Beverley Towle

I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). With family by her side, Beverley “Bev” Towle passed away peacefully on July 20, 2022, at the age of 78 at the Portage District General Hospital. Bev was a positive person and was always of good cheer. She faced every challenge and difficulty in life with determination, courage, and hope; especially so when handling her recent health conditions.

Left to cherish her memory is her son Kelly (Carolyn), grandchildren Kristian (Kaylene), Nathaniel, Rebekah and Angelene of Prince Albert SK, brother Glen (Donna) Critchlow of Brandon, sister-in-law Shirley Critchlow of Brandon and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Bev was predeceased by husband Keith, parents Norman and Edna Critchlow, mother and father-in-law Sam and Sadie Towle, brother Garnet Critchlow, great nephew Ethan Critchlow and infant niece Cheryl Ann Critchlow.

Bev was born in Neepawa, Manitoba to Norman and Edna Critchlow on September 11, 1943. She attended school in Neepawa, MacGregor, Portage la Prairie, and Mrs. Yonda’s Business School (PLAP). She worked at CFRY Radio Station, Bowes Trailer Sales, Bridge Road Service and the Portage Credit Union, her last job before retirement.

Bev and Keith were married in 1969 and operated Bridge Road Service for 23 years. Affectionately known by many as 'Critchlows' as both her father Norman and brother Garnet ran the same business previously, Keith and Bev served many customers over the years, some who became lifelong friends. They attended old-time dances and camped out with a small core group of couples, making memories and forging friendships. After Keith passed away, Bev kept busy with her large yard, curling with the La Reine Curling Club and numerous other activities. Bev was confirmed into St Mary’s Anglican Church in Portage in 2015 and made many friends in her new faith community through her work in the Altar Guild, Church Teas, Funeral Lunches, Lenten Lunches, and Izzy Comfort Doll ministries.

Kelly and his family were a source of pride for Bev. The grandchildren have many fond memories of visits with her, which include riding on the lawn mower with grandpa, learning to ride a bike in her backyard, going to the zoo, taking a fast drive with Grandma and Aunt Shirley in the boys’ sports cars, and on her most recent trip to Prince Albert, making dolls for her church with her granddaughters.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to special friend Marg Carpenter, Dr. Price, Dr. Nostedt and the professional, compassionate, caring staff in the Rehab Ward at the Portage General Hospital.

Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Portage la Prairie, MB on Monday, August 8, 2022, at 1:00pm, led by Rev. John Dolloff. Lunch will be served in the church hall following the service. Private family interment will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

Instead of flowers or food, Bev has requested that donations be made in her memory to the Portage District General Hospital Foundation 524 5th St. SE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3A8 or St. Mary’s la Prairie Anglican Church, 36-2nd St. SW, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 2A1.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com