Obituaries

Norman “Norm” Henry Sagert and
 Marilyn “Marney” Isabelle (Nee McArton) Sagert
 
   It is with great sadness that the daughters of Marilyn and Norman Sagert announce the passing of their parents. Holding on to their strong love for each other, Dad passed on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at the Riverview Health Centre and Mom followed on her own terms at home on Monday, April 24, 2017.   They leave behind daughters Tanya Knopf (Loren) of Kenora, ON, Heather Ayres (Eric) of Oakbank, MB, and Glenys Vanstone (Howard) of Brantford, ON; grandchildren Devin Knopf (Jess), Leshia Knopf, Carly Ayres (Colin Williams), Ryan Ayres, Terra Vanstone, and Bronwyn Vanstone; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their children. Norm is survived by his sisters Alice Irvine (Al) of Atlanta, GA and Mary Dove (Gord) of Kamloops, BC; and Marney is survived by her brother-in-law, Gordie Criggar (Cheryl Telford) of Winnipeg, MB. They were predeceased by Mom’s sister Glenna Criggar, her parents, Hannah and Harry McArton, and Dad’s parents Norman and Mary Sagert.   Norm was born in Midland, Ontario on March 31, 1936 and was raised in Port Colborne, Ontario where he enjoyed Air Cadets, model trains & airplanes and worked at the shipyards on the Welland Canal.  Dad graduated with a BSc and MSc in Chemical Engineering at Queen’s University and PhD from the University of Ottawa followed by a post-doc in Cambridge, England. Returning to Canada, Dad worked at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited in both Chalk River, Ontario and Pinawa, Manitoba where his calm demeanor and unique approach to research garnered him great respect in nuclear chemistry both in Canada and internationally. He received the Chemical Institute of Canada (Manitoba Section) Outstanding Achievements Award in 1993 and the Canadian Nuclear Association Outstanding Achievements Award in 1995. He was known as a quiet and intelligent man who supported others to grow and develop expertise in their chosen field of study.   Marney was born in Huntley Township, Ontario September 28, 1937 and was raised in Carlton Place, Ontario, where she enjoyed being a part of a very musical family and participated in CGIT (Christian Girls in Training) and 4H Clubs for many years eventually following her mother into the field of Nursing.  Mom graduated as a Registered Nurse from Kingston General Hospital in 1958.  While Dad finished school, Mom worked at Ottawa General Hospital.  Once the girls were all in school, she returned to nursing in Pinawa and Winnipeg prior to being the driving force in the opening of “Children’s Place”, the first government funded day care in the town of Pinawa.  Later, she returned to nursing as the Night Supervisor at Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg.  Mom was known for her client centered approach to nursing and child care, focusing on comfort and care at all times.  She had a keen ability to identify the underlying cause of symptoms and to advocate for solutions that addressed cause and ensured patient comfort.  She was known as “Marney” by young and old as her way of saying “we are all in this life together, and together we will make it through”.   Mom and Dad met in Kingston, Ontario in 1956 and were married May 9, 1959 in Carlton Place, ON.  They moved to Ottawa while Dad finished his PhD, then to England for 2 years before returning to Deep River, Ontario. In 1969, Dad was transferred to Pinawa, Manitoba, and they later moved to Winnipeg and wintered in McAllen, Texas during their retirement years.  Together, they enjoyed many community and social activities.  They were avid square and round dancers enjoying a wide variety of dances always challenging themselves to move to the next level.  They were active in the church volunteering on many boards and committees, teaching Sunday School, and participating in bible study.  They felt privileged to travel to Europe, Israel, Japan and throughout the US.  Individually, Mom loved to quilt, swim and bird watch while Dad was a voracious reader and could spend hours at the library.  Mom and Dad were an amazing couple who were always seeking out opportunities to learn through formal education and informal conversations.  They loved each other deeply and cared for and supported everyone around them.   We would like to thank Dr. Tamara Buchel, all the staff of the Health Science Centre Neurological Clinic, CancerCare Manitoba, Palliative Care Manitoba, Riverview Health Centre and MAID for their care and compassion throughout Mom and Dad’s illnesses.  Special thank you to Cheryl T., and the many friends from the dancing community, Crestview United Church and Sturgeon Creek II who provided so much support in these final few months.    A joint Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Sturgeon Creek United Church, 207 Thompson Drive in Winnipeg. As per Mom’s wishes, please wear color and there will be an opportunity to dance! Interment will follow in Port Colborne, ON at a later date.   In lieu of flowers, gifts and cards, donations may be made in Marney and Norm’s memory to CancerCare Manitoba.   Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
“To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, a time to die;
…A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4