CAPTAIN MARK W. BROWN

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CAPTAIN MARK W. BROWN Winnipegosis, MB March 11, 1926 - September 3, 2006 With saddened hearts we announce the passing of our husband, Dad and Afi on September 3, 2006 with his family by his side. He leaves to mourn his best friend and loving wife of 56 years, Freda; his son Dan and wife Pat and his three granddaughters whom Mark adored, Sherisse and husband Jayson, Kristin and friend Korie and Linnzi and friend Frankie. Mark is survived by his sister Lena Fleming and brothers, Wilfred Brown and Walter (Marie) Brown; sisters-in-law, Violet Rogers, Polly Goodman, Laura Wasylciw and Leona Namaka; brother-in-law Ben (Gail) Benson; sister-in-law Myrtle Benson and brothers-in-law, Bill Lindal and Cliff Matthews, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and good friends. Mark was predeceased by his father Haraldur and mother Elizabeth; three brothers, Barney, George and Harvey; three sisters-in-law, Mary Brown, Edith Brown and Claire Brown; brother-in-law Raymond Fleming; sisters-in-law, Kay Lindal, Fjola Matthews and brothers-in-law, Gisli Benson, Don Rogers, Kap Goodman, Peter Wasylciw and Stafford Namaka. Mark married the love of his life, Freda Benson, on September 21, 1950 at Red Deer Point. They made a home for their family in Winnipegosis where they raised their pride and joy, their son, Dan. As their family continued to expand with the birth of their three granddaughters, a special connection grew between Afi and his three little girls. Mark always had a great love for the lake. In his younger days, he commercial fished with his father and brothers. Later he received his first job as captain of the Myrtle M where he hauled fish from the northern stations to Winnipegosis. In 1953, he became employed with the Department of Public Works as a First Mate and then in 1960 received his designation as Captain. He first worked on Lake Winnipegosis on the tugboat, The Mossey and then was transferred to Lake Winnipeg where he captained The Peguis and The Grand Marais, Dredge 205. He retired from life on the water in 1986 to spend more time with his family who he loved dearly. Mark always loved being around family. Mark, Freda and their son and his family enjoyed many special vacations together. The most memorable were the trips to Disney World, the West Coast, the annual trips to Brandon at the Colonial Inn and the many camping trips and boat rides together on the Blue Angel. Mark loved music and loved playing his collection of good fiddling music. Any visitor to their home would hear these musical melodies playing in the background. Mark was a very kind, gentle and generous person and was loved by all who knew him. He was known for his great sense of humour and smiling grin. His witty remarks would always fill a room with laughter. His unconditional love will be always remembered by his family and friends. His love will live on in our hearts as we cherish the many special memories. It will be lonely here without you, We will miss you more each day, For life will not be the same for us, Since you've been called away. We will always remember the way you looked, The you walked and smiled, All the things you did for us, Will be with us all the while. You always did your best, Your heart was true and tender, You lived your life for those you loved, And those you loved will remember. A special thank-you to Dr. E. Johnson and the nursing staff of the Winnipegosis District Health Centre and Personal Care Home for their great care to our husband, Dad and Afi. Funeral service will be held on Friday, September 8 at 2:00 p.m. in the Winnipegosis Elk's Hall. Rev. Len Bellamy will be officiating. All of Mark's family and friends who shared in his life are to consider themselves as honorary pallbearers. Family and friends who so desire may make a memorial donation to the Winnipegosis District Health Centre, Box 80, Winnipegosis, MB, R0L 2G0. Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Service in care of funeral arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 06, 2006