dufresne and Arnaud Zondag, Robert Dufresne and Penny Dixson-Dufresne, and Rene Dufresne and Jenny Schrader; and by his grandchildren: Justin, Joshua, Jeremy, Curtis, Braden, Tanner, Austin and Nika. Also left to mourn are his siblings: Danny (Ilene) Dufresne, Agnes Precourt, Joseph (Viola) Dufresne and Lucien (Antoinette) Dufresne; sisters-in-law Angele and Pauline as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Leopold; his mother, Marie deLiesse Lagace; and his brothers: Andre, Felix and Ferdinand; and brother-in-law Leo Precourt. Maurice owned and operated the Oakville Transfer from 1959 - 1966. He continued trucking - hauling gravel, grain and sugar beets - until his retirement in June 1986. Maurice was always a very generous family man. He supported his mother and siblings as a young adult, babysat his nieces and nephews before having a family of his own, and made his career choices based on the least disruption to his family. Even after a long work week of driving, he would chauffeur his children and their friends to various parts of the province, supporting their hockey, baseball, and other activities. Maurice experienced Alzheimer’s in the last years of his life. Although it brought some challenges, it also gave him gifts - the return of his sense of humour, the ability to relax and to enjoy his grandchildren. Maurice will be remembered for his commitment to family, his strong work ethic and his firm handshake. Prayer service will be held on Monday, July 26 at 8:00 pm at McKenzie Funeral Chapel, 56 Royal Road South in Portage la Prairie, MB. Funeral mass will be held at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, July 27 at Good Shepherd Parish at 1125 Saskatchewan Avenue East in Portage la Prairie, MB followed by internment at the Oakville Cemetery. Father Michael Wollbaum will be the celebrant.
A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of the arrangements 857-4021. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, 21 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1T8; Good Shepherd Parish Building Fund, 115 Countess Ave. Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0T3; Lion Prairie's Manor Foundation - Chapel, 24 9th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3V4; Oakville Community Club (Skating Rink), c/o George Otsuji, Oakville, MB R0H 0Y0.
