Tag: Obituary

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.

Joann Louise Kissuk-Penhall

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December 17, 1938 – September 13, 2026

Joann, named Joan Louise Kissuk at birth, beloved mother of Edward (Trisha), Keith (Kathy), and Benjamin, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 13th.

She leaves behind brother Garry Kissuk (Susan) and family in Calgary, Alberta.

Numerous nieces and nephews, grandchildren Alyssa (Ryan), Jolanda and great-grandchildren, Dante, Liam and Luca.

She is predeceased by Stephen and Jeanette Kissuk, niece Kristina, first husband Leslie, and several aunts and uncles, cousins, and numerous friends.

A special mention about her friend Joy Mathewman. Joy and Joann shared the entirety of their adult lives as best friends. Joy was especially significant in convincing mom to have emergency gastric surgery in 2017, which allowed for several more years of good health.

Mom lived a life that was emblematic of the Silent Generation. She worked in several roles that led up to her first marriage and children. Then, at the vanguard of modern society, became a working mom in early 70s. Working Mom was a role she would mostly keep up for almost all of her adult life.

Having learned secretarial skills, her early professional life included acting in a legal secretary capacity which eventually led to her teaching at the Success Angus Business College where she passed on her lived knowledge to young adults at the start of their careers. One of her prized knowledge gifts to be passed along… an encyclopedic knowledge of short hand; teaching all who wished to understand what the squiggles and marks meant. She transitioned to work at Great-West Life and all the opportunities that that company brought her. Over time, she remarried and in 1989 completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at the Winnipeg Bible College in Otterburne, MB.

She found a calling working with developmentally challenged adults, in the ’90s, both at the Salvation Army and Larche Society. At Larche, she was a live-in resident manager; one who took a distinct interest in both residents and colleagues.

Finally, retiring from those activities in the early part of this century. She retired to caring for her heart-dog Matrix, and, of course, keeping up with her busy and growing family.

Mom gathered friends like a snowball rolling down a hill. Not picking up everyone, but those that either were meaningful to her in a social context, or in many cases, people who were in need. There were several friends over the years that shared time, meals, and even living space in their time of need.

She loved social engagement. She loved following current events. She loved being involved. Luckily, as her body became more and more unable to maintain her independence, her cognitive abilities remained intact up until her final days.

The road to the Deer Lodge Centre was not direct. She had several stops along the way to full-time residency there in 2023. Her care on Tower 5 was excellent and very much appreciated by Joann and all who visited were lucky enough to hear mom talking about how fortunate she was to land there.

A life of 87 years has many chapters, twists, and turns. This barely scratches the surface, but allows a glimpse of how Joann impacted her family, friends, acquaintances, and people with whom she interacted.

Rest easy Joann, your work is done. The family will carry on, and remember the love that was imperfectly perfect.

Joann preferred a quiet passing with no formal celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to your charity of choice, the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation, or the Winnipeg Humane Society.

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