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Annie Beatrice Burton (nee McMullen)
On Saturday, January 24, 2004 at Portage District General Hospital, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Annie Beatrice Burton, widow of the late Webster Burton, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 years. A time for visitation will take place Tuesday evening, Janurary 27, 2004 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will be held in the St. Mary’s la Prairie Anglican Church on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at 2:00 pm with The Rev. Norman Collier officiating. Interment is to follow in the family plot in St. Mary’s Anglican Cemetery. Beatrice was born May 29th, 1912 to Thomas and Mary (McKay) McMullen of Oakville, Manitoba where she was raised and received her education. Following that she went in to train as a psychiatric nurse at the Manitoba School for Mental Defectives, now known as the Manitoba Developmental Centre. In 1940, she married Webster Burton of Camp Petawawa, Ontario at Hull Quebec with The Rev. Harold Laurie (formerly of Portage) officiating. They resided at Pembroke, Ontario, until Webster’s departure for overseas. Beatrice then moved to Owen Sound, Ontario, returning to Portage la Prairie to live in 1942. She was a member of St. Mary’s Anglican Church, a former member and past president of St. Mary’s Altar Guild, a volunteer of St. Mary’s Anglican Church Thrift Shop, former member of the Portage Nursing Division of the St. John’s Ambulance Brigase, a member of the Army and Navy Ladies Auxiliary Unit #13, a long time member of the Portage Health Auxiliary, an active member of Electra #2 order of the Eastern Star, joining in 1949 and receiving her 50 year pin in 1999, a member of the Manitoba Government Retired Employee’s Association, having returned to work again in later years at the Manitoba Developmental Centre in the Health department, retiring in 1977. She is predeceased by her parents; her husband, Webster in 1990, four brothers and one sister. Beatrice leaves to mourn her passing a daughter Joan Victoria (Michel Nelson) Deschamps of Riverview, New Brunswick; one grandson, Michel Burton Deschamps of Headingley; granddaughter, Sherri Ann (Steven) Cloutier with great grandchildren Quinton and Elisabeth, all of New Brunswick; granddaughter, Catherine Nicole (Stephen) Poplar of Moncton, New Brunswick with great grandson Hudson Danby. Also surviving are a sister Mabel (Grenville) Page, of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, one sister-in-law, Betty Burton of Kelowna, B.C. along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. If friends so wish, donations may be made in Beatrice’s memory to the Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524 - 5th St. SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3A8 or to St. Mary’s Anglican Church Memorial Fund, Box 422, 36 - 2nd St. SW, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 2A1. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Beatrice by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements. 857-4021
Charles “Warren” Murray
Charles “Warren” Murray, loving husband of Wendy left us suddenly on Monday, January 19, 2004. He was predeceased by his father Charles, mother Margaret, brother Keith, father-in-law John Verwey and sister-in-law Penny Verwey. He leaves to be ever saddened, his loving wife of 34 years Wendy, children Alanna (Tom Madsen), Heath (Shari), Estelle (Dan Caillier) and Jaret (Leslie Clark); grandchildren Holly, Brett, Gabrielle and Tess; brothers Brian, Harvey (June), Alan (Gayla), Eric (Debbie), Jim (Lois) all of Portage and Blaine (Arlene) of Flin Flon; sisters Audrey (Hal Trimble), Sandra (Rod Sharpe) all of Portage and Lynne (Larry Parker) of Austin. Along with mother-in-law Grace Verwey, brothers-in-law Dave and Paul Verwey both of Portage, Tim (Doris) of St. Francois Xavier, sisters-in-law Bonnie (Courtney Smith), Debbie Verwey all of Portage and Penny (Kevin Donald) of Treherne as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Dad was born on July 21, 1944 and for the first 12 years he lived on the family farm at High Bluff attending Flee Island School. The family moved to the River Flats of Allandale in 1956 where he attended Allandale School. Warren was a hard worker. His love of farming started early as he worked for local farmers Glen Dodson, Charlie Flynn and Harvey Coltart. This led him to a career as partsman for Palendat Farm Equipment and Western Bearing and in assembly at PMI and presently Westward Industries. Warren used his hard earned money to buy his pride and joy a 1967 red Meteor convertible. This flashy unit he claims caught the eye of Wendy Verwey as well as the local RCMP detachment. In June 1969 Dad married his love Wendy. They resided on the town line south of Portage. A daredevil in these years, Dad was a bull rider, bronco rider, roper and organizer of the Ben Hur Rodeo Association. He won “Best All Around Cowboy” in 1971. This is where daughter #1 Alanna was born. In 1972 Dad moved the family west of Bagot and tried his hand at dairy farming and here his first son Heath was born. In 1975 the family made a short move south of Bagot where daughter Estelle was born. By 1978 Dad acquired his dream ranch in the rolling hills of the Rosehill district south of MacGregor. Here Jaret was born. In 1979 Mom and Dad moved into the beautiful home where they have resided for 25 years. This is where they raised their children and entertained hundreds of people throughout the years. Dad lived to entertain. He was passionate about many things his family; being a devoted Dad watching hockey, ringette and baseball games, attending 4-H achievements and school events; his horses riding and driving them and passing on his love for them to his children and grandchildren; as well he passed on to them his love of dancing – whether it was a two step, an old time waltz or a jive- he knew them all; his herd of Simmental cattle; his FORD vehicles; his politics where he was an avid Reform Party member; the plight and survival of the family farm in which he helped in establishing the Farm Survival Association. He also operated the Circle W Guest Ranch where he shared his love and knowledge of farm life by educating people from all walks of life. Dad was an active community member. The groups he belonged to included Manitoba Cattle Producers Association, Chamber of Commerce, North Norfolk Ag. Society, Normac Rink Committees, Home and School Committee, Manitoba Farm Vacation Association and 4H Beef Leader. Dad will be fondly remembered for his infectious sense of humour and zest for life. His joke telling ability and memory were phenomenal. He was branded in the minds of everyone he met. We’ll never forget the ever present cowboy hat, fast talking, wise cracking, little man who touched thousands of lives in thousands of ways. We love you Dad, you’ll be forever in our hearts. A celebration of his life was held on Friday, January 23, 2004 at Trinity United Church, Portage la Prairie with Rev. Quentin Robinson officiating. Eulogy was given by Tim Verwey. Soloist John Dietrich sang “To Old To Die Young” and “This is Where the Cowboy Rides Away”. The congregation joined together in singing “Amazing Grace” and “I Danced in the Morning” with Elaine Verwey presiding at the piano. A tribute was given by family members which included many musical selections. Honourary Pallbearers were Shannon & Steve Crump, Lloyd & Marie Delf , Wayne Lee, Les & Marg McCuaig, Ken Switzer, Donnie & Shirley Verwey and Dwayne Verwey. Active pallbearers were nephews Garth Murray, Keith Murray, Chance Murray, Kurt Parker, Richard Trimble and Justin Sharpe. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, MacGregor where Dad was escorted by two outriders; Kent and Darren Donald. Family and friends gathered for the reception at the MacGregor Memorial Hall. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Warren’s memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 200 - 6 Donald Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 0K6 or to a charity of choice. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Warren by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements. 857-4021
Bouquet of Thanks to those who comfort
We have witnessed many times the outpouring of love to families in their time of loss. We are preciously overwhelmed by the outpour of love in this past week as we face our loss of Cora. We will truly miss her and miss witnessing who she would become. But as we store away in our hearts our precious memories of Cora, we will also store away precious memories of all your love shown to us. We like to be somewhat specific in expressing our overwhelming appreciation. Thank you Pac 5 Plus who organized and ran our home while we were unable to do so. You “maids” are held dear in our hearts. Thank you for the many phone calls and visits - the hugs and the words that carried us through. Thank you for all the fruit baskets, gifts of meat and homemade food. The variety and amount was (and still is) astonishing as it fed our family who traveled here (about 30) for the days they were with us and still continues to feed us through these past days. Thank you to those who housed our families - commercial and personal. Thank you for the many flowers and plants - (feeling a bit selfish we kept them all). They bring much comfort to see and smell the love they represent. They have become our Christmas decorations for this season along with a decorated tree delivered by one of Cora’s friends. The cards are overwhelming and each so special - it will take us time to be able to open and receive the love and comfort contained in them. Thank you for comforting us through the donations given - it is a comfort to know that Cora will be remembered, talked about and valued. As we reflect on her funeral service, we can only humbly say thank you to each of you who attended - it was a true tribute to her and of our love for her. We sincerely appreciate all of the clergy - Owen & Paula’s, Gail’s, Adam’s and Cora’s - each played a special role in bringing comfort. Thank you to the music team who ministered to all of us and to all of you who sang along - it was beautiful. And no words could ever express our thank you to our staff who organized and directed the funeral - we were and are truly thankful for their competence and for being able to just be a grieving family. Thank you to each. We as a family proceeded to the Burnside Cemetery and laid Cora to rest just south of the McKenzie farm she loved so dearly. We will have emotions, we will have tears, we will miss her incredibly but we will remember your acts of love and comfort. Thank you. We take joy in trusting that we will see her again - in a beautiful place - where just maybe she is writing plays and directing the drama team!!
Kathleen Wishart (nee Payne)
Peacefully holding her grandson Kevin’s hand, Kathleen Margaret Wishart passed away on January 9, 2004 at the Lions Prairie Manor in Portage la Prairie, MB. Kathleen was predeceased by her parents David and Grace Payne, husband Henry and grandsons Roger and Cameron. She leaves to cherish her memory, son Thomas of Montreal, grandchildren Kevin (Cheryl) of Portage la Prairie, Christopher of Winnipeg, David of Hornby Island, BC, great grandchildren Mackenzie, Gabrielle, Alexander, Joseph, Christopher, Aurora, Jamara, and Charis. Also lovingly remembered by Pat Wishart of Hornby Island, BC, the King families of Winnipeg, special niece Caroline, the Fukuda family of Tilley, AB and many other family members and friends. Grandma was born January 30, 1905 in the family home of Payne in England, the only child of Grace and David Payne. The family moved to Canada and settled in the Dauphin area when she was five years old. At the age of 16 she married Henry Wishart of Ochre River area. The happy couple shared a deep love for each other, traveling and the great outdoors. Shortly after the birth of their only son Thomas, they moved to Winnipeg to care for Kathleen’s parents. In recent years Grandma had lived in Tilley, AB before her final move back to Manitoba in Portage la Prairie to be near her grandson Kevin and his family. She was a master of many skills. She could sew the clothes the family wore, hook the rug people walked on, and embroider the fine doilies for tables. She and Henry shared a great love to garden with abundance of flowers and vegetables every year. She was an avid reader up to the end. Our Grandma’s sense of humor and wit, compassionate soul, love of life, and the special “twinkle in her eye” will be remembered by all who knew and loved her. The family thanks Sunset Palliative care and the friends who visited, showing Grandma the love and kindness in her final days. She truly treasured every card, letter and visit. In accordance with her wishes, her family will honor Kathleen privately. A quote from one of her books: “Poetical Works by Longfellow” “O World! So few years we live, Would that the life which dost give were life indeed! Alas! Thy sorrows fall fast, our happiest hour is when at last the soul is freed.” Till we meet again, Much love, Kevin, Cheryl, Mackenzie, Gabrielle, Alexander. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Kathleen by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements.
Anthony Joseph (Tony) Kwolek
On Thursday January 8, 2004, Anthony Joseph (Tony) Kwolek , aged 76 years, passed away at his residence at the Manitoba Development Centre, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Tony leaves to cherish his memory, two sisters, Agnes Deigh and Victoria Desmet and his community of friends and staff at the MDC. Funeral service will take place at 1:30 pm on January 14, 2004 at the Aspen Center Manitoba Development Center with Chaplain Ron Siemens officiating and Father Michael Wollbaum from Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Parish offering the Prayers of Commendation. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Portage la Prairie. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Tony by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements.
(Eva) Evelyn Peters
Peacefully at her residence at Long Plain First Nation Manitoba, (Eva) Evelyn Peters passed away on January 6, 2004 at the age of 72 years. She is survived by one daughter Virginia Rose. She also leaves to mourn her passing, three brothers, Frank Peters of Sioux Valley First Nation, Lloyd Peters of Winnipeg, and Morris (Lorna) Peters of Long Plain, two sisters, Mary Jane Peters (Albert) of Long Plain, and May Peters of Portage la Prairie, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. Eva was predeceased by her husband Ed Fournier in November, 1973, parents Donald and Louise (Yellowquill) Peters, by her brothers and three sisters Kathleen, Molly and Isabel. Wake Service will begin on Thursday, January 8, 2004 at Spirit Lodge, Long Plain First Nation at 4:00 pm. Christian Funeral Service will be lead by Rev. Robert O’Neill Friday, January 9, 2004, 2:00 pm at Spirit Lodge. Eva’s final resting place will be at the Yellowquill Cemetery, Long Plain. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Eva by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements.
William Malcolm (Bill) McMillan
Bill McMillan, beloved husband of Florence McMillan of Portage la Prairie, passed away at Lion’s Prairie Manor, Portage la Prairie, on Friday, January 2, 2004 at the age of 89 years. Bill was born at MacDonald, Manitoba on October 26, 1914, son of the late Rodney and Agnes McMillan, and received his education at West Oakland School, Portage Collegiate, Normal School and the University of Manitoba. He taught school at Belle Plain, McKay (east of Birch River), East Curtis, was the principal at Wingham Consolidated and taught Mathematics and Science in Grades 9 to 12 at Elm Creek. After war service in the RCAF, Bill served as Municipal Administrator of the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie from 1946 to 1983. Following retirement, Bill served on the Council of the City of Portage la Prairie for six years, the last three as Mayor. Bill was an active member of various community and service organizations. He was a director of the Portage Fair Board, President of the Portage Curling Club, on the executive of the Portage Golf Club and was active in Little League provincial play downs. Bill was a 65 plus year member, past Noble Grand and Life Member of the Oddfellows Lodge, a Past Worshipful Master of Marquette Masonic Lodge and present member of Gothic Temple Masonic Lodge as well as the Royal Canadian Legion. Bill served on the Board of Stewards of Elm Creek United Church, was Superintendent of Trinity United Church Sunday School and in 1950 attended the Mid-Century Conference on Christian Education in Toronto. Bill also served as an usher and auditor of Trinity United Church for many years. In 1970 Bill represented the Manitoba Municipal Administrators' Association at a joint convention in Montreal attended by nearly a thousand municipal and school officials of Quebec. Bill gave one-half his address to the gathering in French. Predeceased by his parents, Rodney and Agnes, two brothers, Rodney and Gordon and an infant son Andrew, Bill is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Florence (nee Adrain) and two sons, Robert (Linda) of Winnipeg, Dennis (Marilyn) of Carberry and their children Nancy (Harry) Hoff of Brandon and Hugh and Marcie both of Winnipeg, two sisters Lillian Gillespie of Portage la Prairie, Dorothy (Wallace) Williams of Oakland as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Bill enjoyed curling and golfing. He and Florence loved to dance, socialize and play cards. He attended every Municipal Convention. Bill was never happier than when surrounded by laughing and talking with family and friends at the Delta cottage. A service of remembrance will be held at Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper Street S., Portage la Prairie, at 2:30 on Tuesday, January 6, 2004. Interment will follow at Evergreen Gardens in Portage la Prairie. If friends so desire, memorial donations in lieu of flowers, may be made to Portage Trinity United Church Memorial Fund, 18 Tupper Street South, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1W7 or Lion’s Prairie Manor 24, 9th 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 Bill by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements.
Calvin Richard Unrau
On Monday, December 29, 2003 at the Portage and District Hospital, Calvin Richard Unrau of Portage la Prairie, beloved husband of Alice (nee Godin) and loving father of Jessica and Cory, passed away at the age of 44 years. Calvin also leaves to cherish his loving memory, his parents Richard and Bev Unrau of Portage la Prairie, 3 sisters Pat (Ken) Kovalik of Winnipeg, Sherry Fugate and Bill McKay of High Bluff and Brenda (Vic) Godin of Portage la Prairie, his father-in-law Henri Godin of Carman, four sisters-in-law Rosie Godin, Frances Godin, Rachel Wildfang, all of Portage la Prairie, Augusta Clark of Edmonton, brother-in-law Robert Godin of Portage la Prairie, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of dear friends. He was predeceased by his mother-in-law Bernice Godin, his maternal grandparents Vernon and Evelyn Arrell, his paternal grandparents William and Mary Unrau, his brother-in-law Neil Fugate, his aunt Joyce Gouthro, his uncle Don Christie, and cousin Bob Christie. Calvin was born January 15, 1959 in Winnipeg where he attended several schools, later moving with his parents to Portage la Prairie, where he graduated from Arthur Meighen High School. He worked at various jobs before becoming a sales associate with Woolco and later Walmart, in the men and boys clothing department. He will be remembered by many for his helpful and friendly nature during his 17 year employment which ended due to illness in 1999. Calvin enjoyed camping, fishing, doing puzzles and visiting with friends on his CB radio and later online with his computer. Despite his limitations due to illness Calvin possessed a remarkable zest for life. He enjoyed his association with the Foresters, The Neighborhood Connection, and The Block Parent Organization. A private family interment took place at Hillside Cemetery on Monday January 5, 2004 at 12:30 pm. Service in Celebration of Calvin’s Life took place at Trinity United Church Portage la Prairie, Manitoba on Monday January 5, 2004 at 2:00 pm. Rev. Ross Taylor officiated at the service. Audrey MacFarlane presided at the organ and soloist Amy Tang sang “Tears in Heaven”. The Trinity United Church choir led the congregation in singing hymns “In the Bulb There is a Flower “ and “On Eagle’s Wings”. Recorded music “Stairway to Heaven” and “Don’t forget me When I’m Gone” was played during the processional and recessional in fulfillment of Calvin’s wishes. The Foresters of Portage la Prairie paid their respects by attending as a group. Following the service, friends and family were invited for a time of fellowship in the lower auditorium of Trinity United Church. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Calvin’s memory to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada 1 Morley Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3L 2P4. or to The Trust Fund for Jessica and Cory Unrau established by the Foresters of Portage la Prairie. Donations will be accepted at the Portage Credit Union, 19 Royal Road North Portage la Prairie R1N 1T9. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Calvin by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements. Logo Daily
