GORDON KOWALCHUK

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GORDON KOWALCHUK Gordon Kowalchuk, 89, of Dauphin, MB, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2014. Born in Dauphin to Nick and Rose, he was second eldest in a family of six boys and two girls. Gordon spent his life there, raising a family and working until he retired from paid work at the age of 65. Those of you who knew him, knew he never stopped working. Gordon was a passionate, self-made man with many loves and interests. His first love was Maimie, his wife of 46 years, who was taken too early in 1992. Gordon focused his love and passion on his four daughters and their families; every grandchild brought joy to his heart as he watched them grow, blossom, and become adults. Dad was extremely proud of all his children and grandchildren. His newest focus of admiration was his only great-granddaughter. He loved her spirit and energy and talked about her constantly. Even in his last hours at the Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg, when nurses were asking him if he brought any valuables, he charmingly said that he had brought his "jewels" with him. It was clear that everything that he held most precious was there in the hospital with him...his three surviving daughters. In his later years, Dad had a companion in Pauline Hafichuk. They shared their love of gardening, travel, crib, and love of their families. This friendship was a blessing - both families were very grateful for the support they gave each other. Gordon had many passions. Each year he worked hard to have the most beautiful flower and vegetable garden in Dauphin. He was most proud when people stopped and commented about his amazing green thumb. Another love of Dad's was travel. He and Mom loved to drive on the many local country roads and take longer jaunts throughout North America. Several trips to Texas brought Dad much joy! Gordon was the proverbial salesman. We heard people often say "Gordon could sell ice to an Eskimo." He went on to prove this as a salesman with Western Grocers, the proprietor of Dauphin Bakery and Supermarket, and his many sales jobs at the car dealerships in Dauphin. Many of you will remember the free doughnuts at Dauphin Bakery, the special cuts of meat, and the hustle and bustle in the small store that amazed so many. He never shied away from doing something new, and often sought out challenging things: especially if someone said he couldn't or shouldn't do it. He demonstrated and proved to all his kids, that we could achieve anything with effort, determination and hard work! He was a great example and teacher. He had the "Midas touch" in that he was successful in everything he attempted. Gordon had an amazing tenor voice that rang through the church choir and Ukrainian Festival stage. He was proud of his heritage, was a founding member of several of his church associations and participated enthusiastically in all of them. Gordon was proud of his accomplishments and his family. His strong work ethic delivered shone through in everything he tackled. It was these traits and his love of family that set him apart from so many. Dauphin has lost a son, a father, a builder, a great neighbour, and a visionary. His wife Maimie, daughter Diane Rever, and numerous siblings predeceased Gordon. He is survived by children Carol and Clay Kemp, Linda Solomon, Teresa and Kyle Peterson and Joe Rever. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, Sandra Rever, Karen Rever, Kristi Kemp (Meghan), and Scott Kemp, Bayn Solomon, Keenan Peterson and great-granddaughter Mattea Kemp, as well as brothers Mike and Ernie (Zenovia) Kowalchuk. Prayer services will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. from Sneath- Strilchuk Funeral Chapel in Dauphin. A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 29, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. from St. George's Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Dauphin with Rev. Fr. Brent Kuzyk officiating. Interment followed in the Riverside Cemetery. Donations in memory of Gordon may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation. Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Services were in care of arrangements, 204-638-4110 www.sneathstrilchuk.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 27, 2014