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James Gilchrist Menzies
Age 96, beloved husband of the Late Verna Menzies
On July 30th, 2011, Jim passed away peacefully at the age of 96 years in the presence of family.
He is survived by his sons Ian (Penny) of Inglis, Bill (Eleanor) of Winnipeg, Gordon (Lisa) of Winnipeg, and Peter of Dawson City, Yukon; his grandchildren Karl (Sheola) of Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan, and Allyson and Kara of Halifax, Nova Scotia; his brother Tom of Winnipeg; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Verna, in September 2008.
Dad was born in Winnipeg in 1915, the eldest son of William and Margaret Menzies, who had immigrated to Canada from Scotland several years earlier. After graduating from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate, he enrolled in Pharmacy at the University of Manitoba, graduating in 1939.
At the outbreak of World War II, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy, serving in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence commanding a Fairmile vessel escorting convoys and patrolling for enemy submarines. Following the end of the war, Dad and Mom were married in 1946 and then settled in CrystalCity where he, with much support and assistance from Mom, started the Crystal City Pharmacy. A proud moment for him was the opening of a new pharmacy building in 1965 in which he practiced his profession until his retirement in 1988 at the age of 73 years young.
Jim was very active in the community throughout his life. He was a founding member of the Crystal City Lions Club, served on the school board and on the hospital board, was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Masons, and was a dedicated supporter of community initiatives and events.
Dad had a wonderful singing voice, would often break out in song, and was a member of the UnitedChurch choir for many years. He had a green thumb, especially when it came to his tomatoes and flowers. He and Mom enjoyed countless friendships, (frequently involving games of bridge and get-togethers at the cottage), many enduring throughout their lives. He cherished the family time he spent each summer at the cottage at RockLake, especially when the family was young, tooling around in the Capsule, watching his sons learn how to swim, paddle a canoe, and appreciate the outdoors.
Dad was a wonderful father, proud and supportive, always providing a positive outlook. He was a loving partner to Mom (especially during her last years when she was in ill health), and a much respected member of the community. He had a disarming sense of humour that made anyone he met immediately feel at ease. He enjoyed an active and healthy life, living independently until he passed away.
We loved him because he was kind and giving. We admired him because he was never envious or unforgiving, and we will remember him for always seeing the positive side of life.
Joanne Irene Heppner (nee Mustard)
February 23, 1939 – September 25, 2011
After a long courageous battle with depression and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Joanne Heppner (nee Mustard) passed away with her daughter Diana by her side.
Joanne will be lovingly remembered by her husband Ken of 50 years, daughter Shelley (Glen) Gosseye, son Dale (Lenora) Heppner, and daughter Diana (Matt) Stephens. Grandchildren Daryl Heppner (Tawnya), David Heppner (Rachelle), Myles (Christina) McWilliams, Dustin (Devon) McWilliams, Melanie and Jada Gosseye, Sarah and Emily Stephens.
Joanne is survived by brothers Jim (Susan) Mustard, Ron (Laurel) Mustard, nephews Jason Mustard and Chris Mustard, sister-in-laws Arlene (Wayne) Everett, Lynda (Murray) Slawinski, Brother-in-law Kim (Marlene) Heppner and families. She was predeceased by her parents Harold and Irene Mustard, son Stephen Heppner, mother-in-law Susan Heppner, father-in-law Jacob Heppner, nephew and niece Mark and Alfreida Johnson, brother-in-laws Barry and Jim Heppner.
Joanne was born and raised in Killarney, MB. She pursued a career in nursing and met and married Ken Heppner on August 5, 1961. They moved to Pilot Mound in 1964. She dedicated herself to being a homemaker. You would often find her baking bread, making homemade soups, gardening and canning, and assisting Ken with the bookkeeping duties at the shop. She was an avid sports fan and could be heard enthusiastically cheering on the local sports teams, often making her opinions known. Joanne enjoyed bowling and was a member of the local league for years.
The family would like to thank Dr. Desmond and the nursing staff at the Lorne Memorial Hospital for the care Joanne received.
Britton, Mabel
Mabel Eunice McCalpin (Bell) Britton was born September 19, 1910 in Killarney Manitoba to James Conway and Eleanor (Johnston) McCalpin.
In 1914 the family including older brother Lloyd mover to a farm in the Lyonshall district where both Lloyd and Mabel started school. In the winter months the 3 ½ mile drive by pony became too difficult so Lloyd moved into Killarney with Grandparents Mr. and Mrs. J.H. McCalpin and attended school there. Mabel’s Mom was a teacher and Mabel was home schooled for the rest of that year. When Mabel returned to school the next year she was able to skip a grade.
In 1921 the family moved to Boissevain where J.C. McCalpin owned and operated a garage.
In 1923 the family returned to the farm and both Mabel and Lloyd stayed with their Grandparents in Killarney and finished their grade 12.
In 1924 the family started the Marshall Wells Hardware store and lived above the store. Mabel stayed home and worked in the store for a year until she was old enough to normal school. During this time her younger brother Brian was born.
While working in the store a good friend of Mabel’s, Andrew Riddell a Phrenologist (a person who reads the shapes and lumps on your head), told Mabel she would travel all over the country selling ideas not articles and that she was a born leader well organized enthusiastic and a humanitarian. To this day his prediction has held true as her work as a school teacher home economist plus her involvement with the Red Cross, Toast Mistress, Women’s Institute and other organizations kept her in touch with people throughout the province and beyond.
Mabel attended normal school in Winnipeg taught at Jaques and Enterprise schools. After three years of teaching, she attended Agricultural College and received her Home Economics Degree and Bachelor of Education.
During her school and university years she was active in many sports including track and field, tennis, basketball, curling, skating and 9 years in organized girls hockey.
Mabel also loved music and took piano lessons in Boissevain and Killarney until age 12 when taking grade 7 and 8 in school in one year forced her to quit. Later she studied guitar because a piano wasn’t available and she played the saxophone along with her brother Lloyd. She was the organist for St. Andrews (Jaques) church and she played for many weddings, concerts and dances and sing-songs for many organizations in Manitoba and Arizona. She also loved to dance.
Hired by the federal government she conducted several Youth Training Schools (the first of its kind) around the province for teenage girls. The first was held in Swan River. The basic cooking sewing and homemaking techniques were offered to the girls. There was no curriculum to follow, and Mabel made up her own lessons as she went along.
The extension service Department of Agriculture offered her the position of Food Specialist for the province conducting leadership (adult) courses and demonstrations in rural areas throughout the province. Being one of very few women traveling for their employment, accommodations and conditions often left much to be desired. Many of the hotel doors were without looks so it was common practice to secure them by inserting a knife in the door jam. The washroom facilities were also a challenge in a mostly male environment.
When holding a demonstration in a French settlement with the attendance of an interpreter, during lunch one young woman asked the interpreter how old Mabel was and why she wasn’t married. Imagine the look on the woman’s face when Mabel replied, in French, that today was her birthday and she was to be married in the fall.
It was during this time that Mabel began judging at fairs which she continued for overt fifty years, in many parts of the province. On one occasion she was asked to judge home made wine, but since her knowledge of the home made wine was very limited she asked the swine judge to place it; he agreed quite willingly and they later had many a chuckle over it. Some exhibitors tried hard to our smart the judges. One article was found to have a store price tag on it and another a tiny "made in China" label. A beautiful cake was found to have an egg cup to support its sagging center. A pair of well pinned pajamas aroused Mabel’s curiosity and caused a few red faces when it was discovered that only the top half had been completed and was entered by one of the female directors.
Mabel married Charles Clarence Bell October 26, 1940. They farmed in the Jaques district until 1975 when Clarence’s health forced them to retire to Killarney. Clarence died August 14, 1981. They had been married for over 40 years.
Although Mabel made numerous contributions to many organizations, the one she gave the most time and effort to was the Red Cross. As work convener and for many years as secretary, Mabel has been a member of the Jaques District Red Cross which was one of the most active branches in the province. For many years she was vice president of the Manitoba Division of the organization. After helping to form the Red Cross Region One which was the first region established outside of Winnipeg she became its charter president. In 1963 she received the International Centenary Award on the occasion of the International Centenary as well as a citation from the Manitoba branch during her term in office. Mabel helped to organize the first Junior Red Cross rally ever held in the rural area and the event was held in Killarney and was a great success. In 1971 she was one of the 12 who received a certificate of merit for 40 years of outstanding volunteer service in the society.
She was the first woman on the Jaques School Board and served as trustee and secretary treasurer for 27 years until the school closed.
Another continuing interest was the Toastmistress Organization. Mabel was named president of the Killarney group "The Colleen’s", which she helped to form. She was also active in the work at council level, attending council conferences and served as charter secretary and second chairman of Council 8. In the 80’s she was the first president of the reorganized Blarney Toastmasters Club. She was a former member of her University of Manitoba debating team. Mabel assisted and judged 4-H competitions on public speaking and demonstrations.
Mabel helped form the Jaques Women’s institute and became the charter president. She also served 2 three year terms as government appointed member of the Provincial Advisory Council.
She continued her humanitarian interest, Mabel spent close to 30 years on the Killarney Agriculture Society Fair board and several years on the advisory board. She spent years assisting the cancer unit, hospital aid and church work.
When living in Killarney Mabel was active as president of Friendly Circle and New Horizons, charter chairman of S.O.S. She assisted in door to door canvassing regarding senior citizens housing, the final result was the building of the Royal Manor.
Following her marriage to Vern Britton in October1982 the two traveled extensively in Canada, twice to Portugal, went on 2 cruises and many trips to Ontario and B.C. For seven years they spent the winter in Arizona, where they owned a park model trailer. There Mabel assisted in organizing a variety of events and volunteered her time for the people in the park. Vern passed away March 17, 1996. Mabel continued to winter in her Arizona home until the spring of 2006.
Mabel was always anxious and willing to lend assistance. She said" I just enjoy helping people", and as her friends know she was speaking with sincerity. The preceding history had been compiled by Mabel in the very late 1990's.
Mabel spent from 1994 - 2006 writing the preserving the past column in the Killarney Guide. She spent many hours in the library researching for her articles.
Mabel enjoyed her circle of friends for cards and Bridge nights. She played Bridge as often as she could. She attended Bridge night every Thursday at the New Horizon with her nephew Ken Comba. Mabel remained in her own home until May 1, 2007 until she moved into Lakeview Garden. She was hospitalized March 27 and had spent the past 10 ½ weeks there. She fought hard but seemed to suffer one setback after another until she passed away on June 10, 2008 at Tri Lake Health Centre, age 97 years.
Funeral service was held for Mabel E. Britton on Monday, June 16, 2008 at Killarney United Church with Rev. Cole Grambo officiating. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Killarney United Church Building Fund, Killarney, Manitoba R0K 1G0.
Pearl B. Davies
Age 94, beloved wife of Bill Davies. Died August 18, 2011 at Bayside Personal Care Home, Killarney, Manitoba
Graveside Funeral Service: Wednesday August 24, 2011 - Killarney Cemetery, Killarney, Manitoba
Born in Bannerman District June 17, 1917 to John and Myrtle Mitchell. When Pearl was six years old her mother died, so she came to Killarney to live with her aunt, Mrs. Hoar, where she grew up and received her education. In 1940 she married Bill Davies and they lived on the farm for a few years. They then moved into town where Pearl went to work in the Fairway Store, and remained for quite a few years. Later she left the store to help Bill with his P.M.U. business. In 1975 they sold the business and spent the next 24 winters in Texas where they had some good times and made many good friends. In the summer she enjoyed her flowers and garden.
Pearl was predeceased by 4 brothers and 3 sisters. She is survived by husband Bill of 71 years, one sister Stella (of London, ON), as well as many nieces and nephews.
Donations in memory of Pearl may be made to a charity of own choice.
Peggy L. Bruce
Age 58. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Grandmother, Mother, Sister, Aunt and Friend, Peggy Lee Bruce. Peggy passed away on Monday, August 8, 2011 at the Tri-Lake Health Centre; at 58 years of age, with her son Delaney Curry (Lara Curry) and granddaughter Serena Curry by her side. She is survived also by her brothers Leslie Bruce, Gregory Bruce (Alana Bruce) and Ronald Bruce. She will also be missed by nieces and nephews; many cousins and friends. Peggy was born February 11, 1953, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She grew up in East Selkirk, Manitoba - working in her parents store "L and R Grocery." Her parents Leonard Bruce (predeceased) and Robenia Bruce (predeceased) raised her to be a very kind and gentle person. Peggy began working for banks in the 1970's, a career that took her 30 years into the future, and all over Western Canada. At which point she settled down in the community of Killarney, Manitoba. She worked at the co-op grocery until the day she became too ill to work.
Peggy enjoyed decorations and collecting antiques. Loved any holiday that involved family. She cherished and adored her granddaughter. Whenever Serena entered the room, Peggy's eyes would light up, even until the day of her death. One of her dying wishes was to thank the staff of Tri-Lake Health Centre for making her and her family comfortable. Her ashes will be interred in a tombstone in Transcona, to rest near her parents.
We have lost a wonderful person, but gained an angel.
If anyone wishes to make a donation in Peggy's honour, please make donations to the Canadian Cancer Society by calling 1-888-532-6982
Sylvia Sharpe
June 5, 1934 - Sept. 9, 2011
Peacefully on Sept. 9, 2011, Sylvia Sharpe passed away at the Pembina- Manitou Health Centre.
Sylvia lived her life with honesty, compassion and generosity. Her early years were spent in Toronto and Montreal. Sylvia attended Normal School in Winnipeg and went on to teach in the St. James district. During her extracurricular activities, she met the love of her life, Bill Sharpe, whom she was married to for 32 years. Sylvia wrote, “ My learning experience began in earnest when a city gal adjusted to farm life and the raising of children.” She was devoted to supporting her husband with the family farm and became an exceptional homemaker.
Performances of live symphony, theatre, ballet and the Pembina Valley Festival were her passion. She also loved gardening, reading, community work and study groups. She had a flare for decorating and preparing for family celebrations. The St. Andrew’s United Church family was very important to Sylvia. She drew strength from her strong Christian faith. Priority towards family and friends and their needs made her such a thoughtful and caring person. She touched the lives of so many people!
Sylvia was predeceased by her husband, Bill and her parents, Dorothy and James Pallett. She will be lovingly remembered by her children Christine (Dennis), Brenda (Mel), Don (Lindy) and her nine grandchildren who were her pride and joy, Bradley, Brittany, Brianne, Garret, Cory, Brooklyn, James, Will and Sarah. She is survived by her two brothers, Grant and Barry (Louise) and sister -in-law Marj (Gus), nieces and nephews Marta (Murray), Kari (Gio), Bill (Jackie), and Bob (Lisa).
Many thanks to the staffs at Boundary Trails, Salem Home and the Pembina - Manitou Health Centre for their care over the past year.
