Tag: Obituary

Thomas Frank Raabe

2 Comments

It is with profound sorrow that we share the sudden passing of Thomas Frank Raabe on April 3rd, 2023.

He is survived by his brothers Michael (Shelley). Norbert (Kathy), sister Monica (Rob) as well as his nieces and nephews; Chelsea, Chase, Nicole, Taryn and Ryan, whom he cherished deeply.

He was predeceased by his father Kurt, and recently his mother, Brigitta.

Tom was born on May 31, 1957 and grew up in Garden City. There he attended H.C. Avery School, Jefferson Junior High and Garden City Collegiate. He graduated high school in 1975 and that same year the family moved to West St. Paul. In 1979 Tom graduated from the University of Manitoba with his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree.

Tom was an extremely devoted and hard-working employee who took great pride in his 37 year career as a Network Planner with the Manitoba Telephone System, from which he retired in 2015. He was always one to lend a hand and this helping spirit lead him to start his post-retirement business, Prime Renovations. None of his woodworking jobs however gave him more joy than building his home with his dad in 1985, and the passion for woodworking continued until his passing. He would often be puttering in his shop and was a Jack- of-all-trades; he could build anything and there wasn’t a project that he didn’t have a tool for!

Our brother had our dad’s spirit; passionate about things he believed in, and being a man of conviction, he wasn’t afraid to voice his thoughts about what was right, or what was wrong. He loved a good debate! Above all, he had a huge heart for those less fortunate, and prior to his passing volunteered with Siloam Mission.

Tom loved music, and was one of Bruce Springsteen’s biggest fans. One of his favourite pastimes was watching Jets games and he treasured spending time with his friends, especially long-time buddies Irv, Dean, Gerald, Len and Doug. He will be missed by many others who had the good fortune to know Tom for the kind soul he was. Tom is missed by his family beyond measure, and the void felt by his sudden loss is indescribable.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 30th at the Rivercrest Inn (4200 Main St., West St. Paul) from 7-9 pm. All are welcome to attend (come and go).

He will be laid to rest with his parents on May 31st at a private family ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honour Tom by making a donation to a Mental Health charity of your choice, or to Siloam Mission.

You will never be forgotten, dear brother, uncle and friend.

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

David Earl Johnson

4 Comments

David Earl Johnson

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of life partner, dad, brother, uncle and great friend David Earl Johnson Húsafell on May 15, 2023.

David was born October 7, 1963 in Arborg Manitoba. David was predeceased by parents Haraldur Johnson, Dorothy Kroken, stepfather Norman Kroken and mother in law Christine Momotiuk; brothers Melvin, Marvin and brother-in-law Albert; sister-in-laws Lenore and Dawn; nephews Shane, Dustin, Kelvin and Trevor.

David will be lovingly remembered by wife Marcel; children Logan, Blayne (Jordyn), and Rachelle (Devon); granddaughter Everley; brother Harvey; sisters Sharron (Ray), Sandra (Stan), Doreen (Larry) and sisters-in-law Kim and Phyllis; brothers-in-law Dennis and Garry (Connie) ; lifelong friend Dean and many nieces, nephews and friends.

David was raised in Riverton, Manitoba where he spent his childhood years working on the family farm alongside his father.  As an adult, David worked passionately as a heavy equipment operator across Canada for 40 plus years acquiring many friendships along the way. David raised three beautiful children, Logan, Blayne and Rachelle alongside his elskan Marcel. Although David’s work took him many miles away, sometimes weeks at a time, he did so in sacrifice to provide a beautiful life for his family.

While at home, David spent his time getting his hands dirty; anything that needed fixing he could fix. David, with the help of his two boys, was always determined to accomplish a job well done. David was passionate about everything with a motor, especially snowmobiles. David had a love for dogs, collecting lighters, setting ice fishing nets, drinking a cold bud in his garage telling stories and making up his own riddles. It was in recent years that David’s passion for farming came full circle where he began to teach his children the ropes of farming the same way his father once did.

Dad, always know how loved you are by your family and friends. Your smile, laugh, and the memories you created will always be remembered and shared. You are dearly missed and we will be strong knowing, full heartedly, that is what you would want.

It is with great appreciation to the first responders and the staff at St. Boniface Hospital for the great care and compassion and for making David feel comfortable prior to and during his passing. As per David’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration in honour of David will be held Saturday May 20th at the family home.

Donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 1379 Kenaston Blvd Wpg, MB R3P 2T2

Friends and family are invited to share memories and condolences on David’s memorial page by using the comment field below.

Terrence Patrick Morris

37 Comments

If you are reading this – in the words of a dear friend – “I am GONZO! Love you Wayno.”

Looking back on my life I never thought I would die, but somewhere in the back of my mind, I always knew the possibility was there.

I was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario and I was predeceased by my lovely daughter, Melodie, by my mother Sarah, my parents-in-law Fred and Connie and I assume, by my father who was born in London England.

I am survived by my beautiful, loving, tender spirited wife Glynis. Sweetheart, all these years you were always there for me, and I love you very much. I am also survived by my wonderful children Terry (Betty), Flynne, Michelle, John (Jessica) and Joey (Deb). Also, my grandchildren Kyle, Eric and Julia, Callie and Keenan, Zoe and Deven and Molly, Julianne and Anders. I regret that I didn’t have the opportunity to cultivate stronger relationships with Joey’s sons Chris and Kelly.

I am survived by my sister Ellen (George) and my sister-in-law, Diane, and many nieces and nephews. I bid a fond farewell to my good friends and golfing buddies Ron Osesky, Ray St. Germaine, Owen Clark, Walle Larsson, Kirk Stanley and Frank Weiner.

My childhood years I spent as a ward of the Jewish Orphanage and Knowles School for Boys. The Superintendent of Knowles, Jack Hawkins, was a man who had a unique understanding of children, and he was like a father to me, and the 90 other residents and I loved him.

After I left the orphanage, I was employed in a variety of jobs – a choker in the logging camps of B.C., a roughneck in the oil wells in Alberta. A bit of a rounder, a boxer, and a performer.

At the age of twenty-seven I started T. Morris Booking Agency. I was a co-founder and administrator of The Royal Dance Conservatory. I also co-founded Bravo Concert Productions with my dear friend Wayne Hlady. I spent 60 years in the entertainment industry and had the opportunity to work with an impressive number of gifted performers who poured their passion into their music. These talented people are largely responsible for any measure of the success that I may have achieved along the way.

I was a Charter Member of Variety Club in Manitoba Tent 58. I also had the privilege of serving as Vice President on the Board of Directors of Big Brothers of Manitoba. Goodbye to my little brother Gilbert.

I am on a journey to rejoin my sweet daughter Melodie, and my close friends Pat Riordan, Marty Corne, Roy Petty, Jim Jamieson Sr., Tom Schultz, Bill McGillivray, Mike Pestrak and the many good friends that have passed before me.

Finally, in closing, I once read a quote by a 95-year-old woman who listed the 40 ways she had achieved happiness. One resonated with me. “FORGIVE EVERYONE EVERYTHING.”

It’s something unpredictable, but in the end it’s right.

I hope you had the time of your life (Time of Your Life by Green Day).

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Friends and family are invited to share memories and condolences on Terry’s memorial page by using the comment field below.

Franklin William Bardwell

1 Comment

April 14, 1944 – April 28, 2023

On April 28, 2023, Franklin passed away at the age of 79 years.

He is survived by his brother John of Alberta.

Franklin was predeceased his father Raymond, mother Elizabeth,  sister Dorothy and brother David.

Franklin was a Scottish born Alberta cowboy who has ridden off into the sunset.

Friends and family are invited to share memories and condolences on Franklin’s memorial page by using the comment field below.

William (Bill) Henry Vennard

10 Comments

April 12, 1960 – April 20, 2023

With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Bill, Billy or Whiz at his home in Winnipeg, MB at the age of 63.

He is predeceased by his parents Norman and Beatrice and his grandson Jacob.  Left to cherish his memories are, his daughter Melissa (Daniel), son Dylan, grandchildren Liam and Penelope, sister Wendy Bartlett (Ted), brothers Pat (Cheryl), David, sister Donna Kreker (Ernie), numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Bill started his life in Treherne MB and at 10 years old his family settled North of town on the family farm.  He played minor hockey growing up and then played for his beloved team The Treherne Barley Kings.  After High School he became a certified Agricultural Mechanic.  He worked for Metcalfe’s Garage in town and then went on to work with his friends on several pipelines throughout Alberta.  He took some time out to work up North in Gillam MB on a hospital project.  Eventually he settled back in Southern Manitoba.  He lived in Lockport and then made his home in Selkirk where he began to raise his two children while working for Mandak Metal.  Another career change led him to Winnipeg working at Litz Crane but eventually leaving again to work in several gold mines, one in the country of Kazakhstan and in Red Lake, Ontario.  After suffering an injury at work in Red Lake, Bill took an early retirement.  He moved back to Winnipeg and volunteered his time as a Handy Man for Winnipeg Harvest. 

Bill made friends wherever he went.  He had a quick wit and was always saying silly things to make people laugh.  He had an old soul.  He loved old cars, old fashion music, old pictures and he cherished his old friends.

An interment will take place in Treherne, MB on May 27th at 1pm at the Rossendale Cemetery with a celebration of life following at 2pm at the Delahunt Golf Course.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:  Harvest Manitoba 1085 Winnipeg Ave Winnipeg, MB R3E 0S2.

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