Stuart Bignell

Stuart was born on Friday, October 1st, 1971 to Mabel and Moses Bignell of OCN. He grew up on 115 Jebb’s Drive with his neighborhood buddies. He started N/K school in Big Eddy. Then continued his elementary education in the town schools. When he reached high school, Moe and I decided to send him and his brother Peter to Lebret Residential School in Saskatchewan. We wanted to make sure they both finished school and not to be influenced by others to quit school.

Both Peter and he excelled in sports and they both graduated in 1984. Stuart waited for his brother one year so they could both graduate together, but the main reason was he didn’t’ want to leave Peter alone there. Pete went on to Brandon University that fall to become a teacher while Stuart took Natural Resources at UCN. Stuart became a natural resources officer, where he was responsible for natural environment and its ecosystems.

His work demanded many responsibilities, one of them was as a fireman tech. He was busy during the fire season around our area. He worked with the pilot during the fire around our area. He flew an observing plane with the pilot to survey and observe fire spots. He was responsible to direct the water bombers where to drop the water bucket. He told me that was the best job he had. He circled around where his house was a saw his wife and kids watching the plane and they waved. This was a rewarding job as he called it.

Then he started working with OCN Fire Department. He told me the tragedies he experienced tending fires. This was a very emotional and stressful work for him. He became a lieutenant for OCN Fire Department for some time. After that he worked on several different jobs around the reserve until his health started taking a toll on his life.

On October 8th, 1987 he married his high school sweetheart, Betsy Angelina Harris, daughter of Lucy and the late Charlie Harris. They were blessed with 4 boys (Stewart, Michael, Luke, Mark) and 2 wonderful girls (Shannon and Rachel). They were married 35 years until his beloved wife passed on February 28, 2022. He loved his family so much! He was so lonely and his health deteriorated drastically.

He liked traveling with his wife and always took their children to fun events. He even took 3rd place on a Trapper’s Festival float. He was proud of his kids putting it together. His other interest was cooking excellent meals, he also explored areas of interest like the caves and Grace Lake wildlife marshes.

His children and I will miss him immensely. All his brothers will remember him in their special way. 

He enjoyed listening to his brother’s (Darren) music “Heritage” and “Friend’s on Friday”. Luke, his son was his caregiver to the end. I was so happy to spend last Christmas with him and I will always miss the last moments with him. I will miss his response “Yes, Mom”, his hugs and “I love you mom”. Now, he is with his beloved wife, dad, and brother. He’s free from all aches and pain.

Stuart is survived by his mom, Mabel; his sons and daughters; Godmother, Shannon Pelly; brothers and sisters-in-law; nephews and nieces.

Stuart was predeceased by his loving wife, Betsy; dad, Moses; brother Peter; uncles and aunts, grandparents from both sides of the family.  If we forgot anyone it was not intentional.

WAKE SERVICES

Thursday, February 26, 2026    7:00 pm

Friday, February 27, 2026

Margaret Henderson Parish Hall, Opaskwayak, MB

FUNERAL SERVICE

Saturday, February 29, 2026    1:00 pm

Church of the Redeemer, Opaskwayak, MB

Presider: Rev. Gloria Lavallee

Music Ministry: Russell Cook Memorial Singers

RECEPTION

Margaret Henderson Parish Hall, Opaskwayak, MB

INTERMENT

Summer of 2026 at Emmanuel Cemetery, Opaskwayak, MB

PALLBEARERS

Quintin Bignell, Glen Ranville, Jonathan Head,

Louis Personius, Stewart Harris, Michael Harris.

HONORARY PALLBEARER

All OCN Fire Department

In lieu of flowers, donations to the

Canadian Liver Foundation – Manitoba Chapter

210-375 York Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 3J3,

would be appreciated by Stuart’s family.