KAZ GACEK

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KAZ GACEK It is with sad hearts we announce the peaceful passing of our treasured Dad, Dzia Dziu, Brother, Uncle and friend, Kaz Gacek on Monday, October 9, 2006 at St. Boniface Hospital. Kaz was born on November 6, 1928 in Winnipeg. Learning to skate at the age of six, hockey soon became a priority for most of his early years. He prayed someday he would fulfill his dream of playing in the NHL. He came close in 1947 when he was offered to attend training camp for the Chicago Black Hawks. Following in his father's footsteps with a passion for trains, Kaz soon found employment with CPR in Weston Shops from 1947 to 1985. It was during his hockey playing days that he met and fell in love with his angel Joyce Martin. They married in 1957 and enjoyed 42 happy years of marriage while raising five children. Kaz always considered his family life and those in it BEAUUUTIFUL . If Kaz wasn't playing hockey, he was watching it! Other hobbies included gardening, crosswords, cards, rug hooking, playing violin, dancing and listening to polkas, a good cigar, and horse racing. Kaz was blessed with a happy and content soul, and anyone that spent time with him appreciated his easygoing nature. Kaz was predeceased by his wife Joyce, parents Matteusz and Maria; sister Lil Nesline, brother Stan Gacek and brother-in-law Stan Nesline. He will be lovingly remembered by his son Wayne Gacek (Maxine); daughters Brenda Gacek, Karen Glugosh (Mitch), Theresa Sampson (Wayne), Cynthia Wandowich (Larry) and grandchildren Dustin, Joshua, Ellea, Drake, Shayleen and Kayla. He will also be greatly missed by sister Sophie Toni (Steve); brothers Wally Gacek (Frankie) and Ted Gacek (Daphne); sister-in-law Judy Gacek; brother-in-law Ken Martin (Marlene) and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the nursing staff of WRHA as well as the St. Boniface emergency ward for their care and compassion. Prayers will be said on Friday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 14 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, Munroe Avenue and Brazier Street. Interment to follow in Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ted Gacek, Ken Martin, Wayne Sampson and Steve Kiz. Donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba in Kaz's memory. Life is not about the destination nor the position you post at the finish line, but the journey that took you there. Heaven blessed us. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 12, 2006