It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather. Sid passed from this earth on July 27, 2019 in his home at the age of 78 years.

 

Beloved by family and friends to many, he is survived by his wife of nearly 44 years Margaret; children Kimberly and Johnathan; grandchildren Jamila, Bailey, Caleb, and Luke.  Sid was predeceased by his daughter Katherine.

 

From humble beginnings on a farm near Rackham, Manitoba, Sid began his life on September 17, 1940. His family soon moved to Winnipeg, where he would spend most of his life. At the age of 16 Sid joined the Canadian Navy, serving for five years. It was also during this time that he studied journalism for a year at Carlton University. Upon his return, Sid worked for a year in the mines of Lynn Lake, which would introduce him to northern life. Sid worked for 21 years in the Canadian arctic as a Transportation Specialist for the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line, a joint program by the American and Canadian governments during the Cold War to protect northern coastal waters. Most of his time was spent in Cambridge Bay, NWT. 

 

It was during his time on the DEW Line that Sid met Margaret. They met for the first time serving as Best Man and Maid of Honour for their friends’ wedding in Montreal. It was at this wedding that sparks would first fly; sparks of anger. Yet Sid’s extroverted, charming and persistent personality would eventually wear Margaret down and sweep her off her feet. After a six-month whirlwind romance, they married in Cambridge Bay, North West Territories on November 8, 1975.

 

Sid eventually returned to Winnipeg to provide better education for his children. He took a break from the Transportation industry, venturing into the restaurant world where he served as operator and cook at the Manwin Restaurant for 12 years. He was well known for his great coffee, hearty cabbage soup, and amazing cheeseburgers, which he served with a smile and a story. The latter part of his working career was spent working for various transportation companies in Winnipeg, serving as a Freight Consultant for northern and arctic communities.

 

Sid attempted to retire at the age 65 but lasted only three months before he found himself going stir crazy at home. He had spent most of his life working and felt most fulfilled in this capacity. In his golden years of retirement, he worked as a courier for Landmark Transfer, where he cherished time spent driving, meeting, and connecting with customers and co-workers alike. Sid worked there until the day he died.

 

Together Sid and Margaret raised one daughter, Kimberly, and one son, Johnathan. He loved and sacrificed for his children; his world revolved around them. Despite his long working days, he loved to create and invent with them. He looked forward to watching and cheering his children on at their sporting events, games, and concerts. He cherished time spent with his family and continually expressed his love for them. In his latter years, he loved spending time with and playing with his grandchildren. It was his goal to bring about a smile or laugh to their faces.

 

While Sid spent most of his life as a working man, he enjoyed playing sports. He curled and played softball for many years. He loved watching sports and was a sap when it came to watching heartfelt movies. He spent many years volunteering together with his family at their church’s Boys and Girls Program. Sid served as the Bus Monitor, keeping order and showing love to the many children travelling to the weekly program. He had a tender heart for animals, loving many pets and four-legged friends over the years. He also loved to make and eat a good meal, regularly preparing his favourite dishes of homemade cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, potato croquettes, beer battered shrimp, or whatever unique meal he was inspired to create.

 

Sid loved to chat and connect with everyone that he met. He had a great sense of humour and was not afraid to speak his mind. His gruff exterior was a façade; those who truly came to know him realized his kind, tender, and gentle spirit. He was loved and respected by many. We are saddened by his passing but are comforted knowing that Sid lived his life to the fullest. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

 

Friends and relatives are encouraged to share in a photo-tribute, eulogy, stories and condolences for the family by commenting on the comments section of this page.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society.

 

A memorial service to celebrate Sid’s life will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at Braeside Evangelical Mennonite Church, 1011 Munroe Avenue.