Carlene (Carl) Thomas Monkman (Whistling Bear) passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in Winnipeg, MB, at the age of 43 years.

Carlene, or Carl as he liked to be called, our beloved son, brother, father, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend, was born in Eriksdale, Manitoba. Carl was the second youngest of six children to Noreen and Glen Monkman.

In his childhood, Carl and his siblings were raised across Manitoba’s Interlake and some northern First Nations, following his parents, as Glen worked in a number of communities as an Educator. Carl was raised primarily in Vogar, Manitoba, and when the family relocated to Winnipeg for greater opportunities, they called Winnipeg’s North & West End neighbourhoods home—or as Carl would say, “The Hood.”

As a child, Carl was well known to many through his talent in hockey, a sport he held with such passion. He grew up living hockey year-round and gained so many friendships from the time he began playing as a child to his most recent days playing “beer league.” This love and passion he had for the game—Carl ultimately passed it on to all his children.

Carl received his high school diploma through Urban Circle in Winnipeg and continued his post-secondary education, where he graduated from the Educational Assistance Diploma Program through the University of Winnipeg.

Carl’s greatest accomplishment was being a father to his beautiful children: Kieran, Kaniyah, Kylow, Kalix, Kiyanne, and Kayson. Carl raised his great-nephew Braden and niece Stoney, who became part of the family. Carl moved his family to Edmonton in 2010, where his career led him to work in the Edmonton school systems as an educational assistant for numerous years. Carl also did odd jobs with UPS and delivery companies, which he enjoyed as he loved to drive and travel.

This love of travel kept the family on the road, as there were many road trips across Canada and the United States for his boys’ roller and ice hockey tournaments. Carl enjoyed the outdoors and the peace of camping with his family. They even camped while travelling to the North American Indigenous Games to support his children as they competed.

Carl relocated back to Winnipeg in 2020, where he picked up odd jobs with delivery companies. His most recent position was with Rollies Transfer Moving Company, a job that required a lot of driving, which he didn’t mind. Carl had a great sense of humour and was known to be a jokester. He loved music, singing, and showing off his crazy dance moves when he heard his favorite songs. Carl had such great self-esteem—to the point of standing in the mirror to take selfies, admiring his “sexy looks”—and he would say, “All the chicks love me!”

He had a passion for golf and spending his time at the gym to stay fit. Carl loved his family and friends. He spent the last year residing with his parents to help and take care of them where he could. He was a very hard worker and never said no to anyone. His children were his world, and he lived every moment for them. He had a zest for life, and his connection with his siblings, friends, and family was always full of humour, laughs, and love. He recently just found his talent of making ribbon skirts, which made him proud.

Carl (Whistling Bear) is survived by his parents, Noreen and Glen Monkman; seven brothers and sisters: Wendell (Helen), Charity (Lawrence), Alanna (Derek), Alyssa (Gasner), Glen Jr. (Chrissy), Glen Jr. (Sonny), and Rhonda; and his six children: Kieran, Kaniyah, Kylow, Kalix, Kiyanne, and Kayson; and his great-nephew Braden and niece Stoney, who he also raised with his children. Carl had many nieces and nephews—too many to name—where he played a huge role in their lives. He is also survived by his grandmother, Marie Malcolm, and numerous family and friends who he impacted positively in a loving way during his time with us.

Carl is predeceased by his sister Leandra Michelle Christensen (Tootsie); nephews (who he looked at as his younger brothers), Robbie Monkman and Eric Omeasoo; grandparents Louise and Thomas Monkman and grandfather Dan Monkman; and aunts Adeline Johnson and Shirley Nepinak.

Carl’s time with us was cut so short and sudden, but the memories and love he left us—we will cherish for all eternity. He left us with teachings of love, forgiveness, and to live life to the fullest. We love you, Carl—you will remain in our hearts forever.

Our family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Ebb & Flow First Nation, Lake Manitoba First Nation, Cropo Funeral Home, Officiator Mary Crate, Fire Keeper Ronald Paul, Drum Groups, aunt Sandra (Caterer), and all family and friends who contributed donations.

Viewing

Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Location: Winnipeg, MB

Time: 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Venue: Cropo Funeral Chapel

1442 Main Street

Winnipeg, MB R2W 3V7

Wake Service

Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025

Time: 5:00 pm (Overnight)

Location: Lake Manitoba First Nation

Venue: Community Band Hall

Funeral Service and Feast

Date: Friday, August 15, 2025

Time: 2:00 pm

Location: Lake Manitoba First Nation

Venue: Community Hall

Interment to follow: Vogar, MB Cemetery

Active Pallbearers

Kieran Audy

Glen Monkman Jr.

Garnet Desjarlais

Gagnon Mydlo

Esau Turner

Keeyannii Goodluck

Each and every one of Carl’s close friends and family are considered Honorary Pallbearers.