- Canada, Newspapers.com™ Obituary Index, 1800s-current -
- Shop now for incredible insights into your wellbeing -
Eleanor Doris Andres (nee Evans)
Eleanor Doris Andres passed away following a stroke on Friday, April 11, 2003 in Portage la Prairie. Eleanor was born in Portage la Prairie on October 3, 1919, the youngest of 6 children born to Charles and Helena Evans, all of whom predeceased her. She graduated from Portage Collegiate and spent a year studying in Winnipeg at the Winnipeg Bible College. She met Henry upon her return to Portage and they married in 1942. They moved to Sussex, New Brunswick for a brief period until Henry was sent overseas, when Eleanor returned home, pregnant with their first child, to care for her ailing mother. Upon Henry's return from the war, they made their home in Portage for the remainder of their lives. Eleanor's life was one of service to others: her husband, children, church and community. She volunteered in many organizations including the Public Library Board which gave her great satisfaction. When she was able, she loved to garden (especially flowers), read, do crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and knit. She was renowned for her baking, especially her butter tarts. Eleanor suffered a stroke many years ago but was fiercely determined to maintain her independence. Henry made this possible for her until his death in 1999, after which Eleanor moved to Regency House and then last fall, to the Lion's Manor. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to her social worker, Dave Taylor, the home care workers who enabled her to remain independent, and to the staff of the Lion's Manor for their loving care of her for the past winter. Eleanor will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her children: Lynn of Winnipeg, Judy of Calgary, Terry and Barbara of Winnipeg; her grandchildren: Heather of Winnipeg, and Teddy and Astrid of Derby, England. She is also mourned by her extended family especially her niece Doreen and her brothers and sisters-in-law who were all so kind to her after Henry's death. A service of Celebration for Eleanor's life will be held on Tuesday April 15, 2003 at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel, 56 Royal Road S., Portage la Prairie at 1:30 pm with Pastor Ken Harris officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Eleanor had a deep and abiding love for her Saviour, Jesus Christ,, and she died confident in the knowledge that He had prepared a place for her in His Father's house. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Eleanor's memory to Lions Prairie Manor Foundation Inc., 24 9th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3V4. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Eleanor by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements.
Bruce Lyall
On Monday, April 14, 2003 Bruce Lyall, beloved husband of Maggie and father of Blake and Robert, passed away at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 74 years. There will be a time of viewing and visitation on Wednesday evening, April 16, 2003 at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2003 at 2:00 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel with Pastor Steve Wilson officiating. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Bruce's memory to Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8 or Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Portage Office, c/o Catherine Newham, 103 Wilkinson Crescent, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1A7. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Bruce by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements. 857-4021
Richard Derek Blight
The family of Richard Blight is devastated by the recent passing of Rick on April 16, 2005. Rick passed away at the age of 49 years. Rick was a loving husband and best friend to Donna, a wonderful father to Ryan and Sarah, a caring son to Don and Doddy, an only brother to Kathy (John), Leslie (Doug), Kelly (Jim) and fun-loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. Also he leaves father-in-law, Don Kerr, mother-in-law Jean Thompson and brother-in-law Steve Kerr. Rick was born in Portage on October 17, 1955 and attended Oakville Elementary School and Arthur Meighen High School. He grew up playing hockey and at the age of 14 began with the Portage Terriers. At the age of 16, he was playing with the Brandon Wheat Kings and later was drafted in the first round by the Vancouver Canucks. He played with the Canucks from 1975-1980. He was married to Donna in 1978 in Vancouver, and two years later they gave birth to their first child, Ryan. In 1984, their daughter Sarah was born and Rick moved his family back to Manitoba to run the family business in Carman. Rick was a skilled golfer, with many tournament victories to his name. His passion then switched to curling, which continued after his move to Portage to run the Portage shop. He excelled at curling; making several appearances at the Safeway Select with the Don Spriggs rink. Rick loved to spend time with his wife and kids; whether it was barbecuing at home or meeting them in Winnipeg. Rick had a great sense of humor, which his family and numerous friends could all attest to. Rick lived a life that most people could only dream of. He will be greatly missed by all that were lucky enough to have known him. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2005 at 1:30 pm in the Portage Curling Rink, 2401 Saskatchewan Ave. W.,Portage la Prairie in the Canad Inn. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Rick’s memory to Manitoba Junior Golf Club, Rm 211, 200 Main, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4M2 or the Hockey Manitoba, Rm 217, 200 Main, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4M2 or the Portage Junior Curling Club, P.O. Box 337, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3B7.
"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." The Prophet
A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Rick by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements.
Terrence Samuel Cockroft
With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Terrence Cockroft at the Portage District General Hospital on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 at the age of 69 years. He was predeceased by his parents Stanley and Treva Cockroft and his brother Donald. Left to cherish his memory are his sisters Shirley Cockroft of Portage la Prairie, Treva (Lloyd) Brooks of Courtenay BC and Edna Short of Vancouver BC and his brother George Cockroft of Winnipeg MB along with many nieces, nephews and special friends Irene, Debbie, Sherri, Tonya, Amanda, Sue, Pattie, Maureena, Sheila, Leslie and Kathy. Terry was born May 3, 1935 in Winnipeg and resided there until the age of 15 when he then became a resident of the Manitoba Development Centre (MDC) in Portage la Prairie. He was reunited with his sister in March of 2004 where he lived in the community and has enjoyed a trip to BC to visit his sister Treva, brother-in-law Lloyd and family and spent some time at the cottage near Gimli. Terry was a quiet well mannered, gentle man who enjoyed the outdoors and a good cup of Tim Horton’s coffee. He also enjoyed drives to Winnipeg with his sister and friends. He loved to listen to old tyme music and going for long walks and he especially loved watching trains. A Service to celebrate Terry’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at 1:30 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel with Pastor Bill Galston officiating. Interment is to follow at Hillside Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Terry’s memory to Manitoba Lung Association, 629 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1P6. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Terry by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements.
Harold Ernest Painter
Peacefully, with family at his side, Harold Painter passed away on Tuesday, April 12, 2005 at the Portage District General Hospital, Portage la Prairie at the age of 75 years. He was predeceased by his parents Ernest and Nellie Painter; brother Donald Painter; parents-in-law Lawrence and Nellie Ferris; brothers-in-law Vernon Ferris, Jack McConochie and Oscar Lennstrom; and sister-in-law Ruth Lennstrom. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years Viola nee Ferris; six children, Randy (Janet) with grandchildren John, Janelle, Jordy and Randy’s son Ryan; Danny (Helen) with grandchildren Carlie and Shannon; Gerry (Patti) with grandchildren Shea, Maggie and Gerry’s daughter Lisa (Danny) with great grandchildren Seth and Zachary; Murray (Cathy) with grandchildren Joel, Sarah and Kristy; Shirley (Faron) Nicholls with grandchildren Bryant and Brynn; and Kelly (Shannon) with grandchildren Rhett, Julia and Liam; brother Glen (Jackie) of Surrey, BC; sisters-in-law Mabel McConochie of Chilliwack BC and Marionne Ferris of Portage la Prairie along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Dad was born and raised in Winnipeg until age 17 when his family moved to the Edwin district to farm. He farmed and worked with his father in their rural garage during the farming seasons and spent several winters in a logging camp in Northern Ontario. He married the love of his life, Viola in September 1952 and soon after moved to Portage la Prairie where they raised their six children and remained for his the rest of his life. His working years started in 1952 when he worked as a mechanic for Christianson John Deere for several years before finding his true passion which was in sales. He then worked at Christianson’s selling John Deere machinery and later cars for over 20 years in total. Dad also worked for his good friend Doug Edmondson at Edmondson Chev/Olds for 9 years as well as selling for Tecza Mercury, Glen McDougall at Portage Nissan and finally Bob Adriaansen at Westward Ford where he retired from in 1989 due to his failing health. He also worked for Mutual Life of Canada with his long time friend Bill Comer for four years in the 1970’s. Dad was always an active community member and sportsman throughout his life. He served as a volunteer fireman for over 18 years, was president of the Portage Minor Hockey Association for a year and was on the Portage Terrier Executive in 1972/73 when the Terriers won the Centennial Cup. He also was the president of the Portage Curling Club for a year and was a competitive and accomplished curler in his younger years as witnessed by the shelves of curling trophies he won over the years. Dad also loved to golf in the summer and thoroughly enjoyed getting out for a round with his golfing friends at tournaments and club events. Unfortunately for dad, his failing health in his retirement years did not allow him to continue with the curling and golf that he loved so much but that never dampened his interests in sports. Whenever he could, he would get out to watch either his kids or grandchildren at the rink or on the ball fields. Dad’s true passion and focus in life however, was his family and friends. Nothing was more important to him. He was intensely proud of his family and never stopped worrying about everyone even when he was seriously ill himself. As he did all his life, dad put others before himself and for that he will not be forgotten. He had an incredibly strong work ethic and took great pride in the fact that he earned everything that he had. Perhaps, his father-in-law Lawrence Ferris put it best many years ago when he described dad as a “self made man”. Dad lived by the motto that “he was as good as anyone else but not any better”. He was a devoted husband and father who will always be remembered and cherished by family and friends. “Rest in peace Dad, you’ve earned it” There will be a time for viewing and visitation at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Friday, April 15, 2005 from 7:30 - 8:30 pm. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2005 at 2:00 pm at Trinity United Church with Rev. Ross Taylor officiating. Interment is to follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Harold’s memory to Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524 5th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3A8 or a charity of your choice. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Harold by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements.
Bernice Isabel Hay (nee Brown)
With great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Bernice Isabel Hay (nee: Brown) on Thursday, April 7, 2005. Bernice was born in Stonewall, MB on April 20, 1928 and was predeceased by her loving husband, Charles William Hay in 1981; her parents J.C.and Dorothy Brown of Stonewall; and sister Jocelyn Brandenburg of Winnipeg. Left to cherish her memory is her daughter Cathryne of Winnipeg - her son Ronald (Carmie) and 5 grandchildren in the Philippines - 2 sisters, Dorothy Good of Calgary - Jackie Johnson of Stonewall and a brother Bill (Yvonne) Brown of B.C. and brother-in-law Ron (Verna) Hay of Winnipeg and sister-in-law Connie (Aubrey) VanAlstyne of Winnipeg and many special nieces and nephews Bernice, a devoted wife and mother, was known for her strong value in her family and there was nothing that would bring a smile to her face faster than the face of a baby or child. Bernice had a love for animals from the puppies she let rule her life to the regular feeding of birds and squirrels that would come to visit daily. She enjoyed chatting and visiting with the people at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 65 - seasonal weekly shuffleboard and helping with the ladies auxiliary. Bernice had endless appreciation for the kindness of her neighbour, Leendert Overbeeke, who voluntarily for years, cared for the yard - kept the snow shovelled and could magically fix anything that would break. To celebrate her life, funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 2 p.m. with Venerable Norman Collier officiating and a gathering to follow at the Royal Canadian Legion at 3:00 pm. Cremation will follow with the internment of ashes at a later date. “There is a link death cannot sever - our love and remembrance lasts forever.” As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Bernice’s memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, c/o Catherine Newham - Portage Office, 103 Wilkinson Crescent, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1A7 A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Bernice by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements.
Alex Merrick
“Sacred Four Winds Boy”
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our infant baby Alex on Monday, March 28, 2005 at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba. He leaves behind to mourn his parents Wanda Merrick and Ben Beaulieu; siblings Kimberly, Kelly, Logan, Kate and Fiona and many extended family members. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2005. The processional will gather at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 1:45 pm and proceed to Sioux Village Cemetery. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Alex by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements.
Ida Johanna Verwey (nee Overwater)
On Saturday, March 26, 2005 at the Portage District General Hospital, Ida Johanna Verwey (Overwater), of rural Portage passed away at the age of 88 years. Ida was born on November 11, 1916 at Charleswood, Manitoba. The family moved to Barnsley, MB. and then finally to Parkdale, MB. On June 10, 1939, Ida married Gerrard Verwey. Together they worked hard to build up the farm and raise their family. The delight of her life was her family of nine children with who God blessed her. Mom’s philosophy of life was working hard and keeping busy. Mom was an excellent cook and homemaker. She liked nothing better than treating others to one of her wonderful home cooked meals and baked treats. She had a wonderful talent for sewing projects and repairs. Mom definitely had a “Green Thumb”. Many remember the days when she raised and sold garden produce, everything from strawberries to corn to crab apples. Growing flowers was a special talent of hers. Her lupin patch would surpass the best of them. She loved to share the fruit of her labors with her family, friends and neighbors. Faith was a big part of Mom’s life. She was a long-time member of St. John’s and later Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church. Everything in this world that is decent, honest and true reminds us of her and the blessing she was in our lives. We were truly blessed with the most devoted Mom. Her nurturing and caring knew no bounds. Mom’s special passion was children and she firmly believed that children needed discipline. Mom was a very kind-hearted person with simple wants and needs, always putting her family before herself. We have all felt the warmth and depth of her unconditional love and give thanks for her life. We are appreciative of the Christian values and morals that she instilled in us and we are comforted knowing that Mom is in God’s hands. She was predeceased by her husband, Gerrard, one infant son, her parents, Johanna and John Overwater, sister Kathleen Borsboom, and brothers John and George. Although Ida is enjoying her eternal reward she will always be loved and remembered by her family: Jo-Ann and Karl Voesenek with children: Gerry (Linda), Robert (Susan), Karla (Brent Gurke); John and Norma Verwey with children: Gerry (Meechelle), Raymond (Jill), Roger (Susan), Laurie (Jory Kitson), Conrad (Michelle); Marie and Lloyd Delf with children: Alison (Dale Timmerman), Janice (Weldon Delf); Geraldine and Gerry Masson with children: Arnie, Andy (Tanya) and Ardin; Gerry “Bernie” Verwey with children: Chris and Angie (Tyler); Arnold and Judy Verwey with children: Amanda and Scott (Michelle); Ida and Tom Trimble with children: Monty (Monica), Adam and Laurel; Pat and Owen Williams; Randy and Shirlene Verwey with children: Rhonda, Danny and Jordan, along with 25 great-grandchildren, one sister Mary (Albert) Geurts, sisters-in-law Antoinette Overwater and Jean Overwater and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Prayers were led by Deacon Bill Parrack on Monday, April 4, 2005 at 7:30 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. A tribute to Ida was given by Dale Timmerman. Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated on Tuesday, April 5, 2005 at 2:00 pm in Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church with Celebrant Father Michael Wollbaum. Annette Verniest presided at the organ and led the congregation in singing of “How Great Thou Art”, “On This Day, O Beautiful Mother”, “Come Holy Ghost” and “Peace is Flowing Like a River”. Granddaughter Rhonda Verwey presented the Bible. Readings were done by grandchildren Ardin Masson and Alison Timmerman. Grandchildren Monty Trimble and Laurel Trimble brought forth the gifts. The family considered all those in attendance as Honorary Pallbearers. Active pallbearers were grandsons Andy Masson, Adam Trimble, Scott Verwey, Roger Verwey, Danny Verwey and Robert Voesenek. Flower bearers were Chris Verwey and Conrad Verwey. Groups in attendance were those from the Rural Municipality and teaching colleagues. Interment took place at Hillside Cemetery in the family plot. Family and friends gathered together for a special time of fellowship at the Oddfellows Hall. We, the family would like to express our appreciation to all who cared for Mom in any way, especially the staff of Portage District General Hospital, Dr. Samuels of MacGregor, Dr. Angela Derksen, Dr. Price and all who helped Mom along her difficult journey. A special thank you to her daughter and son-in-law Jo-Ann and Karl Voesenek who took Mom into their home and cared for her for the 5 weeks previous to hospitalization - you gave her such tender loving care. Memorial donations may be made in Ida’s memory to Good Shepherd Building Fund, 114 Countess Ave., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0T2 or Sunset Palliative Care Inc, Box 92, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3A7.
