Carberry unveils memorial at Day Lily Park

On August 11, 2024 close to 300 people gathered at Day Lily Park in Carberry, Manitoba for a very special event.

First responders, family members, friends, several levels of government and community leaders and so many others in attendance to share the unveiling of the new monument installation, emblazoned with the following:

“On June 15, 2023, 24 seniors from the Parkland set out on a day trip from Dauphin, Manitoba to the Sandhills Casino in Carberry in celebration of their ability to reclaim their independence. For many, it was their first outing following the numerous lockdowns and closures created by the pandemic. We envision their joy and excitement on the bus and their anticipation of partaking in a day full of laughter and fellowship.

“Sadly, their journey came to a heartbreaking end when their bus collided with a semi-truck at the junction of the Trans-Canada Highway and Provincial Trunk Highway 5, just minutes from their destination.

“Many lives intertwined that day as a result of this tragic accident.
“Bystanders, dispatchers, fire fighters, paramedics, police officers, flight medics, hospital personnel and others quickly and compassionately responded, positively impacting all those affected.

“On behalf of the families and citizens of the Parkland, we thank each and every one who reacted that day: who came to the assistance of our families, friends and neighbours. Special thanks to:
Carberry North Cypress-Langford Fire Department
Brandon Fire & Emergency Services
Shared Health Emergency Medical Services
Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS)
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg
Brandon Regional Health Centre
Portage District General Hospital

“Thank you for holding the hands of those fighting for their lives that day and ensuring the dignity of those who were lost.

“The Parkland communities dedicate this monument to the Town of Carberry, the Municipality of North Cypress-Langford and all those involved for your selfless actions in caring for our loved ones.”

The names of those who were lost followed:
Louis Bretecher, Catherine Day, Margaret Furkalo, Vangie Gilchrist, Ann Hill, Helen Kufley, Arlene Lindquist, Dianne Medwid, Nettie Nakonechny, Shirley Novalkowski, Jean Rosenkranz, Donna Showdra, Lillian Stobbe, Patsy Zamrykut, Claudia Zurba, Frank Perzylo, Rose Perzylo.

Each with their photograph standing with the memorial.

Never to be forgotten.

The survivors names followed: Bob Bernat, Lucille Bretecher, Mary Hudyma, John Roels, Marie Roels, Alex Senyk, Josephine Stokotelny.

As we stood near the memorial in quiet reflection, a tiny lady, accompanied by a much younger woman made her way down the path to the memorial, pausing for a moment and then moving to stand next to it. She asked to have the walker moved so an unobstructed picture could be taken. As I looked over I noticed she was pointing to one of the survivors’ names – Josephine Stokotelny – and smiling while saying, “I am so lucky to be here!”

I asked the young woman who had accompanied her if she was in fact Josephine Stokotelny which she quickly answered, “Yes!”

This sprite and beaming lady had lived through a horror few of us could ever imagine and here she was, accompanied by two of her daughters, surrounded by love!

We had to get her in our local paper!

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, (who happened to be quite close to us), when asked to step into the frame with this lovely lady, jumped at the chance, sharing a warm greeting and a quick smile. When the perfect shot had been captured, being a true gentleman, Wab then offered Mrs. Stokotelny a helping hand, guiding her safely back to her walker. Here is a direct quote from Mrs Stokotelny:

“I was so very glad to be in Carberry today for the unveiling of the beautiful memorial. I am extremely appreciative to all the first responders and all who took care of me on that tragic day. I am so pleased to see this gorgeous memorial which will provide a place for all to come to reflect.”

RM of Argyle Reeve, Mike Everett was also in attendance saying, “It’s tough to imagine how such a horrific accident can change the world instantly for so many people. The ceremony was very well done, eloquent and inspiring. It was nice to see so many people from near and far, take the time to remember those lost and appreciate the many that assisted those in need.”

According to the Town of Carberry, Chief Administrative Officer, Grady Stephenson, planning for this monument started in January of this year.

Repromap from Dauphin was contracted to design and fabricate the monument. It was important to the organizers that the families be involved as well, so when the initial designs were forwarded from Repromap, there was a discussion and approval process.

I spoke to Repromap owner Wayne Himpe, who shared some heartfelt insights into the monument project.

“We personally knew 75% of the people on that bus, so it really hit home. Being asked to create a monument was a true honour to us and our company.”

Wayne went on to say, “We actually have created two monuments, one that is in Dauphin and the other for Carberry. They are slightly different but hold the same wording.”

Wayne went on to say that because the front of the monument is covered with ¾ inch lexan, which is a clear polycarbonate panel, it allows for backlighting of the etched wording, resulting in the most astonishing look after dark!

In addition to the monument placed in Carberry, 17 trees will also be added to the area, having been donated by individuals, organizations and businesses in honour of each of the deceased.

June 15, 2023 is a day that will forever be remembered as one of the most lethal motor vehicle accidents in Canadian history. Seventeen lives were lost and the fabric of the families left behind forever changed.

It made us all stop and take notice, as our hearts broke for those touched by this tragedy.

PHOTO CAPTION:  Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew stands with one of the survivors of the most lethal motor vehicle accidents in Canada, Josephine Stokotelny, as she points to her name under the ‘survivors’ list on the monument recently unveiled in Carberry, MB. PHOTO BY SUZANNE PADDOCK