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ROBERT WARD SMITH
November 27 1916 - April 17, 2005
It is with great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Robert Smith on Sunday, April 17th at Grace Hospital. He was pre deceased by his wife Marjorie in 1998 and his brother Ernest in 2004. He is survived by his sister Vera and two sons Murray (Sally) and Ross (Marilyn), his grandchildren Karen, Ashley, Glenda and Michael and great grand daughter Lauren.
Bob was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and spent his childhood on Aubrey Street. His youth was spent enjoying swimming, bicycle polo and wood working at school with advanced classes. In his mid teens he began working for his dad under Frank and Son Painting and Decorating and spending summers at Grand Beach. During his twenties he became interested in tinkering with cars as well as working with wood and building furniture.
During the war he trained as an aero frame and hydraulics mechanic in Winnipeg. In September, 1939 he married Marjorie Sproule and settled on Furby Street for the next four years. Murray was born in 1943 and Ross in 1947. The house on Woodlawn was built in 1949 where Bob resided until his passing.
Bob and Marj enjoyed curling, bowling, square dancing, gardening, theatre, concerts and travelling. Even into their late 70's they drove to such places as Florida, New Jersey, Vancouver, Oakville, Missouri, Corpus Christie and Nova Scotia.
Bob had a keen sense of humour and a willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need. During the winter months he hibernated in his basement build models and repairing bicycles, appliances, furniture and motor cycles. He especially enjoyed HO model trains, designing track layouts and constructing buildings and scenery.
A memorial service will be held at Neil Bardal Inc, 948 Portage Avenue at Aubrey on Wednesday, April 27th at 3:00 P.M.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Grace Hospital for their kindness while making his last days comfortable. Instead of flowers, donations may be forwarded to the race Hospital Foundation, 300 Booth Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3J 3M7.
JESSIE GRACE ELLIOTT
Peacefully, on Tuesday, April 19, 2005, with her daughter by her side, Jessie passed away at the Grace Hospital, at the age of 97 years.
She is survived and lovingly remembered by her daughter Joyce and husband Brian, grandson Matthew, granddaughter Gillian and family in Scotland. She was predeceased by her loving husband Joe in 1974.
Jessie was born in Thornhill, Scotland and came to Canada as a war bride. She and Joe resided their entire married life in Winnipeg. Family was everything to Jessie.
The family would like to thank the staff at Golden West Centennial Lodge for their care and kindness.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 25 at St James Presbyterian Church, 1476 Portage Avenue, at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to St. James Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 1476 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 0W3 or Golden West Centennial Lodge, 811 School Road, Winnipeg, MB R2Y 0S8.
Jessie was a truly wonderful lady who will be missed by all who knew her.
LILY JONES
It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of our mother on Monday, April 18, 2005 at the age of 71. Her memory will be cherished by her son Tim (Pat); daughter Valarie as well as her granddaughter Karley (David) and great-grandchildren, Anthony and Fiorella Lily. She will be greatly missed by her sister Elsie (Bruce) and sister-in-law Audrey and many nieces and nephews and their families.
Mom was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She was a very caring person and never dwelled on her disabilities. She accepted and overcame the many challenges she was dealt with MS over 23 years. Mom was predeceased by her husband, Charles D. Jones (1987); her parents; five brothers; and two sisters. After 18 years Mom is now united with her love, partner and best friend our father.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank all the family for their cards, flowers and visits to Mom and their help in caring for her. Thank you to her home care workers who assisted her in her daily living that gave her the opportunity to live in her home until last year.
In keeping with Mom's wishes cremation has taken place. A family service will be held at Brookside Cemetery on Thursday, April 21 at 1:00 p.m. with a tea to follow at 3030 Notre Dame Ave.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Lily Jones may do so to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada or a charity of one's choice.
We hold you close within our hearts And there you will remain To walk with us throughout our lives Until we meet again. Love you Mom.
LEIFUR FRIDFINNSON
Thursday, April 14, 2005, at age 80, Leifur passed away peacefully at the Arborg and District Health Centre with his beloved Grace at his side.
Born in Geysir, January 19, 1925 to Kristmundur and Jakobina Fridfinnson, he is survived by his wife of 55 years Grace (Johannson); sons and daughters, Connie, Barry, Robert (Ana), Lance (Mandy) and Tamie (Chris) Archer; grandchildren, Trevor (Eve), Cathie (Harry) Crossin, Keith Dowler, Lori (Marc) Palsson, Jason, Caitlin Kotak, Logan and Breanna; great-grandson Riley Crossin; sister and brothers, Vordis Oddleifson, Numi (Dora), Kjartan (Lillian), Skapti (Norma), and Junius; and mother-in-law Ruby Johannson.
Leifur was well known in the Interlake as a successful General Motors Dealer in Arborg (Viking Motors 1958-1988). He served as a village councillor and a committee member to establish the current Arborg branch of the Evergreen Library. He was an active member of the Unitarian Church board and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion (having served in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1944-1945).
Despite losing his right hand in a farm accident at age 21, Leifur would never allow excuses for anything less than full commitment to the task at hand. As a father, he would help us through the difficult jobs and make us feel we had accomplished much more than we actually had. With his warm support, working along side Dad was always a special time. Leifur was a warm, wonderful man who valued family above all else. His quiet, reserved manner cloaked the ever-present youthful spirit that lurked just below the surface, ready for fun at the drop of a hat.
Although his health failed in his last years, his spirit didn't. Even in Leifur's last days in hospital, he comforted and eased us all with his trademark humour and spot-on-line delivery. We are thankful for the opportunity to say good-bye. Leifur, you will be tearfully missed.
There will be a private family graveside service at a later date in accordance with Leifur's wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arborg Unitarian Church, Box 1102, Arborg, MB, R0C 0A0, or the Arborg and District Health Centre, Box 10, Arborg, MB, R0C 0A0.
HEINZ PETERS
Heinz Peters, born July 26, 1925, in Schwansdorf, West Prussia, passed away on Tuesday, April 12, 2005; 53 years to the day he left Germany to immigrate to Canada.
Left to mourn are his loving wife of 51 years, Marianne Peters (nee Hullmeine); his children, Horst Peters (Heidi), Heidi Kennedy (Bruce), Manfred Peters, Walter Peters (Debbie), Werner Peters (Janice), Gerhard Peters (Kristen), and Monica Kutcher (Douglas); his grandchildren, Lora, Neil, Kent, Jenny L., Matthew, Jenny T., Heather, Christine, Kimberley, Kaitlyn, and Marcel; as well as his sister Edith Bock and family (Germany); his cousin Willi Janszen and family (Germany) and other extended family in Germany.
Special thanks to the staff at Grace General Hospital and the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg.
A memorial service was held Monday, April 18 at 10:00 a.m. at Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church, 926 Garfield St., Winnipeg, MB. A luncheon will be held in the church basement immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Arthritis Society or the Mennonite Central Committee.
BARBARA CHADWICK
Peacefully, with her family around her, Barbara Chadwick passed away in her 75th year. Predeceased by her husband Harry and brother-in-law Sydney, Barbara leaves to cherish her memory children, Clive and Susan; sister-in-law Bonny; niece Shelley; grandnephew Andrew and numerous friends.
Barbara was born in Keithley, Yorkshire and moved to Leeds in her teens. It was there she met the love of her life, Harry. After they married they decided to explore opportunities in the New World. Next stop, Winnipeg.
She worked for a number of successful years with Jake Reimer and Associates, leaving the company in order to raise her children. With other young mums in the area, she started the Windsor Park Nursery Play Group. When the children were in school full time, Barbara returned to the professional secretary ranks first with Cargill Grain and later with the City of Winnipeg.
Barbara spent many wonderful hours on Lake of the Woods at the family cottage. With Harry and the children, she enjoyed all three seasons of lake life. Many lifelong friendships with other cottagers were made during those lazy summer days. She began each year at the cottage with a dip in the lake on May long weekend and ended the cottage year with a full Thanksgiving dinner and another dip in the lake.
Many mourn her passing while remembering the wonderful ways in which she touched so many lives. The family would like to thank the staff at Oakview Place for all their help and support.
A memorial service will be held at St. Andrews Anglican Church on Friday, April 22 at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Ian Mills officiating.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2 or to a charity of one's choice would be most appreciated.
JOHANNES (JOE) BESSI VIGFUSSON
Peacefully on Monday, April 11, 2005 with family by his side Johannes (Joe) Bessi Vigfusson, aged 74, of Gimli, MB, passed away at the Gimli Community Health Center.
He will be missed and fondly remembered by his wife Nancy of 53 years, his three children and his many grandchildren. Son Kenneth Vigfusson Sr. (Sheila), children Michelle Lefko (Doug), Shawna Robinson (Daniel), Kenneth Vigfusson Jr. (Jenifer), and Sandra Borlase (David); Daughter Jo-Ann Lowen (Randy), children Nancy Bomberak (Bob) and David-Johannes Lowen; Son Gordon Vigfusson (Wendy) Children Chelsea, Karli, and Joseph.
He is also survived by six great-grandchildren: Danielle, Jordan, Dillon, Timothy, Breyden and Wyatt; his two brothers Kriss and Kari Vigfusson, and many nieces and nephews.
He is pre-deceased by his parents Johannes and Jarnbra, sisters Halldora (Kristberg) and Peggy (Etienne) and nephew Steini.
Joe was born on March 12, 1931 in Lundar, MB at the family homestead. Throughout his life he wore many hats. He was a farmer, meat cutter, a carpenter, and a gardener, to name a few. He was an instructor at Red River Community College in the Carpentry Department and advanced to Department Head before his retirement in 1986 after educating for 16 years. Throughout his life he built five homes that he and his family lived in. He enjoyed spending time with family at the cottage in Ponemah, where Joe and Nancy also ran a corner store. After living in Winnipeg for many years, Joe and Nancy moved out to Sandy Hook into the last home that Joe built.
He was involved with numerous activities throughout his life playing baseball, hockey, curling and golf. He spent many hours coaching hockey for his two sons as well. He spent many hours pegging points on the crib board and loved to dance anytime that music was played.
Joe and Nancy spent time travelling throughout their retirement together to Texas, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Australia, Arizona, an East-West coast Canada trip, and to his favorite place, Iceland.
Joe also enjoyed hunting, fishing, long walks through the bush, campfires, ice cream walks with his grandchildren and carving walking sticks and other wonderful items for all the family to enjoy. Joe was a very handy man, a jack-of-all-trades, and could fix anything. He was also a great storyteller and never needed a book to entertain his family. With the most famous story being about Ping the Chinese Duck.
Some memorable words of wisdom that Joe passed on to the family include:
Life has seasons just like gardening.
Do it once; do it right.
Look after the pennies and the dollars will follow.
The family would like to thank all the staff at Selkirk Betel, Gimli Betel, Gimli Community Health Center, and Dr. Mantoedi for all the on going care for Joe in the last four years of his life.
A celebration of his life was held on Saturday, April, 16, 2005 at Gimli Lutheran Church at 11:00am. Cremation has taken place and a private family burial will be held at Otto Church in Lundar at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 200 - 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 would be greatly appreciated by the family.
IRENE MARY PERSON
The family is saddened to announce the death of Irene Person on April 8, 2005 at the age of 99.
Irene was born in Ville St. Pierre, Quebec on November 29, 1905 and moved to Winnipeg in 1930 after the death of her first husband.
In her younger years she was an active member of First English Lutheran Church and participated in the women's auxiliary and sang in the choir.
Irene moved to Lions Manor in 1993 and continued residence there until her death. She was an active member of the RAP Group at Lions Manor and made many friends there over the years. Irene enjoyed being around her family which she was very proud of and her many friends at Lions Manor. She always had a positive and upbeat attitude and was an inspiration to everyone she met.
She will be sadly missed by her son, Gordon and his wife Audrey Favell, her sister Edna Jawny, 5 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by husband, William Person, her brother Melbourne St. James, her daughter Mildred Anderson and son in law Hans Anderson.
The family would like to thank Lions Manor for all their assistance. Heartfelt thanks also to Ruby and Gordie Kalian for all their care and support to Irene and the family.
Cremation has taken place and a private internment will follow at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined.
INA MYRTLE FRASER (NEE SMITH)
MARCH 21, 1921 - APRIL 10, 2005
It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Ina. Left to cherish her memory is her daughter Carolynne (Doug), grandchildren Christine (Jeff), Deanna (Gerry), Darrell, Stuart (Natalie) and great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Bryce, Mitchell, and Kirsten. She was predeceased by her husband Douglas in February, 1982. Her parents Charles and Myrtle, as well as her siblings, Dorothy, Eileen, Ralph, George, and Donny.
Nan, as she was affectionately known by her family, was a free spirited and caring person, who loved to sew and crochet by the hour. She was feisty and independent, and at the age of 62 surprised her family when she got her drivers licence. She loved to travel and enjoyed many trips abroad, and while in Thailand even went para sailing. Through out her life she treasured her various pets.
She was very active in Fraternal organizations, Sphinx Temple #116 Daughters of the Nile, Patricia Chapter #8 O.E.S. and the Shrine Ladies Auxiliary, which she loved and enjoyed very much.
The family would like to thank the staff on N3W at the Concordia Hospital for their care and understanding over the past two months.
A funeral service was held Friday April 15th, at 11:00 am at 984 Portage Avenue, Aubrey Street entrance, with Interment at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 200 - 6 Donald Street, R3L 0K6, or to a charity of their choice.
WINNIFRED FLORENCE FRASER (NEE THOMSON)
It is with extreme sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend Winnifred after a lengthy illness. With her loving husband Al, her daughter Heather, and Son-in-Law Greg by her side, Mom left us on April 7th in her 71st year. Mom fought a courageous battle with determination and strength.
Predeceased by her parents Alfred and Edith, siblings George, Mary, Jessie, and Nellie, Mom leaves to mourn her husband and best friend of 48 years Al, children David, Heather, Doug, and Glenn and their families Daughter-in-Law Marilyn and Granddaughter Zoe Fraser, Son-in-Law Greg, Granddaughter Jenna, Grandsons Jordan and Kevin Clancy, Daughter-in-Law Danielle, Grandsons Derek and Brett Fraser, Sister Jean (Harry) Monk and Sister Heather (Florien) Kalinowski.
Winnie was born and raised in Winnipeg. She met the love her of life in 1953 and from that point forward, together they built a foundation of love. Mom enjoyed gardening, knitting, watching the birds in the backyard feeder, and participating in her children and grandchildren's activities.
Mom lived a full and exuberant life. Through all of the challenges that were thrown her way, she persevered beyond belief. Never one to give up, she faced life head on. It is this trait that has been instilled within her children and grandchildren forever.
Granny touched the lives of many people and we are saddened that she has left us so early. We look forward to the day that we will all meet again to rekindle the warmth, love and zest for life that we shared.
The family would like to extend our sincere thanks to the health care professionals at the St. Boniface General Hospital and the Grace General Hospital.
A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday April 12th at Neil Bardal funeral home, 984 Portage Ave.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated, to the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
CHARLES HOWARD JAMES
1917 - 2005
Peacefully on Friday, April 8, 2005, Charles passed away at Calvary Place 5 days short of his 88th birthday.
Left to cherish his memory is his much loved wife of 50 years Anna. He will be greatly missed by his sons Charles and Wayne, grandsons Jerome, Justin, Jonathan, Jeffrey and Kristian and great grandson Blake, brother James, as well a many nieces and nephews.
Charles was predeceased by his parents James R. and Emily James, brothers Clarence and Richard and sisters Grace, Emily, Edna and Vivian.
Charles was raised in the North End and attended Norquay and St. John's High Schools. He worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway for 25 years, and then drove taxi until his retirement.
His greatest joy was being in the company of young people, especially his grandsons and grand nieces and nephews.
Charles' source of strength was his relationship with our Lord and Saviour.
The family wishes to thank all the loving and compassionate staff at Calvary Place for the comfort they provided for Charles.
Viewing for family and close friends was held from 7 to 9 p.m., Monday, April 11 at Neil Bardal Inc., 984 Portage Avenue, Aubrey Street entrance. A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday in the Buntain Chapel of Calvary Temple, 400 Hargrave Street, Pastor Bruce Martin officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary Place, 1325 Erin Street, R3E 3R6.
LILLIAN VILBORG MACPHERSON (NEE BJARNASON)
(AUGUST 30, 1940 -2005)
Lillian died on Sunday, April 3rd at 1:07 pm with her husband and kids by her bed side. Mixed with sadness is the relief that she no longer suffers from cancer and can now find her way in the worlds beyond. We trust she will continue her work from the other side; quietly helping others on their paths, something she did so gracefully in the many circles in which she moved.
Lillian grew up in Winnipeg's West End, spending her summers at her grandparents farm near Lundar. She attended Principal Sparling, Sergeant Park and Daniel McIntyre Schools and later Regina College.
Lillian was proud of her academic achievements and was passionate about learning: a passion she expressed equally as a diligent student and as a wise teacher. She attended the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon where she earned her BA in English and History (and met her husband and fellow adventurer of 44 years, Lorne MacPherson and brought Arne, her first child into the world). Lillian achieved a Masters in Librarianship from the University of Washington in Seattle in 1966 (and produced her second little sprout, Erika) and in 1984 she completed an LL.B. at the University of Calgary. Always eager to learn she began a whole new student career and received a scholarship after her retirement to the University of Iceland to study the language, at which she became proficient. In later years, which really were young years, she studied and practiced as a writer and shaman.
In 1968 Lillian moved with her family to Edmonton and worked as assistant Law Librarian and then ultimately Law Librarian at the University of Alberta for 26 years. Her interest in feminist legal theory led to co-founding and teaching the class at the UofA. Additionally, she acted as Associate Dean of Law and served in executive capacities for numerous library and professional organizations. In recognition of her contributions she was named a builder of the Faculty of Law in 1999. She moved back to her birthplace Winnipeg in 2000.
In the few years that she had been back in Winnipeg Lillian created a wide circle of friends, family and community. In 2003 she received the Queen's Jubilee Medal in Manitoba in recognition of her distinguished service to fellow citizens. Her earnest nature was both comforting and at times formidable, she took her life seriously. Lillian created a welcome aura in her home and her genuine curiosity and open heartedness drew people to her. Her grandchildren were the very special recipients of that spirit. Lillian took her granddaughter, Gislina on a trip to Iceland, and had planned to take the other grandkids as they came of age. She was passionate about her Icelandic heritage, something that filtered into every aspect of her life: as a member of the Saga Singers; participating in the activities of the Nor?urljós Chapter of the Icelandic National League; as a "viking amma"; but most notably through her work as the editor of the Logberg Heimskringla. For three years until she was diagnosed with cancer, Lillian worked tirelessly to enrich the significance of the Icelandic weekly newspaper. Her editorials developed a certain cult following worldwide. She has always said that "part of her heart lies in Iceland".
It's impossible to encapsulate this incredible woman. She was fierce and generous in all she did. Her focus was on making and maintaining authentic relationships with others. She was an avid letter writer and kept correspondence with many people all over the world. Through her spirit journeying she created links between the worlds and helped others connect with aspects of themselves. Her interest in genealogy introduced her to her ancestors and her vast web of relations. Lillian's spirit is alive, powerful and vital and will be remembered in all these connections. She is always an inspiration.
Lillian Vilborg was predeceased by her father Hafsteinn Bjarnason, Lorne's parents John A. and Effie McPherson and brother in law John A. McPherson.
She will be missed by her mother Lillian Bjarnason (Johannson) and held in loving memory by her husband Lorne, her son Arne and his partner Debbie (Gislina and Solmund), her daughter Erika and partner Jacki (Zona May and Eva). She is also remembered by her brother John (Roslyn Pugsley), her sister Bernice Lindal (Gordon) and their children, as well by all her McPherson in-laws: Eileen Robb, Tom and Donna, Vera and Don Stewart, Archie and Merle, Inez and Doug Schmit, and Robert and all their many children and grandchildren.
Special thanks to all the friends and relations who came from out of town to help Lillian and her family through this journey: Inez and Doug Schmit, Bernice Lindal, Rede Widstrand, Eunice Scarfe, Thora Howell, Vera Stewart and Sylvia Chetner. We couldn't have it done it without them. Huge thanks to Phyllis, Ingrid, Patty, and all the members of the LOVE team. And of course to Dr. Daeninck and Tracy at Cancer Care MB, Dr. Nadine Fontigny, Dr. Chris Turner, and huge thanks to Brenda and all the nurses and aides through the Palliative Home Care Program who helped us to help Lillian die at home. We were treated with kindness.
A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 8th in the Unitarian Church of Winnipeg, 603 Wellington Crescent. There will also be a service held in Edmonton, AB at a later date.
At Lillian's request, in lieu of flowers please send donations to the Helga Dalman Memorial Scholarship fund at the University of Alberta. This is a scholarship that Lillian established in her grandmothers name. We will be adding Lillian's name to the scholarship as well. (Student Awards Office, 1-80 Student's Union Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2J7) . Tax receipts will be provided.
ROBERT EDWARD CAMPBELL
May 21, 1931 – April 3, 2005
Following a short Illness, Robert passed away on Sunday, April 3 at the Heath Sciences Centre.
He was predeceased by mother, Francis and father William, brothers; Harry, William and Albert; also nephew Richard Neil Campbell and very good friend of many years, Muriel.
Surviving family are sisters-in-law; Doreen, Nina, and Carol Campbell, nephews; Bruce and Don, nieces; Maggie, Brenda, Laurel, Connie and Patty, along with many great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held at the St. James Legion, 1755 Portage Avenue, on Tuesday, April 12, 2005 at 1:00 pm.
