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DONALD ROSS WILLIAMS
Donald Ross Williams passed away suddenly on November 26 in Nanaimo, BC.
Left to mourn is his eldest daughter Nicole (Richard), Fort St. John, BC, his wife Charlotte and children Robert, Tanis and Kimberly in Nanaimo, his parents Noel and Lillian Williams, his brother Jim (Linda), sister Judy (Len), his nephews Kipp (Angie) , Aaron (Anna), his nieces Jaclyn and Angela and great nephew Cody, his in-laws Al and Marion Rivers and brother-in-law Craig of Nanaimo. Lovingly remembered by many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Don was 47 years old and was born in Boissevain, Manitoba but moved to Victoria when he was 3 months old where he grew up. He was very active in the YMCA and loved his gymnastics and swimming. In his twenties he moved to Nanaimo where he met Charlotte and they raised their family. Don was a devoted father and was a happy caring person. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.
Funeral services will be in Nanaimo. Time will be announced at a later date. Flowers gratefully declined.
Finally at Peace
HENRY H.H. PENNER
Dad was born May 5, 1919 to Henry and Katherina Penner at Plum Coulee, Manitoba.
On July 13, 1941 he was married to Katherina Rempel of Altona, Manitoba.
In September 1950 Mom and Dad moved to Killarney with their family and farmed until 1974 when they retired to the town of Killarney in 1976.
In July 1991 Mom and Dad celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.
Dad's health began to fail in 1994. For the last 16 months he resided in a nursing home until his passing on January 9, 1998.
Dad was predeceased by his wife Katherina on December 27, 1994; his parents, two brothers, two sisters and one great grandson.
Left to remember Dad are four sons and two daughters and their spouses, 17 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. He is survived by three brothers and four sisters.
The family are: Vic and Ellen Penner, Brandon, Manitoba; Margaret and Peter Enns, La Crete, Alberta; Pete and Alexis Penner, Boissevain, Manitoba; Ed and Myrna Penner, Winnipeg, Manitoba; Agnes and Dave Neufeld, La Crete, Alberta; Andy and Diana Penner, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
ROBERT LORNE MILLER
Robert "Lorne" Miller, beloved husband of Jessie, passed away at Tri-Lake Health Center December 14, 1997. Lorne was born on the family farm June 16, 1909 and lived in and around Killarney his entire life. On November 1, 1939 he married Jessie Margaret Hossack and for the next 58 years they spent their lives together. We remember his life and share the eulogy given by son Gavin:.
"On behalf of my brother, my sister and my mother I would like to say a few words about how we will remember our father and husband.
Dad was a strong man. He had an incredible will to survive. He overcame many hardships, including three heart attacks, a broken back, a disabling stroke, the loss of a young son and a long battle with glaucoma and finally, cancer.
Throughout all of the above, we can't recall hearing Dad complain. In fact, these life threatening conditions were viewed as merely "setbacks". Dad would always say he felt fine. Two days before he died he told me he felt "pretty good". At this time he was in terrible pain.
Dad was a man who would make time for everyone. We never heard Dad say "I'm too busy" or "I don't have time". I am sure there are many people here who remember a good deed our Dad did for them. The family came first but if someone's furnace was out in the middle of a cold January night, Dad would be there. I can recall travelling to Cartwright with Dad on Christmas Day to fix someone's furnace in -40 degree weather. Our Christmas dinner dessert would have to wait until we returned.
Dad always showed up when you needed him most, and for me that was on many a cold Manitoba winter evening when I was nearing the end of my paper route.
Dad was a family man. He was a fine husband, a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. We all agree that both Dad and Mom were always there for us. They knew all about "Quality Time" long before the phrase became popular. It was always church on Sunday morning followed by Sunday drives and picnics in the country. These are our fondest memories. In later years holidays were spent in Prince George, Parksville and Qualicum Beach.
Dad always encouraged us to play sports and hockey, baseball and figure skating were ever-present in our family. For myself, watching Saturday night hockey on TV with Dad was tradition. Dad always had time to throw a baseball with us and we never could understand how he could make his knuckleball sting the way he did.
Dad loved hard work and worked hard all his life. He left home at a very young age to support his father and mother. Before his days with Killarney Plumbing & Heating, Dad worked at several jobs to support his family. Dad was a good provider. He made sure our family always had more than enough of everything and that we always lived comfortably. We never forgot "waste not, want not" and nothing was ever wasted in our family. Dad was proud of the fact Mom never had to work outside the home to help support the family. Dad always had to keep busy. As recently as a week ago he requested Mom buy him a new broom so he could sweep the snow off the steps when he returned home from the hospital.
Dad was a quiet, kind and gentle man with a twinkle in his eye. He liked to have fun and whenever the conversation became too serious, you could be sure that Dad would inject some humor on the subject with a quick one-liner.
Dad had a very inquisitive mind and an incredible memory. He could remember things that happened 30 years ago as if they happened yesterday. He always amazed us at how he could remember not only the towns we vacationed in but the names of the motels as well.
Dad's hobbies included playing baseball; I'm told he was a very good catcher and fielder, umpiring baseball well into his 60's until his eyesight failed him; and gardening. His gladioli, sweet peas and flower boxes were endearing to the neighborhood right up until a year ago. In later years Dad enjoyed a rousing game of billiards at the Senior's Center in Killarney.
Dad was a very handy man. Nothing was ever broken for too long around our house. Dad was proud of the way he could take something old and restore it like new.
Dad was proof that you don't need a lot of money in life to be successful. He achieved success where it really counts, in relationships with friends and family and anyone else who needed a helping hand.
Dad will continue to be a role model for his children long after he is gone and will remain in our hearts forever. I think if there was only one thing we could remember Lorne Miller by, it would have to be . . . . "Help your Neighbor"."
Left to mourn his passing are wife Jessie, sons Wayne (Genevieve) and Gavin (Elizabeth), daughter Lauren (Bill) Campbell, grandchildren; Sandra (Victor) Hawley, Ken (Kim) Miller, Dianna Miller & (Joey Gervais), Jacey and Brendan Miller and Courtney and Kaitlin Campbell plus five great-grandchildren; Shayne, Brandy, Megan, Amanda and Jenelle, sisters Florence (Ray) Barber and Mabel (Jack) Dunn and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Lorne was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Elizabeth Miller, three brothers, two sisters and son, Kenneth. Being a life-long member of the Killarney United Church the funeral service was held there December 17, 1997 with Rev. Harvey Hurren officiating, interment Killarney Cemetery. Pallbearers were Kerry Hossack, Phil Hossack, Jack Hawthorne, Marvin Opperman, Ron Stockwell and Eayrton Hall. If so desired, donations may be made to the CNIB or charity of your choice.
ANDREW "ADDIE" SEEBACK
Andrew "Addie" Seeback passed away at Westview Lodge, Boissevain, on January 14, 1998.
Addie will be remembered for his music. He played violin, banjo and at times guitar. He was involved in many musical events - dance orchestra, old-time band and played at any time just for the love of music.
Addie was born August 13, 1911 on a farm near Margaret. He went to Alcester School and at a young age started farming, at first with his father and when he married Mary Patton in November 1933, he moved to his own farm. They had a son Larrie and a daughter Sharon. In 1963 Addie and Mary built a house in Margaret. Addie was an accomplished carpenter so he sold his farm and took up carpentry full time. Addie and Mary started to travel during winters. In 1967 they moved their house to Boissevain and became residents on McKenzie Street. Addie continued carpentry and was involved in his music. Addie and Mary spent winters in Mesa, Arizona until 1989 when Mary passed away very suddenly. Addie went to Mesa a few times after Mary's death but it was never the same for him.
There were many tragedies in his life and they took their toll. His son Larrie and granddaughter Robin died in an accident in 1975. His grandson Morgan died in 1988, his beloved wife Mary in 1989 and his sister Georgina in 1992. His many friends helped him through these dark days and he always turned to music. In 1991 he lost his leg. Then life became a physical struggle adding to the burden of his sorrow. In 1993 he moved to Westview Lodge where he resided until his death.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Sharon and family (Surrey, B.C.), grandson Darin (North Battleford, Sask.), daughter-in-law Jean Seeback (North Battleford, Sask.), nieces Barb Coakwell (High River, Alberta), Marilyn McKellar (Winnipeg, Man.), nephews Hugh Patton (Brandon, Man.), Jim Stover (Saskatoon, Sask.), Bill Stover (Saskatoon, Sask.), Jim Hutton, (Calgary, Alta.).
The funeral service was held in the United Church in Boissevain, Manitoba with Rev. H. Hurren officiating and Doreen Noble organist. There was a musical tribute by members of the old-time band including Luella Noble, Betty McRuer and Perry Hallett. Martha and Ross McMillan sang "In the Garden". Pallbearers were Rae Patterson, Gordon McCausland, Howard Dalrymple, Peter G. Neufeld, Ervin Neufeld and Mac Muir.
We commend Addie to peaceful rest - to join Mary and his loved ones - where all trials are past and there is peace eternal.
WILFRID JOSHUA TUFTS
Wilfrid Joshua Tufts passed away suddenly on Wednesday, January 21, 1998 at the Brandon General Hospital.
Wilfrid was born to James and Violet Tufts at the farm near Fairfax. He received his education in the Fairfax district. On December 2, 1944, Wilfrid married Dorothy Jean Wear of Minto. Together they farmed at Fairfax for 34 years. Upon retirement, they moved to Brandon in 1978. Wilfrid enjoyed his family, square dancing, playing cards and socializing with friends and neighbours. He loved to travel and he and Jean made many trips together.
Wilfrid is survived by his beloved wife Jean; daughter Brenda (Richard) Chambers and grandchildren Valerie and Bradley; daughter Darlene Tufts and grandsons Joshua and Shawn. Also surviving are brothers Laverne (Celia), Jack (Margaret), Keith (Gladys); sisters Marjorie (Verlin) Post, Dorie (Harold) Kennedy, Irene Graham, Colleen Broughton; brothers-in-law Fred (Aggie-Jean) Wear, Mervin (Shirley) Wear; sister-in-law Mary Robertson and numerous nieces and nephews. Wilfrid was predeceased by his parents James and Violet; brothers Mervin and Lawrence; brothers-in-law Jim Broughton, Harvey Graham and Earl Robertson. Wilfrid will be lovingly remembered as a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, good friend, neighbour and farmer.
The funeral service was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on Saturday, January 24, 1998 at 11:00 a.m. The Very Reverend Dean James Njegovan officiated. Interment followed at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Urn bearers were Valerie and Bradley Chambers. Donations in memory of Wilfrid may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 42 McTavish Ave East, Brandon, MB. R7A 2B2.
NOEL ANDRE DECORTE
Noel Andre DeCorte passed away peacefully on March 6, 1998 in Grimshaw Hospital, Grimshaw, Alberta, at 64 years of age.
Noel was born on a farm in the Municipality of Brenda on Christmas Day, December 25, 1933. He was the younger son of Jules and Angela DeCorte. He had one brother, Robert (1928) and two sisters (1930 and 1932) who had died at birth. Noel attended Grove School four miles south of Deloraine until the family moved to Minto in the fall of 1948. Noel and his family lived on a farm north of Minto rented from Peter and Alice McCuaig. Noel started working out as a hired hand at the age of thirteen for different farmers including Vic DeYaegher, Joe Warnez and C. DeDobbelaere. In 1953 Noel went to Ontario to try his hand at a variety of jobs including industry and tobacco farming. He returned to Minto the next year and worked for Mr. McMechan at Lyleton. He spent one year working on construction in Brandon, then returned again to the farm. From 1955 until 1973 Noel also worked as a bartender for the Minto Hotel as well as one year in Brandon and Boissevain for Warnez. In 1956 Noel went into farming for himself. Noel married Allayne Sparks on July 2, 1957. In 1958 he moved to his own farm south of Minto raising livestock, grain and a family of five. In 1974 Noel took a trip to Belgium to visit his parents' families and meet the cousins he'd heard so much about. On October 16, 1975 Noel married Cecile Margrette Schamp VanSchepdael. They had one son. In 1977 Noel moved to Peace River, Alberta and took a job in construction. Noel married Ruby Sophie Miller Schwab on August 16, 1986. They moved to Whitelaw, Alberta where Noel worked as a farm laborer. In 1990 Noel retired on disability and although his health was deteriorating he enjoyed travelling and spending time with family and friends.
Noel was predeceased by two sisters (1930 and 1932), his father Jules (1977), his mother Angela (1978), his son Andrew (1982) and his second wife Cecile (1985). He is survived by his wife, Ruby, his children and their families: Brenda (Jack) Neufeld, Matthew, Aaron, Rebekah and Jenna; Trevor DeCorte (Laura Eberling), Jeremy and Samara; Michael (Teri) DeCorte, Megan, Amber and Dustyn; Arlis DeCorte, Erica and Carlene; Francis DeCorte; and daughter-in-law Darlene Watt and Angela. Also left to mourn are members of Ruby's family and his brother Robert and families.
Funeral services will be held in Brownvale, Alberta on Wednesday, March 11, 1998. Interment will be in Griffin Creek, Alberta.
