CANDY LOUISE IRWIN

On February 25, 2026, Candy Louise Irwin (Frederickson) passed away at home after a long debilitating struggle with a rare autoimmune disease.  

Candy is survived by her husband, Jim; step children, Jennifer Pejic (Sasha) of Medicine Hat, Jay Irwin (Joanna) of Vancouver, Cody Irwin (Laura) of Vancouver; grandchildren, Charlie, Emily, August, Clark and Ivy; and beloved rescue doggos, Mocha, Sunny and Paddy; cousins, Wendy Richards (Dennis), Cathy Cash (Bill) and Larry O'Dell; her dear Aunts, Winona Ramage and Caroline Bunner; and many loved cousins and extended family members.

Born in Toronto on November 7, 1951 to the late Gaye and Chris Frederickson, Candy’s family moved to Winnipeg when she was a baby.  She had one brother, Randy, who predeceased her.  

Candy started her work life in Winnipeg as a secretary before pursuing a teaching degree from the University of Manitoba. Following that, Candy enjoyed a successful career as a trainer for Credit Union Central in Winnipeg. It was during those days, she met and enjoyed a special long lasting friendship to this day with her beloved friends Sian Evans, Pam Scott, Jane Romaniuk and Debbie Henzie.

Life changed significantly when she met her husband Jim at Riding Mountain Guest Ranch during a cross country skiing weekend. Jim and Candy married on October 11, 1992 and her adventures at the ranch began. First with housing guests, horseback trail riding and hayrides followed by an international ecotourism business offering wildlife viewing and photography. Her love of animals flourished there where she loved having horses, miniature donkeys, goats, ducks, chickens, rescued baby raccoons, wild ducks and geese, including her beloved Billy the rescued whitetail deer, her many household cats and dogs and the occasional critter that would land in her yard needing help. Every one of those animals were named and cared for. Even her egg-laying chickens had names, Poachie, Omelette, Frittata, and Quiche!

Candy’s love of children shone through in her life. When the grandchildren visited she would go to great efforts to plan treasure hunts and games. Her grandchildren were one of her greatest joys. She treasured their drawings which were posted throughout her bedroom.

She enjoyed substitute teaching in Onanole and Erickson and interacting with the children. Writing for the South Mountain Press was a passion of hers. Her published ranch cookbook was enjoyed by many. If you would like to read some of her articles they are still available at: https://www.manitobacooperator.ca/contributor/candy-irwin/ .

Her sense of humor, kindness, community involvement and friendship were extraordinary and will be missed.

There will be no public funeral service at Candy’s request but in mid-May there will be a come-and-go 'Celebration of Life' for Candy in the Lake Audy/Crawford Park area. Please email Jim at jimirwin@ridingmountain.ca, if you wish to be informed of the date and place.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Minnedosa Hospital for their care, friend John Robinson for going above and beyond with assisting Jim with Candy’s care at home, Candy's close friend Caroline Sopuck for her amazing support and assistance; Shanna Morrison of 'Services to Seniors' in Erickson, Mary Nichols of 'Erickson and Area Palliative Care' and Kara Flamond of 'Palliative Home Care' and the many members of Prairie Mountain Health Home Care that assisted her.

Donations in memory of Candy can be made to Parkland Humane Society (Dauphin), Funds for Furry Friends, Spirit of Hope, Black Bear Rescue Manitoba (Stonewall), Crawford Park Hall via  crawfordparkhall@gmail.com or a charity of your choice.

Jim composed a number of heartfelt musical melodies during his first years with his beloved Candy reflecting his deep love for her, which are posted on YouTube at 

https://www.youtube.com/user/mountainmelodies/videos. Candy's Song is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC8g1bRKAcM

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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