BERNARD VINCENT MCGAVOCK

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BERNARD VINCENT McGAVOCK On September 27, 2002, Vincent McGavock, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, died peacefully at Misericordia, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. Survived by his devoted wife Adelaide (Missler) and his son Dennis and daughter-in-law Sharon; daughter Christine and son-in-law Ron Davey; daughter Mary-Anne and son-in-law Gerry Eekhoudt; son Timothy and daughter-in-law Anita; daughter Maureen and son-in-law Joseph Hay; daughter Kathleen and son-in-law Peter Schillberg; and grandchildren (Jonathan, Todd, Ryan McGavock), (Colin, Michael, Anthony, Laura Davey), (Daniel, Kathleen, Paul Eekhoudt), (Vanessa, Jenna, Scott McGavock), (James, Justine, Jacqueline Hay), (Jessica and Eric Schillberg) sisters Rose Lyons and Teresa McDonald; along with a multitude of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Frank; his mother Theresa; and his brothers John, Frank and Alec. He was born in Winnipeg May 7, 1924, growing up on St. Johns Avenue and attending St. Josephs and Holy Ghost Roman Catholic churches and schools. Talented both academically and musically, Vince contributed to his local church and to the larger church community by using his God-given voice to entertain and inspire hundreds of people who attended the concerts in which he participated. As well he served faithfully as an altar boy and later on in adult life, he contributed significantly to his parish of St. Anthony of Padua. During the Second World War, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy and served honorably from 1942 to 1945. Following the war, Vincent resumed his career with the Winnipeg Fire Department where he devoted and enjoyed 43 years of service until his retirement as Assistant Deputy Chief. His long association with firefighting continued with volunteer work for the Firefighters Historical Society. A huge part of his heart was always with those wonderful years as a firefighter. His first devotion, undoubtedly, was to his family. His wife; his children and grandchildren will always remember his laughter, his "terrible" puns; his sense of honor and fair play and we will always have the memory of the absolute joy with which he greeted his grandchildren, as though he were seeing each and every one of them for the very first time. Together with Mom, he built a solid family foundation. Because of that foundation, our home was a place where joy was multiplied and sorrow divided. Dad spent his final days, like his life, within that nurturing climate. Following Dads death, the family remained together with him at his bedside, praying and warmly reminiscing in a final gathering. A celebration of Vincents life will be held on Monday, September 30 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, 250 Burrin Ave. Co-celebrants are Father Terance McGrath and Monsignor Louis McCloskey. The McGavock family wishes to thank all the caregivers, neighbours, relatives, fellow firefighters and friends who were so supportive of Dad and the family during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of ones choice. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 29, 2002