The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Coonie Imrie Brian Arthur (Coonie) Imrie was born on September 26, 1951 to Helen and Bert Imrie. He was the youngest of three children; a brother for Sandra and Bob. "Coonie" as he was nicknamed at a very young age, kept his parents busy as he explored his neighbourhood. He enjoyed playing with the children on Fourth Avenue in Creighton. The Imrie family moved to Five Corners later. After school, he took a welding apprenticeship and worked off and on throughout the years. He had resumed working at Snow Lake just prior to becoming ill. Coonie's easy-going personality and sense of humour attracted people to him. There are probably few people who knew Coonie that had not, at one time or another, been teased by him. He enjoyed his friends so much, he loved to play cards at the Legion, curl, attend hockey games and socialize. He was also a caring and proud uncle. In September of 2001, Coonie was flown to Saskatoon with abdominal pain. Months later, and after two surgeries, cancer was diagnosed and he spent the next year and some bravely fighting this awful disease. His determination and courage kept him going. The warm hospitality at the Cancer Lodge in Saskatoon made his trips there much easier and he was affectionately dubbed "Mr. Fussy". Dr. Haider's nurse/receptionist, Deana, somehow made those trips to the city more bearable. Her concern and helpfulness will not be forgotten. On April 16, 2003, Coonie passed away in the Flin Flon hospital after having been admitted only four days before. The excellent nursing care at the Flin Flon Hospital helped to make his last days more comfortable. Coonie was predeceased by his father, Bert, in 1980, his mother, Helen, in 1987, and his brother Bob in 2000. He is survived by his sister, Sandra (Jim) Hope-Ross, nephews Will (Katarina), Sean, Jeff, niece Alicia, sister-in-law, Janice Imrie, nephew Kevin and nieces Kristen and Kathryn. A funeral service was held on April 23 at the Chapel of Dadson Funeral Home with Pastor Dale Warkentin officiating. Guest book attendant was Anne Pelletier and usher, Debbie Senyk. Active pallbearers were Joe Pelletier, John Crawford, Phil Bender, Fred Faye, Bill Blackmore and Don Hume. Musical tributes were given by David Knutson who sang "Far Away Places" and Kristen, Kevin and Kathryn sang "In My Life". A touching and humourous remembrance of Coonie was given by David Knutson. Following the graveside service at Hillside Cemetery the Legion Ladies Auxiliary served a lunch at the Legion Hall. Thank you to Coonie's friends. The visits, phone calls, holiday meals, trips to Saskatoon and fellowship meant the world to him and to his extended family. Thank you to Dana Dadson for all his help. Sandra and Jim, Janice and families
