Selkirk has been and still is home to some extraordinary people over the years. Some gave their lives for a better tomorrow, others traveled the world, created recreation, and gave transportation. Learn how these great individuals shaped our beautiful city into what it is today.
From his childhood playing with wartime sugar rations to his record-breaking 18 years as Mayor, Robert “Bud” Oliver’s dedication to Selkirk is unmatched. Discover the fascinating life of our longest-serving mayor, his 35-year crusade against Red River flooding, and the hilarious 1986 radio duel that sparked the great “Catfish Capital” feud.
Chronically remembered for his ultimate sacrifice, Charles A. Griffiths enlisted as an RCAF Lancaster bomber pilot at just 20 years old. During a perilous 1944 mission over Germany, he bravely stayed at the controls of his rapidly descending aircraft to allow his crewmates to parachute to safety, cementing his legacy as a heroic member of Selkirk’s historic Dufferin Gang.
Follow the athletic and military life of Charles Tetroe, a versatile Selkirk athlete and former lineman who enlisted as an RCAF bomber pilot in 1941. Recognized for his dependable enthusiasm, he served alongside his brothers as part of the historic Dufferin Gang before a tragic service vehicle collision in Yorkshire cut his promising life short in 1944.
Chuck Norquay’s infectious passion for fishing singlehandedly secured Selkirk’s title as the “Catfish Capital of North America.” Discover his journey from a local guide to an international fishing celebrity, the famous 1985 letter that brought TV’s Babe Winkelman to the Red River, and the story behind the iconic 30-foot statue erected in his honor
From her quiet beginnings at Safeway to becoming Selkirk’s first elected First Nations woman councillor, Darlene Swiderski has spent decades quietly championing her community. Discover her inspiring journey through union activism, her mentorship of new leaders, and her unwavering dedication to local progress
Discover the inspiring legacy of Dawn MacFarlane, the second female councillor in Selkirk’s history. From her early roots at “Anderson’s Corner” to her 22 years of dedicated public service—including 15 years as Deputy Mayor—explore how she passionately championed local arts, shaped provincial business curricula, and fiercely advocated for the well-being of her community.
From managing patients alongside inmates at Lower Fort Garry to pioneering humane, non-restraint treatment at Selkirk’s first proper asylum, Dr. David Young fundamentally reshaped psychiatric care in Manitoba. Discover the fascinating legacy of this beloved physician, his therapeutic farming programs, and the local landmarks that still bear his name today.
Dr. Reid began practicing medicine in Selkirk in 1960. As well as being an advocate for public health, Reid was a decorated athlete, well known for his passion for water skiing. Reid was an active community member, sharing his love of wood carving and participating in choir, singing well into his retirement in 1984.
Dr. William Easton (1910–1989) left an enduring 50-year legacy of healthcare dedication and service to the residents of Selkirk and its surrounding areas. Operating a diverse medical practice from 1935 until his retirement in 1986, he delivered thousands of babies, performed countless general surgeries, and championed the development of the consolidated Selkirk Medical Centre—a commitment to local community wellness that is remembered today through Easton Drive and the Easton Place Clinic.
Follow the inspiring life of Elma Gunter, who grew up in Selkirk alongside four of her siblings in the historic Dufferin Gang. After serving as a secretary in the Canadian Women’s Auxiliary Corps during World War II, she returned home to build a vibrant career and dedicate decades of her life to vital community organizations, including the Business and Professional Women’s Club and the Gordon Howard Seniors Centre.