Obituary of J. Earl Bridgeman

J. Earl Bridgeman passed away peacefully at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon, MB on Sunday, June 24, 2012. Earl was born at home near Hartney, MB April 7, 1927. He grew up in McConnell and Moline, MB. In Earl's younger years he farmed at Bernie, MB for a year. He also drove a Cat for Burton Construction and worked for McCullock's Auto and Machinery. In 1958, he started working at the Brandon Mental Health Centre. He was late for his first interview because he had gone flying with a friend. He managed to impress them enough and started work at the barns then in Mobile Support until his retirement in July 1988. In 1950, he met Evelyn Wingert and they were married on September 18, 1953. They built there first house on 1024 – 3rd Street North where they resided until 2000. They then moved to Monterey Estates where they enjoyed the small community setting. They were always attending Pot Lucks and events there. They moved to Victoria Landing in Brandon in 2007 where they enjoyed their later years. Curling was his game, he was instrumental in getting the BMHC Curling Club going and was President of the Curling Club for many years. He then went on to curl at Riverview Curling Club, and many local bonspiels. He was very proud and happy to curl his last bonspiel in Minnedosa in February 2012. After his retirement, he also loved to golf. Earl and Evelyn square danced with Shilo Square Dance Club and Circle 8 Square Dance Club. He belonged to the Canadian Order of Forresters, Toastmasters, and was a bingo caller for the Forresters, Fairview and Victoria Landing. Earl volunteered for everything and anything. He sold Christmas oranges for many years. Volunteered for the Summer Games, Scotties Tournament of Hearts and Red Nose. He was everyone's helper and repair man. One of his greatest joys was helping at the farm and his daughters' acreages. Auction sales were also his passion. In their retirement years, Earl and Evelyn were able to go on many bus tours which they enjoyed immensely. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren and family, teaching them new card games and jokes. He will be forever remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and his beautiful Fern Leaf Peonies. Earl is survived by his loving wife Evelyn of 58 years; daughter Darcie (Corky) Glaseman, grandchildren Dustin (Elizabeth), Amanda; daughter Michelle Huskilson, grandchildren Morgan, Ty (their father Richard). He is also survived by sister Mary McLaughlin, twin sister Ethel English and brother Arnold (Greta) Bridgeman, sisters-in-law Marj Bridgeman, Joyce Goforth, Alice, Lorraine and Betty Wingert, Eileen Robertson, Leona Glennon, Nadine (Frederick) Kalinowsky, brother-in-law Ray (Millie) Wingert, and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Earl is predeceased by parents Jack and Sarah Bridgeman, brothers Russell (Charlotte), Bill, Lorne (Edith), Ken (Janie), Roy (in infancy), brothers-in-law Ray McLaughlin and Dick English. Parents-in-law Joseph and Mary Wingert, brothers-in-law Richard, Jim, Don (Pat) and David (Elizabeth) Wingert, Howard Goforth, Bradley Robertson, Dennis Glennon. Nephews Greg, John and Kirk Wingert. A Celebration of Earl's life will be held on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 2:00 pm at Central United Church, 327-8th Street, Brandon with Rev. Laird Russell-Yearwood officiating. Prior to the service, visitation will take place at Brockie Donovan Funeral Home, 332-8th Street, from 10:00 am-12:00 pm. Interment to follow at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers are his grandchildren Dustin Glaseman, Amanda Glaseman and Morgan Huskilson, niece Lieta Kalinowsky, nephews Kirk Bridgeman and Tom English. In lieu of flowers, donations may be mad to a charity of choice. The Family would like to send a special thank-you to Dr. Benade and staff on A3 Palliative Care for their support and care.