Earl Mailman

Herbert Earl Mailman

On November 12, 2021 at 10:45 pm, we lost a great husband, father, grandfather and great “Papa”.  He passed away peacefully in his home with his wife and daughters by his side.  As he liked to say “he was coming 93” when he passed. 

Herbert Earl Mailman was born on February 11, 1929 in Winnipeg to Herbert John and Gudrun (Runa) Mailman (nee Kristjanson).  Dad was the last living legend of a family of 15.  He was predeceased by his parents; Herb in 1982, Runa in 1962, his infant son Cecil, his brothers Albert and Lillian Mailman, Walter and Violet Mailman, Edward and Mae Mailman, Gilbert and Vera Mailman, Ben and Phyllis Mailman, Lloyd and Katie Mailman, Douglas Mailman, his sisters Laura and Gummi Hjartarson, Marion and Frank Wilkinson, Ethel and Leonard Johnson, Helen and Bob Blab, his infant sister Valdina, his in-laws Steve and Martha Kociuk and his brother-in-law Harold Firlotte. 

He leaves to mourn his wife of 61 years, Helen, daughters Debbie and Keith, Valdina and Ron, Stephanie and Larry, Carol and Donavin, Pam and Blaine, Grandchildren and great grandchildren, Wayne, Jen, Kayla and Carter, MacKenzie, Matt, Abbie and Kate, John, Jenelle, Sean and Julie, Reuben and Dom, Sam, Lenard, Deanna and Rylee, Kristjana, Kristopher, Dixie, Nicholas, Peyton, Jenna, Dom and Levi, Brittany and Taylor, Krista, Greg, Max and Knox, Stephen and Jo, Amber, Miguel and Lily, Chelsey, James and Rain, Darian and Shayla, Sydney and Trey, Samantha and Ryan, Jessica, Raelynn and Jaeger, Ashley, Kayla and Seth, also many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family to numerous to mention.

When Dad was about 3 years old, they moved from Winnipeg to Asham Point where Grandpa designed and built their family home.  He attended Asham Point School which was about a one mile walk, rumor has it that the journey to school was uphill both ways! Aunt Ethel often commented that Dad could be found outside on the roof singing and yodeling instead of attending class.  At 13 Dad joined his brothers in the fish camp where he said “they worked him hard”. 

On February 11, 1953, Dad married Ena Marshall.  While the marriage was short lived, they were blessed with a daughter Debbie who was born in 1953.  Dad said he named her after his favorite movie star Debbie Reynolds.  In 1960, Dad married Helen Kociuk who had moved to Cayer to teach.  She proved to be his life partner and best friend.  They were blessed with 4 more daughters Valdina in 1961, Stephanie in 1962, Carol in 1963 and Pamela in 1965. 

While operating the store and post office in Cayer, Dad would travel to Eddystone to meet Ken Brown from Ste. Rose.  Ken would bring the mail to Eddystone where Dad would pick it up and deliver it to Mooredale post office and continue on back to Cayer.  Often he would have Uncle Ben’s kids in the back of the truck and Karen often said that he would be driving along singing away and forget to drop them off!.  They would have to get his attention so that he would remember to take them home. 

In 1963 with the help of his dad and brothers, Dad built the house they still live in today that Grampa designed, the cost of the lumber was $900.00 and came from Winnipegosis.  In 1970, Mom and Dad purchased a store in Ochre River from Art Garton and they moved house, kids and dogs.  Dad continued ranching while he and Mom ran the store with the help of Lois Kristjanson.  Most days Pam and Karen would be playing in the back while Mom and Lois worked up front.  The flood of 1975 closed the store and Mom went back to teaching and Dad continued ranching at the “Ponderosa” as our property was affectionately known as.  In winter months, Dad could be found at the local skating rink tying skates for all the kids in school.  He was “Grampa Mailman” to most of his grandchildren’s friends. 

In retirement, Dad and Mom took up babysitting where they became grandparents to many more than their own.  He would often share his breakfast with Jessica and Shelby, one on each knee taking turns having bites of Grampa’s breakfast.  Later on, Mom and Dad would spend time in their huge garden, taking long walks and drives to Steep Rock and Riding Mountain National Park.  While on one of their many hikes in the park, they came upon a bear.  Dad said the bear wasn’t backing down, so they hightailed it back to their vehicle! 

Dad had a quick wit and a sense of humor.  Did he ever tell you how he broke his nose?...He was sparring with Joe Lewis and Joe got in a lucky shot! Dad, we love you and we will miss you!

A celebration of Earl's life was held on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at 2:00 PM in the Ochre River Community Hall, Ochre River, MB 

Flowers are gratefully declined.  In keeping with Earl’s love of children, the family would appreciate that donations may be made in memory of Earl to the Children’s Wish Foundation – Parkland Chapter, 350 St. Mary Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 3J2. 

Sneath-Strilchuk – Ste. Rose Chapel

204-447-2444

www.sneathstrilchuk.com

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