Lillian Kirkpatrick Salmon

On Friday, November 11, 2022 at the age of 100 years, mom passed away peacefully at the Deer Lodge Rehab Center in Winnipeg.

She leaves behind her son Raymond (Sandra) grandson Tyson, daughter – in – law Ferne, sister Elenore (Russell) plus many other relatives and friends.

Lillian was predeceased by her husband Harold, son Donald, brother William, mother Elizabeth and father David.

Mom was born on September 25, 1922 in Oche River, Manitoba. The family moved around finally settling in the Miniota and Beulah area.

Her father worked a farm for a member of parliament. This made it possible to live in a big stone three story house. It was the community gathering spot. Music and dancing were a staple with Grampa Deans (Lillian’s dad) front and center musically.

Mom had to quit school and head off to work to help the family financially. She worked two years as a nurse’s assistant in King George Hospital.

When she moved back home, she met Harold. Together they farmed in Birtle area and raised two sons. She loved being a farmer’s wife when asked she would say she would do it all again. She had an orchard and a huge garden and still had time to work the fields, milk the cows and have supper on the table at night.

After her husband’s passing, she moved to Stonewall to be closer to family, especially her grandson Tyson whom she adorned. She became known as grandma Salmon to so many especially at the high school rodeos where she was Tyson’s biggest fan.

She loved being a grandma and she was the best. The relationship Tyson shared with her was amazing. They spent many hours talking and hanging out in the barn with the horses, making cookies, playing games. Tyson called them grandma days.

Her hobbies included knitting and crocheting, puzzles, reading, bread making, baking, gardening. She was very active at the Lion’s Manor in the knitting circles and many craft events. She was always willing to help many first-time knitters.

Mom had the unbelievable ability to make everyone feel special. She loved people. She amazed everyone by how she remembered everyone’s name. First and last.

We would like to thank the nurses at Deer Lodge Hospital 4E for their kind and gentle care of mom in her last days.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 9th at 2:00 p.m. from the Birtle United Church. Interment to follow in the Birtle Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Project Linus Stonewall Chapter where she made many afghan’s in support of their cause