Passing of a member

Robert “Bob” Theodore Turner

July 1st 1938 – May 3, 2025 

On May 3, 2025, after a long illness, Robert passed away peacefully at Actionmarguerite St. Boniface. He was 86 years old.

Robert, who was known as Bob or Bobby to his family and friends was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and loyal friend. He was also an accomplished athlete.

Bob was born in Winnipeg to parents Edith (nee Perrotte) and Robert on July 1st 1938.  Bob is survived by his wife, Judy; sons, Theodore (Anna), Daniel, Scott (Shannon); grandchildren, Ronin, Raeya; and brothers, Jim (Carol) and Bill.

Bob grew up in a hardworking household in St.Vital and learned how to be responsible and resourceful from an early age.

Bob was an exceptional athlete and was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of fame in 2007 and again in 2012 for his role on the historic Canadian Senior Championship winning St. Vital Bulldogs football teams in 1968/69 and 1962 respectively.  He was also inducted to the Football Manitoba Hall of Fame in 2010 and again in 2018 as a member of those same championship 1962 and 1968/69 St.Vital Bulldogs teams, his 2018 induction citing recognition of outstanding success, and contribution to the game of football.   As a member of the Canadian Senior Champion 1969 Bulldogs, Bob was awarded the provincial distinction of The Order of The Buffalo Hunt from the Premier of Manitoba along with his teammates for having displayed the qualities of sportsmanship, persistence, and team spirit required for the bestowment of this high honour.

Also involved in rugby, Bob was inducted into the Manitoba Rugby Hall of Fame in 2016 as a member of the 1972-1975 Saracens Rugby Club.  Bob was also invited to Winnipeg Blue Bomber training camp twice in the 1960’s. He remained a life-long Bomber fan and long-time season ticket holder of his beloved Big Blue. He later encouraged son Theodore’s own time in football and was a coach for sons Dan and Scott’s baseball teams. Bob enjoyed many different sports including track/running, hockey, racquet sports and golf. Bob remained very active in sports in his later years and was a regular participant in the Manitoba Marathon Super Run into his 70’s.

Bob studied electronics as a trade and became a journeyman electrician. He worked at Pioneer Electric in Winnipeg and then at the Churchill Rocket Research Range in Churchill MB in the 1960’s. Bob then went on to have a long career as an avionics technician at Air Canada during which he was one of the technicians who repaired the famed “Gimli Glider.”

Bob was a great storyteller who loved to act out his favourite tales, often to an audience who may have heard the story previously, yet who always responded with much love and enjoyment of his storytelling skill and enthusiasm.

Faith was always an important part of Bob’s life and he was a board member at St. Charles United Church in Winnipeg for many years.

Bob was a loving “pet Dad”. He would always try to help someone in need. After retirement he volunteered at the Christmas Cheer Board, Manitoba Harvest and the drop-in center at St Mathews Maryland.

He loved music and his favourites included Duane Eddy, Johnny Cash, Buddy Knox, Gordon Lightfoot and Patsy Cline.

Bob was a proud and humble man who loved his family deeply and exemplified loyalty to his many friends.

The family wish to thank the nurses and aides of units 5C and AB at Actionmargueite in Winnipeg for the great compassion and excellence in care they always provided to Bob and the needed support they gave to his family. We wish to thank Zofia at Actionmargueite specifically for the personalized spiritual care she provided to Bob so generously and the special bond she formed with him over long discussions of life, faith and football.

A small family service occurred after Bob’s passing.

Passing of a member

Donald Ferrand Sewell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of husband/father, Donald Ferrand Sewell, on February 4th, 2025, at Golden West Centennial Lodge, at the age of 97 years. 

He was predeceased by his parents Joe and Georgina, brothers Trevor and Harley, and his sisters, Barbara Towarnicky and Joyce Herrick.

Donald leaves to mourn, his wife of 57 years, Doran and his five children, Dena, Lori (Doug), Gren (Terry), Michael (Mary Ann), Kip (Tracy). Also, eleven grandchildren and twenty one great-grandchildren.

Don was born on June 22, 1927 in Winnipeg at the old Victoria Hospital on River Avenue, to Joe and Georgina. He had two brothers, Trevor and Harley, and two sisters Joyce and Barbara. At a young age his family moved to Mulvihill, Manitoba where he discovered that he had a knack for target shooting, which he honed over the years. This would eventually lead him to become a member of the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association and eventually a coveted place in the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and the Canada Sports Hall of Fame (Ottawa). 

After a few years in the “sticks and stones” of Mulvihill, his family moved back to Winnipeg where Don would spend the rest of his life. Don worked at a few jobs before landing a spot with TCA (now Air Canada) where he would stay for 35 years, retiring as supervisor on the ramp.

Don travelled a lot with his shooting career, visiting England, (he was on the Bisley team 19 times representing Canada in the Commonwealth games), Palma match in South Africa, Commonwealth games in New Zealand, Ottawa (Connaught Range almost yearly). He enjoyed target shooting well into his late eighties. Once he retired from Air Canada, Don and Doran travelled to many warm locations. Whether driving the fifth wheel, catching a flight or a cruise ship, Don and Doran had a wonderful life together.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg.

As published on Arbour Memorial

PASSING OF A MEMBER

LEONARD EVANCHYSHIN

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Leonard Evanchyshin, age 69 years on January 27, 2025.

He will be deeply missed by his partner Marie Senga of 40 years, sister Mavis (Ed) Kaluzny, and brother Allen Evanchyshin. Also missed by in-laws Philip (Pam), Adam (Lori) and Barb Senga, Uncle Jim Lewkun, Auntie Anne Senga and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Funeral Service will be held at Komarno Community Hall, Komarno, Manitoba, Monday, February 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with interment at Zbruch Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Leonard’s memory may be made to Zbruch Cemetery, care of Box 32, Malonton, MB R0C 1Z0 or a charity of your choice.

MacKenzie Funeral Home

204-467-2525

mackenziefh.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 01, 2025

Passing of a Member

JOHN DANIEL (DAN) MCINNES

May 31, 1950 – January 20, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father and grandfather, John Peter Daniel McInnes “Dan”, on January 20, 2025, at Ste. Anne Hospital at the age of 74.

He will be missed by his wife of 55 years, Dianna; son, Dylan (Kelsey); grandson, Paxton; sisters, Laurie (Bob) and Cathy; many nieces and nephews as well as many, many dogs.

Dan was predeceased by his parents, Edla and Jack; and siblings Gail, Rob and Ric.

Born in Selkirk, MB in 1950. Dan met the love of his life Dianna, and they married in 1969. They had one son, Dylan.

Dan had been retired from Air Canada as an Aircraft Mechanic where he worked for 27 years. People and animals seemed to be drawn to Dan wherever he went. Dan and Dianna had many dogs over the years, specifically Dobermans. He also enjoyed going for long rides on his Harley and practice shooting with his grandson, Paxton.

Cremation has taken place, and with respect to Dan’s wishes no formal services are being planned.

Your last ride will take you to be with your beloved dogs.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 25, 2025

Passing of a Member

CLIFFORD BERNHARDT

April 17, 1941 – December 27, 2024

Dad dealt with increasing dementia in his last years but it was a broken heart that eventually took him from us.

After losing his beloved wife of nearly 58 years, Bev, in 2022, his enthusiasm for life waned. He stopped eating and was weak. His continual refusal to eat in the hospital granted him his final wish, to be with his “Bevelyn.”

The many memories of dad (Papa) will be treasured by his daughter Sandy Motkaluk (Richard); son Darren (Jenn Still); grandchildren, Steven, Riley, Maryssa and Myranda Motkaluk, Abby and Ben Bernhardt; and many nieces and nephews.

Dad was born and raised in Winnipeg and spent his entire life in the Elmwood-East Kildonan area, which he fiercely loved. He was the youngest of nine siblings, many who also spent their lives in the neighbourhood. Dad was the last of them.

He was predeceased by his father Phillip in 1957, and mother Maria in 1977, as well as his seven sisters and one brother.

Dad and mom met at Elmwood High School and built a simple, happy life in a modest home. Dad spent a short time working as a travelling salesman for Arnold Bros. Transport, a family he was very fond of, before shifting to Air Canada Cargo, where he spent 33 years.

A private interment will happen at a later date at Elmwood Cemetery when his remains will be reunited with mom’s in the niche they share. The one inscribed “Together Forever.”

Tribute Link: alternacremation.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 11, 2025

Passing of a Member

ALBERT (BERT) VAN ROOSE

On December 19, 2024, our brightest light extinguished. Bert Van Roose was our beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

He was predeceased by his parents, Valere and Irma Van Roose; his sister Leandra Van Roose; and his granddaughter Chantal Van Roose.

He leaves to mourn his wife of 60 years, Yvonne Van Roose; his children, Mike (Tracey) Van Roose and Ginette (Norm) Van Roose; grandchildren Carly, Marc, Gage and Jayce; his brother Richard (Terry) Van Roose; his sisters-in law, Lynn Cameron and Alice Frederick; and nieces and nephews, Amber (Ian), Lance (Caitlin), Scott (Kamma) and Steven.

Bert came from humble beginnings in St. Boniface where his childhood and teen years consisted of pick-up sports and pool halls. In 1962, he met the love of his life Yvonne. The love that was shared between Bert and Yvonne is what every couple strives to have. Love that is unconditional and easy. Bert held Yvonne in the highest regard even though he sometimes shook his head at her antics or gave her an eye roll, he always maintained a mischievous glint in his eye for her.

In 1970 they went on to raise a family. His children were his pride and joy, and he instilled hard work and athletic ability into both Mike and Ginette and there was nothing he loved more than watching his children excel in sports and, later, his grandkids.

Even as his memory started to fade, he would always remember the sports they played and would discuss them at every visit. Bert was the type of man that would give the shirt off his back without you even asking. This quality led him to make friendships that stood the test of time.

He started his career at Air Canada Cargo in 1968 and made many friends during his 33 years there. Those friends became family to us and are still such important pieces in Bert’s life story.

His more recent friendships come from the wonderful community at Agape Villa where he has lived for the past 13 years. He always had fun stories about the shenanigans they got into at “the home” as he so endearingly called it. He would find comfort in knowing that Yvonne will continue to be surrounded by such wonderful people.

Bert was such an amazing man, and he was so dear to many. He will be missed beyond measure.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Anthony Kaufman, Dr. Philip Kawalec and the staff of GA5 for their care and support over the last month. You are all appreciated.

As per Bert’s request, there will be no funeral service. A private family gathering will be held. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Simple Cremation & Life Celebrations

204-421-5501

Tributes: EthicalDeathCare.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 28, 2024

PASSING OF A MEMBER

DALE NEDUZAK

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of our beloved husband and son, Dale Neduzak, aged 67 years old. Dale passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, after a short battle with cancer at Riverview Health Centre on Friday, December 6, 2024.

Dale was predeceased by his father Charles (Chuck) Neduzak and will be remembered by his wife and the love of his life, Gizele, mother Linda and younger sister Carolyn (Carrie), as well as numerous aunts and cousins.

Dale was born in Thunder Bay, ON but grew up in Beausejour, MB, which was in his opinion the best place a kid could grow up in.

Dale’s interests in cars and snowmobiles began early and turned into a life-long passion for all things mechanical. If it had a motor, Dale could fix it! His knowledge of mechanics was sought out by many over the years.

Dale began his career in aviation soon after high school and acquired his Aircraft Maintenance Engineer license in 1977. Over the years, Dale had the opportunity to work on many different types of aircrafts and spent the majority of his aviation career working for the province of Manitoba on the CL-215 water bombers, on various airliners for Air Canada, and restoring warbirds for Vintage Wings of Canada.

Folks who knew Dale of course knew DooWop: The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible he lovingly restored back to butter-yellow glory in the 1980s. DooWop was his pride and joy, a winner of many awards over the years, and often featured in magazines and newspapers.

Dale was a lifelong learner and an avid reader of history and biographies, especially anything to do with Manitoba history, the Hudson’s Bay Company or the development of the snowmobile industry in Beausejour.

He gave freely of his time to the community he loved, volunteering and serving as president of the Canadian Power Toboggan Championship races. He was also a co-founder of the Shades of the Past car show.

Dale loved meeting new people and was never shy about starting conversations with perfect strangers. He enjoyed exploring new places and was fortunate to travel to Africa, Australia, Hawaii, and across the US and Canada.

Dale was a loving husband, devoted to his family and ready to help anyone in need. Any of Dale’s friends can attest to his loyalty and great sense of humour; always ready with a joke or a funny story.

Many thanks go to the team at CancerCare Manitoba for their dedicated, professional care especially our oncology nurse Kim Paradoski. Additional thanks go to the doctors and nurses at Riverview Health Centre for their tender and compassionate care during Dale’s final weeks.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Sobering Funeral Chapel, Beausejour, Manitoba on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brain Cancer Canada, P.O. Box 30007 RPO Woodbine Heights, Toronto, Ontario M4C 5J2

www.braincancercanada.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 14, 2024

Dale Neduzak

PASSING OF A MEMBER

FRANK WILLIAM LITWIN

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

Frank William Litwin

Passing of a Member

ROGER JOHN GRAY

1946 – October 5, 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.

As published in Cropo Funeral Chapel