MAURICE TARAS OCONNELL

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MAURICE TARAS OCONNELL May 28, 1916 - July 13, 2001 It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that our family announces the passing of our dear husband, uncle, great-uncle and brother-in-law, Maurice Taras OConnell. Maurice passed away peacefully on Friday, July 13, 2001 at Concordia Hospital after a lengthy illness. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 61 years, Jean; his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Kathleen Sawula; sister-in-law Pauline Edmondson; his niece Cathy Cox and her husband Herb; as well as his three very special great-nephews, Christopher, Adam and Robert Cox. Maurice was predeceased by his father and mother; his brother Walter and his very dear nephew Greg Sawula. Maurice was born on May 28, 1916 in Winnipegs North End. His father passed away while Maurice was still a young lad, causing Maurice to develop his entrepreneurial skills early in his life. Maurice undertook the responsibility of caring for his family with vim and vigor and quickly realized the financial benefits of free enterprise. He sold pigeons and learned the art of wheeling and dealing. Maurice never lost his love for bartering and even in his later years found enjoyment in trading golf balls or shrubs for vegetables. On June 1, 1940 he married his "queen", Jeannie and together for many years they operated Jeans Green Thumb and Christmas Tree Stand. Maurice loved gardening and fishing. An avid fishing enthusiast, he enjoyed his annual fishing trips with his fishing buddies from the 141 Fishing Club. Maurice belonged to Acacia Masonic Lodge No. 111 and was also an active member of the Shriner Khartum Temple. He served in the Provost Unit and was the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee for many years. Recently he was awarded by the Shrine for his many years of dedicated and distinguished service. Maurice and Jean enjoyed travelling with their shrine unit and shared many wonderful times with their friends from the shrine. Maurice was employed with C.P. Rail at Weston Shops retiring in 1977. Following his retirement, Maurice and Jean enjoyed travelling and sharing good times with their friends in their gazebo. In 1981 Maurices days were brightened by the arrival of his first great-nephew Chris. Uncle adored Chris, and loved driving to the farm in his old yellow truck with Chris by his side. In the years to follow Uncles life was brightened even more with the arrival of Adam and Robert. He loved his "Three Musketeers" dearly and has left them with many happy memories that they will cherish. Although Maurice was short in stature he had a huge heart and was a very caring and generous person. He never hesitated to help a friend and was always eager to volunteer for any project or event. For over 40 years, Maurice spent many weeks prior to Christmas making yule logs. He received great pleasure from donating his hand crafted yule logs to churches, hospitals, friends and family. His door was always open and his enthusiastic welcomes or "four and a half" will be missed by his family and friends. A memorial service will be held 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 17 at Korban Funeral Chapel, 907 Main St. Well love you always, and you will remain in our hearts forever. KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 15, 2001