Arline Lillian Davey

Arline Lillian Davey passed away peacefully on November 2 at the age of 96 years in the Portage District General Hospital. Left to cherish her memory are her children Kenneth of Westbourne, Patricia (Vern) Crandell of Edwin, Robert (Jackie) of Westbourne, Heather (Bruce) Gardiner of Lakeland. Grandchildren and great grandchildren Michelle (Murray) Grady, Oakley, Andrea (JP) Madeleine, Emilie, David (Jen), Steven (Rachael),  Tim (Amber) Keirsten, Karson, McKenzie, Kaitlyn, Kaiden (Carter) and many nieces, nephews relatives and friends. She is predeceased by parents David Fawns, Margaret Sigurdson, sisters Fanella Kerr and Shirley Jordans husband William George Davey and one Grandson Christopher.

Arline was born in Swift Current SK, November 26, 1927, and lived in Pennet SK until 1934 when the family moved to Decker Mb. Her father passed away in 1938 leaving her mom with 3 girls under the age of 11. It was tough times in the “dirty thirties” and her mom remarried and the family moved to Gladstone Mb in 1942. Arline worked several jobs one of which was for the original owners of the “Paris Cafe” and another was as a telephone operator. Hence her love of phones and a gift for talking. In 1952 she married and moved to Westbourne where she lived for the next 66 years. Arline was a busy woman and always had many projects on the go. She was an active member of St George’s Anglican Church in Westbourne and in later years was the organist. She was known to stop mid-song to restart in a “lower key”. Arline loved gardening and especially flowers, Dahlias and Glads were her favourites. She was a part of the Horticultural society, and her flower arrangements won many prizes.

Arline was instrumental in the writing of 2 books. “When the West was Bourne” a history of the Westbourne area and “From Boys and Girls club to 4-H” in the Portage District. Arline was very involved in the 4-H program being a leader for 46 years and teaching just about every project there was and touching the lives of over 400 members. I’m sure there are many that hear her voice “Learn to do by Doing” and “There’s no such thing as Can’t”. In 1992 she received a Commemorative medal for her contributions. And in 2012 she received the “Queen’s 60th Diamond Jubilee medal for 40 years of service with 4-H. She was very proud of this one. In the community she was always planning and organizing someone or something. Be it bridal showers, talent nights, dances, games nights. Her “steam puddings” for the Fall Supper was a “must have”.

Arline started a Newsletter over 20 years ago to keep the locals and former residents updated on events and local news. It still runs today, and she still contributed to it up until a few months ago. In 2017 mom moved to Dalton Estates in Portage then she was one of the first residents to move into Dufferin Villa the new assisted living place. She enjoyed the friendships made at both places and she continued to organize there, compiling a songbook for sing song days.

“We are grateful for all the years and life lessons you shared with us and your memory will live on in all the lives you have touched.”

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November the 8th, 2024 at the Westbourne Community Hall at 2:00. Interment will follow at the Westbourne Cemetery. The service will be recorded and uploaded to Arline’s obituary page below.

Donations in memory of Arline may be made to the Big Grass Community Foundation, Westbourne Fund, Box 497 Gladstone, MB R0J 0T0.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021.