Herman Bernhardus Antoon Winnemuller
February 16, 1939 – July 7, 2021
It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our father, Herman Winnemuller, at the Health Science Center during the early hours of July 7th.
Herman leaves to mourn his beloved wife of 60 years, Roberta, and his four daughters Leah (Tim) Shumilak, Leona (Greg) Groot, Lisa (Greg) Kasky, and Anita (Keith) Campbell. He will be missed by his grandchildren James (Jacqueline), Jason (Sheena), Devun, Taylor, Hannah, Tyson, and Faith, his great grandchildren Jordan, Bryce, Clark, and Penny, and his great-great grandchild, Ava. Herman also will be missed by sister-in-law Hildur and his siblings Corry, Harry (Karen), Elly (Bob), Josie (Stan), Rick (Sally) and his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Joseph, his mother, Alida, his brother, Peter, and his brother-in-law, George.
Dad was born in Soekaboemi, Indonesia, and lived in the Dutch East Indies for his first nine years. Over three years of that time was spent in an internment camp with his mom and siblings while his father lived in a working prisoner-of-war camp. The family reunited and moved back to Holland in 1948. He then immigrated to Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada with his family in 1953. In 1957, at the age of 18, Dad moved to Port Alberni, BC to work in the plywood plant for MacMillan Bloedel. In Port Alberni, Dad met the love of his life and our mother, Roberta. They were wed on June 24th, 1961 and started their family while living on a small hobby farm. In 1970 they moved back to Manitoba to do what he loved most, farm the land. Over the next few decades, Dad would build and manage his farm, fostering his love of animals and his enjoyment of the land. Dad also worked for Agassiz and then Sunrise School Division as a bus driver for 30 years. He loved driving “his kids” to Tyndall, Beausejour and eventually the Selkirk Comp. He retired from the bus in 2005 but never fully retired from farming. His head and heart kept active as he planned for future crops and calves.
Dad will always be remembered for his story telling, his love of animals, his teasing and sense of humour, always pulling for the underdog, and his generous heart. We had a name for dad - “Santa Claus”- as he was always giving of his time, his knowledge, and his possessions.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Dad’s nurses at HSC – Deb and Deb. Although dad was only there for a short time, we will remember your kind words and compassionate approach to our difficult situation.
Dad’s wish of a cremation has occurred, and a small family gathering has taken place. If you wish to honour Herman’s memory, please consider a donation to the Our Daily Bread Selkirk Soup Kitchen or to a local animal shelter of your choice.
You did not say “I love you” very often but you modelled it each day in your thoughtful actions! We know that your legacy will live on in some way in each member of your family.
We love you Dad!
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