(DONALD) LAVERNE MANNESS

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(DONALD) LAVERNE MANNESS

On Tuesday, October 25, 2022, (Donald) Laverne Manness, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 79.
Born to Don and Gladys Manness, eldest sibling to Carol, Stuart (Jane), Garth (Linda), and Craig (Cheryl), Laverne graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Agriculture in Animal Science. During his time in university, he met Patricia Ross, a fellow Aggie from "Sunny St. James", who became his loving bride for 57 years. Together, they established a life together on the farm, raising five children: Rob (Sandy), Brent (Rachel), Lorna (Paul), Andrew, and Jon (Jane), and were also blessed with 13 grandchildren: Kayla, Lauren, Joshua, Caleb, Jessica, Alexandra, Nicholas, Samuel, Hannah, Ashley, Taylor, Sophia, Kristjan. He is also survived by his uncle Sidney Manness, and uncle Malcolm and aunt Sylvia Haverstick.
Laverne loved the farm. In his youth, he enjoyed involvement in the local 4-H Club, winning awards in both public speaking and the Cattle Club. After university, he went on to become a successful farmer, Councillor, and Reeve for the Municipality of MacDonald. Deeply devoted to community, Laverne worked passionately as Reeve to bring municipal water directly to the residents of MacDonald Municipality. As Councillor, he worked unceasingly to improve drainage for all farms in the region and to prevent flooding. He was an integral member of the group that brought the community together to build the Domain Hockey Arena.
Laverne was a sports enthusiast, winning the Free Press Trophy in 1967 and was also recognized as the All-Star Third for the Provincial Men's Curling Championship in 1966. He continued to curl until age 76. He loved baseball and showcased a menacing fastball. Through the years, he coached boys hockey, bringing home a Provincial Championship for the local community in Domain. He worked hard to balance the rigors of competition with the desire to give all kids the opportunity to play and grow to love the game.
Laverne had an incredible work ethic and his determination, energy, and perseverance were well known. Laverne loved to plant and nurture an enormous garden, preparing and enjoying bountiful meals with his family. He loved a good story, a good laugh, politics, and a team to cheer for. He had a strong intellect and a great sense of humour. Laverne was devoted to his family and will be dearly missed.
Our family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to thank the staff at Deer Lodge Centre for their care and support of Laverne. Donations in Laverne's memory may be made to The Deer Lodge Centre Foundation, Tower Three South.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 29 at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of the Rock. Interment to follow at Avonlea Cemetery.
Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home in care of the arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 29, 2022