STEWART CLARKE SONLEY

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STEWART CLARKE SONLEY November 12, 1926 - December 15, 2009 Peacefully on Tuesday morning at the age of 83 Stewart succumbed to his illnesses at the Health Sciences Centre. Stewart is survived by his children Larry Sonley (Linda), Gayle Sonley, Clarke Sonley (Christine) and Judy Sonley (Dick), step-children Barry Melville (Valerie), Carol Maynard and Lois Melville, 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Stewart was born in Crystal City, Manitoba and took over the family farm at a very young age and worked the farm until 1961. He relocated his family to Selkirk where he purchased a corner store and worked at Selkirk Silicate, The Manitoba Rolling Mills and an automotive repair shop. Stewart moved his family to Winnipeg upon accepting a position with Versatile Manufacturing. He helped the company fabricate the first 4-wheel drive tractor and became the supervisor on the tractor assembly line, later becoming supervisor of the testing department. He retired from Versatile after 19 and one-half years. Stewart always had projects on the go and was an innovative thinker creating such things as a snow plane and prototype of a snowmobile while he was still farming. He continued working on vehicles and various projects throughout the years. He enjoyed his summers at his cottage at Rock Lake and later at Sandy Point with his late wife Dena. Stewart enjoyed spending time with family and friends recalling and telling stories. A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 21, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. at Inkster. Stewart's interment will take place at a later date in Crystal City. Stewart's family would like to thank the staff at both the Seven Oaks Hospital and Health Sciences Centre. In lieu of flowers, if friends and family so desire, donations can be made to the Kidney Foundation, 1-452 Dovercourt Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1G4. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 19, 2009