AUGUSTIN (GUS) KONEFAL

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AUGUSTIN (GUS) KONEFAL February 8, 1927 - September 6, 2006 Augustin (Gus) Konefal, at the age of 79, passed away on September 6, 2006 at his home in Dugald, MB. His parents, Tom and Anne Konefal and sister Jean Konefal predeceased Dad. He is survived by daughters, Lynda Ashcroft (Gary), Robin Loiselle (Ray); grandsons, Geoff Ashcroft and Greg Ashcroft (Holly); sister Mary Taraschuk (Steve); and nieces and nephews. Gus was born in Skylake, MB. He suffered a childhood farm accident when he was a young boy that left him with a leg injury that necessitated a hospital stay of two years. This injury continually bothered him for the rest of his life, however he did not let it stop him. Dad worked at the Toastmaster Bread Company on Burness Street as a bread salesman. This job entailed long hours but also afforded him the opportunity on his route to do his version of recycling . He would often come home with salvaged items like discarded French doors for their cottage at Falcon Lake. We fondly remember the tarpaper bunkhouse he built while working on the real cottage. It was made from discarded apple box ends in the days when fruit was shipped in wooden boxes. He returned to the family farm in 1960 to raise purebred Hereford cattle with his father and mother. Dad was extremely proud of his contributions to the cattle industry. In the winter of 1976 after what had been a poor year, he was forced to go farther away from home for feed supplies. He discovered the altered feeding times for pregnant cows was changing the calving times of animals normally born in the early hours when it was bitterly cold. His calves started coming later into the daylight hours making it easier to assist with the birth, if necessary and ensured a higher survival rate for the calves. Thus was born the world famous Kinefal Method of Daytime Calving. University tested, farmer approved! We would like to thank all his friends at Evergreen Lodge for their support and assistance, especially this past year when Dad's health took a turn for the worse. He greatly missed his jaunts to the Chicken Chef . Those visits with the staff and customers were the highlight of his day! Dad will be sadly missed. A private memorial and burial service has already taken place. Russell's of Beausejour, Manitoba are in care of arrangements. Call 1-866-424-6271 toll free or 268-2263.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 12, 2006