Peacefully, at the Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg, in the presence of family, Homer entered eternal rest and joy.
He was born at Bowsman River, Manitoba (now Bowsman) to loving parents William and Margaret Jeffrey, who were early pioneers. He was the second of four children. His siblings were Helen (Watson), Alice (McEachern) and Edna (Pope). Homer was the longest living of his siblings.
His family’s homestead was off Hwy. 10, near the Bowsman River. He had a happy childhood. He learned to work hard and enjoyed his pony, his friends and music; especially his Dad’s hymn singing.
On March 29, 1941 Homer married Marion Long. They made their home one mile east of Bowsman on a quarter section of farmland. Together they raised four children Carole (George Bates), Glen (Valerie DeReuck), Judy (Ron McLeod), and Russell (Nancy Cook).
Homer and Marion retired in 1981 and moved to Swan River in 1994. From February 2009 Homer and Marion lived at Amber Meadow in Winnipeg. Homer was predeceased by Marion on September 23, 2010.
In November 2011, Homer moved to the Middlechurch Care Home, Winnipeg. He delighted people with his quick wit and his interest in them.
Homer and Marion enjoyed travel in Canada and in the USA, Australia and Hawaii, in their retirement years. He was always interested in his family and liked to be with them. Board games and card playing was fun for him. He enjoyed serving on community boards for years, such as the school, the co-op and the cemetery. He supported and attended his church in Bowsman.
Homer was a keen farmer. He began growing seed grain in the 1950’s. He received a top award for his malt barley at the Toronto Winter Fair one year. He believed in being a good neighbor, being honest and caring.
Homer will be lovingly remembered by his children Carole (George), Glen (Valerie), Judy (Ron McLeod) and Russell (Nancy); grandchildren Georgia (Lloyd Wells), Tyler Bates (Mona Lyons), Dr. Ryan Bates (Dr. Joanne Lysack), Glenda (Bob Lebo), Heather Perkins (partner Don Case), Shannon (Keith Robins), Karen (Mike Grant), Annette (Michael Ritchie), Mitchell Jeffrey (Kelli), Libby Jeffrey (Brad Cole), Paula Jeffrey, Blaine Jeffrey plus 13 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Till we meet again.
A funeral service was held from the Veteran’s Community Hall in Swan River, MB on Saturday, July 20, 2013 with Reverend Murray Wenstob officiating. Interment followed in the Bowsman Cemetery.
If friends so desire, donations in Homer’s memory may be made to the Bowsman Cemetery Association.
