HENRY PTAK

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HENRY PTAK It is with great sadness that the family of Henry Ptak, aged 72 of Dugald, announce his sudden passing. Dad died early Monday morning, July 3, 2006 at Pine Falls Hospital after a brief illness. Dad is survived by Helen, his loving wife of 51 years; his daughter Janice from Halifax; son Alan (Line Moisan) of California; daughter Tracy (Dwain Gregory) of Oak Bank; daughter Monica (Ralph Eschenwecker) of Winnipeg; by the joys of his life, his grandchildren, Carolyn, Cheryl, James and Sarah. Dad also is survived by sisters, Helen, Josie and Sophie, and numerous nieces and nephews. Dad was predeceased by his parents, brother Stanley and sister Stella. Dad's family emigrated from Poland before the Second World War, and Dad was the only member of his family born on Canadian soil. Dad grew up on the family farm in Dugald, and spent his youth farming with his Dad while building friendships with many people that lasted his entire lifetime. Dad and Mom began their time together after their infamous first date at a barn dance. They married on September 25, 1954, and spent their early years in Dugald, while Dad worked with John Watsko and later at Pioneer Electric. In 1964, they moved Janice, Alan and Tracy to the family farm outside Dugald, and Monica was born shortly afterward. Mom and Dad farmed dairy cattle for many years. Summers were spent growing grain and making hay and large doses of laughter were mixed with the sweat equity of raising a family. Winters were spent snow-mobiling with family and friends, and there were seemingly countless years of monopoly games, cards, music and more laughter. Dad sold the dairy business in 1973 and obtained his Diploma in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba in 1975. He worked as a Milk Inspector with the Dairy Section of the Department of Agriculture until 1990. This took him to the farms in the Southeast region of Manitoba, and was a dream job for Dad, as he met with farmers both near and far. His later years were spent moving trees with his tree truck and he also worked as a Crop Adjuster for Manitoba Crop Insurance until his passing. Dad sold his acreage in 2000, but like a true farmer, he never really retired, and he and Mom stayed on the farm site. This was his happy place , and they worked hard to make it a peaceful and welcoming home for themselves, family and friends. Dad and Mom spent many happy years enjoying the fruits of their labour. They curled, golfed and had many years camping in Beausejour and surrounding areas with family and friends. They traveled to visit Janice and Alan on the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, to Hawaii and New Zealand. Dad's most memorable trip was with Mom, Alan and Monica to visit his Dad's family in Poland in 2000. He had many happy memories of seeing his roots and meeting that family for the first time. Dad's greatest joys were his grand-children, and they will miss him dearly. He taught them to play cards and occasionally let them win. He was always thinking of them, and delighted them with small treasures he would find in his travels. He was a great teaser and the kids loved his sense of humour. He was their Grandpa with the moustache . Visitation with Dad and the family will take place Thursday, July 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the Oak Bank United Church. A Celebration of Dad's life will be held in the church on Friday, July 7 at 2:00 p.m., Reverend Wayne Larstone officiating. If friends so desire, donations in Dad's name can be made to the community project to memorialize the 1947 Dugald Train Disaster, in care of the Springfield Women's Institute, Box 293 Dugald, R0E 0K0. Alternately, donations can also be made to the Dugald United Church. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler Funeral Chapel, 224-1525.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 06, 2006