John Verwey

Peacefully on Monday, January 13, 2020, John Verwey passed away at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 79 years.

John was born March 30, 1940, in the R.M. of Portage at the family farm south of Portage.  John grew up in a large fun loving family that worked hard and were taught Christian values.  On April 25, 1959 John married Norma Cuthbert. Together they worked hard to build up the farm and raise their family of five children. In his early years he loved hunting, snowmobile racing, fiddle music and dancing as well as a good party. He served 2 1/2 terms as RM counsellor for ward 5 until suffering a severe stroke. With determination he overcame the challenges that came with it. With John’s sons taking over the farm his new role became the farms ”go for” a job he loved and his friendships grew along with his collection of hats, pens, calendars and of course candy. John was able to travel and enjoy winter vacations in Florida with his favourite aunties and relatives. John and Norma along with good friends, travelled to Hawaii, Germany, Holland, Austria, Arizona and across Canada. His past summers have been spent fishing and boating at Thomas Lake where he made many friends of whom became his “lake family”. He loved when the grandkids and family came to visit, lots of laughter and good times.

John was predeceased by his parents Gerrard and Ida Verwey, infant brother Joseph, sister Idie Trimble and great-granddaughter Robyn McLellan. He will always be loved and remembered by his wife of 60 years Norma, all his family: son Gerry (Taralea), children Michael (Alaina), Kellie and Claire; son Raymond (Jill), children Rachael, Lindsay, Brice and Randi; son Roger (Susan), children Rodney (Jennifer) and Justin (Kristie);  daughter Laurie (Jory), children Heather (Shawn) and Ashleigh; son Conrad (Beckie), children Jasmine, Karlie, Graham and Parker.  He will also be missed by his twin sister Joann (Karl) Voesenek of Bagot, Marie (Lloyd) Delf of Rathwell, Geraldine (Gerry) Masson of Bagot, Gerry “Bernie” Verwey of Winnipeg, Arnold (Judy) Verwey of Portage, brother-in-law Tom Trimble, Pat (Owen) Williams of Portage, Randy (Shirlene) Verwey of Portage, along with seven great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives.

Viewing and Visitation will be held at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, January 19, 2020 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  Funeral Service will take place on Monday, January 20, 2020 at 11:00 am at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church, led by Father Gerald Langevin. A time of fellowship to follow in the church hall. A private family burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in John’s memory to Central Plains Cancer Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8.

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