James "Papa" Catcheway

Peacefully, with family by his side, James Catcheway was called into rest in our Lord Jesus Christ on January 28, 2019 at the age of 84 years. A loving and devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great grandfather.

James leaves to mourn his wife Theresa Catcheway of 48 years; children Beverly (Mike), Cynthia (Louie), Rhonda (Cliff), Matthew, Luke (Tanya), Ellis (Delma), Tania, Keith (Joanna), Kevin (Bernadette) and step son Brent Mancheese; brothers Alphonse, George, and Kerry; sisters Rose and Martha; brother-in-law Joseph; sisters-in-law Anne, Pauline and Velda. He also leaves to mourn 39 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends, too many to name.  Dad treasured his time with Sandy, Cory, Marty, Troy, Douglas and Rusty, whom were close to him.  James is pre-deceased by his parents Johnny and Susanne (Deloronde) Catcheway; daughter Evelyn of British Columbia; siblings a sister in infancy, Olive, Florence and Flora ; in-laws Paul and Catherine; brothers-in-law Pastor Gilbert, Gerald, Lindy, Jim, Arthur and Larry; son-in-law Kenny; sisters-in-law Lizzie and Martha; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Dad was born in Duck Bay, Manitoba on November 17, 1934 to Johnny and Susanne Delaronde (Catcheway). He lived in Duck Bay for approximately ten years before moving to Skownan, Manitoba where later he was then taken to attend Residential Schools. He worked many jobs in his life-time before meeting Mom in 1969. They then married on April 25, 1970 and then went on to have eight children, five boys and three girls. He raised his family in Skownan, Manitoba. Dad had many talents which included trapping, gardening, fishing, and playing various instruments. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a musician in his younger days and enjoyed playing the piano and singing the Gospel. He enjoyed picking berries in his spare time, reading the bible, digging Seneca roots, and playing baseball with his grandchildren.

He enjoyed watching the Toronto Blue Jays play, his favorite team. He preached the Gospel for many years and when he couldn't do so anymore, he would always make sure that his children and grandchildren knew about the Lord Jesus. Dad had many special moments with us, which included his 80th birthday. He would tell his family and friends that it was his "idiot" birthday and then let out a chuckle. Dad always had that special kind of humor. He was always joyful when he got blessed with another grandchild or great grandchild. Dad would spoil the kids. The grandchildren enjoyed going to papa's house because they would always get "treats".

Dad accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into his heart in 1968 at the age of 34 years. Prior to this, he was dependent on alcohol and at the time, he heard a voice speak to him and the voice said, "is this how you are going to raise your children?" and at that time, he had no children. That moment is when Dads course in life changed. He then surrendered his life to the Lord Jesus. Dad will be remembered for his Whitty sense of humor, his generosity, his kindness, and most of all, his teachings. He was known as "Papa" to the many kids who loved him.

The family would like to send gratitude to Dr. Hunter and the ETU staff at the Portage Hospital for taking such good care of Dad. We would like to thank Pastor Francis Roulette and congregation for all the help and support they have showed us during this difficult time, also to those who sent heartfelt condolences.

A Wake Service will take place on Friday, February 1, 2019 at the Portage Evangelical Church starting at 6:00 pm. Funeral Service will be on Saturday, February 2, 2019 beginning at 11:00 am with Pastor Francis Roulette officiating. Interment to follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Portage la Prairie MB.

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