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GLENN LEWER

Date of Passing: Aug 10, 2016

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GLENN LEWER On August 10, 2016, after more than six years of living with cancer Glenn died, having been comforted by the love and support of family and friends throughout that time; he was 58 years old. His wife of 27 years Sheila Wolfe, also a nurse, survives him. She was the cornerstone in his life, who especially provided the love, emotional and practical support over the last six years, without which he would not have survived as long as he did. Sheila's determination and excellent medical care enhanced his remaining time with family and friends. The family thanks Drs. Maksymiuk and Butler; and nurses Megan, Robert and Heather for their professionalism, astute judgement and compassion. He is also survived by his dearly loved sons Grayson, 17 years, and Riel, 14 years. He was concerned about them when he was diagnosed with cancer but remained confident they would continue to succeed after he was gone. He was always proud of them. Most recently, Glenn, Grayson and Riel shared one of Glenn's favourite hobbies: beekeeping. He taught them the basics so an abundance of honey would be produced from their hives. Sharing this passion is part of his legacy to his sons, as he taught them to respect nature, its bounty and the importance of bees in our world. He was deeply proud of his Metis heritage and instilled that passion in his sons. Roberta, his older sister, survives him; he always was supportive and protective of her. He was predeceased by his parents Florence and Robert. He loved his cats and dogs and particularly his favorite dog, Stella. During his life he worked at various jobs, including CP Rail and Croft Music, but found his calling a few decades ago through nursing. He practiced in many areas including emergency flight, emergency hospital and psychiatric nursing; just prior to his diagnosis with cancer he was a supervisor at Healthlinks, Misericordia Health Centre. He honed his skills in Canada and the USA; and in urban and remote settings. He was a natural at nursing. He expanded his interest in first responder service as a volunteer member of Wimberley Fire Department and later as a Paramedic during the years he and Sheila lived in Texas. Glenn had two other passions: music and archery. He was a good guitar player and appreciated fine musicianship whether found in rock, folk, blues, jazz, electric or acoustic. He wrote a bit and, for his own pleasure, occasionally busked. Music was a mainstay in his life. He was most recently affiliated with the Lord Selkirk R.F.M. Pipe Band and felt fortunate to have participated with the organization. His son Riel continues his interest in the pipes. His interest in archery was longstanding and contributing. He was a bow hunter, competitor, coach and mentor who provided a lasting legacy to the development of the next generation of competitive bow hunters in the Province of Manitoba. Most recently, he was the assistant coach of the Manitoba team for the 2015 Canada Winter Games and head provincial coach for recurve competitors. He was also a Member of the Association Executive Committee with a focus on athlete development. Glenn appreciated mechanical things, cars and trucks; current and collectible. He was pretty good with a wrench and just as skilled with a hammer and nail. He was both practical and creative and carried with him a skill set enabling him to repair and improve home and hearth; or rebuild an engine. He was content to leave a city setting and spend time in rural Manitoba bow hunting or relaxing with close friends in the Lake of the Woods. Glenn was happiest, however, simply being in the bush, walking about and taking in the tranquility of forests. He was most content when surrounded by nature; its skies and lakes. As his health was further compromised by cancer, Glenn's close friends helped him get to the lake and his favorite hunting spots, where he continued to find solace. Glenn was a man who strove to provide for his family; and he did. He was deeply and successfully connected to his community through both professional and community service. He was active, engaged, humorous, practical and plain spoken. He leaves the world a better place having helped make it that way. Cremation has taken place and a funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 26, 2016, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 4588 Roblin Boulevard, Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, Glenn asked that those who wish to honour his memory consider donating to a trust fund set up for Grayson and Riel. Grayson Lewer and Riel Lewer Trust Account has been set up at the Assiniboine Credit Union, Charleswood Branch, 5930 Roblin Boulevard, Winnipeg. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com
Publish Date: Aug 20, 2016

GLENN LEWER It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Glenn Lewer on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at the age of 58 years. In keeping with Glenn's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Friday, August 26 at 3:00 p.m. in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 4588 Roblin Blvd. A longer obituary to follow. E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 204-253-5086


Publish Date: Aug 13, 2016

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 20, 2016

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

  • To Sheila and the boys, I want to express my sincere and deepest sympathy in your loss. I know it has been a while since we were in contact Sheila but I wanted to reach out and let you know your in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. God's Blessings be upon you, Grayson & Riel. With sincere friendship, June Gray - Posted by: June Gray (co-worker of Sheila's) on: Aug 29, 2016

  • Our time with Glenn was short and precious. We first met when he and Riel came to the Lord Selkirk pipe band about 4 years ago. Despite Glenn's preference of being a "fly on the wall", we coaxed him into our fold and were rewarded with the privilege of getting acquainted with his kind, thoughtful and unassuming nature. Each Saturday morning we would look forward to spending time with Glenn as he shared the latest book he was reading, his many stories of his hunting and fishing expeditions, his love of music, his work in nursing, and of course, the stories about his family. Very few people knew the extent of Glenn's health challenges - and I know that he preferred that. We were some of the few that he shared those challenges with - and with that knowledge we were constantly amazed to see how little he let on to others. He never complained - ever - about what he was going through. He simply marched on to the best of his ability and contributed his time and energy to several band events despite his condition. Thanks to Sheila I now know just how difficult it was for Glenn to be a part of those activities - and I'm simply in awe at the conviction the man had to contribute to his family's lives under those circumstances. Glenn was so proud of his family. Joseph Kennedy once stated that "The measure of a man's success in life is not the money he's made. It's the kind of family he has raised." By that measure, Glenn's life was a tremendous success as Grayson and Riel are two of the finest young men we have ever met. Sheila, Grayson, Riel, our family is here for you always and anywhere. We are so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Larry, Heather and Kieran Sylvestre (Friend) on: Aug 23, 2016

  • I was devastated to hear of Glenns's passing. I was glad to have spent some time with him in june of this year. I have known Sheila since i was 13 and Glenn since we were at the university of winnipeg. Iremember canoe trips and visits to coca cola falls, deer hanging in the garage after a sucessful hunting trip. None of which was wssted. Glenn had a passionfor nature and music which is evident in how he raised his family. Sheila was his passion in university and he always succeeded in what he did. I was very proud to have been a bridesmaid at their wedding. I was able to go to las vegas last year to watchriel in the vegas shoot and how well he coached riel and had so many friends there. Glenn was always ready with a hug. I will miss you glenn you were a lovely friend and i really enjoyed talking about medicine with you. See you on the other side sometime Love michele - Posted by: Michele daniels (Friend) on: Aug 22, 2016

  • Glenn was one of the first friends I had when I moved to St. Vital in 1972. We hung around together a lot during my first year there in Grade 9 at Minnetonka School, and I have many fond memories of playing soccer and football. Unfortunately we lost touch after high school and I regret that. He sounds like he was a remarkable man, husband, father, and friend to many. - Posted by: Rob Sawchuk (High School Friend) on: Aug 22, 2016

  • I only knew Glen for a few short years. He always made me feel welcome to come by and talk. A great sense of humor and he was both thoughtful and thought provoking. I will greatly miss our chats and I would like to have known him longer. What else can you say of a friend. - Posted by: Mike Sharpe (Friend) on: Aug 18, 2016

  • I was so sorry to hear about Glenn's death. My thoughts are with you, Sheila, Grayson and Riel. I know that he will continue to live in your hearts and minds. Jean Fogg - Posted by: Jean Fogg (Riel's Grade 2 teacjer) on: Aug 17, 2016

  • From the Daniels family, our sincerest sympathies to your family. My sister Michele, has been a dear friend of Sheila's and Glenn's forever and is doing everything to get back to Winnipeg from the UK in support. I have many memories of Glenn and Sheila at the house on Montrose. Glenn was kind of enough to lend me a bass guitar that I was never able to do justice for. A very kind and generous person who touched a lot of people. A very special family to the Daniels. Charles Daniels - Posted by: Charles Daniels (Family friend) on: Aug 16, 2016

  • Glen was all of these things and I hold a special memory of a time we shared the passing of a former coworker Lisa Groening of lung cancer 2008. I fell apart at work, Glens compassion came naturally as he hugged me while I sobbed, shortly there after he shared his news and diagnosis with me and once again he hugged me as I cried. Sheila, Grayson,and Riel may you feel the memories of hugs shared often and whenever needed. - Posted by: Leslie Pare (HL.M.H.C.) on: Aug 16, 2016

  • Very sorry to hear about Glenn's passing. I have many happy memories of Glenn from the old neighbourhood. - Posted by: Bonnie Jerlo (Friend and Neighbour) on: Aug 15, 2016

  • One of my favourite memories of Glenn was fishing in the Whiteshell with friend Bill Peters over 30 years ago. We left quite early in the morning and happened to see a deer run across the parking lot at the Safeway in St. Vital on our way out of town. I don't know why I remember that particularity. We had a gentle, peaceful day out on the lake, peppered with good humour and fine conversation. These things are how I remember our friend: gentle, peaceful, good humoured and always ready for thoughtful conversation. Glenn was an encourager and a faithful friend. He was a truly good man who adored his wife and sons. He was a perpetual learner and found life to be rather intriguing, always keen to share what he had learned. We were blessed to know him and send our prayers and deep condolences to Sheila and the boys. - Posted by: Steve Bell (Friend) on: Aug 15, 2016

  • A wise friend once told me that if you want to be smart, then befriend educated and perceptive people. If you want to be successful, then be around motivated people. If you want to be compassionate, befriend people with life experience with intuition. I am humbled to say that I have a few very special friends that fit this criteria. They have taught me, mentored me and helped in so many ways that I feel blessed. My friend Glen Lewer fits this description to a tee. Possessing a powerful and intuitive intellect, he always taught me the wisdom of using my critical thinking skills. As A compassionate care giver he was a paramedic, firefighter, acute care flight nurse and also an on site eye and corneal harvester at horrific accident sites to insure these organs could be delivered to people in dire need of transplants. Anyone that knows me, knows that I am motivated, busy and trying.....always trying. Glen led a life that made me think that my life was lived sitting still.... In a word.....his was impressive. Inspiring. He possessed a skill set envious of McGyver. Swift water rescue, underground and cave rescue and critical care, mountainous and high elevation rescue, Mva accident site critical care. Let's also mention the bravery of this guy. Happily running into burning buildings and receiving awards and merits for his disregard for his own safety to save many from certain death......never flinching or having a second thought. Many owe him their lives, but he never required any accolades. He was an accomplished musician. I always marvelled at his skill as a "finger picker" guitarist. So his merits as a true "Renaissance man" were revealed to me with his mastery of carpentry, bee keeping, martial arts, public speaking, teaching and growing anything. Finally he was a true friend. Helping me in more ways that I can count. His love for family always righted my compass, showing me where to put my time and energies. Putting them into the real things that mattered, and made a difference. In Kung Fu, there is a saying... You cultivate skills to become an "iron needle wrapped in cotton". The outside soft and giving, the inside formidable and powerful. That was Glen. Be at peace my friend. May God hold you in the palm of His hands. - Posted by: Neil McRitchie (Friend) on: Aug 14, 2016

  • It was a honor to have known Glenn. We have known Glenn for 36 wonderful years and we will truly miss him. He was a good friend, neighbor and overall good person. He had a great sense of humor and too many other skills to mention. Thank you for the time we had together, and we will treasure your memory forever. With much love, Neil and Peggy - Posted by: Neil and Peggy McRitchie (Friends and past Neighbors ) on: Aug 13, 2016

  • I have 100s of memories of Glenn; we grew up together in an idyllic neighborhood through the 60s and 70s. He related one of those stories at my wedding, which many will never forget. He died exactly 25 years later, to the day. He was in many ways my older brother. We had our last words a week before he passed. He will be missed. - Posted by: Bill Peters Jr. (Childhood friend) on: Aug 13, 2016

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