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Bertha Rey (nee Sawatsky)
Bertha Rey, dearly beloved wife of the late Samuel Rey, passed into the presence of her Lord and Saviour on Friday, July 23, 2004 at Douglas Campbell Lodge. Mother was born at Rosenfeld, Manitoba on January 10, 1909. Mother has resided in Portage la Prairie since 1920. She received her education in the local schools, and after taking a commercial course, was a bookkeeper with the hardware firm of Alfred Babb. At the age of eighteen, she trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour and was connected with the people who meet in the Gospel Hall here in Portage la Prairie. In 1931 she was united in marriage with Samuel Rey, who predeceased her in 1979. She is survived by two daughters, Yvonne Copp (Donald deceased 1997) of Burnaby BC and Arlene (Dale) Taylor of Melfort SK. There are also 8 grandchildren- namely: Don and Margaret Copp of Delta, BC, Sherry and David Green of North Vancouver, BC, Patty and Doug McKillop of Burnaby, BC, Janice and Jim Poulsen of Langley, BC, Wendy Copp of Phoenix, AZ, David Copp of Burnaby, BC, Susan and Scott Bayne of Warman SK. and Rey and X Taylor of Melfort SK. She is also survived by her dear sister, Susie Halverson of Glen Ewen SK. Of special mention are Helen Ronald and Bill Fuller who tended her in recent years, as if she was their own Mother. She is also survived by one sister-in-law Grace Rey of Toronto, ON. Visitation will take place at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Funeral Service will be held at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 2:00 pm. Mother will be laid to rest beside her late husband at Hillside Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Bertha’s memory to Postal Bible Studies- Box 110, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3B2 A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Bertha by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements.
Maurice Dufresne
1924 - 2004
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather. Maurice Dufresne passed away peacefully on July 23, 2004 at Portage General Hospital at the age of 80 years. Maurice was born on July 14, 1924 in Lorette, Manitoba. He is survived by his wife, Joan; by his children and their partners: Estelle Dufresne and Arnaud Zondag, Robert Dufresne and Penny Dixson-Dufresne, and Rene Dufresne and Jenny Schrader; and by his grandchildren: Justin, Joshua, Jeremy, Curtis, Braden, Tanner, Austin and Nika. Also left to mourn are his siblings: Danny (Ilene) Dufresne, Agnes Precourt, Joseph (Viola) Dufresne and Lucien (Antoinette) Dufresne; sisters-in-law Angele and Pauline as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Leopold; his mother, Marie deLiesse Lagace; and his brothers: Andre, Felix and Ferdinand; and brother-in-law Leo Precourt. Maurice owned and operated the Oakville Transfer from 1959 - 1966. He continued trucking - hauling gravel, grain and sugar beets - until his retirement in June 1986. Maurice was always a very generous family man. He supported his mother and siblings as a young adult, babysat his nieces and nephews before having a family of his own, and made his career choices based on the least disruption to his family. Even after a long work week of driving, he would chauffeur his children and their friends to various parts of the province, supporting their hockey, baseball, and other activities. Maurice experienced Alzheimer’s in the last years of his life. Although it brought some challenges, it also gave him gifts - the return of his sense of humour, the ability to relax and to enjoy his grandchildren. Maurice will be remembered for his commitment to family, his strong work ethic and his firm handshake. Prayer service will be held on Monday, July 26 at 8:00 pm at McKenzie Funeral Chapel, 56 Royal Road South in Portage la Prairie, MB. Funeral mass will be held at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, July 27 at Good Shepherd Parish at 1125 Saskatchewan Avenue East in Portage la Prairie, MB followed by internment at the Oakville Cemetery. Father Michael Wollbaum will be the celebrant.
A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of the arrangements 857-4021. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, 21 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1T8; Good Shepherd Parish Building Fund, 115 Countess Ave. Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0T3; Lion Prairie's Manor Foundation - Chapel, 24 9th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3V4; Oakville Community Club (Skating Rink), c/o George Otsuji, Oakville, MB R0H 0Y0.
Robert “Bob” Ronald Griffiths
After a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his family, Bob Griffiths passed away on Wednesday, July 14, 2004 at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 52 years. Predeceased by his father Richard Nicholas Griffiths; sisters Mildred Bartel and her husband Pete, Doreen Forrest and Gladys Griffiths; brothers Leslie and Johnny Griffiths; and niece Beverly Ens, Bob is survived by his wife Clara; sons Jared (Natasha) and Wes (Jenine); mother Mabel Griffiths; sisters Fran (Dave) Bayliss and Donna (Mark) Stewart; brother Richard (Dawn) Griffiths; mother and father-in-law Jake and Katherine Schellenberg; sisters-in-law Gladys (Dan) Doell, Shirley (Frank) Ens and Alice (Abe) Elias; brothers-in-law Walter (Helen) Schellenberg, Ernie (Marilyn) Schellenberg along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Bob was born in Gladstone on December 8, 1951 and was raised on a farm in the area. His schooling began in a one-room school, Gillespie, near the farm. He later attended the William Morton Collegiate in Gladstone. Bob married his high-school sweetheart and lifetime soul mate, Clara, on July 8, 1972. His early career work included Texaco, Golf Oil and Western Engine. In 1974 he opened a tire sales and service shop in Gladstone and later moved to Portage la Prairie in 1993 serving as manager at York Tire (which later became Goodyear Tire and then Fountain Tire) until the present. Bob was always active in his community. In Gladstone, he served as councilor between 1986 and 1993 and was a volunteer fire fighter from 1977 to 1993. He was a very active member in the local Lions Club and he volunteered for countless community initiatives and causes. He enjoyed a good game of golf and conversely would never say no to a bad day on the golf course. He loved camping, sitting around a campfire, gardening, hunting with his sons and spending time with family and friends. Bob was a man among men, noted for his strong sense of right, his integrity, honesty, love of family, hard work and incredible courage. “Bob, you are our inspiration.” Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 2:00 pm at Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper Street S., Portage la Prairie, Manitoba with Rev. Julie Baker officiating. I’m Free Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work, or play, Tasks left undone must stay that way, I found that peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things, I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much - Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me; God wanted me now, He set me free. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Portage Lion’s Club, Box493, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba R1N 3B9 or a charity of your choice. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Bob by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements.
Walter Raymond Whitford
Suddenly on Tuesday, July 6, 2004 at the Portage District General Hospital, Walter Whitford passed away at the age of 69 years. Walter was born October 26, 1934. He spent his early adult life as a long haul truck driver until ill health. Walter’s favourite pastimes were riding his scooter around town, taking pictures and playing Bingo at the local halls. He enjoyed his weekly game of cribbage with his special friends Eddie and Lynda. Walter was predeceased by his mother Mary and father Jim. He is survived by his uncle Ernie Baziel and special friends Lornie, Ronnie, Aileen, Eddie and Lynda, Tom and too many more to name.
At Walter’s request, there will be no formal service. Cremation has taken place. There will be an announcement at a later date of a gathering in remembrance of Walter. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Walter‘s memory to Canadian Diabetes Association Manitoba Region 102 , 310 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0S6. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Walter by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements.
Harold Glenn James
On January 23, 2004, at the age of 89, Harry Glenn James passed away peacefully at Cottonwoods Extended Care Home in Kelowna, BC. Harry was predeceased by his wife, Mildred, his parents Everett and Charlotte James, his brothers Leonard and Raymond James and his sister, Ruth Nentwig. Harry will be missed and warmly remembered by his son Glenn of Kelowna, BC, sister Connie James of Kelowna, BC, brother Wilfred (Mae) James of Neepawa, Manitoba, sisters Eunice James of Phoenix, Arizona, and Helen (Kent) Conner of Phoenix, Arizona and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Margaret and Don Gibson of Pitt Meadows, BC, along with one niece and 7 nephews. During the war years Harry and Mildred were stationed with the Air Force in Ft. St.John, BC, and Souris, Manitoba followed by many years of farming the family farm in MacDonald, Manitoba. In his retirement Harry spent numerous winters in Phoenix, Arizona. He enjoyed cards, billiards, dancing and golfing. He was especially fond of his leisure time at the Water Street Senior Center in Kelowna. Harry will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 16th at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel, 56 Royal Road South with Wilma Shirriff officiating. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Harold by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements.
Peter Kowalski
Peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2004 at Dawson Court Nursing Home, Thunder Bay ON, Peter Kowalski passed away at the age of 80 years.
Peter was born, raised and educated in the Valley River Manitoba area. He enlisted in the Canadian Army from October 1943 until the war ended and was honourably discharged in April of 1946. Peter worked in logging camps in Ontario in his early years and at various other jobs throughout his lifetime including driving a highway semi in his pre-retirement years.
He was predeceased by his parents Mike and Julia Kowalski; sisters Ada Basaraba and Emily Presloski and a nephew. Left to treasure their memories of Peter are his two nieces Sylvia (Floyd) Rawlings of Portage la Prairie MB and Beverley (Michael) Miller of Salmon Arms BC and his nephew Ron (Sharon) Basaraba of Gilbert Plains MB as well as a number of great and great great nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.
In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a graveside service at the Dauphin Riverside Cemetery on July 9, 2004 at 11:00 am. Ralph Strictland of Royal Canadian Legion #20 will led the service.
As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Peter‘s memory to a charity of your choice.
A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Peter by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements.
Annie Grace Lamb (nee Fach)
1911-2003
In Calgary AB on November 22, 2003, Mom (Annie Grace Lamb) slipped away to join Dad (Bill Lamb) who predeceased her in 1978. Having grown up in the Newton District, farmed at Allendale, Edrans and then back to the home farm at Newton, her heart was firmly planted in the Portage area. In keeping with her wishes, her ashes will be intered in the family plot at Hillside Cemetery. Left to treasure her memory are her daughter Joan (Lorne) Green, grandson Todd (Crystal) Green and great grandchildren Matthew and Jenna Green all of Calgary AB. Also surviving her are sisters-in-law Flo McCormick of Portage la Prairie and Gladys Strum of Penticton BC. A memorial service will be held at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Saturday, July 3, 2004 at 2:00 pm. Following the interment there will be a reception at the Lion’s Den at Island Park. Lorne and Joan invite neighbors, friends and relatives to join them in a celebration of a long life well lived. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Annie‘s memory to a charity of your choice. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Annie by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements.
