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On the 21st February, 2023, Joseph Laurent (Larry) Lagace, beloved husband of Bernadette Lagace (1937-2004), passed peacefully at the age of 90. It was during that moment where he would be reunited with his one true love in his life.
Larry was born and raised in a small New Brunswick fishing village of Belledune and raised in Pointe Verte, NB, during the height of the great depression. As dad would recall, "You knew the poor families as there were always lobster carcasses by the back door."
He was the oldest child of a French Acadian family, Denis and Marie-Rose Lagace. His siblings were Florien, Claude, Claudette, Yvonne, Jeanette and Irene.
When dad was 19 he joined the Canadian Forces. In 1952, he deployed to Korea as a Combat Engineer- his proudest moment of being in the military. During that time he told us about protecting the bridge from the North Koreans- it was raining all night and he was on the bridge with the explosives. During the night with no one around, raining hard, he slipped into the raging river. He didn't know how to swim and thrashed around with a final attempt, finding a rope. He pulled himself out and never told anyone because, as all young soldiers feel, he thought he was in trouble.
In 1956, Larry was sent to Chilliwack, BC, for trade training. This young French-Canadian soldier, unable to speak English, met Bernadette thanks to his soon to be father-in-law, Joe Fortin. Bringing the young soldier to a French-Canadian family, Larry and Bernadette fell in love and married in October, thus started a life-long adventure of family and postings. Mom had no idea that meant leaving her family in BC. In late summer, 1957 they had their first child. Shortly after, in 1958 with child in hand, they moved to Shilo, MB, and finished having their family of four.
Several postings across Canada, in 1970, his final posting in Winnipeg, they settled as a family back in Manitoba.
In 1975, dad retired as Master Warrant Officer, bought his first and only home in Charleswood and gave his family stability.
Working in the public service until 1995, dad then enjoyed the passages of retirement- a wife who wanted to travel more and have plenty of friends to hang around. She made him a social butterfly whether he liked it or not.Retirement was simple- both Larry and Bernie made St Charles Parish their special place as Eucharistic Ministers. He also enjoyed the Knights of Columbus, Korean Veterans Association, baseball, curling and making sure our mom was not adding barbeque sauce on his food- he was very fussy.
He also had the great pleasure of watching his family grow with the addition of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Indeed, just two-weeks prior to his death, the family came together to celebrate his 90th birthday at Deer Lodge. Even the folks away joined in through Zoom. It was so special for him, holding babies and feeling loved!
Dad passed as all soldiers should- with respect and honour. He was escorted from his room by his grandson, an Afghanistan Veteran, with the Canadian Flag draped over his body and given a final salute.
Left to mourn his departure are his children, Larry (Linda), Mike (Lorraine), Denise, Murray (Deb) and grandchildren, Natalie, Ryan, Adrienne, Marc, Adam, Nolan and Danielle. His great-grandchildren- Connor, Sophie, Rory, Julien, Nicole, Gus and Fern complete his circle of life.
Dad's spirit was kind and genuine. He loved and made it easy for others to love him. Too honest at times, this endeared him to all that knew him.
The family wish to thank the Deer Lodge Centre Staff for their kindness and support during the past three years, including ensuring Damien (his pet mechanical cat) was working right. Of special note, Rolando- you truly became endeared to dad and his family.
Thanks to Linda and Lorraine for their love of their father-in-law and the years of support ensuring Bernadette didn't have to come back and kick his butt to engage family. He was dad to both.
Of one last note- in his final couple months his conversation changed from wanting to buy a car to wanting to adopt a boy! He thought it was so important. In 1975, when retiring from the military, his mother had to inform him that, indeed, dad was an adopted son, loved by his new mom and dad in 1933.
A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, 15th April at 10:30 am at St Charles Catholic Parish, 320 St Charles St, Winnipeg. On the following Monday, there will be a private family internment where his ashes will join his beloved Bernadette.
After a courageous battle with cancer, Robert Leo Barry (Bob) took his final flight on Friday July 31st 2020 with his family by his side.
He is pre-deceased by his parents (Leo & Edith), his brother Bruce and his granddaughter Victoria. He is survived by his twin brother Bill (Dorothy), brother Bert (Patricia), wife Arlene, children Brenda (Ralph), Cheryl (Sheldon) and Robert (Laura), his grandchildren Craig, Andrew, Trevor, Clay & Kaycee, his great grandchildren Shaylee, Annabelle and many niece and nephews.
Bob was born May 25th 1935 in Iroquois Falls, Ontario. Upon finishing school, he joined the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals in the Canadian Army.
His army basic training was held in Vimy Barracks, Kingston, ON where he became a Radio Operator. His first posting was to #1 Airborne Signals Squadron, Royal Canadian Corps Signals, Barriefield, ON and he completed his Parachute training at the Canadian Joint Air Training Center, Rivers, MB in September 1954. He made 14 jumps. His next posting was to Vancouver Wireless Station in Ladner, BC where he was for 3 years.
He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force Reserve, 442 City of Vancouver Squadron, and was sent to Centralia, ON for flying training on the DHC 1 Chipmunk. From Centralia, he went onto Moosejaw, SK on the "yellow peril", the Harvard Aircraft, and then onto Saskatoon, SK, for training on the Beechcraft Expeditor aircraft. He received his RCAF Pilot's Wings on March 13 1959. He transferred from the RCAF reserve to the regular force and was transferred to the Air Observer School (AOS) in Winnipeg, MB, arriving April 1 1959.
He flew the Douglas DC3 Dakota at AOS for 2 years and was then posted to the 111KU Search & Rescue Unit where he flew the Dakota, The DHC3 Otter on Skis, wheels and floats, and also flew part time on the Lancaster and the Sikorski H34A Helicopter. He was OIC Para Rescue for a while and jumped the Search & Rescue lads out of the Otter and the Dakota.
In June 1963 he was posted to the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) El Arish Egypt, to fly the Dakota, DHC4 Caribou and the otter for the UN and after a year he was posted back to Canada in 1964 to the now renamed Air Navigation School in Winnipeg to fly the Dakota. He took early retirement in 1966 having devoted 13+ years to the military.
In the summer of 1966 he flew a DC3 for the Hudson's Bay Company and in October he was hired by Air Canada. He trained on the VC9 Vickers Vanguard aircraft in Montreal and was posted back in Winnipeg. He flew the Vanguard until 1969 when he changed to the Douglas DC9. He flew the DC9 for 17 years and retired in 1985, having flown 20 years for Air Canada.
He was hired by Wardair and flew the Airbus A310 out of Toronto, ON until Wardair was bought by PWA Corp and was then transferred to Edmonton where he flew the Boeing 737 for Canadian Airlines. His 737 flying was all domestic including, with Canadian North, into many of the Northern Canadian Stations such as Yellowknife, Inuvik, Iqaluit etc. He was laid off in 1993, so he got a job flying the Airbus A310 for Alyemda Yemen Airlines in Aden, Yemen, and was re-hired by Canadian Airlines, back on the 737 in Edmonton.
When old age (60) came along in 1995, he retired from Canadian Airlines. Not being one to sit idle, he got a job in the summer of 1995, flying the Dakota for Plummer's Lodges at Great Bear Lake, NWT. For a number of trips he picked up US President George H. W. Bush in Yellowknife, NWT and flew him and his entourage to a few fishing lodges and back to Yellowknife. He even had President Bush as his co-pilot on a trip to Tree River Lodge. They had a good chat and he just happened to have a Tree River Lodge Sweatshirt in his flight bag, and when he gave it to the President, the President gave him a Presidential Pen.
Throughout the years, his love of flying stretched into Gliders as well, and he spent many hours/days/weeks in Gliding Ports throughout North America and in Germany.
After 38 years and some 21,000 flying hours, he hung up his wings. He says that he never worked a day in his life. It was all fun (except jumping out of a perfectly serviceable aircraft), and he would not have changed it for the world.
As per Bob's wishes, there will be no formal service. If you wish, a donation can be made in Bob's name to the:
Riverview Palliative Care 3E, Winnipeg, MB
or to
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ron, peacefully at home on July 7, 2020.
Ron is survived by his loving wife Carolyn; children Kelly (Roger) Mailhot, Rob (Carol) Grant, Judy (Garth) Recksiedler, Chris (Barbara) Grant, Ryan Maher, and Shannon (Darrell) White; grandchildren Kent (Sarah) Russell, Ryan Turner, Mark (Mary) Turner, Kayla (Jason) Klos, Lindsay (Sean) Morgan, Haleigh (Mike) Perdonic, Rebecca Grant, Jillian Recksiedler, Emily and Jake Grant, Mackenzie and Sadie Maher and Kayden Sutherland, Raelyn, Griffin, and Kinsley White; great-grandchildren Zane Ternary, Hannah and Emma Turner, Mason Turner, Benjamin, Zachary, Scarlett Klos, Lucas & Eva Morgan, and Vivian Perdonic; siblings Shirley Hardy, Todd Grant, Bob (Cheryl) Grant of Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, Terry (Irene) Grant of Airdrie, Alberta. Ron also leaves to mourn, many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
Ron was born, in the small town of Preeceville, Saskatchewan, to Alex and Barbara Grant. He was the oldest of five children. Ron left Saskatchewan to join the Royal Canadian Air force at the age of 17 and traveled to many places, which included Germany, Italy, and Yemen to name just a few. His niece fondly remembers a picture he sent home, of himself, riding a camel.
After 20 years of service, with stops in several provinces, he settled in Winnipeg, retired, and tried on a few different job-hats before signing back up with the military. He then enjoyed another ten years as a supply tech with Cadet Support Unit Prairie. He loved spending the summers at the Cadet camp in Qu'appelle, Saskatchewan. Ron met many people throughout his lifetime and enjoyed lasting relationships with friends from all over the country.
Ron not only enjoyed his career with the military, but as a young man he joined several clubs and participated on many teams, such as baseball, curling, darts, and pool; he was even a lifeguard at his first posting. In 2002 when he finally hung up his beret for the last time, he spent his retirement doing the things he loved the most. Vacationing with his wife of 30 years, Carolyn, cooking, wine making, repairing things (there was nothing he couldn't fix) and of course spending time with his family and friends.
Thanks for the years you gave us, And for the times we've shared. We only pray when you left us you knew how much we cared.
A special thanks to the ladies at Golden West Centennial Lodge day program, as well as, the nurses and staff of the WRHA Palliative Care program.
In lieu of flowers, the family would sincerely appreciate any charitable contributions, made in memory of Ron, to a charity of choice.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE Cremation & Life Celebration Planning 530 St, Mary Avenue - Winnipeg 204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com
It is with great sadness that the family of Raymond Sawchuk, aged 81, announces his passing on Tuesday, November 13, at the Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg. He was surrounded by his loving family. Ray will be tenderly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy (nee Myrdal), and his four daughters, Laura (Dennis), Cheryl, Lynn (Scott) and Marianne (Bruno). He will also be fondly remembered by his seven grandchildren, Katrina, Katelyn (Austen), Nicole, Rachel, Sage, Francesca and Chase, as well as his younger siblings, Joan (Garry) and Russell (Laura), and extended family and friends located near and far. Born in Endeavour, Saskatchewan, Ray graduated from McGill University in Montreal in 1959 with an Electrical Engineering degree, but his heart was with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) where he became a decorated jet fighter pilot and flight instructor. His military career included many operational tours all over the world including working with NATO, NORAD, the UN and MINURSO. After retiring from the RCAF and the UN, he was extremely involved with the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping (CAVUNP), the Joint Veterans Association (JVA) and Veterans Affairs Canada (VCA)
A commemorative ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 19, at the Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, located at 3030 Notre Dame Avenue across from Brookside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ray Sawchuk's name can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba, Research for Lymphoma of the Brain, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7 (204 774-7483).
NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
Honorary Chair of the Air Cadet League of Canada (Manitoba) Inc. Allan passed away peacefully at the Victoria General Hospital on September 10, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Kingston, Jamaica on December 15, 1931, the son of George Adam and Annette Louise MacKenzie. He attended Jamaica College from 1944 to 1948. He started his flying career with BOAC which led to him fulfilling his dream of moving to Canada in 1950 to join the Royal Canadian Air Force. After completing officer training and pilot training, he commenced his flying duties in 1952, as a Flying Officer. Allan advanced through the officer ranks to Lieutenant-General serving in a variety of flying and staff appointments. During his career he commanded a squadron, a base and the Maritime Air Group. In 1978, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General and appointed Chief of Staff for the Canadian Air Force. In 1980, Allan elected to resign from the Air Force and subsequently became Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Gendis Inc. situated in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In 1989, he was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer. Allan also served a year as President of Sony of Canada. He was on the Board of Directors for Sony of Canada Ltd. and was a member of the Regional Advisory Board for Carleton University. Allan was also a Governor of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires and an advisor to the Association of Canadian Police Chiefs. He was decorated a Commander of the Order of Military Merit, an Officer of the Order of St. John's, and the Canadian Forces Decoration. He was also a Knight of the Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem. He recently received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal. As well, he was a member of the Manitoba Club and the Royal Military Institute of Manitoba. Allan was appointed the Honorary Chairman of the Manitoba Provincial Committee of the Air Cadet League of Canada in 2010. Allan was predeceased by his first wife, Doris (nee Elliott), his siblings David (Mickey) and Audrey as well as his father and mother. Allan will always remain in the hearts of his loving wife, Valerie Ann and his two children Michael (Pam) and Barbara (Blain) as well as his grandchildren Lyndsey, Robyne, Marc, Kiera, Leanne and Rhys. Allan's legacy will be his strength, his integrity and his determination. There will be a private family service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or the Air Cadet League of Canada (Manitoba Division) or to a charity of choice.
With his family by his side, Joe passed away peacefully on June 8, 2012, in Grande Prairie, Alberta. He was predeceased by his wife Janet, stepson Grant Morsette, parents John and Edith Haywood, brothers Jack and Bobby Haywood. He leaves behind to cherish his memories daughters Susan (Rene), Kathy (Bruce), Cindy (Dennis). Brother Pat (Bunnie) Haywood, sister Edith (William) Kerelluke, grandchildren Michelle, Lisa, Cheryl, Kerri, Michael, Kyle and Evan, great-grandchildren, Megan, Cameron, Jayden, Bella and Zoey.
Joe was born July 24, 1933, in St. Boniface, Manitoba. During his younger years he was raised on Consol Avenue in Elmwood. In 1945, the family moved to St. Boniface, where he worked as a teenager in the union stock yards. In 1948, he joined the reserve army signal corps., fought the Winnipeg flood of 1950, and then joined the regular force in May 1951. He went on to serve 18 years with the Royal Canadian Signals Corps as a lineman. He worked overseas in North West Europe (Germany), returning to Canada to go up into the North West Territories and Yukon, where he worked on the radio systems. His postings in Canada were in Winnipeg, Churchill, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Kingston. In 1963 he was sent to Africa (the Belgian Congo) for seven months. He was decorated with a commendation from his commanding officer for his actions while in the Congo.
Joe suffered immensely from Post Trauma Stress Syndrome upon his return home from Africa. He fought the government for many years to have P.T.S.D. recognized as there was no such treatment for returning soldiers at that time. He also wrote a book called Mr. God I am Sorry about alcoholism and P.T.S.D. and how one disease leads into another. He lectured at Canadian Army bases as well as bases in the USA. He was well known to speak about the plight of all servicemen everywhere suffering P.T.S.D. caused by serving in war torn conflicts.
In 2003, Joe was awarded The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation for all his work in getting P.T.S.D. recognized.
Joe worked at the chemical and Alcohol treatment centre at Health Sciences Centre for seven years counseling Alcoholics. He held an able Toastmasters Degree, and was a valued member of Alcoholics Anonymous, speaking in many places in Canada and the USA. He is also a co-founder of Addictions Recovery Incorporated, two halfway houses for Alcoholic and Drug addiction here in Winnipeg. He also held memberships in many rodeo and horse associations and was an accomplished rider and horse trainer. In Manitoba alone he won 24 highpoint championships and many individual awards.
Joe also worked in Motion Pictures as a Horse Wrangler and stunt man. He traveled many summers with World Chuckwagon Champion Kelly Sutherland and also worked as an outrider judge for the W.P.C.A.
He held memberships in the following:
We would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at ICU Queen Elizabeth ll hospital, Grande Prairie, Alberta, as well as to the Sutherland family during this time of grief. Dad will always be lovingly remembered by many and cherished in our hearts forever. In keeping with Joe's wishes a funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. in the Norwood Legion, 134 Marion Street, interment will follow in the Military Section in Brookside Cemetery.
The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 253-5086 ejcoutu.com
As some of you know, he has suffered from - and courageously fought against - a series (ie five) of bouts of cancer. Now, he is at Peace.
Don served in the CA (R) and CF for many years. He retired as a very highly regarded MWO in the RCEME, for which he was decorated by the Governor General. His service included tours throughout Canada, Germany and various missions in the Middle East and Namibia. For his outstanding service to his country, in 2003 one of the streets in Garrison Green, near Peacekeepers Park was renamed "Don McLean Ave".
As a CAVUNP member he was a long-serving and Charter member of CAVUNP Calgary Chapter; subsequently a member of the Winnipeg Chapter; and then formed the Brandon Chapter and served as the first Chapter President. A very dedicated Peacekeeper, outstanding soldier, loyal friend and fine gentleman. He shall be sorely missed.
Services for Don McLean will take place on Thursday 07 Aug at 1400 hrs in the Faith Fellowship Baptist Church, 4 Willowdale Cres, Brandon Man.
Suddenly but peacefully, Norman passed away at the Health Sciences Centre on Monday, December 3, 2007. Norman was predeceased by his father Howard Burton and mother Robena Blanche Van Tassel (Rice); his brothers, Howard Jr., Clyde and James; sisters, Florence and Joan of Digby, NS. Norm is survived by his wife Lynne (Lena); son Stephen (Carol) of British Columbia; his daughter Lori Ann (Dugald) Carter; his grandchildren, Amy, Andrew and Vance Carter; brothers, Wayne (Minnie) of Ontario, Neil (Florence) of British Columbia; sisters, Pauline and Sharon of Nova Scotia, Donna (Bob) Kranstz of Ontario; brother-in-law Bill (Hazel) Rudishyn, sister-in-law Anne (Marion) Tylipski; Edna (wife of Clyde) of Manitoba and Lucille (wife of James) of British Columbia; nephews, nieces, family, friends in Canada and the United States.
Norm, born in Digby, NS attended school at Digby Rural High. He may be remembered in Digby as a young man playing hockey with his cousins and the other Van Tassels out on the pond or in the Digby Rink in the early 1950s.
He moved to Toronto in 1952, joined the Canadian Army and served in the regular forces until 1962. He had overseas duty in Korea with the 2 QOR of C and numerous postings in Canada as an instructor and later as Clerk Administrator.
Upon his release from the Canadian Army, he was employed as a Correctional Officer at Headingley Correctional Institute then as a fireman at the Atomic Energy of Canada in Pinawa, MB.
Later he returned to Corrections to work with juveniles at Vaughan St. Detention Home and Manitoba Youth Centre. In 1974, Norm founded and Directed Winchester House (first licensed Group Home for problem children in Manitoba) and Van Tassel Homes of Winnipeg which included a Wilderness Camp at Wallace Lake. He then finished his working career as a Real Estate Agent for NRS Block Bros.
Many summers were spent at his cottage at Wallace Lake where he, his wife and family enjoyed time with their friends. Norm's favourite pastime was fishing with his partner Ginger. In 2002 he sold the cottage and purchased an RV with dreams of traveling. There was never a dull moment in Norm's life.
He was a past member of the Board of Directors for the Last Post Fund, a member of No. 283 ANAVETS Association for 25 years, The RCL BR No. 4 for 21 years, Past President of KVA Unit No. 17, a founding member and Past President of the LGen RR Crabbe Chapter of the CAVUNP, founding member of the Sgt Tommy Prince MM Memorial Unit 76 of KVA and a member of the QOR Association of Canada.
Norm took part in many fund raising activities and memorials and will be remembered by many for his volunteer work. Norm, with the never ending support from Lynne, his devoted wife of 42 years, was granted many certificates and awards for his work: The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation, Queens Golden Jubilee Medal, service medals from Korea. Norm was the only Manitoban awarded with The Distinguished Silver Star for his work with the Korea Veterans of Canada. Norm will be fondly remembered by all his family and friends that supported him over the years. He will be especially missed by his three grandchildren and by Tara, his early morning walking partner.
Memorial service will be held on Monday, December 10, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Assiniboia Christian Centre, 3390 Portage Ave. with interment to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Ave. Pallbearers were selected from different organizations with the assistance of The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 4. The family would like to thank Dr. Lipschitz and Dr. Atwal for all their care, compassion and support. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. MAY HE REST IN PEACE We will meet again, another time, on another parade square! Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 885-9715
A Farewell to Norm By Billy Willbond
I just heard some very un-nerving sad sad news this morn About the passing of a good friend whom we all know as Norm Norm was a veterans' advocate - he lived in the Peg For veterans' rights and recognitions from Ottawa he'd beg!
He named peacekeeper lakes, built monuments and more He advocated for recognition for the forgotten Korean War Norm stepped on some toes but he did make his mark He made sure Ottawa's bureaucrats didn't keep us in the dark
Norm's up on that cloud square now he has fought the good battle Don't rest easy in Ottawa- don't think there' won't be more hassle Norm's friends will continue to shake the bureaucratic rattle Farewell my old friend, Rifleman Norman Van Tassel
William Willbond Canadian Soldier Poet Saanichton BC 0900 hrs Tuesday 04 December 2007
RIP buddy We will remember Norm Van Tassel