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SIDNEY (SID) GRANVILLE AVIS
Date of Passing: Apr 03, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemorySIDNEY (SID) GRANVILLE AVIS
Sidney (Sid) Granville Avis, aged 65, of Matlock, Manitoba, passed away unexpectedly on April 3, 2026.
Sid is lovingly remembered by his wife of more than 40 years, Caroline; his sisters, Beverley Poschner, Paula Kaner, and Laura Kaner-Isaak (Andy); brothers-in-law, Rick Thomas (Jody) and Ed Thomas; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law Shannon Thomas and by both parents.
Sid was born in Winnipeg and, from the ages of 2 to 12, was raised by his grandparents near Belfast, Northern Ireland. Just before his 13th birthday, he returned to Canada to reunite with his mother and three younger sisters. He lived in Winnipeg for many years before he and Caroline moved in 2015 to their retirement home in Matlock.
Sid was truly one of a kind. With his warm smile, quick wit, easy charm, and generous spirit, he had a remarkable way of making people feel welcome. He was the sort of person others were naturally drawn to, and he left a lasting impression everywhere he went.
After trying his hand at several different jobs, Sid discovered his true calling in sales. He quickly became known as a natural - consistently among the top performers wherever he worked and earning many awards along the way. He spent much of his career in the furniture industry and eventually became Operations Manager for La-Z-Boy in Winnipeg.
In his late teens, Sid picked up a bass guitar and found a lifelong passion. Gifted and versatile, he played with countless musicians over the years - pretty much anyone who wanted to jam. Through music, he formed special friendships and began writing and recording songs. In retirement, he continued to play, joining bands in the Interlake area and performing at parks, halls, and private gatherings, always bringing joy to those around him.
Retirement also brought adventure. Sid and Caroline spent their winters travelling in their motorhome to sunny destinations, with golf clubs packed and Sid's bass guitar close at hand. Along the way, they made many dear friends and shared countless happy days filled with music, laughter, and golf.
Sid will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his humour, kindness, talent, and zest for life.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Matlock Recreation Club, 77 Matlock Road, Matlock, Manitoba, at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 25, 2026
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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I will miss jammin’ with Syd at our Monday Night Music at the Haswell in Weslaco, Texas. Doug and I had many great laughs with Syd at the dances and Doug will miss their bantering. Syd’s unique personality made you smile from ear to ear and brought the best out of you. He will be sadly missed but his memory will always bring smiles to our faces. Rest in Peace our dear friend. Our love, prayers and condolences for Caroline. Douglas and Dixie Simpson - Posted by: Doug and Dixie Simpson (Friend) on: May 14, 2026
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Deepest sympathies and condolences for the unexpected loss. It has been many years since I have seen or spoken to Sid or Caroline, I have fond memories from childhood of Uncle Sid. May he rest peacefully. - Posted by: Jenn Jarmuske (Family friend) on: May 02, 2026
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Sid and Caroline, always in our hearts, never to be forgotten. All our love to you both. - Posted by: Bob and Barbara (Friends) on: Apr 29, 2026
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Dear Caroline and Family, We were deeply saddened to hear about Sid’s passing. Having known you both for 35 years, I can truly say he was a great guy—deeply respected and highly thought of by everyone who knew him. Sid’s presence will be missed by us all. Our hearts go out to you during this incredibly difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Bruce and Dianne - Posted by: Bruce and Dianne McRae (Friend) on: Apr 28, 2026
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Dear Caroline, It has been sometime since we have last seen each other. I would like to wish our Sincere Condolences on behalf of myself, the boys Ian and Dean and their families as well as Lisa During this difficult time, may you find comfort in your loving memories, support from those who care for you and peace from the love that lives within your heart. With love Aunt Julia - Posted by: Julia Hall (Aunt) on: Apr 28, 2026
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Rock on buddy! You're with the greats! Much love to Sweet Caroline❤️❤️❤️ - Posted by: Bob and Jojo (Friend) on: Apr 27, 2026
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Got to know Sid at Jamming in our park in Texas.Great musician and a fun loving guy.Both Sid and Caroline were such great ambassadors for our park.They were a ray of sunshine at the pancake breakfasts and many other activities in our park.Sid you will be missed immensely.Big hug for you Caroline. - Posted by: Karen Williamson Raymond McQuarrie (Friends and neighbors in MVR) on: Apr 26, 2026
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Deepest sympathy to you Caroline. So sorry to hear of Sid’s passing. Edie - Posted by: Edith Brennan (Friend) on: Apr 25, 2026
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I will miss my jam times with Sid. He was so amazingly talented and always had a smile on his face. I feel so bad for Caroline, losing her husband after so many wonderful years together. Heaven has got a good man. - Posted by: Pam and Burl Adams (Magic Valley friends) on: Apr 25, 2026
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We were sorry to hear of Sid’s passing, he was a nice man. Sending you our condolences. - Posted by: Ken and Terry Hause (Friend) on: Apr 25, 2026
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Dear Caroline, I met Sid only once and found him charming. I am sorry for your loss. I hope his memories will offer you comfort. Iva Wilson - Posted by: Iva Wilson (neighbour, friend of Carol) on: Apr 25, 2026
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Sid was such a wonderful person, friend and neighbor. We will all miss him so much. Caroline know our hearts are breaking with you. - Posted by: Cindy Stewart (Friend) on: Apr 25, 2026