McConnell, Delmer

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McCONNELL: Delmer Dixon McConnell, September 20th, 1929-November 10, 2020. It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Delmer McConnell was surrounded by family at the Westman Nursing Home when he peacefully passed away November 10th, 2020 at the age of 91. He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Ethel; sister Muriel (Jim) Nelson; and brother Harold McConnell. Delmer was born on September 20th, 1929 in Hamiota Hospital. Delmer lived and worked on the family farm in the Lavinia area along with his parents, Bill and Ethel, and his two siblings, Muriel and Harold. Delmer received his school education at Lavinia and eventually finished off his formal education with a Diploma in Agriculture at the University of Manitoba. Delmer married Ida Ritchie of Pope in 1957 and they made their home on the McConnell family farm in the Lavinia District. Delmer loved farming and country life, and together with Ida they worked very hard managing the farm, tending animals, gardens, and raising their two kids, Dale and Barb. In 1996 Ida and Delmer semi-retired from the farm and moved to Hamiota to their house on Lilac Avenue, at which time Dale moved to the family farm. Delmer enjoyed his new life in Hamiota, but his heart was always with the farm. Everyday he could make it, he was up early and out to the farm to help. Growing up, Delmer always loved sports. Hockey and baseball were his favorites in his younger years. He played hockey on several good local teams where he played the position of goal tender. Throughout Delmer's adult life, sports continued to be very important. He was actively involved in the Hamiota Curling Club and curled competively for many years. Delmer, along with many close friends, had good success at bonspiels, but more importantly had great camaraderie and great times. The highlight of his curling years was winning the provincial masters men's curling championship in 1992 alongside skip Garth Strachan, third Jim Steven, and lead Clare Hunter. In his later years, Delmer enjoyed golfing with Ida and many of their close friends. Delmer, along with his wife Ida, enjoyed many adventures and trips in their retirement years. For many years they went down south for a few months in the winter. Some of their favorite destinations were Texas, Arizona, and BC.
Delmer loved being a grandfather and spent many hours with his grandkids, following along with their many activities. Ida and Delmer celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this year. Through their 63 years of marriage, they were partners in every way. They continued to live together and share a room over these last two years in the Westman Nursing Home. Delmer was blessed to live a long, full, and happy life filled with treasured times with his many close friends, relatives, and family. His great sense of humor, generosity, kindness, and easy-going nature were qualities ever present in the memories shared by those who knew him well. Through his life and the way he lived it, he has reminded us what is really important: Live your life to the fullest! Do what you love and love what you do! Cherish and enjoy your friends! Laugh often! Love and be there for your family! Delmer is lovingly remembered by his wife Ida; son Dale (Kerry); daughter Barb; grandchildren Sydney Hewins; Shaun Hewins; Will McConnell; sister-in-law Evelyn McConnell; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A small private immediate family only celebration of life was held at Campbell Funeral Chapel, November 25th, 2020 with an interment following at the Hamiota Cemetery

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 02, 2021