Elgin McCONNELL

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McCONNELL: Elgin 'Red' Deryl McConnell passed away peacefully on January 28, 2016 in Hamiota at the age of 85. Red was born March 16, 1930, the fourth of eight children to Roy and Minnie McConnell of Lavinia, Manitoba. He received his education there and spent his life on the family farm. Red married Ruth Rathwell, a local teacher, on October 4, 1952. They raised two sons, Kim and Wendel. Red was proud to be a progressive, third generation farmer of the McConnell Century Farm. In 1993 Red and Ruth retired from farming and moved to the town of Hamiota. He loved his family, his friends and the community in which he lived. He loved music, dancing, hockey, playing cards and games, laughing and visiting. Some of Red's favourite sayings were, "What are we going to do tomorrow?" and "Let's go for a drive." We are blessed to have so many memories of Red that we will cherish forever. Red is survived by his beloved wife Ruth, son Kim, daughters- in-law Carolyn and Bev, grandchildren Jill, Mark, Ross (Kim), Jaclyn, Tori (Wendel), sisters Eula Woods, Mick Little (Lloyd), brother Kent (Maureen), sisters-in-law Maureen McConnell, Marie McConnell, Audrey Rathwell, numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. Red was predeceased by his son Wendel, parents Roy and Minnie, brothers Vern, Jim, Morley, sister Mavis Bray, brothers-in-law Ron Bray, Nelson Woods, Wes Rathwell, and sister-in-law Jean McConnell. A service of remembrance was held February 1, 2016 at Hamiota United Church, with Reverend Doug Martindale officiating. A reception for family and friends followed at the Community Centre. For those so desiring, donations may be made in Red's memory to Hamiota Minor Hockey, Hamiota, MB, R0M 0T0; Manitoba 4-H Council, 1129 Queen's Avenue, Brandon, MB, R7A 1L9; or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Unit 3, 824-18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 5B7. Arrangements were provided by Campbell Funeral Home, Hamiota.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 06, 2016