HOLMSTROM: The death of Dale Holmstrom occurred at Seech Lake, Manitoba, on Sunday, November 16, 2008. The Funeral Service will be held at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North, on Saturday, November 22, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. with Deacon Conrad Plante officiating. Donations in memory of Dale may be made to St. Mary's Cemetery (in Kerr's Lake), c/o Allen Kopeechuk, Box 126, Erickson, Manitoba, R0J 0P0. Complete obituary information will follow. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.


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HOLMSTROM: Dale F. March 3, 1955-November 16, 2008. It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we say good-bye to a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. The youngest of three boys, Dale was born to Arthur and Frances Holmstrom in Minnedosa, Manitoba. Growing up in Basswood, he attended high school in Minnedosa and loved to curl and play baseball. Dale represented his school in the Provincial Boys Curling, attended many bonspiels, and was a pitcher for the local baseball team. He was very close to his father (Arthur) and grandfather (Henry), both nicknamed "Happy." He spent many hours with them learning not only how to hunt, trap, and fish, but how to love and appreciate the outdoors. Dale left school and started working for Agristeel in Minnedosa. He later took a job in B.C. with a pulp and paper mill, but an injury to his hand while working caused him to come back to Manitoba. He then attended ACC in Brandon, taking a machinist course and met his sweetheart, Sherry Kopeechuk of Erickson. He obtained his Class 1 Air, driving and operating equipment for Wes-Central Agri Services of Shoal Lake. Dale and Sherry were married August 23, 1980. They first lived in Brandon and then owned an acreage near Shilo, Manitoba. Dale worked at various jobs, but his love of semis and driving was his passion. Thus, he was hired by Paul's Hauling to transport dangerous goods. In May of 1985, Dale and Sherry were blessed with a daughter, Elizabeth Ann. She was the first baby girl on the Holmstrom side in 60 years and Dale was very proud to be a father and provider. Tragedy struck Dale's family for the first time in 1987 when he was injured by anhydrous ammonia while working for Paul's Hauling - an injury that left his air way and lungs damaged. Still a hard worker and never a quitter, he obtained his grade 12 and various other accomplishments. However, due to health issues, finding a safe environment for him to work continued to be unsuccessful. In June of 1989, Dale and Sherry were blessed with their second daughter, Jo-Ann Marie. The second girl to be born on the Holmstrom side in over 60 years, Dale was on cloud nine. He loved his family so much and was very proud of his girls. He loved to take them camping, tobogganing, ski-dooing, and fishing, both summer and winter. Many hours were spent laughing about who caught the biggest fish and who had the coldest feet. Dale loved to spend time with his friends at the local coffee shop near Shilo. When the girls were little, he would pack their crayons, coloring books, and toys, and all would go for chocolate milk, juice, and coffee. Dale was quite the carpenter and he could build anything he put his mind to. From building his own home, to his treasured cabin, to a keepsake chest for his daughter, Dale was an artist with a nail and hammer in hand. The cabin at Seech Lake was his pride and joy, as he liked to spend most of his time there. Not only was he able to breathe better up north, but it was here that he felt at home, at one with nature. He loved to watch the many different animals both at the lake and the surrounding area. Even though the girls are now adults, he still loved to spend time with them, as they were his whole world. He loved to take the family tubing behind the boat, build a campfire for all to enjoy, play cards and dice, and continue to take his girls fishing. It was at the cabin, while looking at the lake on Sunday, November 16, that he suddenly passed away with Sherry and their good friend Murray Swereda by his side. Dale was a giving and thoughtful person. He treasured his friends like they were family and could always be counted on to lend a hand. His humour was legendary among all who knew him; to this day, there are many memories of his pranks, jokes, and laughter. He had friends all across Canada, in other countries around the world, and was always making new ones. He welcomed friendships - opening his home, his knowledge, and his heart to anyone who asked. Dale and Sherry's love for each other is just as strong today as it was 33 years ago when they first met. They had just started to make plans for retirement at the lake and had just taken a very special holiday together. Dale never asked of anything for himself and always wanted to give to others. A special, thoughtful man, Dale will always be missed. Dale was predeceased by his father, Arthur Holmstrom and grandfather, Henry Holmstrom. Left to cherish his memory is his wife Sherry, and children Elizabeth of Winnipeg, and Jo-Ann of Brandon, his mother Frances Holmstrom of Brandon, his brothers Delmar (Michelle) Holmstrom of Charlottetown, PEI and Dennis (Wendy) Holmstrom of Souris, his brother-in-law Allen (Irene) Kopeechuk of Erickson, and Lorne (Myrna) Kopeechuk of Thompson, sister-in-law Mary (Brian) Welsh of Dauphin, and Diane (George) Rogers of Thompson, and many nieces and nephews. Dale has been laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery at Kerr's Lake, Manitoba. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts, prayers, cards, flowers, gifts, and food - each has meant so much to Dale's family.
Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com
Memorial gifts may be made to St. Mary's Cemetery c/o Allen Kopeechuk, Box 126, Erickson, Manitoba, R0J 0P0.
Memorials
St. Mary's Cemetery - Kerrs Lake