It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Frank Litwin at the age of 86.
Frank will be deeply missed by his wife Sandra, and children, Donna (Jay) McDonald and Douglas (Leanne) Litwin, grandchildren, Riley (Leah), Shaun, Connor, and Eric, as well as his new great-grandson Arthur.
We loved him with all our hearts and will miss him dearly. His legacy will live on in the close and loving family he helped create.
A private celebration is planned.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 02, 2024, Nov 02, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Roger Gray on October 5, 2024 at Beacon Hill Lodge at the age of 78 years.
He is predeceased by his parents Betty and Bill, as well as his sister Donna.
Left to cherish his memory is Debbie, her daughter Ashley (Douglas), his children Jodi (Kelly), Kevin, and Kory (Erin), grandchildren Abby, Paige, and Emerson. He also leaves his brother Rob (Debbie), his sister Kim (Myles), as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Roger attended and graduated from Elmwood Highschool, and proceeded to work for Air Canada for 38 years before his retirement in 2000. He often spent time at Pioneer Bay Campground in Pinawa, and would travel to Florida and Mexico during the winters. Roger enjoyed golfing, camping, traveling, and bowling. He had a passion for the Jets, Bombers, and, especially his favorite, Green Bay Packers.
A celebration of life will take place on Friday, October 18, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street.
Eric Adrianus Van Schie passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on October 3, 2024, at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg.
Eric was born in Nieuw Vennep, the Netherlands, on September 15, 1930, and was the oldest of eight children. After serving in the army, Eric was a truck driver and mechanic in the Netherlands before immigrating to Canada in 1953 with his family. He continued working as a truck driver when he came to Canada. He met Gertrude Zonneveld in the community of St. Eustache, whom he married in 1958, and moved to Winnipeg to start their family. Eric worked as a Volkswagen mechanic and then studied to become an airplane mechanic. He started his career in airplanes with CAE, then Transair and eventually retired as an inspector from Air Canada in 1995.
Eric had many hobbies which included fishing, hunting, photography, travelling and road trips to Saskatchewan and destinations throughout Manitoba, in the infamous blue Toyota diesel truck, with his dog (Nicki) riding shot gun. Eric happily gathered antique boat motors and wind generator parts to construct his own wind generators. Eric loved puttering around and always had a project on the go. He loved animals, nature, trees, flowers and birds. Eric could always be seen with binoculars and a camera in his hands. Because of his love of the outdoors, he and Gertie eventually bought property in Loni Beach (Gimli), where the family spent many summers. Over the years, the grandchildren have been able to enjoy the cottage as well. All fond memories for the family.
Eric loved playing Klaverjas (card game) and 31 with the family, especially with the grandchildren, after special holiday dinners, around the dining room table. He always had a fantastic story to tell accompanied by his great sense of humour and an enormous smile.
Eric was very involved with St. Ignatius Church over the years. He was an usher, a Knight of Columbus and helped with the coffee and pancake breakfasts that were held in the church hall.
Eric was predeceased by his wife, Gertrude, in 2016, his son-in-law, Jim, in 2021 and his daughter, Mary Lou, in 2022. He was also predeceased by many of his own family members over the years. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Jake, Johanna, Shirley Anne, Neil, John and son-in-law Greg Mendro, as well as by all his grandchildren, Sarah (Danny), Ashley (Josh), Robert, Martin (Breanne), Monty (Mel), Max, Hannah, Josh and Willem and his great-grandchildren, Monty Jr., Matteo and Lainey. He will be sadly missed by his sisters, Nelly and Thea.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all of the staff at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg for the exceptional care they provided.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish, 255 Stafford Street, with interment to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 501 Plinguet Street.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Winnipeg.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 12, 2024
With heavy hearts but full of love, our family announces that Salvador “Buddy” Raquid, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and beloved friend to many, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2024, at the Health Sciences Centre, with his family by his side.
Born on August 15, 1947, in Bulan, Sorsogon, Philippines, Salvador grew up surrounded by the beauty of mountains and beaches. He always dreamed of more and had a desire to explore opportunities to create a better future. He moved to Manila and it was there he met the love of his life. In 1978, Salvador immigrated to Winnipeg and married his darling Dolores, starting a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. Together they raised two daughters, Marife and Melissa, building a close-knit family that meant everything to him.
In 1984, Salvador graduated from Red River College and embarked on a successful career as a machinist at Air Canada, retiring after almost 25 years. He was passionate about travel, tennis, running, keeping active, and helping others. He had a natural talent for making connections with people, and his warmth, kindness, and charm made everyone feel like a friend. Salvador had a wonderfully silly side, always ready with a dad joke and had an effortless ability to turn ordinary moments into fun, memorable ones.
In 2016, Salvador experienced a stroke that brought new challenges into his life. However, true to his character, he faced them with quiet strength and optimism, never losing his sense of humour. He continued to enjoy the things he loved most, especially spending time with his family and friends, and sharing stories from his many adventures. His resilience was an inspiration to those around him, and he found happiness in the moments that truly mattered.
Salvador is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Dolores, his daughters, Marife and Melissa (Sebastian), and granddaughter Charlotte. He also leaves behind his brother Vitaliano (Leonida), his nephew Anthony (Myla), grandniece Alexa, brother-in-law Numeriano, and his many nieces, nephews and extended family across the globe.
He was predeceased by his father Vitaliano, mother Antonia, stepfather Jose, and brothers Renato and Jose.
Dad, we love you so much. Your passing leaves a big hole in our hearts. Your laughter, strength, and endless love were the foundation of our family, and we’ll miss you every single day. Your smile and generous spirit left a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to know you. Though you’re no longer with us, the love and joy you brought into our lives will stay with us forever and your memory will continue to inspire us all.
Lamay/Viewing will take place on Friday, August 23 from 6pm to 11:30pm at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main St. West St. Paul, Manitoba.
Funeral Service & Interment will be held the following day on Saturday, August 24 at 10am at Glen Eden Funeral Home and Cemetery located at 4477 Main Street, West St. Paul, Manitoba. Reception to follow.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Seven Oaks Hospital and Riverview Health Centre over the years and to the Health Sciences Centre, during Salvador’s final moments, for their care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks donations to be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.
After a courageous battle with cancer, it is with deep sadness that we, his family, announce the peaceful passing of Rick (aka Moose) at home. Rick is survived by his wife Michele, his children, Elyse (Kyle) and Justin, grandson Blake, and extended family and friends across Canada and in England. Rick was born at the Portage La Prairie hospital and shortly thereafter adopted by Marjorie (nee Kennedy) and Raymond Vezina into a large, boisterous, loving extended family. He spent his childhood in Stockton and Glenboro moving to Winnipeg as a young teen, making lifelong friendships, excelling both academically and athletically – in particular track and field. He loved living in the country and told many wonderful stories of attending a little one room school house, walking through the snow to Christmas concerts, and fishing in the creek beneath his Grandads hill. To a born and bred city girl, it sounded magical. We were so happy to give Elyse, Justin and later Blake similar experiences growing up in Springfield and at the cottage in Matlock. What times we have had Rick. Rick spent his working life with Air Canada and the IAMAW, wearing a variety of hats, helping many people along the way. How do you put into words the measure of a man among men. Those of us lucky enough to have walked beside him through this wonderful journey we call life will each have our own special memories to comfort us at this time. We find ourselves on different time zones once again Rick, but I know we will find each other again. Thank you for a wonderful life, be free now to run as fast as you want wherever you want my love. For as long as I live and everywhere I go, I will search for pieces of you, I adore you Dad, all my love Elyse. Our family would like to thank the army of people who have contributed to Rick’s care over the last six and a half years. You are all simply the best at what you do. At Rick’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral. We will celebrate his life later this summer.
Arrangements entrusted to: Interlake Cremation & Memorial Services
Tributes: www.interlakecremation.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 29, 2024, Jun 29, 2024
Douglas Andrew Horst passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Winnipeg at the age of 61.
He was a wonderful father and husband to his wife Valerie Horst, and his daughter Mary Horst.
He was the most caring, kind, hard-working, funny and compassionate person one would ever meet. Doug will be lovingly remembered by his family: his brother Darrell Horst; sisters, Robin Horst and Cheryl Pardely; his uncle Donald E. Horst, his friends, Jason Klippert (Bubbles Gahun), Andy Kozlowski, Liam Buckley; his niece and nephew, Shanna Gratton and Kevin Pardely; as well as numerous cousins, peers, and in-laws.
E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS
204-253-5086
Tributes: ejcoutu.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 01, 2024, Jun 01, 2024
The Canadian National Day of Morning, April 28th is a day to honour and reflect on labourers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness due workplace related hazards and occupational exposures. Stand together with co-workers, family and friends to commemorate those who have fallen at a ceremony near you.
Manitoba Federation of Labour Day of Mourning Gathering Union Centre, 275 Broadway, Winnipeg MB R3C 4M6 April 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., Safe Workers of Tomorrow (SWOT) Leaders’ Walk starts 11:30 a.m., ceremony at Workers Memorial at noon Contact: MFL.ca or https://www.facebook.com/ManitobaLabour
Saskatoon & District Labour Council Day of Mourning Ceremony Civic Square 222 3rd Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0J5 April 28, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Contact: Don McDonald, President, sdlc@sasktel.net
Regina & District Labour Council Day of Mourning Ceremony Regina City Hall, 2476 Victoria Avenue, Regina SK S4P 3C8 April 28, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. Alternate indoor location: Regina Union Centre, 2709 12th Avenue, Regina SK S4T 1J3 Contact: Shobna Radons, President, shobna.radons@sasktel.net
Thunder Bay & District Labour Council Day of Mourning Ceremony First Wesley United Church, 130 Brodie St N, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 3S3 April 28, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Contact: Sandra Snider, info@tbdlc.c
It is with great sadness that we report the loss of our friend and co-worker, Mike Koltalo. Mike peacefully passed away in his home on February 4th. The family will hold a private service for Mike at a later date. Rest in Peace Mike.