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BRYNE GRENKOW On November 30, 2012, Bryne Grenkow, aged 64, passed away to join his father Daniel, beloved mother Ollie and dear brother Ron, all of whom he missed deeply. Left to cherish his memory are his soulmate and second pair of eyes, Dorothy Webster, sister Karen Bunyan, sister-in-law Jean Grenkow, nieces Bonnie, Mandy, and Kim, nephew Dan, and best friend, Bill Mantik. Bryne grew up in Winnipeg's North End, graduated from Sisler H.S. and earned his teaching degree at the U of M. As a young man of the 70s he could be described as a long-haired, motorcycle-riding, guitar-playing, hootenanny-loving thinker. For over 30 years, he taught English at Elmwood and Churchill High Schools establishing lifelong friendships with many fellow staff and students. Bryne enjoyed teaching but he loved introducing students to drama and musical theatre. In the late 70s Bryne and other EHS staff had ideas to create a theatre space but budgets were tight. During Bryne's career, the Elmwood community was treated to the King and I, Carousel, Carnival, Oliver, and Godspell, to name a few. He was delighted to attend rehearsals of the 50th anniversary Alumni Choir in 2008 and re-connect with former students. At Churchill H.S., he again directed Godspell and then, became lighting director for the school's performances. He retired in 2003. Bryne was an avid fisherman who loved Otter Falls in both summer and winter, in the company of family or by himself. Over the years, he developed skills in woodworking, metalwork, and landscaping. As a lawn and gardening enthusiast, he amazed friends with his "velvet carpet lawns" and "killer tomatoes". In 2001, he was thrilled to begin working the land he called his "refuge". And yes, his passion for fireworks could be indulged in the open space. Bryne will be remembered for his strength, compassion, nurturing and humour by those who knew and loved him, whether family, friends or students. On Saturday, December 8, 2012 a gathering to remember Bryne will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Donations to further his shared vision of an Elmwood theatre are welcome; cheques may be made to Children's Heritage Fund (include "Elmwood Drama") c/o Winnipeg School Division, 1577 Wall St., E., Winnipeg, MB R3E 2S5, Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of choice. To sign the book of condolence please go to www.knyshfuneralchapel.com We'll miss you, GRENK!
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 06, 2012
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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Mr Grenkow it's funny sometimes to think back on memories. When someone dies, I think the hardest part is that the memories stop. I wasnt the greatest student but when I was informed a number of years later of your passing, it felt like I lost a friend for life. Not a former teacher. I'm glad you were their for our graduation. I'm glad you helped so many of us tough customers to graduate. One day we will all meet again and be together again. When that time comes...I hope you still have one last lesson to teach!!! I love you man and God Bless. - Posted by: Kelly Chypyha (Former Student/ Always Friend ) on: Dec 30, 2020
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I have only recently heard of Bryne's passing and I must say his loss is greatly felt. Bryne was more than a teacher, I have had very few "life" mentors in my time, and Brian was one of those! He taught me how to be myself, he cared deeply, and changed the world around him for the better! He was my english teacher, director, and fishing buddy! In gratitude! - Posted by: Renato Vitic (Former Student/Friend) on: May 02, 2014
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Mr. Grenkow was my first mentor. As an English teacher he helped me to excel in a subject that did not come easy to me (I am currently in a role that is communications based). He also made himself available to all students during lunch or after school to help with English work, or to talk about your interests and encourage you to achieve those goals. I really enjoyed participating in theatre as a Lighting technician because he encourage me and another student who he helped get involved in an after school community theatre project called Humbug with Sheila Reid, some other teachers, community members and students. Charleswood is quite a distance from Elmwood, so Mr. Grenkow would pick me and another student and drive us to the church for production set up and practice. If it wasn't for Mr. Grenkow driving us, neither of us would have had this Awesome opportunity and experience! To this day, I always share my theatre experience and how Mr. Grenkow was a big influence in my life inspiring my creative side. I was sad to hear that he had passed on - I wish I would have gone to the 50 anniversary at Elmwood in Winnipeg to say thank you. My condolences to his family and friends as I'm sure he is very much missed. - Posted by: Wanda Eby (former student, lighting tech,etc.) on: Jan 02, 2013
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Mr Grenkow was an amazing teacher, never ending friend, and the best mentor a person can ask for. You will be missed my friend. Your wise words will follow me throughout my life. Every stage will hold your memories. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Brandi standing (Friend /former student) on: Dec 30, 2012
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I had the pleasure of working with Bryne at CHS - He was always a pleasure and good for a few laughs! He was the lighting director for our Talent Show and spent many hours working with our students to make the show a success! Gone but not forgotten! You will be missed. Deepest Sympathies to all of the "Grenkow" Family...Mike Harris - Posted by: Michael Harris (Friend and fellow teacher) on: Dec 11, 2012
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What a gem to have lost. Someone who always made you welcomed and safe. Not many teachers have the wisdom to make a student want to come to school and work hard. When you see in them a force to succeed, high school can be an enjoyable place. Thanks for making that happen to so many of us. - Posted by: Carol Danyluk (Mancini) (Former student) on: Dec 08, 2012
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I had Mr. Grenkow direct me in my first musical production in grade ten. He gave me a lead role and he was a wonderful director and teacher to work with. Very caring and patient with all of us. I had him again as my English teacher in grade 12, and his class was always so much fun with all the drama activities. Those experiences introduced me to the world of drama and theatre and I have pursued it ever since (I have been teaching high school drama and musical theatre for 10 years). RIP Mr. Grenkow. You were a wonderful teacher to have. :) - Posted by: Tracey Zacharias (Former Student, CHS) on: Dec 08, 2012
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Bryne was a wonderful teacher and mentor to many of us at Elmwood, especially those of us who appeared in the productions mentioned above. He taught us much in the classroom, but much more outside as he taught us to be thinking, caring adults. - Posted by: Glen Hagen (Friend/student) on: Dec 07, 2012
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Mr. Grenkow was a fantastic person! Many after school hours working on the sets with him, Mr. Stevenson, and my brothers. I absolutely loved his laugh and humor! I attended Elmwood from grade 7 through graduation, and Mr. Grenkow was always, and I mean always laughing and smiling. My deepest sympathies to his family. - Posted by: Michael Wilwand (Student (Musical Sets Paint/designs)) on: Dec 07, 2012
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Very sorry to hear of another teacher's loss from Elmwood....deepest sympathies to Ms. Webster and Family - Posted by: Martha (Hauptman) Matthews (student) on: Dec 07, 2012
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Mr. Grenkow was one of those teachers who "sticks" with you. I never had the pleasure of being taught by him in a classroom setting, but was lucky to have been able to forge a friendship with him through musicals at Elmwood High. He was a lovely, caring man with a fantastic sensibility of the needs of the students in his care. RIP. - Posted by: Carlene Rummery (Sheard) (friend/former student) on: Dec 07, 2012
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My deepest sympathies to Bryne's family. Life is way too short sometimes. - Posted by: Susan Harvey-Bingham (Wozniak) (Cousin) on: Dec 07, 2012
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Bryne was my english teacher at Elmwood. He was a thoughful and caring person. I have great memories of him. Bryne thank you for what you did after our school trip on the M.S. Lord Selkirk. It meant a lot to me. R.I.P. - Posted by: Jim Paton (Friend) on: Dec 06, 2012
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Bryne & I were in high school together. I remember him fondly, in the "gang" of us Sisler students, who hung out together through grades 11 & 12. Performing in the King & I together in 1967, under the directorship of Ted Korol, was a highlight of our graduating year. Those were the days! As life goes on, we lost touch after awhile, although Bryne did attend my wedding in 1969. My deepest condolences to Bryne's family. Surely you will miss him. I'm glad he was part of my life - if only for a little while... Linda (Weremiuk) Henderson - Posted by: Linda (Weremiuk) Henderson (high school friend) on: Dec 06, 2012