(JOE) DONALD HAROLD POPPLESTONE -

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

(JOE) DONALD HAROLD POPPLESTONE 1921 - 2007 Joe Donald Harold Popplestone of Brandon, Manitoba, passed away on Sunday, March 18, 2007 at the Assiniboine Centre at the Brandon General Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer and subsequent complications. Respecting Joe's wishes, no funeral service was held and his remains were cremated. On Thursday, July 19, 2007, his remains were put to rest beside his beloved first wife Barbara Lois (Gemmill), at the cemetery at Bowsman, Manitoba. In attendance were his three sons, Blair, Terry, Ron and their families, and Joe's second wife Verna (Hagyard) (Plant). There was a quiet time of reflection and prayer. He will be sadly missed and leaves his family and friends with many cherished memories. Joe leaves behind, his three sons Blair (Lois) of Saskatoon, SK; Terry (Jolene) of Fort Smith, NWT; and Ron (Juliette) of Brandon, MB; and grandchildren: Donald, Matthew, and Shawna; Katie, Tannor, Garrett and Laura, and his second wife Verna (Hagyard)(Plant), as well as his sister Doreen Morgan (Ken) of Winnipeg and nephew Grant. He was predeceased by his first wife Barbara, his Mother Alma Popplestone, Father William Popplestone, and nephew James Morgan. After completing high school in Pilot Mound Joe served in the Second World War with the RCAF and at the rank of F/O received the Distinguished Flying Cross. After returning from the war Joe farmed in the Pilot Mound, Manitoba area. There he started working for Community Hotels Ltd., managing the Queen's Hotel at Pilot Mound. Joe and family moved to Dauphin, MB about 1962 where he managed the Dauphin Hotel for three years. Joe and Barb then owned and managed the Bowsman Hotel for about seven years. He then retired from the hotel business and worked for the Manitoba Department of Highways and Transportation at Swan River until his retirement Joe will always be remembered as a very sensitive and moral man, caring much about those less fortunate. When a young man in need of accommodations in Bowsman was about to walk away, unable to afford it, Joe stated whatever he had would be fine and gave him the room. Joe often said that you should never judge a man, as you can never tell where the man has been or what has happened to him that has made him the way he is. Hunting and fishing with friends, and sons, were his favourite recreations, as well as curling, and gardening in his later years. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, in earlier times with Barb, at their home in Bowsman, at the lake, or fishing. In his later years he enjoyed the grandkids in Brandon, sometimes taking in one of their sports games. His grandchildren were truly his pride and joy, the trophies of his life. There was nothing he enjoyed better than talking about each of them, how they were doing and the time he spent with them. We saw and heard this again and again. The best thing in life for him was a hug and a kiss from one of his grandchildren. He was also known for his Popplestone sense of humour'. Rest in peace our precious brother, dad, grandpa, spouse, friend, and hero. We miss you and love you lots.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 08, 2007