by Fred Morris
Updated March 2026
Legendary broadcaster Jack Wells began his sports casts every day with the weather phrase that I have used in the title. I do remember a few days when the weather did not seem to be nice. This story will deal the part of St. James that Jack called home during the part of his long career when he was on the air from early morning to late evening.
Stan and Mary Bowen were long-time residents of a house featuring a large garden. Stan was an employee of Scott Bathgate. Mary worked at Eatons. On 8 November 2014, the Winnipeg Free Press wrote a very compelling story of Barb and Stan's long-distance courtship while Stan was fighting in the First World War.
During Jack and Flicka Wells's early days on Pinewood, Jack's CKY's Winnipeg Blue Bomber Broadcasts were in direct competition with CKRC. Both stations were broadcasting the games live at the same time. Jack is a member of the Curling, CFL, and Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fames. In 1965, he and his son John cohosted the CKY morning show. John went on to a long broadcasting career in various parts of Canada. John is in the CFL Hall of Fame.
Blue Bomber Quarterback Don Jonas ( 1971-74) lived on Pinewood. Jonas played street football with the children. During the 1960s, Dennis Ball, a member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame, lived on Assiniboine Crescent. In 1965-1966, he was the General Manager of the MJHL Winnipeg Rangers Turnbull Cup champions. Dennis eventually left Winnipeg as his work load for the New York Rangers increased before moving onto the St. Louis Blues. Between 1974 and 1976, he was the General Manager at St. Louis.
Mark Chipman lived part of his adolescence on Assiniboine Crescent. Morris Lukowich lived in the neighborhood when he played for the Winnipeg Jets 1.0. In 2011, Mark brought the NHL back to Winnipeg. He is currently the Executive Chairman of True North Sports. His Honours include the 2012 University of North Dakota Sioux Award, the AHL 2005 James Hendy and the AHL 2012 Thomas Ebright awards. In 2012, he received the Order of Manitoba.
Daryl Burlingham, a CKRC and CKY disc jockey, lived in this neighbourhood (early 1960s) before moving to British Columbia to continue his broadcasting career. Susan Millican has been an documentary CBC producer, Red River College TV and journalism instructor, the Vice President of the Women's Television Network, and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Screen Institute. Tom McGouran, a long-time radio personality, has lived on Assiniboine Crescent. Tom won the 2025 Manitoba Country Music award, the Radio Personality of the Year.
In Manitoba history, Jack Carroll is the only Progressive Conservative elected as MLA for The Pas. After his 1958 election win, Jack, Hope and their family became residents of Assiniboine Crescent. For the entire 11 years that the PCs were in power, Jack served in a variety of cabinet portfolios. Between 1967 and 1971, Peter Moss Sr served on the St. James City Council. Hugh McFayden who served as Manitoba PC Leader between 2006-2012. Hugh spent part of his adolescence living in this neighbourhood. Hugh's brother Scott was an Assistant to Manitoba MP Steven Fletcher. Bob and Shelagh Douglas were early Pinewood residents. Bob served four terms as a Winnipeg City Councillor. Bob an expert in agricultural policy and is in the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame. Walter Bushuk was a Plant Science Professor. He wrote 300 articles about the biochemistry of wheat. In 2003, he received the Order of Canada.
A couple of public administrators lived on Assiniboine. Alex Reid was the Clerk for the City of St. James. John Russell was the Head Librarian at the St. James Library. William Ladyman was the Canadian CEO of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Labour Congress.
Many business leaders lived part of their lives on these streets. Walter Loewen was the President of the Piano House Limited. Robert Chipman was the President of Birchwood Motors. Guz Zorratti was the co-owner of the Zorratti Restaurant at 423 Portage. Jack Bastable was the long-time owner of Parkview Solo. In 1959, he was the Chair of the St. James Chamber of Commerce. Ed Minke served as President of Bullman Brothers. Maurice Tressor was an executive with Expertite Limited. Raymond Massey was the President of Raymond Massey builders. Raymond and Mary hosted childrens swimming pool parties. Raymond played a major role in the construction of the Arms of the Cross Seniors Residence at 555 Burnell. David Kilgour was an engineer with what is now Crosier Kilgour and Partners. His work included the Millennium Library, the Winnipeg Arena expansion, and the Royal Canadian Mint. Burt Stovel was a University of Manitoba Architecture Gold Medalist who worked for Frank Lount before forming his own company. Burt designed many homes in southwest Winnipeg. Robert Cunningham Sr and Robert Jr have both been President of Cunningham's Business Interiors. Wesley Peters built and operated both Gregory-Cartwright Stationers and Northern Aero Industries. John and Shirley LePage were involved in the management of the Paddock Restaurant. Gordon Muirhead was a long-time Eaton's Manager. Sharon Dunmall worked in real estate.
Alan Goddard practiced law at Chapman Goddard and Keenan. In 1983, he was the Chair of the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce. Richard Cassidy is a corporate lawyer. Dr. Bernard Derbach, Dr. Howard Guest, Dr. Sheena Guest, Dr. Ken Mckenzie, and dentists Steve Lawson and Walker Shortill, are some of the medical professionals who have lived on theses streets. Shortill gave out toothbrushes on Halloween. Educators Vic Wieler, Barbara Sarson, and Laura Zimmerman served as teachers and Principals. Ellen Packer was a music teacher who sang in the Philharmonic Choir. Michael Martin grew up on Pinewood. Michael is a special needs teacher who performs with his band the Significant Others at various venues including the West End Cultural Center. Rhoda Ladyman helped set up and run Fort Garry's first Library on the grounds of the General Steel School.
Jimmie King's last home was on Assiniboine. Jimmie was a well-known musician and band leader.
After 52 years of planning, the Charleswood Bridge opened around the time of the 1995 City Election. I found out that bridge had been in the planning stages as early as 1943. On 15 December 1993 there was a heart wrenching Winnipeg Free Press story detailing the expected expropriation of Bob and Francis Ward's home.
In conclusion, let us remember a couple of lasting marriages. Walter and Jean Bushuk were married 62 years. David and Ann Kilgour were married 66 years.
Page revised: 20 August 2026
