GORDON JOHN KOMOSKY

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GORDON JOHN KOMOSKY Accomplished musician Gordie Komosky, who played the clubs, lounges and stages of Winnipeg in a career that spanned more than 40 years, died in Health Sciences Centre on Friday, March 3, 2006, after his second battle with cancer. He was 63. Gordie was a drummer, and true to his craft, he went through life following his own measured beat, a caring, gentle man who entertained many people with his music and touched many more with his unique personality. Only three things in life really mattered to Gordie: his family, his music, and his friends, and he was faithful to them all. Gordie was predeceased by his parents, John and Margaret (Prohibny); sister Elaine; and wife Edie. He is survived by his wife Elaine; son Bobby (Kim); sisters, Shirley (Dave) and Judy; and brother David (Vicky). He also leaves behind two grandchildren (Nichole and Justin); a great-grandson (Jordan); a sister-in-law (Karen); and a big hole in the city's jazz community. A wonderful guy and a great, great musician, says George Reznik, who played with Gordie over the years at some of Winnipeg's top clubs, beginning back at the old Royal Alex Hotel in the late '60s. He was a real pro, and a great friend. Born on May 27, 1942, Gordie was the second of five children and grew up in Norwood, attending Nelson McIntyre Collegiate. He loved music and wanted it as a career, although skeptics kept telling him to get a real job. He tried that briefly, but when he almost fell off a 40-foot scaffolding while installing ceiling tile, he figured music was a safer career path, and the 'sticks' were his ticket to happiness. And they were. Gordie loved jazz and played all the top clubs. He played with Reznik and bass player Dave Young at the Alex, where he jammed briefly with legendary guitarist Lenny Breau. In the early days he played with Don Peters and his Trio, then the famed Moon Room starting in 1969 as part of the Bernie Shaw Trio. Gordie also was a fixture at the North Star Inn with old buddy Reznik. He also played Danceland at Clear Lake with Johnny Bering and Bernie Senensky. Gordie had one of his best and longest gigs at the Hollow Mug Lounge at the International Inn, first with orchestra leader Monty Levine, then later with Danny Carroll. And he particularly enjoyed his recent days at the 'fabulous' Palm Room at the Fort Garry Hotel with pianist Jose Poneira and longtime friend Bob (Moose) Jackson on bass. What wonderful music they made. Gordie loved serious music, but a gig was a gig, and he would take work when it came. You want a polka drummer, you got a polka drummer. He loved to tell about his days playing with the late Jimmy King on CJAY-TVs Amateur Show in the late '60s, where he backed up a weekly lineup of off-key singers and stiff-legged tap-dancers. But he got lucky, too. He once filled in for a night at the old Winnipeg Arena, backing up singer Patsy Cline. Winnipeg had a bustling music scene, and it filled Gordie's plate. And although he had opportunities to move to the brighter lights of Toronto, he stayed rooted in his old neighbourhood of St. Boniface. It was where he always felt at home. Gordie made many friends in the profession and was proud to be part of what he called an exceptional collection of musicians in the city, including Ron Halldorson, Ed Sersen and Reg Kelln. He also encouraged up-and-coming talent, and late in his life helped organize and promote wonderful jazz jam sessions at the Silver Heights Restaurant. There was more to Gordie's life than music. Between music jobs, he delivered for Quinton's Cleaners for more than 20 years. Besides his family, he loved short gambling trips over the U.S. border, fishing, cooking, the Green Bay Packers, a cold one at the Nicolett, his garden, and the simple joy watching the geese paddling on a pond near his home. He also found great comfort in his church and congregation members at WillowLake Baptiste Church. Gordie developed throat cancer in the late '90s and lost his vocal chords to the disease. It returned last November, and this time it wasn't taking no for an answer. He passed away with his family by his side. Cremation has taken place. A funeral service for Gordie will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 8, at WillowLake Baptiste Church, 45 WillowLake Cr. The Rev. Mark Doerksen will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. Coutu Co. Funeral Directors 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 07, 2006