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ELDER: Mae Gladys Elder (née Ardron) passed away peacefully at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Friday, May 12, 2006 Mae was born at Douglas, Manitoba on July 3, 1918, the fifth child of Ernest and Gladys Ardron. As a young lady, Mae enjoyed playing ladies softball and going to dances. On March 23, 1937, Mae married William (Bill) Clifford Elder of Rounthwaite. Together they raised a family of three, a son Marvin and two daughters, Noreen and Arlene. They farmed in the Rounthwaite district until 1947, when they moved to the Harding area where they farmed until their retirement to Brandon in 1974. Mae was very active in the community. She was a 4-H sewing leader, a director of sewing for the Harding Agricultural Society, a member of the Shiloh U.C.W., and was a Charter member of the Pythian Sisters Lodge in Kenton. Upon retirement, she became an avid 5 pin bowler, volunteered at the hospital auxiliary and was a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #3. Mae was predeceased by her husband Bill in 1993, mother Gladys in 1963, father Ernest in 1970, daughter and son-in-law, Arlene and Murray Howden in 1986, son-in-law, Charles Headley in 1974, daughter-in-law, Carolyn Elder in 1969, and son-in-law, Norman Rogers in 1965, brothers Roy, Thornley and Reg, and sisters Vi, Ethel, Beatrice and Shirley. She leaves to mourn her passing a son Marvin and his wife Margaret of Oak Lake, MB, a daughter Noreen Headley of Avon Park, Florida, USA, 11 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren, brothers Doug, Lorne and Wes and sisters Myrtle and Thelma, also numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on May 16, 2006 with Rev. Harvey Hurren officiating. Ed Lelond of Arrow River was the soloist and Ernest Elder gave the eulogy. Interment followed at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were her grandsons and great grandsons: Ernest Elder, Brian Elder, Calvin Howden, Jeremy Byczkowski, R.J. Rogers and Boyd McManus. The Ladies Auxiliary formed the Honor Guard and all those in attendance were considered Honorary Pallbearers. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
EVANS: Violet Eleanor (October 10, 1920 - October 7, 2007). Violet Eleanor Evans, resident of Westman Lions Manor, Brandon, passed away on Sunday, October 7, 2007. Violet was born on the 10th day of the 10th month 1920 on the 10th concession of Sullivan Township near Chesley, Ontario. Her parents were Henry and Lillian (Schreiber) Klages. She attended high school in Chesley and then took a Business Course in Owen Sound. She worked in Mount Forest and then in Ottawa with the Civil Service. The war was on so she enlisted in the Women's Division of the Royal Canadian Air Force serving as a radio telephone operator in Gander, Newfoundland. While there she met her husband Stan. They were married in Desboro, Ontario on December 24, 1944. After the war ended they made their home in Winnipeg for a few years, went to Rivers for a year and finally settled in Brandon. Violet enjoyed being a homemaker, gardening and volunteering with various organizations. Associated Canadian Travelers Auxiliary and Valleyview Community Centre were her favourites. She also belonged to the Brandon Shrine Ladies and the Legion. After retirement, Stan and Violet returned to Winnipeg to be closer to their children and grandchildren. After 2 years they decided they missed Brandon life and so returned. They enjoyed their remaining years together touring Canada and parts of the United States in their motor home. Violet was pre-deceased by her parents and by two sisters Beulah (Ernie) Brigham of Hanover, ON and Irene (Jim) Stinson of Chesley, ON and three brothers Wallace Klages of Victoria, BC, Murray Klages of Bozeman, MT and Wellington in infancy. Violet is survived by her husband Stan of Brandon; daughter Dianne (Nick) Pawlik of High Level, AB, sons Garry (Patricia) of Calgary, AB, Cory (Doris) of Winnipeg, MB and Murray (Lei Anne) of Onanole, MB; grandchildren Kristen (Blake) Howe of Nanaimo, BC, Danielle (Marty) Thompson of Winfield, BC, Craig Evans of Calgary, AB, Nancy (Gordon) Green of Winnipeg, MB, and Jordan Evans of Winnipeg, MB; and two great grandchildren Kane Thompson and Dusty Howe. Sisters-in-law Helen Klages, Lois Klages, Gloria Evans, Gloria Brady, Frances Muzik and Haloria Cockle and several nieces and nephews also survive. A private family service was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on October 11, 2007. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery, Veterans’ Section. Donations in memory of Violet may be made to The Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o The Khartum Shrine Centre, 1155 Wilkes Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3P 1B9.
ELLINGSON: Pearl Ellingson (82 years) was surrounded by friends and family as she passed away peacefully at the Assiniboine Centre at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on September 25, 2007. Pearl is predeceased by her husband Harry (1992), parents Emma and Josiah Tharp, and siblings Frank, Wesley, Virgil, Johnson, Francis, and Golda. She is survived by daughter Myrna (Bruce) Grandy, granddaughter Cindy Murphy, grandson Michael Grandy, great grandson Brent Grandy, and siblings Abner, Joe and Dillie Mae Ullman. Pearl was born in Dummer, SK and grew up during the depression. Her years of farm-life instilled a love of the country and all things living; she appreciated the beauty of nature and creation. Pearl was a very kind lady who looked for good in everyone and everything. She missed her family who lived in B.C. and N.S., but she was fortunate to have a spiritual family nearby. Pearl was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses since she was 18 years old. Her faith was strong and she often referred to her favorite scripture, Isaiah 65: 21-25. Special thanks to Pearl’s numerous friends at the Kingdom Hall for their never ending care and support. Thanks also to Dr. Large and staff at the Assiniboine Centre, Rehabilitation Unit and Palliative Care Module 1. Interment will take place at the Brandon Cemetery on Friday, September 28, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at the Kingdom Hall, 3434 Park Avenue, Brandon on Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 12:00 p.m. (noon), with Mr. Clarence Cooper officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Pearl may be made to the BRHC Foundation, "Palliative Care," 150 McTavish Ave. East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3.
"AT REST"
ZYGMOND: Peacefully on June 15, 2007 at the Brandon Assiniboine Centre, Frank Zygmond passed away at the age of 77 years after a brief illness. Frank was born on January 11, 1930 and raised in St. Boniface, Manitoba, the only child of Katherine and Joseph Zygmond. He is predeceased by his father, Joseph Henry, April 7, 1980; his mother, Katherine, July 18, 1991; and his beloved wife, Olga, July 6, 2006. Frank will be sadly missed by his daughter, Cheryl, sons Michael (Tara) and Douglas, grandchildren Dustin, Daniel, Tiffany, Jessica and Jarred; great granddaughter Tyra, niece and goddaughter Cynthia and niece Barbara. Frank grew up in Winnipeg and then moved to Morden in 1950 to begin his career with Manitoba Hydro. He met Olga in Neepawa and they married on September 15, 1956. They moved to Brandon, and after a two-year stint in Thompson, settled in Brandon for the remainder of their lives. After 39 years of service with Manitoba Hydro, Frank retired from his position as Electrical Maintenance Superintendent in 1989. Aside from his career, he was very involved with volunteer organizations – most notably the Kiwanis Club. Frank was a founding member of the Brandon – Assiniboine chapter and was recently honored with a 35-year Legion of Honor certificate. From potato planting, to Meals on Wheels, to Red Nose – he was always actively involved in their initiatives. In his retirement years, Frank embraced two new hobbies, computing and collecting antiques, enjoying both past times immensely. A memorial service will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332 – 8th Street on Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Raju Madanu officiating. Interment and reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, if friends so wish, a donation may be made in Frank’s memory to a charity of your choice.
ECKERSLEY: Margaret Kathleen (Kay to all). After a long but courageous battle, Kay passed away peacefully on Friday March 9th, 2007 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, Brandon, Manitoba, at the age of 85 years. Kay was born on December 9th, 1921 in Winnipeg where she spent her youth, and she remained there until the outbreak of World War II. Following the tradition set by her father in World War I, she joined the Royal Canadian Navy and served on both coasts until war’s end. During this tumultuous time, she met and fell in love with Derek, a Royal Air Force officer and Commonwealth flight instructor, and they maintained a long distance relationship until January 29th, 1947 when they reunited and were married in Winnipeg. In 1951, the family moved to Waterloo, Ontario, which remained their home until mid 2001 when they moved back to Manitoba to be close to their son and his family. While Kay remained a homemaker throughout her life, she was very active for many years in the Women’s Auxiliary at the Church of the Holy Saviour in Waterloo, and as member and director of the Kitchener Waterloo Hospital Auxiliary. Following Derek’s retirement in 1987, Kay and Derek traveled extensively…the highlight being a 4 month trip around the world. Both loved Jamaica, and after dozens of trips there, they looked forward to building a winter retirement home near Port Antonio, until poor health intervened. Throughout the years, her focus was on her small but active and loving family, and she watched with pride, the development and successes of her husband, her son, her daughter-in-law and her two granddaughters. Predeceased by her father Dr. Frank Benner in 1963 and her mother Margaret Benner (née Davidson) in 1973, Kay leaves to celebrate her life, her loving husband of 60 years Derek, son Peter and daughter-in-law Jan, and the apples of her eye - granddaughters Lindsay and Jennifer. A private family service and interment took place on Tuesday, March 13th, 2007. Honorary pallbearers were all her friends, past and present. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Davis, to the entire BRHC staff on 4th floor medical, and to Camelot Gardens Personal Care for their dedication and support throughout this very difficult time. And a very special thanks to friends Irene Piotrowski and Donna Whittingham for their years of loving care and companionship. If friends so desire, a donation in Kay’s memory can be made to the BRHC Foundation, 150 McTavish Ave East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3 or to a charity of your choice.
ELLIOTT: Francis William Oberg Elliott (March 5, 1918 – August 18, 2008). On Monday, August 18, 2008, Frank Elliott left this earth to be at rest with his wife and love of his life, Ellen. Frank will be remembered and sadly missed by Roxanne (Randy) Robertson, their children Alexa, Jessica, Tyler, and Erin; Kellee (Ernie) Durrant and sons Joseph and Micheal. Also remembering Frank are long time friends Maurice (Myrna) Donnelly, Ed (Joan) Ludwig, Beatrice (Cameron) Dodd and many others who’s life he touched. Frank worked for the A.F.M. as an Addictions Counsellor for many years. The family would like to say a special thank you to all the caring and supportive staff of Valleyview Care Centre, especially Sandra, Marilyn, Lisa, Sherry, Kelly and Geraldine. Special thanks to Dr. Egan for her compassion and dedication. The Funeral Service will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, Brandon, on Saturday, August 23, 2008 (today) at 1:00 p.m. with Funeral Celebrant, Mr. Lawrence McInnes, officiating. Interment will follow at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Frank may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 2W8 or to a charity of choice.
ENNS: Bruno Enns of Brandon, formerly of Griswold passed away suddenly on Friday, May 23, 2008 at the age of 72 years. Left to mourn him is his loving wife of 49 years marriage, Anna; children Brenda (Harvey) Linner, Barry, Sharon (Roland) Faucher and Wendy (Ken) Laluk, He will also be sadly missed by his Grandchildren and Step-Grandchildren and their families Jesse,Holly, Andrea, Shauna (Brenda), Tyler, Kaitlyn, Krista(Barry), Danny, Michelle (Sharon), Trish and Wade (Wendy); Brothers Egon (Erna) Enns, Ron (Helen) Enns, Sister Leona (Don) Crampain and Special Cousin Erwin (Lillian) Enns and their families. Bruno was predeceased by his parents Abe (1993) and Agnes (1997), his wife's parents Julien (1968) and Laura (1978), as well as younger sisters Ina (1946) and Elona (1948). Bruno has requested that there be no formal service, so the family asks that you take a moment to remember him in your own way. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bruno may be made to the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, 350 St. Mary Avenue, Winnipeg MB, R3C 3J2 or to a charity of choice.
EWEN: Mr. Lloyd G. W. Ewen, beloved husband of Beth, passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Monday, April 14, 2008 at the age of 79 years. Lloyd was born on June 6, 1928 at Waskada, MB. In his early years, Lloyd was a truck driver for various trucking companies around the Waskada area and always had a liking for the big rigs. In 1950, Lloyd moved to Brandon and drove for MacArthur’s. He then worked for many years as a tire salesman at Frank Lawson & Sons. Lloyd joined the Manitoba Telephone System in 1970 where he worked until his retirement in 1988. After retirement, he took pleasure in working in his yard and spending time with his family. Lloyd was always there for his family and many times was a chauffeur for his girls and grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Beth; daughters Joan (Dennis) Stepa, Vicki (Ken) Bridger, Arlene Ewen; grandchildren Dustin Bridger (Amy), Cali Bridger (Luke); sister Dorothy (Dot) Dailey and numerous nieces and nephews. Lloyd was predeceased by his parents George (Scotty) and Ellen; brothers Raymond (Pat) and Jim. A graveside service was held at Rosewood Memorial Gardens on Friday, April 18, 2008 with Mona Franklin officiating. Donations in memory of Lloyd may be made to the B.R.H.C. Foundation, Palliative Care Unit, 150 McTavish Ave. East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3 or to a charity of choice.
DEREK ECKERSLEY, FCIA, FSA
After a long period of declining health, Derek Eckersley passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 21st, 2009 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre at the age of 86 years.
Dad was born in Southport, Lancashire, England on November 12th, 1922 and grew up in Chester, where he excelled academically and athletically throughout his school years. At the age of 18, he joined the allied war effort by enlisting in the Royal Air Force as a pilot trainee. He was sent to Canada where he participated in the Commonwealth Air Training Plan at both Neepawa and Carberry, MB, earning his wings in Rivers, MB, in 1941. His skill as a pilot, and his knack of bringing out the best in others led to his immediate assignment as a primary flight instructor – a role he excelled in during postings in Neepawa, Port Albert, ON, and Medicine Hat, AB. Towards the latter part of the war, he was transferred back to Leeds, England, where he attained the rank of Squadron Leader and spent the rest of the conflict commanding a unit of specially equipped Lancaster bombers for Coastal Command’s Air / Sea Rescue operations. Following the end of European hostilities, he was made Base Commander of the Shetland Islands and oversaw repatriation of war supplies to England until being demobilized in 1946.
On a blind date in Winnipeg during 1942, he met and fell in love with Kathleen (Kay) Benner – a Winnipeg native serving with the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service. War forced their romance to be primarily a long distance one, until January 29th, 1947 when Dad was able to fulfill a promise to return to Canada to marry Mom – after an absence of over 3 years.
They initially settled in Winnipeg, where Dad attended the University of Manitoba, earning an Honours Commerce Degree in Actuarial Science (cum laude). Following the birth of son Peter in 1950, and graduation in 1951, Dad began a 35-year career with the Dominion Life Assurance Company and moved the family to its head office in Waterloo, Ontario where he and Mom spent the next 50 years. His actuarial career was one of enjoyable challenge and success, as he became a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, and a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries. Professionally he rose through the ranks of Dominion Life, retiring in 1986 as its Senior Vice President and Actuary, and a member of its Board of Directors. During this time, he also served as President of the Canadian Accident and Sickness Insurers.
Throughout his career, he also committed significant time to his community, serving for several years as Warden of the Church of the Holy Saviour, as a 9 year Board Member (5 years as Chairman) of the Kitchener – Waterloo Hospital, as a member of the University of Waterloo Actuarial Science Advisory Board and its Faculty of Mathematics Strategy Board. Many other committees and organizations also benefited from his involvement, and he was a proud member of The Probus Club in his later years.
Following his retirement from Dominion Life in 1986, Dad served as an actuarial consultant with Wright Mogg & Associates – and then the piece-de-resistance as he was recruited to set up an actuarial training program for the Island Life Insurance Company of Kingston, Jamaica, where Mom and Dad subsequently spent several memorable years on working holidays.
On a personal basis, Dad was a serious gardener ...and his yard and beds of roses, orchids and begonias were a continual source of pride. A golfer in his early years, his last game followed a hole in one – after all, how could it possibly get any better than that! He was also a fisherman of note, trolling the waters of Georgian Bay for many years, as well as enjoying his private trout stream near Stratford, ON. Friends and card games were also a passion, and over 40 years of monthly poker nights were spent with the "Poker Gang". Card tricks learned during this period fascinated the grandchildren.
In 2001, following several years of declining health, Mom and Dad returned west to Brandon, Manitoba to spend their remaining years close to their son Peter and his family.
Dad was predeceased by his parents Harry and Nellie Eckersley in the 1950’s, an infant son in 1956, sister Marjorie Lewis in 1974, and his wife of 60 years, Kay in 2007.
He leaves to celebrate his life, son Peter, daughter-in-law Jan, grand-daughters Lindsay and Jennifer, and many lifelong friends.
He will be remembered by all as a great friend, a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather.
A memorial service will take place at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, Brandon, on Saturday April 11th, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. followed by interment at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Rev. John Dolloff of St. Mary’s Anglican Church will officiate.
Urn bearers are granddaughters Lindsay and Jennifer.
Honorary urn bearers are all of his friends past and present.
Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Brandon Regional Health Centre for their care and comfort in Dad’s final days, to the staff of Camelot Personal Care for their care and support over the past few years, and a very special thanks to friends Donna and Mel Whittingham for their care and companionship for Mom and Dad since their arrival in Brandon so many years ago.
EGILSSON: Sadly, the Egilsson family wishes to announce the death of their brother and uncle, Ari, of Valleyview Care Centre on December 23, 2008. Ari was born June 19,1910 in Brandon, MB to Egil and Sigurbjorg Egilsson. Ari will be lovingly remembered by his brothers: Albert Egilsson of Brandon, Einar (Anne) Egilsson of Ontario; and his sisters Elleen Sutherland, Ontario and Georgina (Terry) Wade of Australia. Ari will also be missed by his nephew Boyd (Maria) and great-nephew Brendan Egilsson of Brandon. Cherishing his memory is his special friend, Harriet Pentland of Riverheights Terrace, Brandon and long-time family friend, Clarabel Webber of Brandon. Ari was predeceased by his wife, Hilda, in 1998. A memorial service will be held at the Central United Church, 327-8th Street, on Monday, December 29, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Laird Russell-Yearwood officiating. Interment will follow at the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Ari may be made to the Brandon Area Community Foundation, Box 22096, Brandon, MB, R7A 6Y9.
EDWARDS: Mr. Raymond "Ray" Edwards of Crystal City, MB passed away at the Rock Lake Hospital on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at the age of 72 years. Cremation has taken place. The interment will take place at a later date. Arrangements in care of Brockie Donovan Funeral Home 727 - 0694.
EHRICH: Mr. Leonard Carlton Ehrich, beloved husband of Haroldine, passed away at his residence, Fairview Home, on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at the age of 87 years. A graveside service will be held at Rosewood Memorial Gardens on Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Donations in memory of Leonard may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 2W8.
