MICHAEL KARWACKI

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MICHAEL KARWACKI It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our father and Gigi, Michael Karwacki on Friday, July 10, 2015 at the age of 89 years. Michael leaves to mourn those who already miss him dearly - his son Gary of Moreno Valley, California; his daughter Gail Sutton and her husband Daryl; his son Wayne and wife Kris and their two children Jodi (Reid) and Krysten Karwacki all of Winnipeg. He was predeceased by his wife Mary in 2005, an infant daughter Cheryl Ann in 1947, as well as his parents Annie and John Karwacki. Michael was proud to serve his country in the Second World War aboard the H.M.C.S. Iroquois navy ship. He proudly joined the Winnipeg Fire Department in 1946 and after being promoted to Lieutenant, Captain, and retiring as District Chief after serving 41 years. Michael and Mary loved to travel in the motorhome in which Michael built taking it as far as Mexico. They also took trips to Florida, Hawaii, Barbados, and numerous trips to visit Gary in California. He purchased a cottage on Bird River in 1987 which the family thoroughly enjoyed many memorable weekends together. Family meant the most to Mike and he was so blessed to have both his daughter and son living on the same street as him. Many times we would see him walking up and down the street delivering care packages to his kids. The light of his life were his grandchildren Jodi and Krysten and there wasn't anything that he would not do for them or anyone else for that matter. Michael was a very unselfish, caring, kind person you would ever had the pleasure of meeting. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. In later years he enjoyed sitting in his gazebo watching the rabbits chase each other or the birds in the bird feeder. He fed the squirrels so many peanuts that when one day they cleaned out the shed it was literally full of peanuts! Michael thoroughly enjoyed visits from friends and family, and the family would like to thank each and everyone of you that paid him these visits as it meant the world to him to spend "Happy Hour" with him. In 2015 he went through some difficult times with his diabetes, after spending a month in the hospital and was fortunate to be able to stay in his home until the very end. The family wishes to express their thanks to the W.R.H.A. Palliative Home Care as well as Seven Oaks Hospital for their compassion and kindness during this difficult time. Michael touched many hearts in his life and will be missed tremendously for all who knew him. Dad, we will miss you and will always remember and cherish the fun and happy memories together. Thank you for all you have taught us and we know you will be watching over us - we love you!! Those wishing to honour his memory can make a donation to Winnipeg Firefighter Burn Fund, 303-83 Garry St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4J9. At his request, a private family funeral will be held. If tears could build a stairway And memories a lane, We'd walk right up to Heaven And bring you home again. Funeral Arrangements in Care of Wheeler Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematorium 1800 Day Street 204-224-1525 You may sign the Book of Memories at www.wheelerfuneral.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 14, 2015