Bob Deans
The Irish Association of Manitoba would like to offer its condolences to the family of Bob Deans, who has died after a long illness bravely borne. For many years Bob was the barman at the Irish Club and will be fondly remembered by many.
There will be a celebration of Bob’s life at The Irish Club this coming Friday 27th February at 2pm.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis
Bob Deans
On Sunday, February 22, 2009, Robert Deans passed away. He was predeceased by his wife, Elsie, his brother Ian and his parents Robert and Rose. Bob is survived by his children, Heather McAvoy (Patrick), Bob, Rosemary (Bill), Barbara Ediger (David), Gary (Jan) and Billy; three grandsons, Ian, Mark and Jaremy and two sisters, Violet and Jeanie. Our dad was born on January 5, 1926 in Birtle, Manitoba. He spent ten years living in Scotland before returning to his beloved prairies. One month after returning to Canada in 1946, Dad met our beautiful mother, Elsie. They were married in 1948 and shared a life together for 55 years. Dad worked for the CNR for 39 years, retiring in 1986. During all those years, he only missed two days of work. This defined our father's strong work ethic, sense of values and commitment. Dad was devoted to his family and friends. He loved spending time with them and there was nothing he wouldn't do for them. He had many interests including politics, fishing, music, woodworking and gardening but for him all activities were best when shared. He was a commanding presence in a room – a man who made friends easily and kept them close. Dad lived his life without regrets. He always said he was a very lucky man and we felt lucky to have him as a father. Special thanks to the caring staff of Jocelyn House where dad truly felt at home. The family also thanks the staff of Riverview Health Centre's Palliative Care Ward, particularly Dr. St. Goddard. A celebration of Dad's life will be held at the Irish Association of Manitoba, 654 Erin St. on Friday, February 27th at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Jocelyn House, 177 Egerton Road, Winnipeg, MB R2M 2W7 or to Hospice Palliative Care Manitoba, 2109 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3J 0L3 Glen Eden Funeral Home 338-7111″
If you have not received your membership card/cards for the 2008/2009 year and you have paid your fees, please contact Wilma O’Brien at membership@irishassociation.ca
If your interested in giving us a few hours of your time to either help out at the bar or clearing tables, email Wilma at bar@irishassociation.ca with the times you are available and a contact number.
Thursday, January 29th was the opening night for the Tara Players production of All My Sons, by Playwright Arthur Miller. The theatre was a few seats short of a full house and you could feel the energy in the room. The audience is, at first glance, intrigued by the beautifully decorated set, which is designed to reflect the well-to-do Keller family’s back yard. Instantly, the audience is drawn to a storm broken tree that is an obvious sign of some sort of omen as today is Larry Keller’s birthday. Larry is the son of Kate & Joe Keller, the fiancé of Ann Deever, and he has been missing in action for 3 ½ years. You feel the suspense building in the first few minutes after the show starts. The chirping of the birds in the background is a calming effect but it lets you know that this is the calm and the storm is eminent.
This production depicts how families are destroyed by false values and how everyone involved are in some way or another, “Victims of War”. Joe Keller has a terrible secret – he sold cracked cylinder heads to the military and he falsely accused his business partner Steve, Ann and George Deever’s father, to take the blame. Steve Deever has been in prison for 3 ½ years taking the wrap for Joe’s actions. Kate is in denial that her son Larry is dead because as she says in one very powerful scene during a conversation with her younger son Chris, “If Larry is dead, than your father killed him”. Kate’s brilliant and powerful performance onstage is instilled in everyone watching and you cannot help but feel sorrow and pain for her. Chris will soon inherit the family business and he has invited his dead brother’s fiancée, the beautiful Ann Deever to visit with the intention of asking for her hand in marriage. Ann’s brother, George is en-route to visit the Keller’s as well and he has “blood in his eye” as said by Dr. Jim Bayliss (played by Pat McAvoy) and that he’s coming to take Ann home. George just finds out, after visiting with his dad Steve in jail that very day, that Joe is guilty of selling these cracked cylinder heads to the military and that he pinned the blame on Steve. George is devastated and admits to Ann, “We have done a terrible thing”. He challenges Joe’s complicity in another powerful scene. The extreme anticipation leading up to George’s arrival is felt by all watching and his entrance in the 2nd act makes for an unfolding of yelling, pain, anger and heartfelt emotions.
This 3 act 2 hour performance was done with absolute brilliance and I give this show a well deserving “THUMBS UP”. The hard work and extreme dedication of the Director, Mr. Paul Gray, who has successfully captured all the characters personalities, the 10 cast members and the stage management team (April Gregora and Sidney Gray) was “Top Notch”. The performances of all the cast was outstanding, and notably performed by Marian McConville who played Kate Keller, Eric Fjeldsted who played Chris Keller, Anastasia O’Brien who played Ann Deever and Aidan O’Rourke who played Joe Keller. And how can we forget George Deever, Ann Deever’s brother, who was played by our very own Mr. President of the Irish Association, Mr. Shannon O’Brien. I also want to note the fantastic performance of our newest and youngest Tara Players member, son of Anastasia O’Brien, grandson of past President Aidan O’Brien, Mr. Aidan Connor O’Brien jr. “Aidan, you’re a natural”. Performances by Paul Gray (Frank Lubey), Jennifer Clary-Lemon (Lydia Lubey), Pat McAvoy (Dr. Jim Bayliss) and Gabrielle Hampton (Sue Bayliss) are all credible and they have no trouble portraying their characters.
The production ran for 7 nights with originally 3 dinner theatre nights scheduled with the remaining 4 nights being show only. Due to the high volume of calls to see this amazing production, we had to put on an extra dinner theatre night to accommodate the demand. We were also contacted by Professor Reg Litz of the Izzy Asper School of Business requesting us to put on an extra performance for 75 of their students, which we were happy to do on the morning of the 7th of February. The students stayed behind after the performance to discuss with the actors/actresses the characters and the issues surrounding the events.
Kevin Procosh of the Winnipeg Free Press gave us 3 ½ stars out of 5 with his commentary warranting at least 4 stars, my opinion. Barbara Stewart of Up Town Magazine gave us an A minus with an amazing review making comments like “Heart tugging tear jerker” and “Extremely professional work”. We averaged a sellout all of the 8 performances with seating in the aisles to accommodate and on several nights, people were turned away at the door. It was a great problem to have!
This production was a huge success and hearing comments at front of house like,”How can we become a part of all this energy” and “When is the next show” and “We never knew such a wonderful exciting place existed, why is it so hidden”, was absolutely overwhelming and it made me proud to be a part of it. Seeing a full house every night, with everyone being so energized, the room feeling so electric with people’s anticipation to see the show and all the positive remarks was an amazing experience.
My hats off to everyone involved and a special mention of our new Chef, Mr. Colin Holder, whose meal service and presentation was to die for with a 2nd special mention to Peter McConville, husband of Marian McConville, who’s magnificent artwork was on display in the painting of the Keller’s backyard.
Bravo, Congratulations and a Job Well Done.
Wilma O’Brien
