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VERNE PATRICK SHIRTLIFFE
Born: Mar 17, 1954
Date of Passing: Apr 27, 2020
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VERNE PATRICK SHIRTLIFFE
March 17, 1954 - April 27, 2020
Verne was born on March 17, 1954, to Hector Robert and Wilma Angela Shirtliffe (née Hubka). He grew up on the family farm near Elie, Manitoba, with four older brothers: Bob, Cliff, Jim and Ladd. Verne attended Elie Elementary School followed by St. Paul's Collegiate in Elie. After completing high school in 1972, Verne attended the University of Manitoba where he graduated with a double Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Sciences (1977) and Soil Sciences (1978). As the youngest of five boys, farming was probably not in Verne's future, but he stayed in the agriculture industry his entire career.
During his adult life, career opportunities and romance brought Verne to many communities in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario. He eventually gravitated towards rural, agricultural towns. Verne first worked as an agricultural sales representative in Winnipeg and Saskatoon and later for the Farm Debt Review Board in Saskatoon. Following this, he worked in the banking and agronomy sectors in several communities, including Carberry, Glenboro, Theodore, Estevan, Zenon Park, Quill Lake, Alameda, and Wakaw. He lived in Stony Mountain before settling in Portage la Prairie, where he worked for the Royal Bank of Canada. After his recovery from heart surgery in 2017, Verne retired.
In his free time, Verne enjoyed automobiles, motorcycles, curling and music; however, he especially loved socializing with friends and family. Verne was predeceased by his parents and by his brothers, Robert and Ladimir. He is survived by brothers, James (Janice) and Clifford (Trudy), sisters-in-law, Mildred and Jeanette, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Verne's infectious laugh and big smile brightened any event he attended. He will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched.
A celebration of Verne's life will be held following the easing of the present social distancing requirements.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 02, 2020
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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Vern was always so diligent about attending family gatherings. His booming laugh made it easy to find him in any crowd. Ever quick with a joke, he could make any situation entertaining and enjoyable. He treated everyone as a long lost friend, even those of us he saw only on occasion. I was fortunate enough to catch up with him this past November and although experiencing health difficulties, he was as positive and upbeat as ever. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to have crossed paths with him. My deepest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Nadene Shirtliff (Cousin ) on: May 09, 2020
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Verne and I grew up close enough in neighbourhood and age to afford me multiple chances to connect, so I had the benefit of getting to know him in early life. The best gift he gave me, as so many others, was the benefit of his humour. It was not long in any conversation with him before he saw an opportunity to interject a funny take on the topic at hand, followed by his robust laugh, and then we would all be laughing. Thanks, Verne, for that. - Posted by: Neil Shirtliff (Cousin and friend) on: May 05, 2020
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Always helpful, always giving, always looking at the bright side with that big smile of his......that's how we will remember Verne. From Elie to the U of M to almost every small town in Saskatchewan (or so it seemed), Verne blessed a lot of people with his infectious and hard-working attitude and demeanor. As a friend, as a university roommate, as an unofficial chemistry and math tutor in high school and as a groomsman at our wedding, we will miss you, Verne. And I guess our trip across the prairies on our Triumph motorcycles will have to wait until a different time and place. RIP, Verne. Andree Allard and John Hollinger - Posted by: John Hollinge (Friends ) on: May 05, 2020
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I grew up with Verne and can"t say I met a fellow with such an honest outlook on life. Verne was always easy going' and never got too upset when everyone else was. I'm sorry to hear of his passing as I was just getting in touch with Verne on face book. My condolences,RIP good Buddy. - Posted by: richard roy (Friend) on: May 04, 2020
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May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Charleen Powell (x wife) on: May 02, 2020
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My deepest condolences to all the Shirtliffe family. - Posted by: Lorna Hubka (Deceased husband’s (Al) relative) on: May 02, 2020
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Sending my deepest sympathy to all the Shirtliffe family. - Posted by: Doreen Buss (acquaintance) on: May 02, 2020