Ellis Gouthro

Ellis Marvin Gouthro

On Saturday, September 9, 2017, surrounded by family, Ellis Marvin Gouthro passed away peacefully after a five year struggle with dementia. Ellis was born January 16, 1939 in Sydney Mines, Cape Breton to Peter and Edna Gouthro.

Ellis is survived by his wife, June Outingdyke, and their five children and families; Jeff and Lynn Gouthro (Kalynn and Taylor Warren, children Arthur and Bentley; Chase Gouthro; JD Gouthro); Brent Gouthro and Yvonne-Stoesz (Miranda Stoesz-Gouthro and Nic Klassen, son Marshall; Jared Stoesz-Gouthro; MeiLing Stoesz-Gouthro); Greg Gouthro; Amy Outingdyke and Paul Beetham (Mia); Amanda Outingdyke and Todd Stewart (Blythe and Rory).

He is also survived by older brother, Keith Gouthro, of Montreal and his family; brother-in-laws, Raymond Leeson and Wayne Leeson of Ontario and Randy Leeson of Alberta; sister-in-law, Bev and Dick Unrau, of Portage la Prairie, and their family; brother-in-law, Gord Scott, of Kelowna and his family.

He was predeceased by his parents; his first wife Joyce (nee Arrell) and their infant son Timothy; grandson, Kian Stewart; in-laws, Vernon and Evelyn Arrell as well as Glenn and Reta Leeson; sister-in-law, Margaret Christie, and brother-in-law, Don Christie; nephews, Calvin Unrau and Bobby Christie.

Ellis was born and raised in the coal mining town of Sydney Mines, Cape Breton Island.  A strong connection to his Cape Breton home was imprinted on dad’s heart.  He would spend the remainder of his life speaking fondly of his beloved island and often threatened to return. We teased that he should have a t-shirt or tattoo stating “That’s it! I’m going back to Cape Breton!” as we all heard that one time or another.

In 1957, at 17 years old, dad joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, which began a 32 year career working as an Airframe Technician. After completing his basic training at St-Jean and Camp Borden he was posted to CFB Southport (Portage la Prairie, Manitoba). It was here he worked with the Red Knights acrobatic flight team, which was a proud highlight of his career. It was also in Portage he caught the eye of a local woman, Joyce Arrell, and they were married June 3, 1960.  Jeff (1962) and Timothy (1965) joined their family while in Portage. After Timothy’s death they were transferred to Four Wing, Baden-Baden, West Germany and welcomed, Brent (1967). In 1968 they were transferred to Gimli, Manitoba. In 1971 they were transferred to Summerside, PEI where Greg (1972) completed their family. In 1977 they were transferred back to Portage. In 1982, they were transferred to CFB Downsview (Toronto) where dad helped monitor the Canadian Air Force’s CF-18 Hornet contract at the McDonnell Douglas plant. Dad and mom never enjoyed the hectic nature of Toronto and after two years they transferred back to CFB Southport.

Nothing made dad happier than to watch his sons play hockey. Mom and dad made sacrifices to ensure we got to every practice and game. They were our proudest cheerleaders and, when needed, our harshest critics. We were blessed with their support and this opportunity.

Dad retired in 1990 as a Master Warrant Officer. Sadly, shortly after retiring and buying their first house together, Joyce became ill and Ellis lost the first love of his life.

In 1993 dad met the second love of his life, June. They spent many years on weekend getaways or trips visiting both Canadian coasts, England and eventually Hawaii for Amanda and Todd’s wedding. Dad and June were married in 2011 on Amanda and Todd’s farm.  Dad was proud to become a second father to June’s daughters, Amy and Amanda; a gift of joy that grew with the arrival of more grandchildren.

Dad, never could watch the grass grow, always feeling the need to keep busy. He and June managed an apartment block in Portage. Dad was an attentive and involved manager who went above and beyond keeping ‘a shine on every door knob’.

Unfortunately dad began showing signs of dementia. This journey was difficult but through it all dad was lovingly cared for by June. In February 2017, as his care needs increased, he was admitted to Portage District General Hospital.

The family would like to say thank you/salamat to the many nurses, health care aides, and doctors in both the PDGH ETU and medical units for their care to both Ellis and his family. The family also wishes to extend our thanks to Karen Lambert of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba in Portage for her assistance and support throughout Ellis’ illness as well as the many friends June made at the caregivers’ support group.

A celebration of Ellis’ life will take place at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 1:00 pm led by Rev. Julie Baker. Interment will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Ellis’ memory to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 108B Saskatchewan Avenue East, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, R1N 0L1 or Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524 Fifth Street SE, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, R1N 3A8.

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