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.
Born into a Métis family in Grand Marais in 1921, Elsie Bear became a monumental figure of advocacy, community service, and cultural pride in Selkirk. A founding force behind the Selkirk Friendship Centre in 1967, she dedicated her life to empowering women, children, and Indigenous peoples, while personally fostering around 40 children and launching a massive annual community Christmas dinner. Her decades of selfless giving earned her Manitoba’s prestigious Order of the Buffalo Hunt and the MMF’s Order of the Shawl.
“How many times have I travelled? I wish I knew… I have in the past gone to Hawaii, the Yosemite… to Alaska three times, up the Saskatchewan 1000 miles… I am a born nomad.” — Emma Shaw Colcleugh
The Epstein Brothers were prominent figures in Selkirk’s business and community landscape, establishing successful retail and commercial ventures that spanned decades. Beyond their entrepreneurial contributions, the family was deeply committed to local civic life, philanthropy, and community development, leaving a lasting legacy in the region’s growth.
Discover the fascinating tales of the Molly and the Hazel—two legendary Lake Winnipeg vessels that braved the elements, survived dramatic wrecks, and left an indelible mark on Selkirk’s marine history.
Learn about the life of Frank Tetroe, who grew up in Selkirk and married his wife Freda at Christ Church in 1934. After serving in World War II with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps alongside his brothers in the historic Dufferin Gang, he later relocated to Ontario where he became a dedicated lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Follow the military and personal life of Gerry Gunter, a World War II veteran who enlisted alongside his brothers in the “C” Squadron Fort Garry Horse. As a proud member of Selkirk’s historic Dufferin Gang, he was awarded the Canadian Efficiency Medal in 1944 and later returned home to raise his family and dedicate his life to the local community.
Learn about the dedicated community life of Gordon Coutts, a proud World War II veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps. As a recognized member of Selkirk’s historic Dufferin Gang, he returned home to build a lifelong career at the Manitoba Rolling Mills and remained deeply involved with the local Legion, leaving a legacy of service both at home and abroad.
From its humble late-1970s beginnings in a church basement to a bustling, modern facility on Eveline Street, the Gordon Howard Senior Centre has redefined aging in Selkirk. Discover the inspiring legacy of Gordon Howard, his fight against ageist stereotypes, and how his vision continues to keep local retirees active, independent, and deeply connected
Leaving behind the devastation of post-WWII Europe, Piotr and Wladyslawa Grabowski brought their young family to Selkirk in search of a better life. Discover their incredible story of survival, from Nazi forced labor camps to building a legacy of heroism, resilience, and deep community roots right here in Manitoba.
Follow the selfless life of Harold Henrikson, who stepped away from school in the 1930s to support his family at the Selkirk Foundry. After marrying in Ontario and enlisting with the Lord Strathcona’s Armoured Horse Tank Corps, this proud member of the Dufferin Gang fought in the Liberation of the Netherlands and Belgium before returning home to raise his family, work at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre, and serve as a dedicated Mason and Legion member.
