RCMP have released the names of 16 seniors who died after a fiery bus crash in western Manitoba on June 15. The bus had been taking a group from Dauphin and the surrounding area on a day trip to a casino, when it crashed with a transport truck near the town of Carberry. As of Thursday, nine others on the bus were still in hospital.
Here's a list of those who died:
Louis Bretecher, 81 — A family statement says Bretecher was a beloved husband, father and "pepere," or grandfather.
Margaret Furkalo, 82 — A statement says she will be forever in people's hearts.
Vangie Gilchrist, 83 — Gilchrist's first name was Evangeline, but she went by Vangie. Messages on her obituary page say she was an amazing woman and "true force," a grandmother who bowled and volunteered for different causes.
Ann Hill, 81 — A statement from family says she was a mother, grandma, great-grandmother and sister.
Helen Kufley, 88 — A family statement says Kufley was a vibrant mom, baba and great-baba. She was a cornerstone of the family and will be missed terribly.
Arlene Lindquist, 68 — A statement says she was a loving mother, grandmother and friend.
Dianne Medwid, 70 — A person known to Medwid says she worked at a local accounting firm.
Nettie Nakonechny, 87 — A statement says she was a longtime resident of Dauphin, a former school teacher and baba to grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was very proud of her Ukrainian culture and will be missed.
Shirley Novalkowski, 76 — A statement says she was a loving mother, grandmother and sister.
Frank Perzylo, 82 — A message on an obituary page for Perzylo and his wife describes him as being very helpful, particularly when it came to farm work. He also liked to hunt.
Rose Perzylo, 80 — Messages on the same obituary page say the couple was friendly and neighbourly.
Jean Rosenkranz, 82
Donna Showdra, 79 — A statement says she will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Lillian Stobbe, 73 — A statement says she was a loving mother, nana and friend. Her obituary asks people to make donations in her memory to the Parkland Humane Society, where she worked. Messages on the funeral home website describe her as compassionate, loving and caring.
Patsy Zamrykut, 88 — An obituary says Zamrykut lived in the Horyn district before residing in Dauphin. Messages posted on the funeral home’s website said she was a wise, kind and compassionate woman who spent time laughing with friends over coffee and playing cards.
Claudia Zurba, 87 — A statement says Zurba's life was a blessing, she was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure. She was a mom, nana, great-nana and great-great nana. An obituary says Zurba was from the tiny community of Fork River, north of Dauphin, and people attending her funeral next week are asked to wear bright orange or coral in her honour.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 22, 2023.