Albert Raymond Bazinet

January 8, 1964 – October 2, 2025

It is with great sadness that the family of Albert Raymond Bazinet announce his passing on October 2, 2025, at the age of 61.

Albert will be lovingly missed by his wife of 37 years, Shirley Swan, and their children: Dale Swan, Gene (Janice) Swan, and Rachelle (Paul) Stephenson. He will also be deeply missed by their beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his mother Helen Bazinet, and his siblings: Douglas (Grace) Bazinet, Diane Stevenson (Terry Lee), Garry (Tara) Bazinet, Denise Bazinet (Taras Konyk), Raymond Bazinet, and Suzanne (Alex) Kluke, along with many nieces and nephews. Albert was predeceased by his father, Victor Bazinet.         

Albert was born and raised in Eriksdale, Manitoba, where he lived and worked on the family farm alongside his parents and siblings. Growing up in a close-knit rural community shaped his lifelong values of hard work, kindness, and friendship.

Albert met Shirley in the spring of 1988, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. They especially cherished camping, spending countless weekends exploring the outdoors and sharing quiet moments by the fire.

Albert was known for his friendly nature and love of conversation. He enjoyed talking with people wherever he went—whether he knew them or not—and could always find common ground and good humour in every exchange.

He had many interests, including farming, camping, and fishing, but his greatest passion was curling. From a young age, Albert was drawn to the sport, becoming a devoted competitor in bonspiels and league nights alike. Whether he was on the ice or watching from the sidelines, he was never shy about sharing his thoughts on the game, often offering friendly coaching and encouragement to players on both teams.

Albert made a lasting impact on junior curling in Manitoba. His experience and love for the sport were evident in his coaching and in the many relationships he built within his broad curling family. He cared deeply for all curlers, offering guidance, advice, and support to anyone who shared his enthusiasm for the game.

Outside the rink, Albert was a dedicated and hardworking member of Manitoba’s agricultural community. Over the years, he worked on numerous dairy farms and with both Alta Genetics and the Dairy Herd Improvement Association. His career took him travelling across the province, where he became well recognised and highly respected within Manitoba’s dairy and beef industries.

Albert and Shirley were deeply grateful to the many friends and family members who offered their support in countless ways, whether through rides to appointments, acts of kindness, or simply spending time with them. Their generosity and companionship meant the world to them. The family would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Cancer Centre team at the Victoria Hospital for their exceptional care, compassion, and support throughout Albert’s journey.

A Celebration of Life in honour of Albert will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at Heather Curling Club, 120 Rue Youville, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Albert’s name can be made to the Manitoba Junior Curling Tour (MJCT) in support of the young athletes and community he cared so deeply about. Donations may be made by e-transfer to: samantha.gevers@gmail.com (please include “Albert Bazinet Donation” in the subject line), or by cheque made payable to Manitoba Junior Curling Tour and mailed to c/o Pierre Alan, 27 Jupiter Bay, Winnipeg, MB., R3T 0W5.

We encourage friends and family to share a memory of Albert below, so that his warmth, humour, and spirit can continue to bring smiles to all who knew him.

Raymond Joseph “Joey” Smyrski

September 3, 1958 – May 15, 2024

It is with deep sadness I announce the passing of Joey after a lengthy illness.

Joey was predeceased by his father Joe in 2017.

He leaves to mourn his mother Jane, sister Kim, brothers Rick and Curtis (Cory), one niece Hannah and two nephews Reade and Merik, plus his partner of 23 years Crystal.

Joey was a one of a kind individual who would help anyone who needed it, no matter how big the job, he would at least try. He had the biggest, kindest heart of anyone I’ve known, and happiest when he had a fishing rod in one hand and a cold beverage in the other.

Throughout his years he had a few passions that he would lament about. Fishing, hunting and golf, he pretty much loved all sports. He favored most his “Blue Jays” baseball team and Saskatchewan “Rough Riders” football team.

He had so many friends that were quite close to him, too many to all mention but you all know who you are. He will be missed by every one of them.

As per Joey’s wishes, Cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service.

You’re free now Joey, go have that cold one now.

Till we see each other again.

“Me Three” Sweetie “Me Three”

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences using the comment field below.