We are saddened to announce the passing away of Vern on January 27, 2004 at Brad and Darlene's home in Aurora, Ontario with his family at his side. Vern fought a four month struggle with lung cancer.
Vern was born June 30, 1926 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He grew up in Weston and started his career as a machinist in the Weston CPR shops. In April 1951 he went to work for Imperial Oil Ltd. The family were transferred to Sarnia, Ontario July 1972. Vern retired December 31, 1982 after 32 years of service.
Vern is survived by his wife Charlotte, family Maureen and Howard Kortz, Stony Mountain, Manitoba. Robert and Barbara Forrest, Kincardine, Ontario. Dale and Dennis Willis, Thunder Bay, Ontario. Darlene and Brad Cann, Aurora, Ontario. Grandchildren Sandra (Patrick) Martin, Shauna Kortz, Kristin (Murray) Stewart, Sarah, Racheal MacKenzie, Jessica Forrest, Cameron and Brendan Willis, Connor and Jacob Cann and Great granddaughter Mary Martin.
Vern is also survived by his brother Edward (Shirley), Calgary, Alberta and sister Lillian Zimmerman, Keewatin, Ontario. Brother-in-law Les Craig, sisters-in-law Betty Craig, Win Porter, and Belle Craig, all of Sarnia, Ontario, and many nieces and nephews.
Vern was predeceased by his first wife Mary and parents Edgar and Norah Forrest.
While in Winnipeg, Vern curled with the Winnipeg Curling Club Group. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, East Kildonan, as well as the Prince Edward Legion.
After retiring, Vern and Charlotte moved to Keewatin, Ontario, spending their winters in Lakeland, Florida. Vern enjoyed time spent in "Grampa's Workshop", fishing and boating on Lake of The Woods with family and friends.
Cremation has taken place and a family service was held in Aurora, Ontario.
A Celebration of His Life will be held in Kenora, Ontario the first week of August as per Vern's wishes. A further announcement will follow in the last week of July.
Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to Cancer research, Heart and Stroke or Catscan Fund, Lake of the Woods District Hospital.
THOMPSON FUNERAL HOME
Aurora, Ontario (905) 727-5421
Abraham Knelsen
Long time resident of Kenora, Abe Knelsen, passed away quietly on Monday, January 26, 2004 at the
Lake of the Woods District Hospital with his loving wife at his side.
Born on September 17, 1939, a southern Manitoba native, Abe and
family relocated to Kenora in 1980 as a District Manager for Electrolux Canada. Abe then started the successful Automobile dealership Eastside Automart (formerly A.S.K. Automart). Abe was a retired member of the Kenora business community and active church leader in the Kenora Bible Church.
Abe suffered for many years with chronic lung disease and underwent lung reduction surgery in 1997, which did offer an improvement in the quality of his life for a time. However, Abe's last years were a struggle and his family is glad for an end to his pain and suffering and that he is now with his heavenly Father.
Abe is survived by wife Sarah and children, Dan and his wife Marlene, Rodney, Rhonda and her husband Wilson, Daryl and his wife Lynn, Mel and his wife Margaret, Leon and his wife Camille, Silvia, Heidi and her husband Colin, 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Abe was predeceased by his mother and father, 2 brothers, 2 sisters-in-law and 3 brothers-in-law.
The family wishes to thank the staff of the Lake of the Woods District Hospital and the family and friends who provided care and support for Dad.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2004 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Kenora Community Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 30, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Baptist Church. Interment will be at Lake of the Woods cemetery.
In tears we saw you sinking,
We watched you fade away,
You suffered much in silence,
You fought so hard to stay.
You faced your task with courage,
Your spirit did not bend,
But still you kept on fighting
Until the very end.
God saw you getting tired
When a cure was not to be,
So when we saw you sleeping
So peaceful, free from pain,
We could not wish you back
To suffer that again.
We love you always,
Until we meet again.
On Line Condolences may be made at kcfh@voyageur.ca
Kenora Community Funeral Home 547-6000
Funeral Service
Friday, January 30, 2004 at 1:30 p.m.
Lakeside Baptist Church
Sigrid Annette Fadden
Sigrid Annette Fadden, a resident of Birchwood Terrace Nursing Home, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2004.
She was predeceased by her husband Clarence Edward Fadden and her son Robert August Fadden.
She is survived by two daughters Lorraine Fadden and Sandra (Chuck) Stinchfield, two grandchildren James "Jimmy" Fadden of Sioux Narrows and Susan Jovanovic of Thunder Bay. As well as two great granddaughters Kassandra and April of Sioux Narrows.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 9, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lake of the Woods Sioux Narrows Chapel with Pastor Frederickson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Humane Society.
BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE
ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.
Memorial Service
Friday, January 9, 2004 at 2:00 p.m.
Lake of the Woods Sioux Narrows Chapel
Richard Bird
October 12, 1948 - January 6, 2004
Richard Bird
Niizhwesagoneb
Clan - Numae (Sturgeon)
Richard Bird passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2004.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Agnes Bird (nee Blackhawk) of 36 years; sons Colin James (Brenda), Chris (Joyce), and Cardinal (Marge); and daughter Carmen (Rob). Niizhwesagoneb was a life long devoted and loving husband to his wife, Agnes, whose needs were always his priority and in turn, he received her forever tender loving care and attention. On December 20th Richard and Agnes happily celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary with all their proud children and family at their side.
To his children, Colin, Chris, Cardinal and Carmen, he was the best Dad and there were very few days when he didn't make contact to let them know he was there for them always.
Predeceased by his son, Little Richard John Moses, mother Betty Crow, father Moses Bird, sister Marlene, brothers Raymond, James, Charlie, Joe, nephews Melvin and Gary, and nieces Melvina and Lorraine.
He leaves to mourn special daughters Nadine, Natalie, Bobbie Bird.
Grandchildren Caitlyn Janine, Talon Fire, Barron Brave, Summer Breeze, Autumn Dawn, Destin Free, Justice James, Kiara Lynn, and Tai Christian.
Papa or Shoomis (as he was known to his grandchildren) devoted his energy, love, and attention to his pride and joys. His grandchildren considered Papa and Kokum's home the place they would rather be. They enjoyed spending time with Papa drinking tea and receiving the never ending treats he had for them. And most of all, his company was the best treat ever.
Special friends Barbara Ann Wynn, William Bird, Clarence White Sr., Andy White, David Bird, Cecil Redsky, Allan Redcloud, Elvis Adams, Bruce Kavanaugh, Maurice Caya, Alice Paypompee, Carrie Lynn, Amanda Banning, Charity Rose, Vinny White, Snow White, Ted Pellitier, Tony White, and Ricardo Pineda.
Best man, Josias Fiddler. Maid of Honor, Juliette Blackhawk.
Special aunts Louise Blackhawk, Eva Oshie. Special Uncle Walter Redsky.
Relatives in Winnipeg, MB: Jim, Richard, Allan, Delores Day family; Sioux Narrows: Ellery and Helen Horseman family; Whitefish Bay: Crow family.
Special grandchildren of all his nephews and nieces.
Within the past year, Richard successfully achieved his life long dream of receiving his High School diploma.
Richard was an outstanding member of the Treaty Three area, he sat on various committees throughout the years. Neechee Friendship Centre, Migisi Treatment Centre, Whitefish Bay/Northwest Angle Education Authority, Naotkamegwanning Chief & Council. Upon his passing he was a newly elected member of the Naotkamegwanning Health Services. His quiet presence radiated strength to all who knew him.
Richard was a traditional dancer and enjoyed traveling to traditional pow-wows throughout the area - his most recent joy was dancing along side his grandchildren. He also enjoyed meeting all his friends and making new friends on the pow-wow trail.
He was renowned throughout Indian country for his unselfish acts, his tireless acts of kindness towards whoever he met, young and old. His mentality was to always help to whoever needed his help.
The family would like to thank the Naotkamegwanning Chief & Council, Education Authority, Health Services, Northwest Angle #37 for their generous donations. The LOWDH Emergency Dept., ICU Staff, Doctors, ground and air paramedics and nurses for the care Richard received. The many friends, family members, community members who offered their support and condolences. Your outpouring of love and support will never be forgotten.
Wake on Friday, January 9, 2004 and Traditional Burial Ceremony on Saturday, January 10, 2004 at the Bird Residence.
Kitchi-Miigwech from the Bird Family.
Traditional Burial Ceremony Saturday, January 10, 2004 at the Bird Residence
