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Marvin Stanley McKay
Suddenly on January 18th, 2014, Marvin Stanley McKay (Opagun) passed away at the age of 58 years. Marvin was born at Swan River, Manitoba on January 25th, 1955 to Rene and Vitaline McKay. He attended school in Pine Creek, The Pas, Brandon and Dauphin. Marvin was about to turn 59 at the time of his passing.
Marvin is survived by his wife Sharon, two daughters Candace (Mike) and their two children, Shania and Desmond, Jenny (Jamie) and their three children Janelle, Jamie Jr. and Jennayha; six stepchildren, Patrick (Stephanie), Becky (Bert), Stacey (Danita), Marcy (Mitch), Trudy and Holly; five brothers Garry of Toronto, Ontario, Ernest (Nancy) of Pine Creek, Emery of Pine Creek, Bert (Sherry) of Pine Creek, and Rene (Priscilla) of Pine Creek and two sisters Shirley Pangman (George) of Winnipeg and Valerie Sanderson (Archie) of Garson, Manitoba; survived by 18 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, plus many cousins, nieces, and nephews to numerous to mention.
Marvin was predeceased by his parents, Rene and Vitaline McKay and his sister Doreen.
Marvin led a full and active life, he joined the US Marines at the age of 19, worked as a guide for Plummers Lodge in the NWT with his brothers Ernest and Emery, and was elected Band Councilor for several terms. Marvin was always on the go, he was never one to sit for very long, whether it was going to a card game at Johnny’s or going to play the vlt’s.
At the time of his passing, he was employed with the Pine Creek First Nation where he researched land claims, treaties, family histories, and attended negotiations and various meetings with Chief and Council. Marvin was a strong advocate for aboriginal people and treaty rights. He enjoyed the research involved in helping people apply for status and was quite knowledgeable in this area and was usually the person to go to for help. Marvin became a regular visitor at the TARR Centre in Winnipeg where such records and archives were kept. Pine Creek First Nation not only lost a band member, they lost a valuable employee as well.
In all the jobs Marvin held throughout his life, I think his favourite was that of “Papa”. His grandchildren were the light of his life and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. Trips to Dauphin or Winnipeg with the kids were not uncommon. He showered all the grandkids with gifts and a lot of love. If ever there was a proud papa, it was Marvin.
Morning coffees in Candace and Susie’s office were quite regular and had become a routine for the band staff before their work began where stories were shared and many jokes told.
Marvin was a great husband, son, brother, father, grandfather and uncle, and a very good friend to many. He will be missed by all.
A wake service was held at 3:00 PM on January 26th, 2014 from the Camperville Community Hall, Camperville, Manitoba.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, January 27th, 2014 from Our Lady of Seven.
Active pallbearers were, Patrick Mekish, Michael Mekish, Stacy Mekish, Jamie Sutherland, Mitchell Clarkson, Bert Richard Jr., and Candace McKay.
Following the service Marvin was laid to rest in Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Parish Cemetery, Camperville, Manitoba.
Paull Funeral Home and Crematorium was honored to have served the family.
Russell Garnet Joseph Amy
1922 - 2012
Died on February 25, 2012 at Winnipeg. Russ was born Aug. 14, 1922 in Winnipeg, MB., fourth child of Garnet and Stella (Mineault) Amy.
He was educated at St. Edward’s School and St. Paul’s College, entering the work force at age sixteen. During WWII he was an instructor in the Canadian Navy, then operator of an anti-submarine detector on the “Dawson” corvette and the “Ottawa”. Russ worked as a Camera Operator and Lithographic Foreman at Hignell Printing for forty-seven years.
In 1948 he married Georgina Smith at St. Edward’s Church, Wpg. They settled in East Kildonan. Russ sought to bring enjoyment of music to others, singing in church choirs and playing violin in the Jewish Community Orchestra, Wpg. Pops and Southglen Big Band.
Heart disease caused him to exercise diligently towards living long enough to see his grandchildren grow up and enjoy his great grandchildren.
Russ was predeceased by mother Stella (Mineault) Amy (1896-1955); father Garnet Amy (1886-1959); sisters Dorothy Lorraine (George) Hebert (1920-1963); Verna (Ralph) Hartley (1917-1975); Margaret (Paul) Sawchuk (1926-1995) ; Joyce (Melvin) Klement (1932-2011); brother Wilbert (Joan) Amy (1919-1986); niece Roberta (Hebert) Varner (1954-1997), grandnephew Chrystopher Breland (1977-2003).
Left to cherish his memory is Georgina, wife of 63 years; daughters Barbara-Jo (Eli) Potkonjak; Lorraine Wright; Alison (Fred) Miller; Michele Amy (Ken Botan); grandchildren Evan and Amy Potkonjak; Jason (Kerri Wilson) Wright; Jeff Wright (Ivy Rutherford); Karen (Miller) Nelson; David (Bethany Collins) Miller; Carly Mitchell Langan; Meredith Mitchell (Kelsey) Sala; great grandchildren, Kalinda and Erik Nelson; Braden and Kaeleigh Langan; Corra, Andrew and Layla Wright; Jack and Imogen Miller; Piper and Penelope Sala and thirteen nieces and nephews.
May his soul rest in peace and his jovial spirit reign in the lives of his offspring.
Funeral mass will be celebrated by Rev. Fr. Greg Mulligan 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 1, 2012 at St. Gerard’s Roman Catholic Church, 45 Foster St. in Elmwood. A private family committal will take place at Brookside Cemetery at a later date.
Milton Mayer
Francis “Milton” Mayer of Swan River passed away at the Swan Valley Hospital on May 22nd, 2013 at the age of 95 years.
Milton was born in Kenville, Manitoba on May 27th, 1917. He completed grade 11 at Kenville School in 1933 at the age of 16
At that time, to obtain grade 12 one had to board in Swan River due to the lack of all weather roads. Since 1933 was the height of the depression, this was not economically feasible but he continued to educate himself, especially in topics related to farming and agriculture.
Milton married Jean Eileen Mayer (nee McCullough) who was born March 11, 1923 in Pretty Valley. They were married November 9, 1940 in the Kenville United Church manse. Sadly Jean passed away on March 17, 2013 at the age of 90.
Dad “retired” from farming in 1974 when he sold most of his machinery and tools at auction. They continued to live on the farm and Dad rented out the land to neighbours, but he worked for these neighbours at seeding and harvesting. He also took on the job of caretaker of the Kenville Memorial Hall. For a period of time he served on the municipal council.
In 1980 he bought two large plots of land in Swan River and built a house on one of them. When he was actively farming he had said he would like to retire one day and do nothing (one of his favourite pieces was “The Song of the Lazy Farmer” that appeared for a time in one of the magazines that he received), but true to form he planted an enormous garden and maintained a large immaculate lawn. He was finally persuaded to sell the house and move into an apartment in town in 2006 where he lived until his death.
He greatly valued his independence and autonomy and was driving until a few weeks before his death.
Dad was a conservationist and practiced sustainable agriculture before sustainability as a policy issue even entered the public discourse. He avoided the use of chemicals to the extent possible and would have found much to admire in the current move towards local and organic practices in the production and distribution of food.
While “forced” into farming by the economic circumstance of the time, it is hard to imagine him having chosen any other way of life since he had a true love of all living things. He truly viewed himself as a steward of the land, animals and other resources that he had under his care.
He took his responsibilities as a husband, parent and provider as of utmost importance. He enjoyed the Christmases and other gatherings spent with family. He visited mom daily, without fail, while she stayed at the personal care home.
Predeceased by parents James Mayer and Myrtle Mayer (nee Loat)
Milton is survived by his children Norman (Louise) Mayer, David (Iris) Mayer and Ruth (Doug) Chapman; grandchildren Calvin, Emma, Dustin, Jennifer, Chris and Ben; and great grandchildren Briley, Caden, Klyer, Madison, Rory and another on the way.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, June 1st, 2013 at 2:00 PM from the St. Andrews United Church, Swan River, Manitoba with Reverend Erin McIntyre officiating.
Milton was laid to rest following the service in the Birchwood Cemetery, Swan River, Manitoba.
Should friends so desire, memorial donations in Milton’s honour may be made to the Swan Valley Health Facilities.
Cremation had taken place at Heritage Memorial Gardens, Swan River, Manitoba.
Paull Funeral Home and Crematorium was honoured to have served the family.
Alexandrina (Alix) Emily Donald nee MacLean
1918 - 2011
Our Mom, Nannie and sister passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on October 8, 2011 at the Grace Hospital.
Alix was born in Winnipeg to Donald and Emily MacLean on February 1, 1918. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Bill, son Doug, sister Donalda Robinson, brother Sonny and brother-in-law Peter Swanlund. She is survived by her children Leslie Chale (John), Peter Donald (Donna), Kim (Donald-Haverty)Griffin (Bill), and Bill Donald (Sandra), daughter-in-law Cathy Gfellner, sisters Pat Swanlund, and Daphne Thomson (Bill), and her grandchildren Christy, Katrina (Kevin Duncan), Nikki, Dan, Emma, and William Donald.
Alix was a blithe spirit, always welcoming visitors and friends. She loved a party, and was at her best whenever she was in the thick of things. She was a natural athlete, always on the move. She loved to dance, was inspired by music and the arts and relished the beauty of the outdoors. She loved to travel and was able to visit many parts of the world, but her time spent at the lake with her family was most treasured. She was also a thoughtful and considerate person who inspired and touched many. She put her family first, and cherished the time she had with everyone, especially her grandchildren. She had a flair for fashion and shopping with her girls was one of her favourite outings. She loved playing cards and games and wouldn’t be without her daily paper and crossword puzzle. Till the day she died, her zest for life was evident.
A celebration of her wonderful life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 14, 2011, at St. Andrews River Heights United Church, 255 Oak Street.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Those wishing to do so may make a donation in remembrance of Alix to the St. Boniface Hospital Research Foundation or to a charity of choice.
The family wishes to express their special thanks to her Home Care for their dedication, and also the wonderful nursing staff at the Grace Hospital ER. Their care made her passing a little easier. Thanks also to Rev. Karen Lumley for her presence and support in the final hours.
Helen Lenore Swaiko
It is with deep sadness and sorrow we announce the passing of Helen Lenore Swaiko, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was born in Fort William (Thunder Bay), Ontario on January 9, 1931. On November 30, 2013, Helen was taken from us at the age of 82.
After her high school graduation Helen went to Normal School and received her teaching certificate following in her Mother’s footsteps into the classroom where she enjoyed teaching for a number of years. She taught grade one until she met her future husband, John, and they were married October 18, 1957 in Fort William, Ontario. Helen and John resided in Fort William and Kenora, Ontario from 1957 until they moved to Swan River in 1963 and became proprietors of Lloyds Jewellers. This was their passion until they retired.
At the time of her passing Helen was still an active member of the St. Andrews United Church, UCW St. Andrews, Northland Presbytery and UCW Presbyterial. She spent many years on the Board of St. Andrews United Church as Chair and the property & finance committee. She was also a member of the Order of the Easter Star. She volunteered as a CGIT leader and on the Swan Valley Band Boosters for many years. On many of these committees her favorite position was the treasurer.
Helen enjoyed being with her family at the cottage. She spent earlier years at Silver Birch on Lake Superior and more recent with their family at Wellman Lake. Helen enjoyed sewing, crafts, knitting, needle work, doll making, and ceramics.
Helen is survived by her husband John, son Scott (Pam) and his children David, Janice and her daughter Madison, daughter Karen (Darrell) and their children Matthew and Jonathan, daughter Barb (Bernie) and their children Andrew and Michaela and numerous nieces and nephews.
Helen was predeceased by her parents Willard and Alberta Scott, aunts Evelyn Rutledge and Irene Scott, brother Wilbert Scott, granddaughter Stacey Swaiko, her father and mother-in-law Peter and Polly Swaikoski.
Funeral service was held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, December 14th, 2013 from St. Andrews United Church, Swan River, Manitoba with Reverend Dr. Jenny Sprong officiating.
Active Urn bearers were David Swaiko, Andrew Tymchyshyn, Matthew Kosolowsky, and Jonathan Kosolowsky.
Should friends so desire, memorial donations in Helen’s honour may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, or to the Swan Valley Health Facilities.
Cremation had taken place at Heritage Memorial Gardens, Swan River, Manitoba.
Paull Funeral Home and Crematorium was honored to have served the family.
Maria Clemente Tolentino "Ina"
1927 - 2011
Peacefully and surrounded by family, it is with our deepest love that we announce the passing of Maria “Ina” Clemente Tolentino on Friday, October 7, 2011 at the Grace Hospital at the age of 83 years.
She will forever be cherished by her sons Ramon Tolentino (predeceased by Letty), Vincente Tolentino (Teteng), Arturo Tolentino (Cely/Linda), Jose “Joey” Tolentino (Rorie), Leonard Tolentino (Evelyn) and daughters Amarie delos Santos (Ernie), Corazon “Cora” Tabios (Mel “Mhilo”) and Josie Rosas (Edwin); 28 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Amado Tolentino on July 25, 1974, her parents Felix & Marcela Clemente and her siblings Eliseo, Donato, Marcelo, Belen and Fidel Clemente.
On December 16, 1927, Ina was born in Paombong, Bulacan, Philippines. It was here that the love of her life found her and together they started their family. Upon the sudden death of her husband, she moved to Canada in January 1977 bringing along her 4 youngest children. This is where Ina portrayed the true meaning of a real woman. Her heart of gold, strength, love, passion and devotion to her faith solidified her family teaching us the importance of unity. Through life’s trials and tribulations, Ina over came anything by placing all her faith in God. Ina’s gentle demeanor and soft words affected the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.
The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nursing staff in ICU and 3rd Floor North at the Grace Hospital.
Viewing (lamay) and prayers will be held at Bardal Funeral Home, 843 Sherbrook Street on Thursday, October 13, 2011 & Friday, October 14, 2011 between 6pm -12am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Saturday, October 15, 2011 in St. Mary’s Cathedral, 353 St. Mary Avenue with her burial to follow in the Philippines.
Mary Jean Ames
It is with sad and heavy hearts we gather to say good bye to mom and grandmother.
Mum was born on July 27th, 1923; she was the oldest of 10 children of Harry and Anne Cox.
She was predeceased by her parents; her husband Ernie; three brothers Russell, Alex and Robert; and four sisters Maude, Harriett, Marion and Margaret.
Jean is survived by her sister Cathy and brother Jack.
Before she married, Jean worked as a domestic at Crichton’s on the farm at home and also in the Brandon Mental Hospital. She came home and married Ernie Ames in 1942, on November 9th. They then went on to live on the farm in the RM of Minitonas for 59 years. They raised 4 children Owen (Barb); Ellen Little (Gordie); Donnie (Colleen); and Edith Smith (Rick); who went on to have 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Mum’s greatest love was her family; she became a second mum to her nieces and nephews and always had a hug and smile for all.
Jean loved to bake and cook, no matter how busy she was, she always had time whenever someone needed a cake or a salad, or a new dress and shirt. Jean was a great cook; the grandchildren will fondly remember her fresh buns and warm biscuits.
The family was able to celebrate her 90th Birthday, with 100 guests present.
Jean was an active member of the Horticulture Club, now known as the Garden Club for many years and the UCW helping wherever she could.
Jean also loved to knit, many pairs of mittens, etc., she would sew for whoever needed a new dress or whatever. Mum had a great skill for making quilts, not only using new material, but using whatever was available at the time and created a beautiful piece of work; she passed on the love and skill of quilting to Barb.
Jean will be fondly remembered for the warm, loving and caring person she was. Her door was always open and a place at her table for anyone who stopped by.
She will be sadly missed and remembered by all.
A funeral service was held on Friday, February 21st, 2014 at 2:00 PM from the Knox United Church in Minitonas, Manitoba. Reverend Kathy Highmoor officiated.
Should friends so desire, memorial donations in Jean’s honour may be made to Knox United Church or to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.
Paull Funeral Home and Crematorium are honoured to have served the family.