CORPORAL JOHN EDWARD BROSSART

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CORPORAL JOHN EDWARD BROSSART John Edward Brossart, of Winnipegosis, MB, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, February 10, 2006 at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre, Dauphin, MB. He was born in Saskatoon, SK, on August 1, 1955, the firstborn to Theodore and Anita Brossart. He was raised in Allan, SK, and received his entire education, graduating in 1973. In 1974, at 19 years of age he joined the R.C.M.P, and graduated from the R.C.M.P. Training Academy, Regina, SK, in 1975. He was first posted to Winnipegosis, MB, in 1975, and later that same year transferred to Ethelbert, MB. In 1976 he took a transfer to Swan River, and in 1982 to Cranberry Portage, MB. In 1987, he was transferred to Virden, MB, and in 1992 he was promoted to Corporal and chose a transfer to Winnipegosis, MB, where he was still serving at the time of his death. John gave the majority of his life to his 31 year career in the R.C.M.P, serving and protecting the citizens of Manitoba. He took a genuine interest in all people he came in contact with, treating each individual with courtesy and respect. He possessed exceptional leadership abilities as well as strong organizational skills, and was often placed in the position of Acting Detachment Commander. When in charge of a contingent of his fellow officers, he instantly gained their respect as a team player, whose confident, hands on approach, played an integral role resulting in critical investigations brought to a successful conclusion. He demanded the best of himself, and of those he supervised, and his efforts were often acknowledged with letters of appreciation, by both his superiors and the public alike. His work ethic was admirable, and his efficiency was a key trait that many whom he worked with mentored. He had a dynamic personality and great sense of humour, which made work days entertaining; his hearty laugh, trademark wink, and quick wit, were simply a part of his communication style. In 1975, he met the love of his life, Nadia Barsewsky in Winnipegosis, MB, and they were married in 1978. He was a loving husband who combined special times in those years, with his talents as a skilled craftsman, and built their first home in Swan River, MB. Six years later, while stationed in Cranberry Portage, they were blessed with two children, Ryan (1984) and Travis (1987). From the very start, it was evident that he was the best Dad any child could hope for. He showed his support by taking an active role in their upbringing, and a genuine interest in their lives. Whatever they needed or he thought they might like, he found a way to make it happen. Projects built with detail: a tool to learn how to skate, an outdoor play structure, a bunk bed, and an indoor swing in the basement of the house he built while stationed in Virden, MB. He always made time for his children, and treated them each as the unique individuals they were. With Travis, he was proud of his academic achievements as well his computer skills. Many hours were spent together on extensive Lego projects, that his Dad insisted on proudly displaying upon completion, as well as hours spent playing games of monopoly and chess; and he often addressed his youngest son with a Hey Bud ! It was Travis that wanted a dog, but it was his Dad that named Abby and both loved that little pet. This past year, Father and son shared an extra special bond and were a constant support for each other. There was simply no greater love a Dad could have for a son. With Ryan, he shared his love of the great outdoors: skidooing, quading, fishing, and flying. Special times were spent together washing their cars on Sundays. Working side by side with his Dad instilled a desire for Ryan to follow in his footsteps and join the R.C.M.P, and again they had the opportunity to work together when Ryan joined the Winnipegosis Detachment as an Auxiliary Constable this past summer. He seen first hand the many attributes his Dad possessed and how his work ethic and attention to detail transferred to his job. He was so proud to see how well respected his Dad was by his colleagues. It was a true moment of joy when Ryan shared the news of his acceptance into the R.C.M.P. with his Dad, and he knew that his son would carry on his name, in the profession in which he had served so well. A Dad couldn't have been prouder of his son. The eldest of four brothers, John was the big brother they looked up to; whether it was a project or listening to their ideas, they benefited from his wisdom. He was a talker, a listener, and always willing to lend his advice or a helping hand. He showed caring and compassion and sensitivity for his brother Bob and his family, during a very difficult and helpless time. He was a great son: helpful, talented and dependable, his parents were very proud to call him their son. There was a mutual respect and a great deal of love displayed over the years for Nadia's parents, and he was a truly special son-in-law. He was interested in each family member and they enjoyed their unique relationship with him. He always made time for his friends. He knew how to unwind and relax and took those opportunities whenever he could to enjoy their company, and often a simple discussion of how to fix, create, or build something, turned into a project. He was a jack-of-all trades and mastered them all. He was a plumber and an electrician, a skilled craftsman, and a very fine finishing carpenter. His friends enjoy the treasures of his handiwork left in many of their homes. A Saskatchewan farm boy at heart, he could be found helping his friend during harvest season in his spare time. He always had a project on the go; be it construction or renovation - and he welded an awesome blow torch. You couldn't find one like that in Princess Auto! He was a hard worker, and could be counted on to do a perfect job, there simply was no quitting until the problems were solved and the work complete. Most guys have a tool box, he had a tool bus , and he was proud to own the right tool for the right job. He found tremendous enjoyment in his fishing trips to Sherridon, MB, and the moments spent with his friends; escaping the solitude and the busyness of his regular activities. He was a collector, a bargain hunter, and took great pride in his Camaro and motorbike. Princess Auto was his favorite store, and he was an especially valued customer to them. He was a community minded individual, who implemented the required changes to the local Winnipegosis Curling Club and Hospital, which vastly improved both the appearance and quality of the buildings. John left where he started; in the town of Winnipegosis; in his R.C.M.P. career; and where he met Nadia. His career legacy is the high standards he maintained, his commitment to always do his best, and his loyalty to the Force. He was truly one of their finest police officers. His legacy to his family is the importance he placed on them. It is said, that the greatest gift a Father can give his children is to love their Mother and he built a strong foundation with the respect he showed for his wife. His gift to his children is the fine example of what a good Dad is. He was as comfortable in the kitchen as he was in his office; helpful and efficient, and Sundays meant enjoying his traditional family breakfast. They shared family vacations, and special occasions were marked family and friends, with everyone welcome. He considered his family in all things, celebrating their successes and accomplishments. He was a selfless individual to chose to live his life serving others. Each one of us are privileged to have shared a part of his life and we are left with memories that will last a lifetime. John was predeceased by his brother Corporal Robert Brossart of Neepawa, MB, his Grandparents and by his father-in-law, Ivan Barsewsky of Winnipegosis, MB. He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory, his loving wife Nadia, and his sons Ryan and Travis, of Winnipegosis, MB. His parents, Theodore and Anita Brossart, Saskatoon, SK, and his mother-in-law, Rosalie Barsewsky, Winnipegosis, MB. His two surviving brothers, Ron Brossart, Brandon, MB, and Ernie and his wife Brenda Brossart, Saskatoon, SK. Two sisters-in-law, Patricia Brossart of Neepawa, MB, and Leona and her husband Harley Kemp, Flin Flon, MB, as well as his brother-in-law, Nestor and his wife Linda Barsewsky, Winnipegosis, MB. He will be sadly missed by his nieces, his nephews, his extended family, friends in the R.C.M.P., and each one of his dear friends. Prayers were offered on Wednesday February 15 at 7:00 p.m. from the Dauphin St. Viator's Roman Catholic Church, Dauphin, MB, and were led by James deBeer. Mass of the Christian Burial was held on Thursday February 16 at 2:00 p.m. from Dauphin's St.Viator's Roman Catholic Church, Dauphin, MB. Father Yolando Gamallo officiated and the service concluded at the church. Goddaughter Sherri Morrell offered the eulogy at both the prayers and service and Sgt. Craig Cochrane (Rtd.) offered a special tribute at the prayers and memorial luncheon. Aunt Marlene Thompson, Steinbach, MB, and Goddaughter Marla Exner, Regina, SK, read the Scripture readings; Godchildren Kevin Kemp, Flin Flon, MB, and Justin Barsewsky, Winnipegosis, MB, were the Gift Bearers. Betty Chrupalo, Winnipegosis, MB, assisted during communion at which time Sister-in-Law, Patricia Brossart offered a special musical selection. Active Pallbearers for the service were S/Sgt. Ken Craig (Ret.), Cst. Milo Thompson, Sgt. Serge LaRocque, Sgt. Craig Cochrane (Rtd.) Insp. Harvey Sedden, Sgt. Mike Gibbs, Cpl. Brian Cronkite (Ret.) and Cst. Jason Anderson. The Hat Bearers were Sgt. Marvin Gruger, Cpl. Howard Searle and Cst. Chad Orr. The Insignia Bearer was Insp. Darcey Davidson. The Honour Guard were active members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Piper Cpl. Ewen Booth played the lament as well as other selections during the service and as the family left the church. All of John's family and friends were to consider themselves as honorary pallbearers for the service. Memorial donations in memory of John may be made to the Winnipegosis and District Health Centre, Winnipegosis, MB, where John was still serving as the Chairperson of the Hospital Board of Directors, as a dedicated volunteer. The Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Service were in care of the arrangements Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Service 502 Main Street, South, Dauphin, Manitoba 1-204-638-4110 Nadia, Ryan and Travis would like to express their heartfelt appreciation and thanks for the many acts of love and kindness shown at this difficult time. We would also like to thank all the Doctors and Nurses at the Health Science Centre, the Dauphin Regional Health Centre and the Winnipegosis and District Health Centre. Your professionalism and kindness will never be forgotten.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 21, 2006