CARL F. PITURA

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CARL F. PITURA

1925 - 2024

Carl Pitura passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Grace Hospital on January 9, 2024, with family at his side. He was born on May 28, 1925 in Winnipeg, the youngest and final surviving son of Paul and Sophie Pitura (nee Parnega). Residing in Domain, MB, for most of his life, Carl was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters-in-law: Frank (Doris), Stanley (Agnes), and Walter (Myrtle). As a twin, Carl's brother Joseph passed away at seven months of age.

Carl leaves this earthly home to join hands once again with his beloved wife Clara who suddenly passed away December 10, 2014. He is survived by his children, Carolynne (John), Calvin (Barbara), Cheryl (Craig), Corie (Don), loving grandchildren, Kate (Mike), Sheena (Tom), Jenny (Jon), Vicki, Connor (Sheri), Brenden (Nicole), Caelyn and great-grandchildren, Emma, Blair, Quinn, Harris, Callan, and Casey.

Carl lived a fulfilling and active life, always expressing gratitude for the privilege it afforded him. His life was a journey of planting and growing seeds and began at the family farm started by his parents. Paul and Sophie sold their grocery business in Winnipeg to start farming at Domain in 1921. Celebrating 100 years in 2021, the Century Farm is now operated by the fourth generation, Carl’s grandson, and grandson-in-law.

Carl's commitment to the seed industry spanned more than 74 years as a pedigreed seed grower. His service extended to both the Manitoba and Canadian Seed Growers Associations, leading him and Clara on a journey across Canada, from PEI to Victoria. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he received both a Long Service Award and the prestigious Robertson Award.

In his local community, Carl served as a municipal councillor for 14 years, with six years as Reeve of the Municipality of Macdonald. During this time the council made pressure water on tap available for residents and initiated an ambulance service with volunteer resident nurses to serve the area. He also served as both a Director of the Union of Manitoba Municipalities and on the Manitoba Municipal Board.

A cancer survivor since 1995, Carl expressed continual gratitude for the care he received from Dr. Ian Maxwell and the team at the Victoria General Hospital. Together with Clara, he established an Endowment Fund at the hospital to support cancer patient care in the new Oncology Out-Patient Clinic. He believed strongly in the healing power of prayer, and was thankful for those that prayed for his healing and recovery during this time.

Carl found joy in winters spent in Arizona with Clara since 1984. With a golf club set purchased at Zeller’s for $39, he started his favourite pastime. He loved being out on a course with his friends and would make sure he played a few rounds a week, both in Arizona and in Winnipeg. With a couple of holes in one, and a club championship or two, Carl golfed until the age of 95.

In reflecting on his life, Carl expressed gratitude for his parents move to the farm, the 63 years he shared with Clara, his four children, and the medical professionals and community support during his battle against cancer. He also thanked the Municipality of Macdonald for allowing him to serve as a councillor and reeve, the Canadian Seed Growers Association for the trust placed in him, and his son Calvin and his wife Barbara for their patience and support during the early years of farm growth. Finally, he was thankful for the support of his daughters, especially Corie and Carolynne, in his final years, allowing him to live independently at the Winnipeg Canoe Club after Clara’s passing.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Domain, Manitoba in the spring, the season that, as a life-long farmer, Carl loved so much.

Carl Pitura's life was a testament to blessings and gratitude. May he rest in peace.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 13, 2024, Jan 13, 2024