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Joseph Ernest Bernard Page “Bernie”
On Monday, February 2, 2004 at the Portage District General Hospital, Bernie Page, passed away with family at his side at the age of 70 years. Bernie will be lovingly remembered by his wife Claudette (nee Rey) of Portage la Prairie MB; children Daniel (Margaret Docherty) Page of LaSalle ON, Catherine (James) Lenting of Portage la Prairie MB, Nicole (Jim) Mayo of Newmarket ON and Reymond (Laura Peters) Page of Winnipeg MB, grandchildren: Victoria, Morgan and Abigale Page; Anthony and Nathan Lenting; Rachel, Alex and Chantal Mayo and Jonas and Matthew Page. He will also be missed by siblings Louis Page of Knowlton QC, Bernadette (Bill) Shover of Nepean ON, Arthur (Lizette) Page of Montreal QC and Lise (Peter) Young lai of Singapore; sisters-in-law Lorraine (Dave) Samolesky and Dosia (Ron) Cannon all of Portage la Prairie along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Ernest and Alice (nee Moquin) Page; sister-in-law Eleanor Page; mother and father-in-law Alexis and Oliva (nee Mulaire) Rey and brother-in-law Paul Rey. Born in Montreal on April 1, 1933, Bernie grew up in Knowlton, Quebec. He joined the Air Force in 1951 and was transferred to Portage la Prairie in 1952. Bernie married Claudette Rey in 1956. His military career took him to Chibougamau QC, Sioux Lookout, Clinton and Kingston ON, and finally to Beausejour MB where he retired in 1975 and settled in Portage la Prairie. Bernie worked in car sales until he decided to take a course in appliance repair at Red River College. In 1982 he began his own business, “Bernie’s Appliance Repair”. Bernie sold the business in 1993 and traveled with Claudette, visiting their children which always involved the construction of upgrades in their homes. He was proud of his grandchildren’s accomplishments in sports and music and loved working on puzzles, playing card and reading Harry Potter with them. During his retirement, he worked part-time for McKenzie’s Portage Funeral Chapel. He volunteered at the Soup Kitchen and MCC. He enjoyed baseball with the Olympenes, golf, gardening, knitting socks (which he learned from Germaine) and working with stained glass. He was involved in the music ministry at church and sang with the Interdenominational and Eklektik choirs. Bernie had a great sense of humor and always enjoyed bringing a smile to those around him. His friends and family will fondly remember his quiet mischievous wit. Prayers will take place at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel, 56 Royal Rd. S., Portage la Prairie on Wednesday, February 4 at 7:30 pm led by Father Glofcheski. Funeral Mass will be at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church, 1125 Sask. Ave. E., Portage on Thursday, February 5, 2004 at 10:30 am with celebrant Monsignor Comeault. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Bernie’s memory to Good Shepherd Parish Building Fund, 115 Countess Ave., Portage la Prairie, Manitoba R1N 0T2. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Bernie by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements. 857-4021
Murray Howard Pratt
Suddenly at the age of 55, Murray Howard Pratt passed away in Portage la Prairie. He was predeceased by his father Howard Pratt and aunt Margaret Armstrong. Murray will be lovingly remembered by Heather of Portage; his children Janet of Brandon, Jason, Amber and Kendra all of Portage la Prairie; two grandchildren of Brandon, his mother Donna Pratt and one sister Marilyn (Roger) Ward all of Portage la Prairie along with his nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Murray was born and raised in Portage la Prairie attending both Victoria School and PCI. One of his first employments was with Watson Roofing. He then took the carpentry course at Red River College and served his apprenticeship at Elwood-Mcrorie Ltd. He then worked at Manitoba Housing for 20 years before retiring last February. In his youth, Murray was involved in the Portage Militia and later became a member of the Army, Navy& Air Force Veterans here locally. He found much pleasure in working with wood, doing crossword puzzles, golfing in the summer and in his retirement being on the computer. Murray in his quiet way would always be helping friends and family wherever he could. He was particularly diligent at being his mother’s own private handyman and at showing his love to his children by looking after them and attending to their needs. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2004 at 1:30 at Trinity United Church with Rev. Julie Baker officiating. Interment is to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Murray’s memory to Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada, PO Box 1106, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba R1N 3C5 or to 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 Murray by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements.
Phillip Morris Longclaws
“Wah Sec Gun Nee Ba Wit” lightning standing
Suddenly on Friday, January 30, 2004 Phillip Longclaws of Long Plain First Nation passed away at the age of 66 years. He leaves to mourn his passing one son Stuart Gale; six daughters Linda (Dale), Doris (Garry), Melba-Joan, Geraldine, Cindy and Sylvia (Maynard); 23 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; four sisters Lillian, Mary-Anne, Josephine and Shirley; two brothers Clements (Vivian) and James along with many nieces and nephews. Phillip was predeceased by his wife Mae (‘95); daughter Joyce (‘86); sons Phillip Jr. (‘58), Gook (Phillip ‘96), Sterling (2000); parents Johnny Sr. and Jessie Longclaws; brothers Francis, Norman, Walter and Johnny Jr. and sisters Agnes and Phyllis. Traditional Wake will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2004 at the Long Plain Spirit Lodge commencing at 4:00 pm. On Wednesday, February 4, 2004 the Traditional Feast will begin at noon with the funeral service following at 2:00 pm. Interment is to follow at Long Plain Cemetery. Phillip will be deeply missed by all who knew him well! His children would like to thank everyone for their kind words of support and donations. These gestures of care are greatly appreciated at this time of their great loss. In keeping with Phillips wishes, the family requests no flowers please A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Phillip by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements.
Joan Elizabeth Brown (nee Bailey)
After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Joan Brown, with the same grace and dignity that she lived her life, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2004 surrounded by her loving family. Left to cherish her memory: her husband of 49 years Doug, her loving daughter Lynn, son-in-law Robert and her special grandsons Bradley and Ryan as well as the many close friends she made over her 71 years. As an only child, Joan regarded all friends as very special people. Joan was born in Brandon May 27, 1932 to William and Elizabeth Bailey, recent immigrants from Wales. The family moved to Portage la Prairie in 1939. Joan attended Victoria School and Portage Collegiate and she was a life long member of Trinity United Church. Joan’s love of music was fostered at an early age as she sang in school productions, both junior and senior choir and as a soloist at weddings and funerals. She also conducted Trinity’s youth choir for a number of years. Church was a very special place for Joan, a place, where she felt “at home”. Music was a large and important part of her life. Joan worked at a variety of jobs including sales clerk at Hill’s East Drug Store, dental nurse at the Manitoba Developmental Centre and as the secretary at North Memorial School. After her initial battle with cancer, Joan became involved with cancer support groups, visiting cancer patients and offering her support. Joan was a devoted wife and mother. She happily put in countless hours of volunteer time to ensure Lynn was given every opportunity and advantage. Joan was a hands-on grandmother to her special boys Bradley and Ryan. She loved to come into Winnipeg and watch them play hockey or perform in school plays, and was willing to babysit as often as possible. Her loving hugs, words of encouragement and gentle laugh will be especially missed by them both. Joan lived her life to the fullest. She was the best that anyone could ever hope to be: a kind, compassionate person with a witty sense of humour that shone through right to the end. Joan made us all better people for having known her. She will always be loved and missed. The family gratefully acknowledges with heartfelt appreciation the caring nurses in the palliative care unit and Dr. Lou Antonissen. Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2004 at Trinity United Church at 2:00 pm with Rev. Julie Baker officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan’s memory to Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8 or to Trinity United Church Memorial Fund, 15 Tupper Street S., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1W7. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Joan by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements.
Joseph Larry West
Suddenly on Wednesday, January 28, 2004, Larry West, beloved husband of Gwenda, passed away at the age of 46 years. Wake will be held at Sandy Bay on Friday, January 30, 2004 at 5:00 pm at the Elders Lodge. The Portage wake will take place on January 31, 2004 at 7:00 pm in the West End Community Hall on 8th Street and Sask. Ave. Funeral Service to begin at 12:00 noon Sunday, February 1, 2004 at the West End Hall . Interment is to follow at 3:00 pm at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Larry by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements.
Sophie Ryzner (nee Zalluski)
Peacefully, with her daughter present, on Wednesday, January 28, 2004, Sophie Ryzner ended her courageous battle with cancer and entered into the presence of her Heavenly Father, beloved mother of Betty Madsen and Rick Ryzner, widow of the late Frank Ryzner. Sophie was born September 30th, 1940 in Alonsa Manitoba, the youngest child of John and Eva Zalluski. She received her education at Griffiths School and as a teenager she moved to Winnipeg. She worked at a variety of jobs, her first being at Nutty Club Confectionery earning 48 cents an hour. At the age of 21, she married Frank Ryzner on October 14th, 1961, as the first couple to marry in the St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church in Alonsa. Frank and Sophie chose to make their home in the Gainsborough District in rural Portage where they became hobby farmers with a few head of cattle, pigs and poultry. Over the years, Mom and Dad worked hard as a team on the farm, thoroughly enjoying the fruit of their labours. Mom also stayed at home to raise the family while Dad worked outside the home. Our parents were well known for their traditional farming methods, especially when it was ‘threshing’ time. Mom loved gardening and the task of freezing and preserving her produce for the long winters ahead, as well as nurturing her flowers. She knew just where to find the right edible mushrooms in the spring and fall and used to take us in the countryside to pick hazelnuts and wild blueberries when they were in season. Her face would light up when we came home with a bouquet of tiger lilies picked from the wild after a drive in the country with Dad in our old GMC pick-up. Our Mom learned to play the accordion on her own as a young girl and she complimented Dad well on his harmonica. She especially enjoyed old tyme, country and Ukrainian music, dancing and playing the accordion with family. In spite of her long illness, Mom’s positive attitude, undeniable stubborn streak and inner faith in God carried her through over the decades. She truly viewed every setback as ‘another challenge to overcome” and through the grace and strength of God, she persevered. Mom’s sense of humour in all circumstances, her zest for life and her strong will, have left lasting inspiration to those she leaves behind. Mom had the opportunity to travel in her later years with Dad, both in Canada and to Michigan. Connecting with family and friends was a lifelong priority, and as a widow she enjoyed socializing and playing cards with her neighbours at Oak Tree Towers and Rotary Park, as well as playing bingo. Mom loved children and she was a special Baba who treasured her time with her grandsons Derek and Dayne and took pride in their achievements. She will always be alive in our hearts and we are thankful for the years of guidance she gave us. Predeceased by her husband Frank in 1999; her infant daughter Kathleen in 1963; her mother Eva in 1977; father John in 1986; sisters Anne in 1938 and Minnie in 1986, she leaves to mourn her passing her daughter Betty and son-in-law Pete Madsen, grandsons Derek and Dayne; son Rick and wife Tara Ryzner all of Portage. Surviving are two brothers: Jim Zalluski of Winnipeg and John Zalluski and wife Gwen of Alonsa; two sisters Mary Glover and late husband Pat of Detroit, Michigan and Olga Turko and her late husband Pete of Portage; three aunts and an uncle: Mary Bachalo of Windsor ON, Jessie Marcicki of Detroit Michigan, Steve Zedan of Winnipeg and Mary Zedan of Detroit Michigan; two sisters-in-law; Sophie Robichaud and husband Ray of Portage and Mary Williams and husband Jim of Winnipeg. She is also survived by three brothers-in-law: Walter Ryzner and wife Kathy of Winnipeg, Joe Ryznar and wife Rose of Onanole, Leonard Ryzner of Alonsa; one sister-in-law Marlene Ryznar of Portage, along with numerous nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Kinnear, Dr. Gray, the nurses on medical ward and Sue, Sandra and Lucille of Sunset Palliative Care for their compassion and care extended to Mom during her final days. Prayers will be held at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Monday evening, February 2, 2004 at 7:00 pm. and the funeral will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2004 at 11:00 am at the Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church. Interment is to follow at Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8 or Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2B7. Vichnaya Pam’yat A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Sophie by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements.
Hazel Gertrude Lee (formerly Cooper, nee Bruce)
Hazel was a child of God, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a sister, an aunt and a friend. She lived a quiet life, centering around family, home and nature. Hazel was born in Selkirk, Manitoba and grew up in the Libau area, the fifth of seven children of Victor and Daisy Bruce. In 1943 the family moved to the MacDonald area. She married Leslie Cooper in 1949 and they raised their family in the High Bluff area. After Leslie’s passing in 1987, Hazel married Lloyd Lee in 1989. Hazel enjoyed gardening, music, crafts, knitting and crocheting in her younger years. In later years she busied herself with covering hangers for MCC. She will be remembered for her special talents of sewing, cooking and helping others. Hazel was predeceased by her first husband Leslie Cooper; second husband Lloyd Lee; sons-in-law Bill Wiebe, Harold Peters and George Shaw; brothers Reg and Russell; sister Grace; nephew Ron and several brothers- and sisters-in-law. She leaves to mourn her passing daughters Linda Wiebe and Irene Peters; son Bruce (Susan) Cooper; grandchildren Jacki (Dwayne), Erin, Eric, Ethan, Robert and Brenda;great granddaughter Brianna; sisters Liz Caskey and Gladys (Bud) Wishart; brother Mel (Lynn) Bruce; nieces and nephews; step-children Darlene Shaw, Gail (Bob) Beam and Wayne (Marilyn) Lee and their families. A memorial service to celebrate Hazel’s life will be held on Friday, January 30, 2004 at 2:30 pm at the Portage Alliance Church with Pastor Ray Willms officiating. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Hazel’s memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Portage Office, c/o Catherine Newham, 103 Wilkinson Crescent, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1A7 or a charity of choice. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Hazel by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements.
