SOBERING FUNERAL HOME - Key Persons
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Allan Rach, who passed away with his family at his side on November 11, 2022 at the age of 75.
He is predeceased by his parents, Mary and Albert, his brothers Dennis and Lorne and his sister Irene.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Marlene (nee Molinski). He is survived by his three children, Duane, Corinna and Aaron (Meghan), his four grandchildren, Catarina, Kaylie, Oliver and Isla and his sisters, Beatrice, Betty (Lloyd) and Edith (Alfred). As well, he leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Allan was born on March 13, 1947 and grew up on a farm in Glenmoor MB. He attended school there, where he met his future wife, Marlene. Allan moved to Winnipeg on his own at 15. He and Marlene eventually began dating, with her following him to Winnipeg shortly after he moved there. Allan and Marlene were married August 12, 1967. They raised their children, Duane, Corinna and Aaron in Winnipeg. He took on many career paths, including heavy construction, pipe laying and carpentry. In 1988 they decided to return to Thalberg with Aaron, where Allan switched careers to farming. He happily remained there in their little country house, in his country roots, for the rest of his life with Marlene.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Allan's name to The Christmas Cheer Board, 1821 Wellington Ave Unit 100, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0G4.
Barry passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at his home. He will be remembered with love by his mom Libby and his co-workers at the funeral home. Barry was born on a vineyard on Vancouver Island. He graduated from obedience training with honors with distinction. Barry exceled in comforting clients, ripping apart his stuffed toys, and loved to be chased. He took great pride in his role of serving the Beausejour and surrounding community. He will be missed!
My deepest condolences to Kens family. So sorry to hear he has passed. He was such good fun at bowling and always shared many laughs. He is now sharing jokes and laughs with my Roy. Its so hard losing our loved one. Reply Lorraine Drewlo March 29, 2023 at 10:38 am So sorry to learn of Kenny's passing. Beautiful Memories will be treasured of the ‘Good Fun Times' we all shared over the years. Remembering my driving the School Bus past your acreage, admiring the beautiful manicured yard and Christmas Trees on my daily route. Welcome to the ‘World of Widows' Noreen. RIP Reply
Bill Campbell January 24, 2023 at 2:49 pm So sorry for your loss. Sherry & Michael i'm sure you are aware of her methods she had use to keep her students in line. I was not always the most attenuative student. The sound of her voice still resonates in my ears " Campbell, SHUT YOUR MOUTH" it is a fond memory for me as i always deserved it…… and I'm sorry if us students sent her home in a grumpy state occasionally. Enjoy all of your memories. Reply
Blake Wilson James born February 14, 1928, passed on peacefully at the East Gate Lodge in Beausejour on November 20, 2022.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director & Embalmer
Bonnie graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science degree as well as a Masters degree in Medical Microbiology. As a biologist, and later taking on the role of deputy project manager, Bonnie spent several years with the federal government researching disease pathology and developing diagnostic tests. Bonnie began working for Sobering Funeral Chapel in the winter of 2011. In May of 2014, Bonnie completed the funeral director and embalmer program at Canadian College of Funeral Service where she won an award for academic achievement. Originally from Oakbank, Bonnie now lives with her dog Chewy in Beausejour and is happy to serve in the community.
I worked alongside Blake in 1986 at Atkinson's in Ottawa. At the time he was in the layout department with me working on the Teddy Ruxpin television series. He was an amazing artist and a wonderful human. He would stop and chat about anything under the sun. Despite his incredible life experiences he was always very humble and never one to brag. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
Cheryl began working for Sobering Funeral Chapel in April of 2017. She has spent most of her life in Beausejour, raising two daughters, Michelle and Stacey, with her husband Bob, as well as working at the local care home and hospital. Cheryl enjoys spending time with her family and playing with her grandchildren. Cheryl also enjoys spending time with friends around a bonfire, on the boat fishing, a good golf game and curling game. Cheryl considers herself fortunate to care for those on their final journey and to work with a great staff at Sobering Funeral Chapel.
Dave Donahue January 21, 2023 at 8:28 pm I am so sad to learn of Helen's passing and send sincere condolences to her family and friends. I was so fortunate to have met Helen in 1970 when I began teaching at Centennial School at which time she became a mentor and a true friend. I will always remember her wonderful smile and feisty but friendly attitude. R.I.P. Helen. Reply
Extending sympathy to family of James Blake. I met him when he was in East Gate Lodge, a very quiet yet friendly good looking fellow. When I read his obituary I looked up the NFB films mentioned. I never knew he had such an interesting life and I regret not getting to know him better. Definitely my loss!
So sorry to hear this news . Don has been a lifelong friend and was always there when we needed him . He will be missed by many . Will miss his infectious laugh and smile !
So sorry to hear of Ken's passing Noreen. My prayers and thoughts are with you, his family , your family and his friends.Gail
Gerald will be lovingly remembered by his wife Pat of 58 years; children Kim (Darryl) Halipchuk and Cameron (Tanis) Gray; grandchildren Dana, Stephanie (
Glenna Kells January 20, 2023 at 4:50 pm Such a sad day- was honoured to know this spitfire of a woman who had such an incredible life. Thankful for the many fond memories Reply
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director & Embalmer
Greg recently moved to the Beausejour area from Winnipeg. Greg is married to his lovely wife Cindy of 37 years with whom he has two married daughters and five grandchildren. Greg is a former funeral director from Winnipeg, and is pleased and excited to join the staff at Sobering Funeral Chapel.
To Julie, Anita and Dana and families, Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your dad Ken. My husband Lawrence worked for many years with Ken at MTS. May he rest in peace, Sincerely Helen and Lawrence Hamende Reply Gerald and Pamela Hawranik March 31, 2023 at 1:49 pm We were sad to hear about Ken. He was always a positive person who took our community's best interests first. Deepest sympathy to Noreen and the family… May God Bless all of you. Pamela's and my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Gerald and Pamela Hawranik Reply
After a short battle with cancer Nan passed away on January 17, 2023 at Pinawa Hospital surrounded by family. She was born April 18, 1938 in Timmins, Ontario. At a young age her family moved to Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba where she lived her entire life.
Helen was predeceased by her husband Martin, her eldest daughter Sheilagh, her grandson Scott, and her daughter-in-law Tishy. She is survived by her daughter Sherry (Jeff), her son Michael (Chris), grandchildren Aleesha (DJ), Steven (Teena), Jennifer (Jeff, Peter & Earl), Caleb, and Anna (Ryan), Aleesha's children Mason (Cassidy & Haevan), Joelle (Freddie), Bella, and Brody. Helen also held dear Lee, Fred, and her Legion friends.
Helen has been cremated and had requested no formal service.
Janice Hoffman January 21, 2023 at 10:06 am Sherry, Michael, Jeff, Lee, Fred and Families, Please accept my most sincere condolences on Helen's passing. She was a good neighbour to my in-laws, a good teacher to my kids and a good friend to me. She will be missed. Rest in Peace Helen! Janice Hoffman Reply
A life well lived is the greatest life of all. Blake identified his passions, he pursued them and lived them. To me this is a big part of the formula to obtain a happy life. This seems to best describe Blake Wilson. To his friends and family goes my deepest heartfelt condolences.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director & Embalmer
Krystle was born and raised in the Beausejour area, and still calls Beausejour home. She has previously worked as a licensed Medical Aesthetician for the last 15 years, & owned and operated a spa/salon locally, prior to her transition into funeral service. Krystle is a recent graduate of the Canadian College of Funeral Service in 2022 and is now a licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer. She looks forward to serving the community and being a part of the Sobering Funeral Chapel family.
Job Titles:
- Owner, Funeral Director & Embalmer
Libby is originally from Regina, Saskatchewan where she attended high school and university and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Anthropology. Libby later moved to Victoria, BC where she completed a Masters degree in Anthropology/Archaeology. In addition, Libby graduated from San Francisco College of Mortuary Science and then went on to work several years as a funeral director in the United States mainly in the Washington, DC area. Upon returning to Canada, Libby spent a number of years at McCall's Funeral Home in Victoria, BC. Libby purchased Sobering Funeral Chapel in 2011 and now calls Beausejour her home.
Thinking of you all during these difficult days ahead. I have so many memories of us all when we were younger. I called your Dad "Mr" for years. Ringette and the Papa's… those were the most memorable. Everyone spending time together at one another's places after a game or tournament. Your Dad always had a smile and time for a quick chat. Reply
Your many wonderful memories from all those years together will keep Ken close always. With sympathy, Carol and Brian Bush Reply
Anita, Julie, Dana and families. I am so very sorry to hear of your dad and grandpas passing. He was always so nice to me. Often would call me or talk to me about what was going on In The curling world. What was Selena's team doing now. I soooo appreciated our talks even when it was just on personal level. It is never easy to lose a parent. We are never ready. Keep your memories close. And lean on those closest to you for comfort. My deepest condolences to you all. Reply
My deepest sympathy to you Noreen and your family may Ken rest in peace Ken was good friend and relative he loved to visit Benito it was always a pleasure when you guys came over he will be greatly missed Reply
Job Titles:
- Office Manager, Funeral Director & Embalmer
Rhonda has been employed with Sobering Funeral Chapel since March, 2005. In May, 2014 Rhonda graduated from Canadian College of Funeral Service and is a certified funeral director and embalmer. Rhonda enjoys serving the community alongside the rest of the staff at our Beausejour office.
Rhonda is originally from southern Manitoba and moved to Beausejour in 1993. She continues to live in Beausejour with her family.
To all of the James family, I pray that the comforting arms of the Creator God, surround you all and give you peace. May the memories you cherish give you strength to face the future. "Fly high above the storm clouds of life!"
Noreen &Family, So sorry to hear of Ken's passing.My condolences to all of you. Cherish the memories as they last a lifetime. Reply Natalie March 28, 2023 at 8:48 am I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember our ringette trips together (Ken, Anita , my dad and I). Esp the winter games in Flin Flon. Reply
My warmest condolences to Dons family. Losing a father is not an easy thing, take solace in knowing that he is again with Mary. Don was a respected and loved member of St. Paul Lutheran, River Hills and will be missed by us all.
My deepest sympathy to the James family and friends of Blake. It is with great sadness that I learned of his passing. Blake will be always remembered as an adventurer and a man who loved freedom, flying and the great outdoors. He was a hero to me in my youth and I was truly blessed to later meet him at the NFB in Montreal.
Virginia, I was so shocked to hear of the passing of Sandy. I know that we have not crossed paths for a long time, but still do remember the visits in HAWAII and how you both really enjoyed travelling and now you will have so many beautiful memories to treasure forever and your very own special Angel watching over you. My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your loved ones.
So very sorry to hear of your dads passing- thankful he is out pain- will miss our visits-meals and the occasional glass of wine- neighbours and friends Ted and Judy