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Robert "Orval" McDonald
On Saturday, March 25, 2006, at the Portage District General Hospital, Robert "Orval" McDonald, of Portage la Prairie, beloved husband of the late Margaret McDonald passed away at the age of 84 years.
A joint Memorial Service will be held for Margaret and Orval McDonald on Thursday, March 30, 2006 in the Chapel of the Omega Funeral Home at 2:00 P.M. with the Reverend Margaret Scott officiating.
Interment will follow at a later date.
Orval was born in the R.M. of Portage on August 25, 1921 son of Mable and Robert McDonald.
He was raised and received his education in the Portage District.
He moved to Crandell, MB at the age of 14 and farmed with family in the area.
This is where he met Margaret Runchey.
During WW2 he enlisted in the Army and served overseas meeting up with Margaret several times during the war.
After their discharge they were married and began to farm at Dawson Creek for 10 years before moving back to farm the McDonald farm north of Portage.
Orval was a member of the Portage Curling Club and he and Margaret curled for many years in Portage and Brunside Districts.
He enjoyed wood working and special times spent with family and grandchildren.
They bought a Harley and a Motor Home and they enjoyed many trips with both.
Predeceased by his wife; Margaret on March 14, 2006 and one brother Alvin.
He leaves to mourn his passing three daughters; Bev (Don) Zalusky of Portage, Betty (George) Jeninga of Kelowna, BC, Phyllis (Steve) Piontkowski of Portage, seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
Also surviving is one sister; Audrey (Don) McDougall of Canora, SK, one brother-in-law; Keith Runchey and one sister-in-law; Hazel Runchey.
If friends so desire memorial donations may be made in Margaret’s name to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 21 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, MB. R1N 1T8, in Orval’s name to the Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB. R1N 0K8 or in both their names to the Lions Prairie Manor Foundation Inc., 24-9th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, R1N 3V4.
Mary Donalda Johnston
Peacefully in her sleep at Lions Prairie Manor in Portage la Prairie on 26 Feb 2006, Mary Donalda Johnston passed away at the age of 90.
Mary Donalda Jack was born December 8, 1915 in Portage la Prairie, MB.
Mayme, as she was known, married George Mellon Johnston August 18, 1938 in Portage la Prairie, MB.
They lived on the Johnston family farm in the West Prospect district six miles NW of Portage la Prairie.
Mayme and Geordie had six children of their own and adopted two more.
Mayme took in foster children from the Children's Aid Society, 30 to 40 in total, most for short periods but some for much longer.
Two of the foster girls were raised from babies and adopted.
In the early 90's Mayme, unable to handle the stairs at the farm, moved into the Rotary Seniors complex in Portage.
She resided there until August 2005, when she moved next door to the Lions Prairie Manor.
In her final years Mayme suffered from osteoporosis and dementia but still had lucid moments.
Mayme was known for her great wit and no nonsense approach to life.
While living in the Rotary complex she was famous for her frank comments to visitors and family members alike.
The family farmland was sold in 1999 but the farmyard and buildings are still family owned and occupied by daughter Sandra.
The family is eternally grateful to Sandy for providing such loving care to both her parents in their latter years.
We owe her so much. Thanks also to the staff and residents at the Rotary Seniors complex, in particular Pat Thompson and Mayme's partners in crime Trudy MacDonald and Bryon Nicholls.
Mayme was predeceased by her husband George (1997) three of her four sisters, and all five of her brothers.
Left to mourn are her children: Margaret (Ron) Warner of Calgary, Faye Dudley of Richmond BC, Dennis (Zandra) Johnston in Victoria BC, Georga Johnston in Vernon BC, Sandy Barber in Portage, Michael (Margarete) Johnston in Regina, Patricia Laverty in London ON, Pauline Mackenzie in Portage, and foster son Brian Hayes in Winnipeg.
She also leaves one sister Lexie Buechler in Portage, plus twenty four grandchildren and thirty one great grandchildren, the last one born in Duncan BC just minutes before Mayme passed.
A private family service for both Mayme and Geordie will be held later this year and their ashes will be interred at the family plot in Hillside cemetery.
Donations and flowers are declined with thanks.
Margaret "Eadie" Henderson
Peacefully on April 21st, 2006 at the Portage Hospital, Eadie passed away in her 98th year.
Eadie was predeceased by her parents; George and Janet Henderson and her brothers; Willie, Jim, George, John and Harry.
She is survived by many nieces and nephews throughout Canada, cousins in Scotland and England and many special friends in MacGregor and surrounding communities.
Eadie was born February 23, 1908 in Auchtermuchty, Scotland.
She arrived with her mother and five bothers in Canada in November of 1911.
Her father had come earlier to find a home.
She was raised and educated in Edrans where she remained until 1930.
At the age of 22 years she set off for Calgary to stay with her Uncle John and Aunt Flora while she attended a Commercial High School taking a three year business course and in the evenings a comptometer course.
Jobs were hard to find in the 30’s and any work was welcome, she packed dishes and clerked at Ashdowns.
In 1937 she returned to the home farm and kept house for brother Harry.
After six years she moved to Winnipeg and for 33 years held numerous jobs at MacDonald Brothers Aircraft, Canadian Wheat Board and various jobs in the Government offices.
In 1970 she went "HOME" to MacGregor where she enjoyed the next thirty six years.
She became an active member in community organizations such as the Women’s Institute, the United Church, the Agricultural Society and the Senior Club.
Her interest were many and varied. She loved her home, her church, her trees and flowers, music, taking pictures, baking and playing the harmonica in the band.
Her baking, knitting and sewing won many prizes at the country fairs.
Her yard and garden became her passion.
That passion led Eadie to be a strong supporter of Communities in Bloom and she often expressed her amazement at the volunteer spirit that transformed MacGregor.
Her spirit of generosity was evidenced by the wonderful donation of her character home and garden to the community she loved in the hope that others may enjoy it.
Eadie thought about opening a tea room in her house at one time but felt for a lady in her 90’s that might be a "bit much".
Nonetheless she had "Cum Awa’In" picked as its name.
In the summer of 2005, Eadie was delighted to be present at the official dedication of the garden and house and was especially proud that it was done with a Scottish flair – the food, music, poetry and dance.
She was proud of her Scottish heritage and the community in turn is proud to have known Eadie Henderson; her legacy will live on.
Future generations will enjoy the garden that Eadie lovingly watched develop plant by plant and which she declared was a "miracle".
Cremation has taken place. Burial will be Thursday, April 27th at 11:00 A.M. at the Edrans Cemetery.
A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 27th at 2:00 P.M. in the MacGregor United Church with the Reverend Quentin Robinson officiating.
In Eadie’s words to " Darwin Crabb"; "
A lively send off on the pipes please, not a doleful funeral dirge if at all possible", I’m am sure I would hear it" and also flowers not necessary.
I enjoyed them when I could see their beauty and smell their scent".
In lieu of flowers, donations if desired can be made to the Village of MacGregor "Henderson House", Box 190, MacGregor, MB. R0H 0R0.
Special thanks to all who watched over her needs, you made her life, and brought much joy.
There are too many to name but she appreciated all.
Sheila Marie Harpell
Peacefully on Friday, March 17, 2006 at the Manitoba Developmental Centre, Sheila Marie Harpell of the M.D.C., Portage la Prairie passed away at the age of 75 years.
Funeral service will be held in the Aspen Centre of the Manitoba Developmental Ctr. on Wednesday, March 22nd, 2006 at 1:30 P.M. with Chaplain Ron Siemens officiating.
Sheila was born in Dauphin on May 9, 1930.
She came to live at the M.D.C. at the age of 4 ½ years from her family home in McCreary, MB.
Sheila enjoyed being outside during the summer.
She especially liked to feel the warmth of the sun on her face.
When fresh flowers were picked and given to her she would automatically bring them up to her face to smell them as her eyesight was not good.
Sheila will be sadly missed by her many friends on Westview.
Sheila was predeceased by her parents; George and Mary.
She leaves to mourn her passing one brother; Fred Harpell of Woodstock, ON., one sister; Jean Orsted of Summerland, BC., many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews and friends.
"You did not choose the path but you completed the journey and made many friends along the way…now walk in grace with God".
Alfred William Graham
June 12, 1905 – March 2, 2006
On Thursday, March 2, 2006, Alf passed away peacefully at the Lions Prairie Manor in Portage la Prairie, MB.
He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Allison, in 2000 and his first wife Ivy in 1944.
Family was central to Alf’s life and he will be dearly missed by his four children Sally (Fred) Keeley, Bruce (Janet), Myrna (Eric) Stefanson and Elaine (Reg) Sourisseau; his sister Marjorie Dalziel; his grandchildren, Alison (Darko), Claire (Eran), Bill, Jonathan, Ally, Kristen, Eric Jr., Jim, Dan (Becky), and great grandchildren; sister-in-law Stella Munro as well as many nieces and nephews.
Alf was born on the Graham homestead at Beaver, MB to a pioneering family, the 11th of the 13 children of Thomas and Sarah Jane Graham.
His life began with the horse and buggy and at an early age he was stooking in the fields alongside his brothers.
Farming with his father and brother Arthur, there were many "firsts": in 1918 their first car, in 1920 a gas tractor rather than steam, in 1928 the first combine west of Winnipeg with people coming from great distances to see it.
In 1936, he and Arthur introduced the first rust-resistant Thatcher wheat to the community at a time of great need.
In 1940, they had the first self-propelled combine in the area.
This continuing interest in innovation and progress, the willingness to accept change, an appreciation of the value of learning was evident in Alf’s approach to life and, in part, contributed to his happiness and his long, successful farming life.
He was always ready and willing to lend a hand in the community and served many years as a School Board Trustee, member of the Beaver United Church Board, and a member of the Oddfellows.
All that he accomplished was supported by Allison and in 1972 they retired, moving to Portage la Prairie in 1973.
Alf cherished times spent with his family and having grown up accustomed to large family gatherings he continued to enjoy this through his life – music, dancing, cards, and humour.
Sports were also an important part of life and he continued his participation in curling, golf, and bowling into his late 80’s – he was especially proud of an 8-ender at the age of 77.
He and Allison enjoyed travelling well into their retirement – across Canada, the States, England, France, Mexico and Australia.
Alf was a kind and caring man with a considerable sense of humour who made friendships easily through his honest dealings and his trustworthy manner.
He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Heartfelt thanks are extended to the dedicated team at the Lions Prairie Manor, Portage la Prairie, for the wonderful care he received.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Alf’s life will take place at Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper St. S. Portage la Prairie, on Tuesday March 7, 2006 at 1:30 p.m.
Should friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the North Norfolk Foundation, MacGregor, Manitoba, R0H 0R0, or the Lions Prairie Manor Foundation, 24 9th St. SE, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba R1N 3R4.
"Our lives are a rich tapestry of things we’ve done and said
With memories of those we love outlined in gold."
Elva Muriel Gibbs
Suddenly on Sunday, March 26, 2006 at the Portage District General Hospital, Elva Muriel Gibbs, of Portage la Prairie, widow of the late George Gibbs passed away at the age of 90 years with her family at her side.
Funeral service will be held in the Chapel of the Omega Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at 2:00 P.M. with the Reverend Ross Taylor officiating.
Pallbearers will be Elva’s grandchildren.
Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
Predeceased by her parents; Jim and Maggie Miller, four brothers; Allan, Roy, Melvin and Ivan Miller, one son-in-law; Ken McRae.
She leaves to mourn her passing one son; Les (Karen) of Portage, three daughters; Gloria (Tom) Tulloch of Selkirk, Edna (John) Rybachok and Thelma McRae of Winnipeg, twelve grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Friends may call at the funeral home for visitation prior to the service.
If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made in Elva’s name to the Canadian Diabetes Association, PO Box 26331 STN BRM B, Toronto, ON M7Y 4R1.
