MICHAEL GEORGE SIMONIS

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MICHAEL GEORGE SIMONIS October 31, 1952 - September 20, 2005 With heavy hearts we announce the death of Michael Simonis at 52 years of age at St. Boniface Hospital. After a second long and painful struggle, Michael George Simonis, our dear son, brother, uncle, great uncle and friend, succumbed to the ravages of cancer. He leaves to mourn his premature death, stepmother Rosina Simonis; sisters, Christine Dewar and Dietlinde Cripps; brother-in-law Donald Dewar; nephews Richard Dewar, Sean and Teresa Cripps with Keenan; Austin and Ethan, and Shane and Li Cripps with James and Dylan of Thompson MB; step-sisters, Maria Moldoveanu and Stephanie Zamfir and families in Los Angeles, CA; numerous cousins in Kenora, United States, Germany and Romania. He was predeceased by mother Christine (nee Frantz) in 1977, father George in 1998 and brother-in-law Arthur Cripps in 2002. Michael was born on Hallowe'en, the youngest child of recent immigrants of Transylvanian-Saxon heritage. He grew up and was educated in Winnipeg's North End at Luxton Elementary and St. John's High schools. He earned certificates in electrical technology and electronic engineering technology (1986 and 1993) from Red River Community College. He worked briefly for MB Hydro, Bell Foundry and Domtar but earned his living largely from driving taxi for Duffy's. A Bombers' game, a cold beer, Led Zeppelin music, his motorcycle and his waterbed were some of Mike's favourite things. He enjoyed reading SF and watching reruns of Star Trek. His friends, including the transplantees, and his family, particularly his nephews and great nephews, were his favourite people. He was both easy-going and extremely stubborn in temperament, and faced first leukemia, and then lung cancer with resolution and without complaint. Cremation has taken place at Mike's request. A memorial service will follow on Saturday, September 24 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 370 McKenzie Street at College, Pastor Bill Lehman officiating. Interment will follow at a later date at Glenlawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 455 Lagimodiere. Should friends so desire, Mike would consider a contribution to the Canadian Cancer Society a fitting tribute to his life. Michael and his family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Homecare workers who tended him at his home and the Palliative Care staff at St. Boniface Hospital who provided friendly care and support during his last weeks. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 23, 2005