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WILSON: The family sadly announces the passing of Larry Dwayne Wilson, at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Thursday, September 14, 2006 at the age of 58 years. Employed as a journeyman plumber in Brandon and Shilo for 35 years, Larry took pride in his work and made many friends throughout the years. His passions were hunting and fishing – whether he came home empty-handed or not. It was always about the sport and enjoyment of nature. As a long time member of the A.N.A.F. Unit #10, Larry loved the camaraderie of the Shuffleboard League and Saturday afternoon cribbage. Larry was always a proud father and grandfather. Grandchildren, Sean and Cailey will cherish many memories of their "Papa". Larry will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Fran; daughters Crystal (Bob) Davidson of St. Cloud, MN and Laura of Winnipeg, MB; grandchildren, Sean and Cailey Davidson; parents, Wilfred and Ethel; brother, Darryl (Marilyn), his children, Dustin (Tenille) and Chris; sister, Verna and son Danny; brother, Ron; sister-in-law, Marlane Wilson and her children, Corey and Christy (Darren) Burdeniuk; brother-in-law, Gordon Jamieson and his children, Pat, Cathy (Hal) and Mike; sister-in-law, Ruth Stewart and her children, Traci (Scott) and Jerry-John (Shannon) and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Larry was predeceased by an infant brother, Danny and older brother, Elmer. A memorial service was held on Monday, September 18, 2006 at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, officiated by Lisa Hammond, Funeral Celebrant. If friends so desire, donations may be made in memory of Larry to a charity of choice.
ARRELL: Evelyn Henrietta (née Thomas) Arrell, beloved wife of the late Ted Arrell, dear mother to John (Sherrill) and Shirley (Bruce) Wellman, passed away at her residence, Hillcrest Place, on Sunday, August 12, 2007. Evelyn was born September 10, 1910 at Hartney, Manitoba. She was raised on the farm near Hartney with her three brothers and two sisters. Evelyn attended her early years at Melgund School and took her high school in Hartney. Evelyn worked mostly at home on the farm, then, during the mid thirties, she worked during the winter months, at the T. Eaton store in Winnipeg. She was a member of the Young Peoples’ Groups (Hartney and Portage la Prairie) and the Eastern Star for over 70 years. She helped with the formation of the UCW at Trinity United Church and was a founding member of Trinity Church. Evelyn loved playing piano, violin and saxophone, reading and looking after boarders. She is survived by her son, John (Sherrill), grandsons, Kent (Debbie) and great-grandson Noah; granddaughter, Tracie (Marty) Wilkinson and great grandchildren Robyn, Sean, Ryan and Andrew; granddaughter, Jodi and partner (Chuck Truscott); daughter, Shirley (Bruce) Wellman, grandson John (Heather) Wellman and great grandchildren Cameron and Myah; sisters-in-law, Mary Thomas and Pearl Thomas and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Evelyn was predeceased by her loving husband Ted, her parents, three brothers and two sisters. Funeral Service was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, on Saturday, August 18, 2007 with Rev. John Nesbitt officiating. Pallbearers were: Kent Arrell, Ron Thomas, Ken Thomas, Wayne Thomas, John Wellman, Chuck Truscott, Tracie Wilkinson and Jodi Arrell. Donations in memory of Evelyn may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Unit 3, 824 – 18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 5B7, the CNIB, 354-10th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4G1, or to a charity of choice.
ANDERSON: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Florence Dorothy Anderson (Higgens). Her passing occurred at the Brandon Assiniboine Centre on Friday, June 8th, 2007. She was born May 18th, 1918 in Brandon, MB. She was predeceased by her husband John (Jack) Anderson in 1964, her parents Tom and Eva Higgens, and sister Ethel McPhail. She is survived by her son Ken Anderson and daughter Arlene Shold of Brandon, two granddaughters Kara Burton (Chad) and Sheena Mackie (Shawn), and great-granddaughter Callista. Her working career began at Doig’s in Brandon and later as a receptionist at the Western Medical Clinic. Florence belonged to the Royal Canadian Legion #3, and in her early years was a member of the ACT. She enjoyed life to the fullest including dancing, socializing, and card playing. She will be greatly missed by family and friends and never forgotten. A time of viewing and visitation will be held at the Brockie Donovan Funeral Home, 332 – 8th Street, on Tuesday, June 12th, 2007 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. A Graveside Service for family and friends will be held at the Brandon Cemetery (Section 40 – west side of 18th St.) on Wednesday, June 13th, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, if friends desire, donations in memory of Florence may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, #1, 613-10th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 4G6.
ARPIN: On June 6, 2007, with her four children by her side, our dear Mother, Jeannette slipped away peacefully into eternal rest. Jeannette was born in Transcona, Manitoba, the youngest of seven children. She grew up in Giroux, Manitoba. She married her best friend and soul mate, Lou Arpin in 1949. Together they had four children: Gilbert, Arthur, Claudette and Michele. They spent the early years of married life in California until 1958 and then returned to St. Boniface, Manitoba. In 1970, they moved to the Brandon area and Jeannette worked at the Safeway bakeshop until 1994. In her retirement, she traveled to Egypt, Israel, Medugorje, throughout the United States and Canada and several trips to Calgary, Alberta. Her greatest enjoyment was her children and grandchildren and she was eagerly anticipating the birth of her first great-grandchild in August. In Jeannette’s eyes, her children were wonderful, her grandchildren perfect, and, needless to say, her great grandchild will be absolutely flawless! Mom faced her battle with cancer with strength of character and undying faith. Her family was her pride and joy. She will be deeply missed by her son Gilbert (Debbie), Melanie (Jason) Powers, Danniele (Phil) Carriere, all of Brandon; her son Art of Winnipeg; daughter Claudette (Craig) Dunn, Tyler, Stefanie and Marshall Dunn of Portage la Prairie; Michele (David), Amanda and Kinzie Gray of Airdrie, Alberta. She also leaves to mourn her brothers Leo (Helen) and Wilf (Lorette) of Winnipeg and sister Doris Dye of Los Angeles, California. Jeannette was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband Lou (Lucien) Arpin on April 23, 1987 and sadly, numerous family members. She was active in St. Augustine’s Parish CWL and choir, the Sunshine Card Club, volunteered at Fairview Home and anywhere she could lend a helping hand and leave her gentle touch. Her contagious smile and zest for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was "special" in the hearts of many staff at Brandon General Hospital and Home Care. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the kindness and exceptional care given to our Mom. Special thanks to Dr. J. deWet, Lorelyn, Leslie and the staff at Station 3, Brandon Clinic, Dr. C. MacFarlane, Dr. Bookatz, Dr. Carpenter, Dr. Olweny, Dr. Sharma and Dr. Shacter, Brandon Ambulance Service and Home Care. Flowers are gratefully declined, but if friends so desire, donations may be made in Jeannette’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, MB R7A 2W8 or Westman Dreams for Kids Foundation, Unit 202, 37-11th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 4J2. Prayers were held at St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church, on Friday, June 8, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held today, Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. with Fr. Dominic Yuen as Celebrant.
ANDREWS: Surrounded by the love of family, Neil Douglas Andrews passed away peacefully, February 17th, 2007 at BRHC Palliative Care Unit. Neil was 58 years old. He was born May 28th, 1948 in West Summerland, British Columbia to Laurence (Bud) and Doreen Andrews. At six months of age the family moved back to the Andrews' homestead north of Douglas, Manitoba where Neil was raised with two younger brothers Darryl and Laurie and one sister Karyn. Neil took grades 1-8 at Douglas Elementary and 9-12 at Elton Collegiate. Neil graduated from Education at Brandon College and taught in Deloraine for two years. He married Heather Stewart in 1971. After a short stint of living in Winnipeg, where he worked for Trans Canada Credit, they took over the Stewart farm south of Rapid City which was home until his death. Neil and Heather farmed until 1978 at which time Neil started working in General Insurance. They raised two wonderful children, a son Nathan and a daughter Tara. Neil took an active role in their busy lives. In 1980 Neil went into partnership of his own insurance business and in 1990 formed Guild Insurance Inc. Neil loved all sports and was active in football, baseball, curling, hockey, fishing, fastball and golf. He formed the Ora Dental Marlins of the MSBL of which he coached them to four Provincial titles. He was a two time provincial Senior Curling Champion, winning titles in 1999 and 2004. He was heavily involved with every major curling event in Brandon as well as other sporting events. He chaired the United Way campaign in 1984 and was a director of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce from 1984-1993. He was past president of the Brandon Curling Club and held various positions on the MBA and MCA. He was incoming president for the Insurance Brokers of Manitoba this spring. As well he belonged to the Elks, UCT and Masons. Neil worked hard and played hard and his love of life was undaunting. Left to mourn his untimely passing is his loving wife Heather, son Nathan (Kristin and grandson Parker), daughter Tara, parents Bud and Doreen, brothers Darryl (Barb) and Laurie (Mary), sister Karyn Kondro (Len), nephews Ryan and Jeff Andrews, Jay and Devin Kondro and brothers-in-law Bud and Doug Stewart and families. There are many aunts, uncles and cousins mourning his loss as well. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Neil's life was held February 27th, 2007 at Central United Church with Interment in Rosewood Memorial Gardens. If friends so desire, donations in Neil's memory may be made to the BRHC Foundation, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba, R7B 2B3 or to a charity of one's choice.
"The measure of life is not the duration but the donation."
ARMSTRONG: W. Erle Armstrong, of Brandon, beloved husband of the late Barbara Armstrong, passed away at his residence, Fairview Home, on Thursday, February 1, 2007 at 81 years of age. Erle was born on July 29, 1925 in Kisbey, Saskatchewan to Albert and Edna Armstrong. He married Barbara Ella Joyce McCormack on December 22, 1951 in Brandon. They had three daughters, Valerie (Jim) Tufts of Elgin, Sharon (Les) Campbell of Red Deer and Karen (John) Williamson of Brandon. Erle will also be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Dan (Mandy) Tufts, Sarah (Cory) McLaughlin, Brenda and Jeffrey Tufts, Greg and Brad Cornell, Kyle, Ryan, Taralynn and Justin Williamson. Erle also loved and was proud of his six great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his grandson Mark Cornell. Erle and Barb bowled in the Brandon five and ten pin mixed leagues for many years. Erle had a great love for animals, especially dogs and horses. He loved to spend his summers at Otter Lake with his family around him. All the children and grandchildren have many memories spent at Grandpa’s cabin at the lake. A private family service and Interment was held on Wednesday, February 7 at the Brandon Cemetery. If friends and family wish, donations in Erle’s memory may be made to the Fairview Home Foundation, 1351-13th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 4S6.
CRAIG: Boyd Craig of Carroll, Manitoba, passed away at the Souris Health Centre on Friday, September 7, 2007. Boyd was born June 16, 1935 at McCreary, Manitoba. On December 7, 1957, Boyd married Barbara Banks in Toronto. They moved to Dauphin with their first born son and later, their other four children were born. Boyd started working for Powell Equipment in 1963. He later moved to Brandon where he continued with Powell Equipment until he retired in 1998. After retiring, the family moved to Carroll and started a hobby farm where Boyd raised miniature animals and worked on antique tractors, restoring them to their original state. Boyd is survived by his wife Barbara and children, Fred (wife, Sandee), Alan (wife, Dawn), Charlotte and Cynthia, 13 grandchildren and five great grandchildren, four sisters and two brothers. He was predeceased by his mother Bertha, father Richard, one brother, six sisters and daughter, Diana. A memorial service was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on Thursday, September 13, 2007 with Rev. Shannon McCarthy officiating. Interment followed in Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Urn bearers were sons, Fred and Alan Craig. All those in attendance were considered honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, if friends desire, donations, in memory of Boyd, may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 2W8.
COOK: Mr. Robert John "Budd" Cook of Hobbs Manor, Brandon, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, September 4, 2007. Budd was born on February 2, 1931 at the Brandon General Hospital. He received his education in Brandon and graduated from Brandon Collegiate. Budd studied piano, obtaining his Grade 10 Western Boards. Later in life, he attended Brandon University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. He also achieved two scholarships in economics while at B.U. Budd started work at Brandon Plumbing and Heating as a steamfitter apprentice and became a journeyman steamfitter in 1958. He married Jean Irene (Komar) in July, 1958. He worked at Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie and then returned to Brandon to work with Local Union 254 out of Winnipeg. He travelled across Canada and parts of the U.S. to work on building projects such as the Limestone Hydro Project. Budd belonged to the Local 254 of United Association of Journeyman and Apprentices of Plumbing and Pipefitting. He was a great supporter of The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in Brandon, being a season ticket holder for the last 10 years. Budd was very physically active as a young man, involved with basketball, bowling, curling and golf. He was involved in labour relations and health and safety issues during his working life, including working as an accident investigator. He assisted people with Human Rights cases with his wife, Jean. Budd was an avid reader and he enjoyed art by oil painting and charcoal sketches. He always loved music, either playing it or listening to it throughout his life. He was also very fond of Basenji dogs (he owned one). He enjoyed getting out for coffee with friends, and he would walk down town daily while he could. Budd is survived by his sons Michael (Tammy Ball) and Steven, sisters Jeanne Cook and Pat Hutchinson, brother Tom Cook, and close family friend, Pam Wilton. He was predeceased by his wife Jean Irene (1979) and infant son, Bobbie. A Memorial Service will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. John Dolloff of St. Mary’s Anglican Church officiating. Interment will follow at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. The Urn Bearer will be Steven Cook. Donations in memory of Budd may be made to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, 101-555 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1C3 or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Unit 3-824-18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 5B7.
CAMERON: Lois June Cameron (Wightman), March 19, 1929 – September 15, 2007. On September 15, 2007, Lois Cameron died peacefully at the Assiniboine Centre after a short illness. Lois is survived by Jack, her husband of more than 57 years, her son Doug (Teresa), daughters Bev Witt (Doug) and Linda Cameron, grandchildren Rachel Cameron, Fern, Steven (Cheryl) and Alana Cronshaw, and Melanie, Jeremy and Michael Cheng, as well as great-grandchildren Joshua and Gracie Cronshaw. Lois was lovingly known as "Oie Wumpy" to her childhood friends, and "Big Bird" by her family. Lois loved to knit and sew, and was an excellent craftsperson at both. Too numerous to even know are the recipients of her crafts. She and Jack opened their home to many over the years, for long or short stays. They loved to travel and in later years, enjoyed many trips with the "J.C." group. Lois was always involved in her church, as an active member of the A.C.W. and other church groups, and as a tremendous support to Jack in his ministry. A Thanksgiving Eucharist in memory of Lois will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, 403-13th Street, with reception at the Cathedral immediately following the committal at the Cathedral Columbarium. The family would like to thank the staff of the Brandon Regional Health Centre and the Assiniboine Centre, as well as the many friends and neighbours who have provided support. Donations in memory of Lois may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Unit 3-824-18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 5B7 or to P.W.R.D.F., 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 3G2.
CARRIERE: Jessie May (née Serle) Carriere passed away peacefully at Dinsdale Personal Care Home on Thursday, August 30, 2007. Jessie was born on May 23, 1912, one of a family of ten children. She is the last survivor of that generation. Jessie was employed at Clark Hall, Brandon University for many years. She married George Carriere and is survived by step-son Roy and his family; brother-in-law Campbell Fowler of Winnipeg; sisters-in-law Lois and Bernice Serle of Brandon and many dear nieces and nephews. Jessie was predeceased by husband George; brothers John, Russell, Walter, Don, and Harold; sisters Muriel Proutt, Anne Liebrecht (Lilley), Grace Fowler and Maude McDonald. Jessie was a kind, loving person who cared deeply for family. At her request, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. Her remains will be placed with her husband, George, in the Brandon Cemetery. The family gratefully declines flowers. Donations in memory of Jessie may be made to the Dinsdale Personal Care Home, 510-6th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 3N9. Special thanks for the kindness and care while at Dinsdale.
CANCADE: Suzanne Mary Cancade passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Monday, July 30, 2007 at the age of 80 years. Suzie was born in Brandon, MB on December 25, 1926 and lived in Belleview, MB until the age of 20 when her family relocated their business to Brandon. She spent her high school years at St. Michael’s Academy and in St. Boniface, MB. In the late 1940’s she was in partnership at a gift shop in Clear Lake. She also worked at Box Brothers Hardware and J. A. Keddy Automotive Supply before entering the family business. She was a partner in Cancade Company until her retirement in 1975. Suzie dedicated her life to her work and to the service of others, especially her parents. She was a great friend and a very caring provider to many people. She was a long-standing member of the St. Augustine’s Catholic Women’s League. Suzie loved the outdoors and instilled in her family a lifelong passion for the beauty of nature. She is survived by her brother Paul, his wife Yvette, and was a very special auntie to their five daughters and their families; Shawna and Barry (Penonzek), Susan and Daniel; Cathy and Ralph (Redfern), Sarah, David, Elizabeth and Julia; Leanne and Ed (MacKay), Bonnie and Paul; Lisa and Dave (Hackett) and Sean; and Janelle and Don (White), Anna and Sam. Suzie will also be greatly missed by her friend Bill Jakubowski, and many other relatives and close friends. Suzie was predeceased by her parents, Pierre and Jeanne Cancade. Prayers will be held at St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church, 327-4th Street, on Wednesday, August, 1, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Augustine’s Church on Thursday, August 2, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Dominic Yuen as Celebrant. Interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Suzie may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, (Palliative Care Unit), 150 McTavish Ave. East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3 or to a charity of your choice.
CARKENER: Peacefully, on Monday, June 25, 2007 after a short but courageous battle with cancer at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, Lynden R. (Sonny) Carkener, aged 70 years, beloved husband of Valerie Carkener. Lynden was born in August, 1936 in Cornwallis Municipality and resided in the east end of Brandon during his youth and early adult years. Lynden was married to Valerie, his beloved wife of 49 years in June, 1958. They had two sons, Stewart and Brian. Lynden’s career included various employment during his youth and upon graduation, 10 years with the Canadian Pacific Railway. Opportunity for change and challenge inspired Lynden to become a professional firefighter. After spending three years with the Brandon Fire Department, Lynden relocated with his family to Thompson, Manitoba in July, 1969. He was employed by the City of Thompson initially as Deputy Fire Chief, and as Fire Chief until his retirement in 1995. His early years of retirement were spent in Thompson before returning to Brandon in June of 2005. Lynden was a member of the Canadian and Manitoba Fire Chiefs Associations, and was an honorary member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Lynden was a recipient of the Governor General of Canada Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal. Lynden served as treasurer for the Thompson St. John Ambulance Brigade and was a passionate supporter and fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy and the Manitoba Burn Foundation. Lynden enjoyed the outdoors and nature. He spent countless hours on the water fishing, and on the prairie, woodland or tundra hunting. These shared memories are cherished by his wife, sons, granddaughters, extended family and friends. The camaraderie, stories and adventure will be remembered forever. In post retirement years, Lynden and Valerie enjoyed traveling to visit friends and relatives and attending sporting events. World skating championships and curling championships were high on their priorities and provide lasting memories. Lynden is survived by his wife Valerie, two sons Stewart (Sandra) and granddaughter Julie, Brian (Kelly) and granddaughters Kristina and Hailey. Sister-in-law Lois Carkener, brothers-in-law Charlie (Margaret) Polnik and John (Irma) Polnik, sisters-in-law Delores McEwan, Lorraine (Frank) Grabowski, Jean (Bill) Tweedie, Cecile Rogers, Virginia (Ted) Tyma, Marjorie (Wilf) Bercier, aunts Rose Collins and Frieda Kram, cousins Sylvia Mitchell and Doreen Birch, as well as many nieces and nephews. Lynden was predeceased by his mother Mary, his father Lynden Roy, his brother Robert and brother-in-law Vern Rogers. Funeral services on June 30, 2007 were provided by Brockie Donovan and officiated by Reverand Paul Sakasov. Donations in memory of Lynden can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 2W8 or to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Suite 204-825 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB, R3A 1M5. Lynden was laid to rest at the Brandon Cemetery.
CUMMING: On June 27, 2007, Mrs. Gladys Cumming, 95 years of age, ended her life’s journey at the Assiniboine Centre with family by her side. Gladys was born August 16, 1911 in Rossburn, MB, and is survived by sons Garth (June), Bill (Gloria) and daughter Belva (Clarence) McKinnon. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, 20 great- grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter, all of who hold a special place in their hearts for their Grama. Gladys was predeceased by husband W.C. (Chappie) Cumming, parents Albert and Mary Woods, son Allan, daughter-in-law Mary, five sisters and two brothers. Gladys was a homemaker and a very accomplished seamstress, with her specialty being wedding gowns. Gladys’ greatest pleasure was time spent with her family and welcoming each and every new "little one" with open and loving arms. A Celebration of Gladys’ Life took place on June 30, 2007 at St. George’s Anglican Church with Rev. Jim Brown officiating. A private family Interment was held at the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Gladys may be made to the Sun Fund For Kids, c/o The Brandon Sun, 501 Rosser Ave., Brandon, MB, R7A 0K4 or to a charity of one’s choice.
COLE: Mrs. Isabel Reata Cple (née English) of Brandon, beloved wife of Elmer, passed away peacefully at her residence on Tuesday, April 3, 2007 at the age of 89 years. Isabel was born on November 10, 1917 at Osage, Saskatchewan. She married Elmer Cple on October 19, 1946 in Regina. Isabel loved the farm and enjoyed all aspects of nature. She took great pleasure in cooking and sewing and enjoyed square dancing, cards, and volunteer work. Isabel adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she lived her life for them. Isabel is survived by her husband Elmer; son Elgin; brother Allan Ward of Regina; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son Keith; 3 sisters and 3 brothers. A memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 3101 Victoria Avenue, on Monday, April 9th, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Edmund Mielke officiating. Interment will follow at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Egan, Homecare Nurses, Palliative Care 3rd Floor Assiniboine Centre, Grace Lutheran Church and Village Green for the support they gave us. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Isabel may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, MB R7A 2W8.
COATES: Margaret Grace, dearest Mother of Karen (Bruce) Barteaux, Brandon, and Dr. John Coates (Robin), Chilliwack, BC, passed away peacefully at her Fairview Home residence with her children at her bedside, on Monday, March 26, 2007.
Grace, the third child of John and Frances (Flannery) Cullen, was born on February 23rd 1915, in the CNR Station House at Belleview, MB. Grace was a graduate of Woodnorth High School. As a young woman, she played the church organ, and enjoyed teaching piano. In 1936, Grace married Robert John Coates of Elm Valley, in St. Mary’s Anglican Church at Virden, MB.
During WWII, Grace was the sole parent figure for children Karen and John, while her husband Rob served various postings across Canada as an RCAF Flight Navigations Instructor.
On moving to Brandon in 1940, Grace joined St. Matthew’s Anglican Parish. She was a dedicated member, quietly yet faithfully serving her church. Grace was treasurer of St. Matthew’s Evening Branch; member of the A.C.W. (Anglican Church Women); member of the Altar Guild; also treasurer of the Anglican Women’s Auxiliary, Brandon Diocese, for seven years.
In 1957, Grace joined the BRHC Women’s Auxiliary, and later served as President for one term. She also worked as a volunteer well into her eighties, "delivering the flowers" to hospital patients.
Grace brought many talents to her 54 years of marriage with Robert. She was a loving wife and devoted Mother. She possessed wonderful skills at delicate needlework, knitting, quilting and sewing. Grace wrote a fascinating biography of her father John Cullen, a Barr Colonist who immigrated to Canada from England in 1903. Grace graduated from The Wheat City Business College in 1970, with a certificate in bookkeeping. She enjoyed tending her flower garden. Grace loved animals dearly and always had a dog or cat at her side as a companion.
Grace was predeceased by her beloved husband Rob, March 11, 1990, and is survived by grandchildren Matthew (Poroshad, Toronto, ON) and Hilary Barteaux (Douglas, Winnipeg, MB); James Coates (Julia, Vancouver, BC); Helen Ambeault (Steven) and great grandchildren Lauren, Nicholas and Christopher, all of Edmonton, AB; also her loved nieces and nephews.
We sincerely thank Drs. Groves and Solsman for their compassionate care. We are also very grateful to the Staff of Fairview Home who so generously offered Grace their support and comfort.
Funeral service will be held at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, 403-13th Street, on Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. with the Very Reverend Robin Walker officiating. Memorials may be given to St. Matthew’s Cathedral Memorial Fund or to Fairview Home Donation Account, 1351-13th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 4S6.
We will always treasure the memory of our gentle Mother’s loving smile.
"Rest eternal grant unto her, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon her."
