Carl Alexander Monkman

 January 21, 1937 – April 8, 2026

It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of our dear dad, Carl Alexander Monkman. Dad left us peacefully on April 8, 2026, at Pine Falls Hospital, surrounded by his loving wife Anne and his children.

Carl was born in the family home at Loon Straits, Manitoba, to Joe and Kathleen Monkman. He grew up surrounded by a large, close-knit family. He is survived by his brother Mervin, who was always a trusted confidant and steady support throughout Carl’s life, and his sisters Ruth, Blanche (Dan), and Doris. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Doug and Spencer, and his sister Angie.

Dad attended school up to Grade 8 at Loon Straits and then began working alongside his father in commercial fishing. From a young age, hard work and the outdoors shaped the man he would become. In 1956–59 he worked with his brother Doug building teacherages and schools across Manitoba. He later helped with the construction of the Grand Rapids Hydro Dam in 1959–60.

In 1961, Dad married Anne Voth in the little Loon Straits Chapel. Together they raised four children — Denise, Don, Sharon, and Linda.  He was later blessed with four cherished grandchildren: Kaitlin, Marley, Carl, and Kristian. In his later years, Dad was overjoyed to become a great-grandfather to sweet little Aubrey.

In 1970, Dad built the family’s first real home in Riverton — a spacious four-bedroom house that felt like a palace after years in a tiny trailer. The day we moved in was one of pure joy. From 1970 to 1977 he worked as a maintenance foreman for Frontier School Division, building schools up and down Lake Winnipeg. In 1977 he started his own business, C.A. Monkman Construction. Dad was a gifted carpenter and builder. People sought him out for his skill and honesty; he crafted beautiful homes and intricate cabinetry with his own hands.

In 1983, he began building the forever home at Loon Straits — the place that always held his heart. He, Mom, and our youngest sister Linda moved back to the shores of Lake Winnipeg that he loved so much. Dad returned to commercial fishing from 1986 until 2013 and served for many years on the Board of the Matheson Island Fish Co-op. He was also a dedicated member of the Manitoba Trappers Association, serving as Zone 8 Director and later receiving special recognition for his lifelong commitment.

From the time he was a young boy, Dad had a deep love for the land. He was an excellent trapper and hunter, and he carried that passion his whole life. He also inherited the family love of flying. In 1956 he earned his private pilot’s licence and, in December 1957, bought his first plane — a Piper PA-12 — for $2,650. Some of our happiest family memories were made soaring above the lakes and fields with him.

Dad was incredibly talented with his hands. He was a gifted wood carver, creating beautiful carvings of moose, beaver, otters, waterfowl, and buffalo that were always in high demand.

Quiet by nature, Dad was a man of few words but deep presence. He had a good sense of humor and was a fun storyteller. Many of our best moments as kids were spent listening to his tales of growing up at Loon Straits. He never lectured — he led by quiet example, with strength, steadiness, and unwavering love. His faith, instilled by his mother Kathleen, was a quiet but constant part of who he was. He found peace in the land, the wildlife, and the waters of Loon Straits. In many ways, his spirit will always live on there.

Dad will be deeply missed by his loving wife Anne of 65 years, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, his brother Mervin, sisters Ruth, Blanche (Dan), and Doris, and all the many family members and friends whose lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held at Gilbart’s Funeral Home in Selkirk on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. For those unable to attend the service it will be livestreamed via the following link https://youtube.com/live/CKtjFdGGebs

Thank you to the compassionate doctors and staff at Pine Falls Hospital for their kind care during Dad’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Loon Straits Community Fund are gratefully accepted, however please email Sharon Monkman at loonstraitssoap@yahoo.ca for details on completing your cheque and submitting your donation.

We love you, Dad. Your quiet strength, your hands that built so much, and your gentle heart will stay with us forever.