Recognizing Our Most Distinguished Members

The Society recognizes several "non-members who have significantly advanced the welfare or objectives of the Society" as Honorary Members.

HONOURARY PATRONS

Her Honour, the Hon. Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.

Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba

The Rt. Hon. John Andrew Douglas-Hamilton, Earl of Selkirk

The Rt. Hon. Dr. O. Peter St. John, Earl of Orkney

HONORARY MEMBERS

The Rt. Hon. Andrew Bruce, KT, CD, DL, JP, Earl of Elgin and Kincardine

Capt. Rev. Rod Buck

Gary Dawyduk

George Einarson

His Honour the Honourable Gary A. Filmon, PC, OC, OM

Jack Glenny

Hon. Phillip S. Lee, CM. OM

Sir D. B. McPhee, QPM

W. Nicolson

R.H. Ross

 HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS

G.L. Balneavesr

E.M. Bethune

Dr. Peter Connelly

Dr. W.M. Goodall

Colin MacArthur, Q.C.

G.B. McDiarmid

James Oborne. UE

John Perrin III

HCol R.H. Vandewater

In Memoriam

Jim Bear, Knowledge Keeper - Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Direct Descendant of Chief Peguis

Jim Bear, respected First Nations leader, community advocate, Knowledge Keeper and proud patron of the St. Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg, passed away on August 27, 2025. Jim Bear spent 79 remarkable years lighting up the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. He believed that a good laugh, a heartfelt story, or a helping hand could make all the difference, and he lived this every day. Whether giving his all as Chief of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation or quietly reaching out to someone in need, Jim’s kindness overflowed without hesitation.

Family was the heartbeat of Jim’s life. He was a loving partner to his wife, Merle Lewis, and a proud father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and brother. His home was a gathering place that was filled with stories, laughter, and the joy of togetherness. Jim would share a joke just to see smiles on the faces of his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, reminding them to forgive, never forget, and grow stronger from life’s lessons.

Community meant everything to Jim. He co-founded the Southeast Tribal Council and the first Indigenous Junior A Hockey Club, bravely advocated for freshwater fish, and played a vital role in establishing the First Nations School Division. His leadership extended far beyond titles and medals, as evident in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and Platinum Jubilee Medals; it was apparent in how he uplifted others and inspired hope.

Jim’s legacy exceeds any list of achievements. He believed in making people happy, in the importance of learning from our history, and in helping anyone without hesitation or expectation. We will miss his bright, infectious smile, his easy laughter, the warmth he spread, along with the wisdom he shared and his generosity. We are richer for having known him. His spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched, reminding us every day that leadership is about heart and that happiness can be as simple as sharing a joke.