CHESTER (JAMES) SUMNER

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CHESTER (JAMES) SUMNER September 8, 1948 - September 13, 2001 It is with great sorrow that we, the family announce the sudden passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather, nephew, uncle, brother, friend, and hero, Chester James Sumner on Thursday, September 13, 2001 of Fairford, MB. Although his passing makes us sad, we know he is gone to heaven. James is survived by his wife Kathleen; his children, Faron, Monica (Rick), Jaime (Colin), Lucas, and his adopted daughter Lindsay; two grandchildren whom he loved so much, Hattie Delaney and Tianna; brothers, Ron (Dora), Eugene (Irene) and Norman; sisters, Myrtle, Muriel (Brian) Shorting, Darlene (Louie) Malcolm, Dot, Harriet and Cindy (Jerry) mother-in-law Helen Sumner; brothers-in-law, Brian (Rhonda), Wayne (Harriet), Cyril (Lisa) sisters-in-law, Christine Traverse, Caroline (Leslie) Thompson, Julia Sumner, Evelyn, Verna (Thomas) Woodhouse, Lisa (friend Eddy) his last surviving uncle from his dads side, Hector Sumner; his uncles from his moms side, Gordon (Genevieve) Stagg, Ormand (Eileen) Stagg; aunts, Irene Marsden, Myrtle Woodhouse, Beatrice Redford, Isabel Penner, Sophie Stagg, Joyce Zettergren, KooKoo Jean Woodhouse and KooKoo Joyce Grouch; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. James was born and raised in Fairford. On October 23, 1976, James married Kathleen. They had four children, Faron, Monica, Jaime and Lucas. In his early years he worked in various places such as Winnipeg, Selkirk and Gillam. He was a commercial fisherman on Lake Winnipeg for a number of years. A few years after his dads passing, his mother told him to sell his fishing license and equipment because one of his sisters had had a dream about him drowning. In 1987, James went to Truck Drivers school in Winnipeg. He obtained his class one drivers license. We also learned he was the teachers pet, because of his character. Anyone could see that James was a very kind and gentle person. After completing his drivers training, James started working for Fairford Education as a school bus driver until his passing. James was also a member of the Manitoba Chuckwagon and Chariot Association. His friend Ed Thompson would race the chuckwagon and he would race the chariot. Theyd be seen travelling on weekends going to race meets. James had a special love for horses. At one time, he had about 30. James will be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews. He had a nickname for every one of them. James had many friends, but his close friends were Ed Thompson, Alex Spence, Allen R. Anderson and John Badger. This will not be forgotten. James was predeceased by his brother Cecil on October 9, 1977; Dad on December 16, 1977; niece Jacqueline on March 27, 1988; grandmother Margaret Sumner on September 12, 1992; mother Hattie on December 3, 1996; grandmother Harriet Stagg on February 4, 2001; grandfather Peter Sumner in 1961; grandfather John Stagg in 1968. After Mother died on December 3, 1996, there was a big change in James life. He was lonely, and often visited Mothers grave. The night before his passing, he kept listening to a song titled "Going Home." Now, hes gone home to be with Mom and Dad, and Cecil and THEY ARE REJOICING! Wake service will be held on Sunday, September 16 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Monday, September 17 at 12:00 p.m. Both services will be held at the Fairford House of Prayer, Fairford, MB., with Hector Sumner and Pastor Wilfred Bruce officiating. Interment to follow at Fairford Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Selwyn Sanderson, Gerald Marsden, Leslie Thompson, Alex Spence, Allen R. Anderson and Ted Woodhouse. Everyone who knew James is to consider themselves honorary pallbearers. Crossbearer will be Ed Thompson. The family would like to thank all those people who brought food and lunch, words of sympathy and prayers. Special thanks is extended to the Fairford Chief & Council, Ambulance Service, Ashern Hospital Staff, R.C.M.P., Pinaymootang School, Anderson Family Funeral Home, and everyone who came to visit us in our time of need. "Trust in the Lord and dont despair." Arrangements entrusted to: ANDERSON FAMILY FUNERAL HOME ASHERN, MB 204-768-3606

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 15, 2001