ALEX RAWLUK

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ALEX RAWLUK August 20, 1920 - April 7, 2006 On Friday, April 7, 2006 Alex passed away peacefully at the hospital in Ashern, MB. In February 1995, Alex suffered a stoke while vacationing with Dorothy in Jamaica and spent the next 10 months in the Health Science Centre in Winnipeg. Following his release from the hospital, Alex was able to come back home where his wife, Dorothy, cared for him for the next seven years. In 2002 Alex was moved to the Ashern Personal Care Home which was his residence until the time of his death. Alex was born at home in St. Martin, MB. He was one of 10 siblings. Alex left the family farm in 1947 but returned two years later to continue his love of farming. In the fall of 1949, Alex began courting Dorothy McCurdy, a young, pretty girl from Gypsumville, who was teaching in Ashern. They were married in August 1950 and spent the next three years farming in St. Martin. On July 1, 1953 they purchased the Red White store in Gypsumville. Alex was very dedicated to the store business and he and Dorothy spent the next 42 years working very hard to build the business. Following his stroke, his son Warren took over the store which is still in operation today. Even though Alex was a dedicated storekeeper, his true love was farming. During his pre-retirement years, he could often be seen heading out to his farm on his tractor to escape to the peace and tranquility of the farm. Planting and harvesting a successful crop brought him great joy. Alex was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle. He always enjoyed having the opportunity to treat his family and friends to one of his great barbecues. No one could cook a steak like Alex! He took great joy in his family's achievements and the opportunity to share many great memories with his children and grandchildren. Alex enjoyed winter vacations with Dorothy and their children and close friends. He especially enjoyed the trips to the Caribbean Islands. Anyone who had the good fortune to travel with them knew they would come home with many great memories. Alex was very involved in his Community, having served as Chairman of the School Board and the local Community Club for many years. Alex leaves to mourn, his wife, Dorothy of 56 years; sons, Warren (Louise) and Cal (Donna); daughters, Norma Burrows, Evy, and Millie Meyer (Dale); grandchildren, Teresa Patzer (Brad), Chris (fiancee Danlin Wang), Holly Bain (Norm), Ben, Jennifer Joslin (fiance Gord McNaught), Breanne Joslin (Marcus Blouw), Ashley Joslin (Neil Hastie), Jeff and Brad Burrows, Scott Meyer (Erin) and Chantelle Meyer; six great-grandchildren, Danielle, Evan, Hannah and Matthew Patzer, and Blake and Riel Meyer; brother Sam (Joanne); sisters, Mary Bilenky (Mike) and Olga Szklaruk; sisters-in-law, Edna Rawluk, Joyce Rawluk, Mildred Elstone; brothers-in-law, Ron (Janet Jundt), Ken, and Gord McCurdy; and numerous nieces and nephews. Alex was predeceased by his parents, Tanas and Katherine (nee Prychitko); brothers and sisters-in-law John (Violet), Bill (Carrie), Tony, Paul and Pete (Mary); sister Annie (Bill); brother-in-law, Mike Szklaruk; son-in-law, Don Burrows; and mother-in-law, Evelyn McCurdy. The Funeral Service and celebration of Alex's life will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. at the Gypsumville Community Hall, Gypsumville, MB, with Rev. Stan Fowke officiating. Interment to follow in the Gypsumville Cemetery. Viewing will be held at the hall following the service. Pallbearers will be Alex's sons, Warren and Cal; grandsons, Chris and Ben Rawluk, and Jeff and Brad Burrows. The family would like to express a special thanks to the staff at the Ashern Personal Care Home and hospital. Thanks also to Bill Taylor who gave Alex special care during his last few weeks. Also thank you to all of our dear family and friends who have been so supportive over the years and especially during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lakeshore General Hospital Guild (to be used in the Palliative Care Unit), in care of Julie Bergner, PO Box 721, Ashern, MB, R0C 0E0 or the Manitoba Heart Stroke Foundation, 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 0K6 Arrangements by: ARNASON FUNERAL HOMES LTD. Ashern - Lundar 1-204-768-2072

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 10, 2006