ROY HAROLD WICKSTROM

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ROY HAROLD WICKSTROM With dignity following years of illness, and with his children at his side, on February 12, 2002, Roy Wickstrom passed away at St. Boniface Hospital, in his 80th year. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Marvin (Leslie) of Calgary, Mavis Sayer (Fred Peebles) of Lockport, Maureen (Ken Dreffs) of Winnipeg, Maria Arsenault (Mike) of Moncton; grandchildren, Kara, Lisa, Richard, Abbie-Lee, Joel; one sister Viola Brailsford of Vancouver, BC; many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends throughout Canada and the United States; and his very special four-legged companion Sandy. He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Edith, in September of 2000; his parents, and 12 brothers and sisters. Roy was born July 13, 1922, in the Torquay, SK area, the second youngest of 14 children. He proudly served his country during the Second World War, primarily with the Seaforth Highlanders in North Africa, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium and Holland, and with the Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry during the liberation of Holland. He returned home in 1946, moving to Manitoba, where he worked on farms in the Homewood and Fannystelle areas. In 1948 he and Edith were married in Winnipeg, and they raised their family in the Elmwood district. Dad was a well known cabinet maker and carpenter for many years. Dad suffered tremendously over the years from chronic respiratory problems and other related illnesses as a result of his service overseas. Despite these illnesses, he maintained his positive outlook on life and his will to live until the end, a friend to all and there to help anyone who needed it. His passion for his fellow veterans was evident in his service to the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit 60, Garry Street. A member since 1962, he served on the Executive in virtually every position, elected as President in 1995. He continued in that role until 1997, and served as the Honorary President until his passing. In addition, he was awarded a Life Membership in 1988 and received the American Legion Friendship Award. He actively used his position with the ANAF to lobby on behalf of his fellow veterans to ensure that their lives received the benefits that they deserved for serving their country. He was a long-term member of Elmwood Legion #9 as well. The family would like to express their appreciation and thanks to those who helped make Dads medical conditions tolerable over the yearsDr. Jack MacDonnell and the staff of Deer Lodge Hospital in the early years; Dr. Turnley Wong and staff at ACF Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital; Dr. Shojania and staff at Oncology, St. Boniface Hospital; all the staff on 5A, 5B and 5E in St. Boniface Hospital; the staff of Emergency at St. Boniface Hospital (with special thanks to Randy Anderson, Orderly) and the many paramedics who assisted Dad on far too many occasions; VON Nurse Karrie and the staff at Home Care; and his family doctor, Dr. B. Komenda and his staff. In accordance with Dads wishes, cremation will take place. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 15 at Holy Rosary Church, 510 River Ave., at 12:00 noon, with Father Gary Killen officiating. This will be followed by an interment service at the Military Columbarium at Brookside Cemetery, and a celebration of his life with family and friends at ANAF Unit 60, 279 Garry St. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Boniface Hospital Research Foundation, 409 Tache Ave. LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements; 775-2220.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 15, 2002