Memorable Manitobans

For my Remembrance Day post, I researched a few memorable Manitobans with ties to Portage la Prairie who also served in the military. You can find several on the Manitoba Historical Society’s website. I chose three. How many of these names are familiar to you?

Sidney Arthur “Sid” Walmsley

Born in Winnipeg around 1924, Sid Walmsley was raised in London, England. During World War II, he served in the British Army. After returning to Canada, he attended United College and became an ordained minister of the United Church of Canada. He served in parishes throughout rural Manitoba until becoming chaplain at MDC in Portage. There, he received awards for his teaching, curriculum development, and editing of an international journal on mental development. He also served as a member of the Royal Society of Health.

An avid thespian, Sid was a founding member of both the Virden Dramatic Society and the Prairie Players of Portage la Prairie, and cofounder, with his wife Dorothy, of Candlelight Productions. He received two Canadian playwrighting awards, served on the Board of Directors of the Canada Arts Council, and taught theatre courses. He helped form the Portage Arts Council in 1977. In recognition of his community service, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.

Sid Walmsley died in Portage la Prairie on October 28, 2003. Friends remember him as a passionate man who inspired those around him.

Ian A. MacKenzie

Born in 1923 at Fort William (now Thunder Bay), Ontario, Ian MacKenzie came to Portage la Prairie during World War II as a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Following his military discharge in 1946, he returned to Portage and joined Wilford Vopni in ownership of the Graphic Liberal Printing Company, publishers of the Portage Daily Graphic and Portage Leader. They later purchased the MacGregor Herald and Neepawa Press. In 1970, Ian purchased full interest in Vopni Press Limited and served as president and publisher until 1989. He also served as president of the Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association and of the Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. Ian was also the well-loved Mayor of Portage la Prairie from 1999 until 2005.

Ian MacKenzie died in Portage la Prairie on December 30, 2014. Those who knew him remember him as a gentleman and a gifted, gracious speaker.

George Perry Armstrong

Born in Carman, Manitoba on January 30, 1885, George Armstrong received his education from the University of Manitoba, graduating with a medical degree in 1911. He practiced in Alberta for four years before joining the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CAMC) in 1915. He transferred to the RAMC in England and was attached to the 15th Royal Scots (34th Division) as Medical Officer. After serving at the Somme in 1916, he was awarded the military cross, then served in Mesopotamia.

In 1919, Armstrong came to Portage la Prairie where he went into medical partnership with Dr. Hassard. He served as a member of the British, Canadian, and Manitoba Medical Societies as well as numerous charitable organizations. He died on May 5, 1952, and was buried in Hillside Cemetery. Armstrong Street in Portage la Prairie commemorates him.

Will your name appear on a list of “Memorable Manitobans” one day? Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (NIV)