Wilton Brown

Wilton Brown

On Friday, July 15, 2016, Wilton passed away peacefully at Lions Prairie Manor in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, at the age of 94 years.

He was predeceased by his wife Marjorie, sisters Florence, Sarah, Mary, and Roween, and brothers Sam, Walter, Carman, and Alex. He leaves behind three sons, Dennis (Kim) of Calgary, Alberta, Rodney of Hot Springs, South Dakota, and Calvin (Jane) of Clandeboye, Manitoba; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Wilton was raised on the family farm at Rossburn, Manitoba, and worked there until April 1947. He then joined a company that built grain elevators for United Grain Growers. In August 1947, he went to Gilbert Plains, Manitoba, as an Assistant Elevator Manager. In September, he was moved to Stenen, Saskatchewan, and in April 1948, he was promoted to manage the UGG elevator back in Gilbert Plains.

He had many good memories of Gilbert Plains. It was there he met Marjorie Macklin. They were married on October 14, 1949, and all of their three sons were born there. Wilton started curling in Gilbert Plains, a game he enjoyed for years to come, and he served on the curling club executive. He also served as a member of the Town Council.

In July 1956, Wilton was promoted by UGG to District Manager and moved to Carman, Manitoba. UGG districts were rearranged in 1959-60, so he was transferred to Russell, Manitoba. A new golf course opened near Russell and, as a result, he and his family began golfing. Wilton enjoyed golfing for many years thereafter.

In April 1968, Wilton was transferred to Portage la Prairie to assume District Manager duties there. He continued in that role until he took early retirement from UGG in 1974. In the following years, Wilton worked with Bowes Manufactured Homes and later became a custodian for the Portage School Division where he completed his working days and fully retired in 1987.

After retirement, Wilton served on the board of the Herman Prior Senior Centre, golfed with his friends, helped look after the Senior 6-Pack (a golfing group), curled with the seniors curling club, and organized the curling draws for several years.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Lions Prairie Manor for their excellent care and compassion to Wilton during his time there.

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 22, 2016 at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 1:00 pm led by Rev. Julie Baker.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

As an expression of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Wilton’s memory to Lions Prairie Manor Foundation Inc, 24 - 9th Street NE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3V4, where Wilton passed his final days.

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