FRANCIS BARRIE HOLE

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FRANCIS BARRIE HOLE

1931 - 2026

Francis “Barrie” Hole was born January 17,1931 in Boissevain, Mb. at Nurse Halliday’s nursing home, to Ernest “Laurie” Hole and Eveyln “Joyce” Hole (Brake). As the oldest sibling, life for Barrie began on a farm north of Boissevain, and being 1931, the dust was blowing causing the Russian thistle to blow and catch in the fence lines. Barrie often told the story of his dad hitching up the team and sleigh, driving 12 miles to Grandad and Grandma Brake’s farm southwest of Boissevain for Christmas, leaving at noon Christmas Day and returning home at nightfall the next day. His Dad would heat stones in the oven and put them in the sleigh to help keep them warm for the duration of the trip. This would be their only visit during the winter months. If they wanted to use a telephone, they would have to walk ¼ mile to the neighbours. Favourite activities included skating on ponds in the winter and baseball in the summer.

In 1945, Barrie’s parents purchased land in the Wassewa District, southwest of Boissevain. The “Brookside” farm was home for years to come, enjoying neighbours, dances, card parties, Credit Union meetings, fowl suppers and concerts. Barrie played hockey and baseball with the Wassewa teams and in 1947 had the opportunity to play 2 games of hockey with the Boissevain Midgets. 4-H was a big part of Barrie’s life including seed club, calf club and tractor club. Barrie won the T. Eaton gold watch at the 1952 Boissevain Calf Club Rally. He also won a tractor driving contest in Dauphin that same year.

After completing the Agriculture Diploma program at the University of Manitoba, Barrie married Helen Margaret McCorquodale August 7, 1956. Ken was born June of 1957, Keith, August of 1958 and Howard, October of 1959. Five years later Elaine was born to complete the family.

Barrie and Helen ran a mixed farm of grain and cattle. Brookside saw many enhancements throughout their years spent there, including many renovations to the big stone house.

Family, friends and staying active were all extremely important to Helen and Barrie. Ball diamonds, ice arenas and gymnasiums were frequented throughout their kids’ growing years. Barrie coached hockey and ball for many of those years. Between dancing, travel and many social events, different friendships were nurtured and cherished. They also kept active and always interested in community and church. Barrie served on the boards of the Credit Union and the Wassewa and Boissevain United Church.

Barrie and Helen shared a school bus route for several years.

There were many celebrations from anniversaries to birthday parties. As much as Helen enjoyed each one, Barrie was also ‘all in’ for these celebrations. An opportunity to celebrate was not missed with dances and picnics topping the list. Barrie enjoyed his time at senior ball, golfing, curling, dancing, games (especially bridge - as well as teaching it to younger people), and the cabins at Lake Max. Barrie volunteered his time wherever and whenever possible - keeping Boissevain in tip top shape and helping his children with any project or task.

Following the marriages of their four children came the grandchildren. Every grandchild was important to Grandpa Barrie and he was proud of them all. He was there attending their many sporting activities, festivals, grads and achievements, and enjoyed taking them to family camp at Camp Wannakumbac several times.

In 1989 Helen and Barrie moved to the town of Boissevain, enjoying their new house and town life for the next 32 years. In 2021 Cherry Creek Place was completed so Helen and Barrie made the move to the new facility. Unfortunately, only two years were spent here as Helen’s dementia progressed. Fortunately, Westview made room for both of them, still together. Helen passed away October 9, 2024 and for the first time in 68 years Barrie had no choice but to forge onward. He did so in style for the next 15 months without a complaint, passing away February 21, 2026.

Barrie was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Helen Hole, his parents, Joyce and Laurie Hole and brothers, Brian, Murray and Kenneth Hole. Barrie is survived by his brother Donald (Dianne), his 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren: Ken (Happy) – Brittney (Jay), Kellan and Kacie Fraser, Dawson (Jenna). Keith (Diane) – Jennifer (Kyle), Nolan and Charlotte Sambrook, MacKenzie (Maisie), Meredith and Brynlee, Jillian (Nick), Georgia Fay. Howard (Patricia) - Riley (Julie), Tucker and Dutch, Kaleigh. Elaine (Donnie) - Patrick (Laura), Avaiah and Kye Vandoorne, Kelsey (James), Milo and Elliot Thomson, Wade Vandoorne.

Thank you to all the health care workers at Westview Lodge for your dedication and kindness you show each and every day to the residents.

Our sincere thank you to all who attended Barrie’s Celebration of Life and/or sent messages of sympathy. A special thank you to Milo Spooner Craig for officiating the service and to Wheatland Funeral Service for your personal touch.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 16, 2026