Vera Merlene Salmon

Vera was born to Bill and Olive Smith in Grandview on January 6, 1937. She was the youngest of three children, and her older siblings Cliff and Irene, guided her to dances! She came south, first to Russell to work in a bakery, and then moved to Birtle where she worked at the hospital. A love affair with a local young man, George Salmon began at a Solsgirth Dance. This love affair continued for 50 years. They were married on February 22, 1956 and began their farming career together. Then came the arrival of their four sons – Kenton, Murray, Darren and Lyle, followed by 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Vera’s cooking was her life. She could whip up a meal for a crowd in no time and no one ever went home hungry. The coffee pot was always on; neighbours and friends were welcome at any hour, especially after the Gnaton Hall Dances!

Vera and George loved to dance, to visit, to fish and to travel, both to northern Manitoba and straight down south #83 to Texas. They spent over 35 years as Manitoba Snowbirds, saw lots of scenery and made countless friends each winter. Mexico was always an adventure-some things we don’t know the whole story on…but they loved it.

George passed away April 10, 2006, and Vera, with her family, always close by, continued on the Salmon way by welcoming friends and strangers to her home. For 58 years she continued the camping and fishing trips to Iskwasum with family and friends as well as heading south where she was always welcomed by her friends.

Vera was predeceased by her husband George, her parents Bill and Olive Smith, her siblings Cliff Smith and Irene (Bill) Palmer; her in laws Ephraim and Mary Salmon, Velma (Don) Potter, Betty (Clarence) Hickman, and Joe Zuzanski.

Vera is survived by her sons and their families: Kenton Salmon, Kristen(Jamie) Larson and Taylor, and Kristen’s Mom Barb Salmon; Murray(Cheryl) Salmon, Jason (Kaitlynn) Salmon, Parker and Callum, Candace Salmon, Desmond and Wilfrid; Darren Salmon, Amanda (Blaine) Watson, Karyssa (Austin) and Maliah, Courtney (Kyle) McKinney, stepdaughter Roselyn Silvaggio, Alivia and Zachary; Lyle (Betty) Salmon, Colin(Glynis) Salmon and Adelynn, Brendon (Shaylin) Salmon and Jayce; her sisters-in-law Dorothy and Verla, as well as multiple nieces and nephews whom she loved greatly.