WALLACE WELLINGTON MOWAT

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WALLACE WELLINGTON MOWAT Suddenly, on Saturday, February 2, 2002, at his home of Matheson Island, Wally Mowat passed away at the age of 70 years. Wally is survived by his loving wife Allie; his ten children, Catherine (Richard), John (Ann), Jo-Anne (Nelson), William (Kathy), Kevin (Susie), Janet (Terry), Joy (Farin), Marlene (Douglas), Terry (Edgar), and LaVerne (Jacques) 18 grandchildren, Regan (Candace), Tannyce (Preston), Ryan, Melissa (Shawn), Blair (Jackie), Sean, Shannon, Brandi, Vanessa, Willie (Brenda), Terrence, Clinton, Bryce, Seanna, Reece, Mandy, Becky, Tyler; five great-grandchildren, Jaydon, Shane, Daynon, Jaycee and Braedin; his brothers, Thomas (Nora) and Harvey (Dorothy) and his sister Doreen (Roland) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife Isabel (Polly-Anne) his parents, Kate and Arthur; six brothers and three sisters. Born in Inwood, MB, on November 28, 1931, Wally was raised at Matheson Island. He loved life with his family in Matheson Island and never liked to leave home for very long. He thoroughly enjoyed his life as a fisherman and trapper and was never happier than when he was able to pass on his skills and knowledge to all of his children, his sons and his daughters, and then recently to his grandsons. He looked forward to their visits home on weekends when they could go out with him either fishing or up trapping. He was particularly proud when his grandson Sean joined him (and enjoyed as much as he did) his chosen field - commercial fishing on Lake Winnipeg. He also took great pride in keeping the roads clear and in good condition all year with his grader and in working to build ice roads across the Narrows and to the Island in winter. He continued to be active as a fisherman, trapper, and grader operator until the end. Dad loved spending time with his family and enjoyed outings in the boat to the many beautiful beaches on Lake Winnipeg, fishing and camping up the Bloodvein River in the summer, and ice fishing in the winter. He always enjoyed meeting new people and having friends drop by for visits. He and Allie always had their home open to all of our friends and extended family. He was a wonderful story teller and could make us all laugh for hours telling stories about family and happenings from present day and days gone by. Dad worked hard for all of his life and took great pride in a job well done. He taught all of his children and grandchildren that we could do anything that we wanted to do. He made everything fun - always a joke or a smart remark, especially if we were complaining. As his children, his family, we always knew that we were his priority - regardless of what happened in our lives, or what we needed, our dad was there, and we never doubted that he would be. His grandchildren, and later, his great-grandchildren, were his pride and joy - he always looked forward to their visits home to the Island and liked hearing about their activities and experiences. He recognized their individuality and always appreciated the special gifts they brought to him with their different personalities and strengths. Each one was special to him in their own way. He and Allie drew strength from each other, and we always knew that together they were there for us. They greatly enjoyed and drew comfort from each others company, and their days were spent with many references to shared likes and dislikes, accomplishments of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They enjoyed the contacts with friends both near and far and looked forward to the phone calls and visits. The pallbearers will be Wallys nephews, Ron Mowat, Randy Mowat, Barney Mowat, Ernest Mowat, Chris Mowat and Kenny Mowat. Honourary pallbearers will be Stanley Sutherland, Lindsay Monkman, Jack Carlson, Blair Cooke and Ian Cooke. Prayer services will be said on Tuesday, February 5, at 2:00 p.m. at Gilbart Funeral Home in Selkirk, MB. Funeral services will be held at Matheson Island Community Hall on Matheson Island on Wednesday, February 6, at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Neil von Gunton presiding. A special thank you to the First Responders from Matheson Island and Pipe Dock, and to the Riverton Ambulance Attendants who were so supportive of our father and our family. Thank you to Dr. Benny Lei, Dr. John Embil and Dr. H. Fong for their care - our family appreciated your care and consideration. Thank you to the hospital staff at Johnson Memorial Hospital for their compassion, support and understanding. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 102-310 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 0S6, or to the National Aboriginal Diabetes Association, 174 Hargrave, Winnipeg, MB. "It was too soon, Dad, we still need you." Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk, in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 04, 2002