HOWARD RALPH STURTEVANT

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HOWARD RALPH STURTEVANT It is with deep sadness, but with wonderful memories, we announce the passing of our dad Howard Sturtevant on Sunday, September 25, 2005 at the Stonewall Hospital. He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Myrtle Sturtevant, sisters, Lyla, Alice, Greta (Colin), Letha (Henry); brother Jesse and brother-in-law Jake Ginter. He is now reunited with all of them and I am sure has already played a game of golf with uncle Jesse. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Frances; daughter Laverne (Greg), son Darryl and three grandchildren, Jess, Kasen, Ashley (Dave); and three great-grandchildren, Arionne, Calvin and Anisha. He is also survived by two sisters, Lois (Roy), Eileen; sister-in-law Dorothy Sturtevant; and brothers-in-law, Leo Flood, Ernie Brown, Myron Phipps (Emily). He also leaves to mourn numerous nieces and nephews, as well as wonderful friends that gave him joy and happiness on many occasions throughout his life. He was born March 3, 1923, in Clearwater, MB where he spent his earlier years growing up on the family farm in the surrounding area. He knew hard times early in life as the third eldest of a family of eight children during the Great Depression. This experience was everlasting, and he would often give us gentle reminders to count our blessings . The family found fun and entertainment through music as all the children played musical instruments. During the winter, time was devoted to a family music fest that became a very special family event. Dad played the guitar and banjo. The family eventually moved to a farm in the Stonewall area in 1932 where money was not always plentiful but the wealth was found in a community that became home. Dad reminded us that it was the sharing between family, friends and neighbours that helped to put dinner on the table, get the crops off the field on time as well as to get the wood cut and stored before winter. This community spirit was seen right up to the end of dad's life and there is no dollar value that can be applied to how grateful we are to be a part of an amazing community of people. Dad served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War and returned to his farming roots following the war. On June 17, 1949, dad was united in marriage to Frances Phipps in Lilyfield, MB and they soon settled on their own farm in the Stonewall area. Dad operated a dairy and mixed grain farm until his retirement in 1988. Following retirement, dad enjoyed curling, golf, camping with his 5th wheel trailer and playing cards with friends. Dad was a member for greater than 50 years with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch Number 52, the Independent Order of Oddfellows Lodge and the Stonewall United Church. Dad's life was his family and nothing made him happier than to talk about his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was also at his happiest when he was working in his workshop fixing things. There wasn't a single item that dad couldn't fix and he was proud to see things restored to their original state. Dad greeted everyone with a firm handshake and gentle smile. He assumed the good in everyone and didn't hesitate to set an extra plate at the dinner table for anyone who dropped by for a visit. Dad will be forever known for his kind spirit and gentle manner. A celebration of dad's life will be held on Friday, September 30 at 1:30 p.m. at the MacKenzie Funeral Chapel in Stonewall, MB. Interment will be in the Lilyfield Cemetery with a lunch following at the Stonewall Legion auditorium. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Stonewall United Church. See you later Alligator After awhile crocodile We will love you forever MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 29, 2005