BJ, age 42, of Peguis First Nation, passed away suddenly and far too soon on September 23, 2026. His unexpected departure has left a profound void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him
Born on June 1, 1984 to Brian and Della Spence, BJ grew up with this relentless energy and passion for life. He lived most of his life in Peguis and graduated High School from Peguis Central School in 2003. A carpenter by trade, he took immense pride in working with his hands. He worked in numerous communities but always found his way back to his home community and family in Peguis.
From an early age, BJ’s heart belonged to the rink. Hockey was a constant throughout his entire life. He started playing as a squirt, and finished his hockey career with the Junior B's. He made lifelong friendships built in those dressing rooms, and on the rink. His love of hockey was handed down to his children and they all enjoyed watching their favorite team, the Winnipeg Jets. BJ loved staying fit, and he pushed himself to be his best every single day.
Above all his accomplishments, BJ’s greatest joy and proudest title was "Dad." He loved his kids, Sadie, James, Bailey, and Ben, with all his heart. They were the pride of his life, and his thoughts and deepest devotion were always with them.
He is survived by his four beautiful children; Sadie, James, Bailey, and his baby Benjamin (and their mother Nicole). His loving parents Brian and Della Spence; his siblings, Chrissy (Stephan), Pam (Nick), Dawn (Evan), Donnie, Cali (Tim), and Cory (Olivia); his granny Lillian; his uncle's Bill (Cathy) Spence, Brent (Verna) Spence, and Morgan Sutherland; his aunties Joanne (Alex) Manningway, Maxine (Gabby) Stevenson, and Mabel (Emil) Morin; all of his nieces and nephews; special friend Pamela Munro; and many extended family members, and friends who loved him dearly.
BJ was predeceased by his grandparents; Roselyn and Albert Sutherland, and Fred Spence. His uncles; Larry, Edward, McClure, Wallace, Wally, Ernest, Dennis, and Phillip (in Infancy) and Leslie (in Infancy) Sutherland. His aunties; Mary Sinclair, Susan Sinclair, and Roxanne Spence.
The family would like to thank: All of the family and friends who stopped in, brought food, gave donations and offered condolences during this difficult time; Health Science Centre's SICU; Peguis Chief and Council.
Wake Service: Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Peguis Church, Peguis, Manitoba
Funeral Service: Friday, October 2, 2026 at the Peguis Community Hall
Viewing from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. with service to follow.
Interment: St. Peter’s Anglican Church Cemetery, Peguis, Manitoba
Officiant: Pastor Glen Cochrane
Pallbearers: Larry Dwayne Sutherland - Jeffrey Sutherland - Joey Sutherland - Shawn Mousseau - Phil Stevenson - Ryan Sutherland
Honorary Pallbearers: Jonathan Sutherland (Big Jon) - Stacey Stevenson - Stan Sinclair - Shauna (Gert) Sutherland - George McCorrister - Jenny Swan - Krystal Sutherland - Diane Sutherland - Grant Sutherland - Morgan (Bubba) Sutherland - Chad Reimer - Jaco West - Randy Campbell - Dale Paul - Matthew Paul - Dwayne Paul - and all of his friends
Cross Bearer: Benjamin Spence
Broken Chain
We little knew the day that
God was going to call your name,
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you did not go alone,
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories.
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you
You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.
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