Category: Services

Clarence Mutcher

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June 26, 1936 – October 2, 2026

It is with great sadness that the family of Clarence “Poppa” Mutcher is sharing his passing in the early morning hours October 02; 2026. His body grew tired and slipped away, his spirt and soul live on in the hearts and minds of his family and friends.

Poppa had celebrated his 90th birthday in June.

Born a preemie on June 26; 1936 at home on the family farm in Manitou Manitoba; Poppa spent his first several months in a shoebox on the cook stove. He grew to a strong loving and generous man. With his passing he leaves to mourn his wife of 60 years Margaret, his daughter LeAnne (Dan), son Michael (Shannon), Grandson Brook (Tiffany) great grandchildren Austin, Isaac, Vaida and Presley, Grandson Grant (Samantha) and Grandson Riley (Kamal). He is also survived by a large extended family and in-laws.

Clarence is predeceased by his parents Ben and Rose Mutcher, brothers Orville, Kenny, Larry and his sisters Kay and Dorothy. He is survived by siblings Bernice, Otto, Gordie, Frank, Betty, Marie and Josie.

At the recent birthday celebration we were all reminded of Clarence’s creative imaginative mind. Stories were shared of his invention of a log splitter with items he found around the farm; long before the modern ones of today. He also crafted a set of wings and tested them by jumping off the barn in his younger years. He could build or fix most anything.

Clarence lived in many places over the years and spent the majority in Selkirk where he raised his daughter and son. He and Marg moved to Sandy Hook to help raise their grandchildren. He spent his final years back in Selkirk.

He was a very hard-working man. He worked on the farm(s) both family and others; the nickel mine in Thompson, MTS, building roads and highways, Selkirk Vet clinic, Mandak, and Selkirk water treatment plant.

Clarence had a love for keeping his vehicles clean and polished but would also go out of his way to drive through the biggest puddles after a rain. (only to go home and polish the vehicle again) Even with his love for his vehicles, he usually rode his bicycle to work.

He greatly enjoyed spending time outdoors. He enjoyed his many summers camping at Selkirk Park and Sandy Hook. He and Marg went on many trips, and to many music festivals. They spent several winters in Penticton, BC to escape the cold.

Poppa was a kind man that was always eager to help with any projects anyone had going on. He enjoyed chatting and sharing stories and jokes with everyone he met. He volunteered at the Selkirk Legion and was a life-long member.

The family would like to extend thanks to Selkirk Homecare, Selkirk Hospital, Selkirk Ambulance and Selkirk Betel for your compassionate care.

Graveside service will be held at St. Clements Churchyard (7 St. Clements Drive; Selkirk MB) Friday, October 23, 2026 at 1:00 pm with gathering at the Selkirk Legion to follow.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Clarence’s Memorial page using the comment field below.

Joseph Smolak

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April 18, 1940 – October 1, 2026

Joseph (Joe) Smolak passed at the age of 86 on October 1, 2026. Born in Winnipeg April 18, 1940. He passed peacefully at the Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital after losing his battle with Alzheimer’s.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Christel of Gimli, Manitoba, son Sheldon (Ren) Smolak of Kenora, daughter Kathryn (Randy) Fish of Kenora, grand-daughters Rayah Smolak and partner Cory Orieux of Winnipeg, Morgan Hancock of Kenora, Emily Smolak of Alberta, Josh Smolak of Kenora, and great-grandson Logan of Winnipeg.

He is survived by his sisters Jean (Louis), Richard of Calgary, Margaret (Russ) both of Hamilton, Ontario and many cousins and nephews. Also, his special cousin Sharon DeMelo of Winnipeg and special Aunt Millie of Winnipeg, special friends Kathie & Kevin Duff of Pinawa, MB.

He was predeceased by his parents George & Agnes Smolak and son Richard Smolak.

If you wish, you may make a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Joseph’s Memorial page using the comment field below.

Arlene Joy McCormack

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October 28, 1955 – August 28, 2026

In Loving Memory of Arlene Joy McCormack

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, Arlene Joy McCormack, who passed away on August 28, 2026.

Arlene was born on October 28, 1955, at the Women’s Pavilion in Winnipeg to her loving parents, Stan and Yvonne Hogle, who predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her beloved partner, Bruce Knight.

Arlene will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Tracy and Cassandra, and by her grandchildren, Dustin (Stephanie), Ryley, and Jynx. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Dexter Douglas, Alexis Isabelle, and Kimberly-Raigh, who brought great joy to her life.

She leaves behind her siblings, Lorraine (Garry) and Roger (Cindy Rae), as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Arlene’s memory will live on through the many lives she touched and, most of all, through the family she loved so dearly. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers or donations, Arlene would appreciate a tree being planted in her memory. May it grow strong and beautiful as a lasting reminder of her life and the love she shared with those around her.

Rest peacefully, Arlene. You will always be loved and never forgotten.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Arlene’s Memorial page using the comment field below.

Douglas Alan Waite

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May 6, 1961 – September 20, 2026

It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Douglas Alan Waite, age 65 of East Selkirk, Manitoba. In the years following a life altering subarachnoid hemorrhage, he journeyed down a long and gentle path of progressive neurological decline.

He leaves behind to lovingly cherish his memory his beloved wife Stephanie; stepsons Jordan, Nathan; stepdaughter Serina; eldest brother Jim, twin brother Pete; nieces Kelly (Alan), Lisa and Tasha; many cousins, extended family and close friends who will miss him dearly. Doug was predeceased by his parents James and Margaret; his brother Robert (Bob).

Doug grew up in the Pulberry area of St. Vital. He attended Hastings Elementary and Junior High schools and graduated from Dakota Collegiate in 1979. He was enrolled at the University of Manitoba, first in the faculty of Environmental Studies and then transferred to Arts.

Music became an integral part of his life. At the age of 13, Doug began playing the guitar, along with his twin brother Pete. His favorite bands and early influences were Kiss, Rush, BTO, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Alice Cooper and Black Sabbath. He began playing bass guitar in the early 1980’s, first with his band Pegasus, and in 1985 began working full-time in the band Circuit. Over the years, he played with the bands White Room, Masque, Jane Doe, Mother Groove (Famous Jane, Dreams & Rumours) and Xstatic. His love of music, and the memories made along the way remained a lasting part of his life. Upon retiring as a full-time musician, he began employment with Gardewine where he made many respected, meaningful friendships with co-workers and staff.

In 2004, the stars aligned when Doug met Stephanie, the love of his life. They exchanged vows in 2008, marking the start of a beautiful new chapter filled with shared adventures. Married for 18 wonderful years, their greatest adventures were embraced with those they loved most. They found immense happiness in fun times with the kids and lively celebrations with family and friends, while always making time for date nights enjoying favorite music. Happiest days were rounded out by favorite mall shopping trips, adoring his pets, leisurely scenic drives and escapes to Doug’s treasured Muskoka cottage at Muldrew Lake. There he enjoyed swimming, canoeing, boating or just having a quiet drink on the deck and spending the nights stargazing. As a loving husband and devoted stepfather, he found his greatest joy in the quiet sanctuary of his home life.

Beyond his gifts as a musician, Doug possessed a charming character, a witty mind, and an infectious sense of humor that could light up any room. He was a man of many passions, fascinated by the mysteries of astronomy, an avid movie critic, devoted reader of books and a true lover of all animals, especially his own beloved pets. A good movie and a great song were more than just entertainment; they were sources of inspiration that defined the deeper human experience. Above all, Doug will be remembered for his profoundly positive, reassuring nature – a steady, grounding presence who brought comfort and warmth to everyone he loved.

Although his complex health journey over the last eight years was marked by obstacles and complications, Doug met every daily boundary with humble resilience and grace.

In keeping with Doug’s wishes, cremation has taken place. No formal services will be held at this time. We encourage friends and family to reach out to one another to share their memories and celebrate Doug’s life privately. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a Musicians/Music Education Organization or a Wildlife/Pet Animal Rescue Organization of your choice.

“To live in the hearts we leave behind is to live forever.”

~ Carl Sagan ~

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Doug’s memorial page using the comment field below.

Brian Edward Anthony Roque

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July 2, 1949 – September 5, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Brian Roque, age 77, of The Pas, Manitoba, on September 5th, 2026.

Born in Little Current, Ontario and raised in Killarney Ontario. Brian made his home in The Pas in the early 1980’s, where he became a well-known and respected member of the community. He dedicated many years of his working life as an Audio-Visual Technician at Keewatin Community College. Now known as University College of the North (UCN) Brian believed deeply in giving back to his community. Over the years, he generously shared his time, energy, and talents with many organizations and boards, He was a proud member of The Pas Kinsmen and The Pas Oldtimers Hockey. He served on the Kelsey School Division School Board, Town Council, Aurora House, Sam Waller Museum, and Fisher Place just to name a few.

When Brian met Sheila at a Grey Cup party in 1988, he found his match. He then learned that she had two teenage children as well. Brian, who was up for any challenge, helped Sheila raise them like they were his own. He was always helping with homework, teaching them the “proper way” to load a dishwasher, turning a crappy shed into a “Friends Forever” party for Kim, teaching them how to drive and allowing Kim to have “just one more” cat. His children were his world and was always there when they needed him. Caption Brian was extremely proud of all of his grandchildren. You could always find him cheering them on at any one of their sporting events (especially curling), playing a round of golf, tapping his toes at a band concert, or playing a good game a cribbage or chess at the cabin at Setting Lake. He loved taking the boys to the dog sled races at Trapper’s Festival, a quick pancake breakfast after the races and some hot chocolate after the cold Trapper’s parade. Grandpa was always very patient, kind and always made sure his grandchildren were taken care of. He loved his grandchildren deeply.

Brian will be lovingly remembered by his wife Sheila Roque, his children: Dale Watts (Jennifer), Rocky Mountain House, Alberta and Kimberley Katcher (Kelly), The Pas, Manitoba. His brother Perry Roque, Brandon, Manitoba, sisters: Jeannie Joy (Larry predeceased), Thunder Bay, Ontario, Mary Roque (Pat), Killarney Ontario, Alice Burke (Brian), Thunder Bay Ontario, as well as son-in-law Derek Katcher, The Pas, Manitoba and sister-in-law Toni Roque. Thompson, Manitoba. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren Mitchell Katcher, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Jeremy (Austyn), Justin and Ethan Katcher, The Pas, Manitoba, Erica Watts, Calgary, Alberta, Jacob Watts, Claresholm, Alberta, along with many nieces and nephews who were very dear to him.

Brian was predeceased by his parents Basil and Margaret Roque, his sisters Colleen and Connie Roque, his brother Joe Roque, niece Rochelle Roque and nephew Craig Burke.

Brian’s life was defined by his love for his family, his commitment to his community, and the many relationships he built throughout his years. Brian was a husband, a father, a son, a brother, an uncle and a grandpa. He was always there, even if it meant giving a ride home from a party, a hand to help clean up after a ceiling falls down or just a hug or a laugh.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and former colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched through his kindness, generosity and service. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Brian’s cremated remains will travel to Killarney, Ontario for his farewell in July 2027.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Brian’s memorial page using the comment field below.