Earle Armistead

“Stand firm in the faith.”
Earle Armistead, loved father, grandfather and esteemed Rainy River
resident, passed away Sunday, May 28 at the Health Sciences Centre.
Predeceased by his wife Joyce (née Jackson) he is survived by sons
Richard (Glenys), Gregg (Laura) both of Winnipeg, daughter Anne
Mailloux of Rainy River and his six grandchildren, Rodger, Jonathan,
Jessica, Sarah, Joy and Heather. His absence will be deeply felt; words
cannot adequately express our loss.
Earle was born, February 13, 1921 in Swan River, Manitoba. Having
decided, at an early age, to become a minister, Earle attended United
College and began his 40-year ministerial career taking his first
mission field in the Magnet/Rorkton area in Northern Manitoba. After
graduating in 1945 Earle took his first charge of Snowflake, Manitoba.
During this time he met and married his loving partner Joyce and
together they served at numerous charges including Snowflake, Minto,
Kenton, Rainy River, MacGregor, Plumas, Oakville and finally returning
to Rainy River prior to retirement. During his ministry he was activley
involved in the construction of the Plumas and Stratton churches. He
was intensely committed to the development of the Rainy River Health
Care Centre; he helped to build it „brick by brick‰. Earle was a
passionate, humourous, energetic man who enjoyed leading young people‚s
groups, church camps and music. Together, the Armisteads enjoyed the
changing seasons, feeding birds, gardening, mowing and building projects
at the dream home that they built together, at Lake of the Woods. After
retirement, Earle continued his ministry through the creation of stained
glass windows, fund raising and building projects.
A memorial service was held at the Rainy River United Church, Friday,
June 2 at 11:00 a.m. with Pat M. White officiating. Interment took
place at Morson Cemetery later that afternoon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knox United Church
Memorial Fund in Rainy River, the United Church Mission and Service Fund
or the Rainy River Health Care Centre.