We: While family

In 1945 Wes and his Dad built one of the first Locker Plants in Manitoba, on a location immediately east of the butcher shop. This was a big venture because the idea of “Quick—Freezing” was new and had to be “sold”. However, it was a good move, because the business has expanded until it has become a very important industry in the village of Oak River. “Whitcs' sausages” gained a wide reputation, and the home-cured hams and bacons won many awards in competition at Quick Freeze Conventions.

Wes and his wife attended the very first convention and subse- quent conventions and pioneered with the other operators in the growth of the industry. He was a past president of the Manitoba Locker Association and in this capacity attended the National Con- vention in Chicago in 1956.

Wes and Myrtle, both members of the United Church, showed active interest in the Church and the Community activities — Wes on the Board of Stewards in the Church; secretary of the Rink Association; member of the Curling Club, the local Fire Brigade and the Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Masonic Order, Cardale Branch.

After his Dad retired from business in 1957, Wes continued the Quick Freeze business with a staff of three or four until 1958 when Ed Shamray entered the business as a Junior partner. The partner- ship was short-lived, as Wes died suddenly Feb. 23, 1963 of a heart attack, being stricken during a semi-final game in the Merchants’ Event of the Oak River Men’s Bonspiel.

Under new ownership of Ed Shamray the Quick Freeze business continues to expand and to flourish, giving the same good service, so it is truly a Memorial to Wes and his early dreams.

Two children, Brian and ]o-Ann, were both married in 1968. Brian, a salesman in Penticton, B.C. married Peggy Young, a school teacher, of Coquitlam, B.C. ]o-Ann, attending Brandon University, is Mrs. Bruce McTavish and lives in Brandon. Bruce works for Nation-