VINCENT MCCARTHY

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VINCENT MCCARTHY September, 1914 - December, 2005 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Vincent at Deer Lodge on December 5, 2005 with his family at his side. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 59 years, Maryan; five children, Annie, Margaret, Helen (Ken), John (Cindy) and Bill (Debbie), 13 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two sisters, Rita and Jean, two sisters-in-law in Holland as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Vinnie was born in Wiley Township in Ontario, the eighth of 11 children of Patrick and Jessie McCarthy. He was raised on the family farm where he became a Jack-of-all-trades as he learned the many skills required to keep a farm running. Of all the farm chores, working with the horses was his favourite. He took great pride in the training of his horses and admired their intelligence and capabilities. He drove a team on the farm, in lumber camps and in the construction of the TransCanada Highway through the Ottawa Valley. With the outbreak of the Second World War he enlisted in the army. He served with the Royal Canadian Engineers in England, Belgium, Italy, France and Holland. He was in Holland at the end of the war and there he signed on to the reconstruction effort. During that process he met and married his wife Maryan van Gils. They enjoyed a loving marriage and celebrated their 59th anniversary on October 14 of this year. They started their married life in Holland and returned to Canada in late 1946; Dad on a troop ship and mom on a ship of war brides. After a brief stay in Chatham, ON the family settled in Chalk River, ON where Dad found employment with AECL. In 1964 he transferred with AECL to their research station in Pinawa, MB. He was employed there till retiring in 1979. Dad and Mom enjoyed their retirement years in the home they built in Pinawa. Dad's garden was a source of pleasure and produce for family and friends. When not in the garden, Dad could be found on the local golf course. A reluctant golfer at first he soon became passionate about the game. His background in baseball resulted in an unorthodox style that was nevertheless effective. After a summer of baseball, gardening and golfing, Dad looked forward to hunting season. The opportunity to be out of doors in nature was a treat in itself. The irony of successful hunting trips amused him as his summers were preoccupied with keeping the local deer population out of his vegetable and flower gardens. After a family Christmas, Mom and Dad usually spent a few months in the southern states where they enjoyed relaxation and recreation in the company of new friends and old. Dad's first love however was his family and he was a devoted husband and family man. He was never happier than when the gang was all home. In 1999, Dad's health required dialysis. After six months of traveling to Winnipeg for treatments, the decision was made reluctantly to relocate to Winnipeg. During this period of failing health, the highlights were visits from old friends from home (Pinawa). Dad, you were well loved. You have earned your rest. May you rest in peace. Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, December 8 at 10:30 a.m. at the Notre Dame du Lac Roman Catholic Church in Lac du Bonnet, MB with Rev. Fr. Mirek Szynal presiding. Viewing will take place one half hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, if friends and family so desire, donations in Vinnie's memory may be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada, 101 - 55 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1L8. SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM, Beausejour 268-3510 or MB Toll Free 1-877-776-2220

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 07, 2005