Obituary of Edward Johnathon Mansfield

MANSFIELD: Edward Jonathan Mansfield passed away August 8, 2012 at his residence, Fairview Home, with family by his side. He was born on the family farm in the R.M of Odanah on October 18, 1917 to Elizabeth and Russell Mansfield. Ed was the youngest of eight children. Growing up on the farm, there were always chores to do, but of course, social times were enjoyed too. He loved to play ball and enjoyed attending dances. Ed met Jessie Ewing in 1940 and they were married on August 2, 1941. Ed and Jessie raised a family of two boys and one girl on the family farm. During this time, Ed served on the Moore Park Manitoba Pool Elevator Board, the Moore Park School Board, and also on the Elton Larger School Area board when it was established. In 1963, Ed and Jessie sold their farm and moved to Brandon where Ed got a job hauling machinery for Graham & Martin, the International Harvester Dealers. He then went to work for Binkley Motors selling cars during the winter. While there, he found that the Moore's Western Shop across the street was for sale and so after some deep thought, Ed and Jessie bought the shop. They moved it to the corner of 8th & Princess after a few years. They continued in this business until retirement when they turned it over to their family, Lyle taking on the ordering and Les the book keeping. Ed served on the advisory board of the Brandon General Hospital in the 70's and was also a member of the Masonic Fraternity. Ed and Jessie travelled for a few years, sometimes by bus and sometimes in their trailer with their friends. Ed's health began to deteriorate and as years went by, due to a fall, he and Jessie moved to Fairview Home. Ed was predeceased by his wife, Jessie, of almost 71 years in March 2012, seven brothers and sisters, and a number of brothers and sisters-in-law. He is survived by his sons Lyle (Connie) and Les (Donalee) Mansfield, daughter Donna (Clare) Coxe, grandchildren Sara (Jeremy) Kerr and Dustin (Danielle) Mansfield, great granddaughter Hailey-Jade Kerr. He will be missed by his sisters-in-law Enid Lawrence of Brandon, Lily Bowles of Miniota, MB, Mabel Boyce of Carievail, SK, brothers-in-law Fred (Eileen) Stamford of Miniota, MB and Ted (Pat) Stamford of Regina, SK and many nieces and nephews. A private family service will be held at a later date. If friends so desire, donations may be made to charity of choice. A friend is the truest blessing, A father is a gift.