EUGENE NICHOLAS KRAWCHUK

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EUGENE NICHOLAS KRAWCHUK On the afternoon of October 14, 2006, Eugene Nicholas Krawchuk, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away at his home in St. Andrews, Manitoba. It was a typical Saturday in the Krawchuk house: Eugene reading his paper and teasing his wife Nancy as she vacuumed. And then, suddenly, he was gone. Along with his beloved wife Nancy, Eugene is survived by his son Dale, daughter-in-law Karen and his three cherished grandchildren, Nicholas, Peter and Benjamin. Also left to grieve are his brother Gerry and sister-in-law Bev, as well as their children and grandchildren Kelly, Tracy, Tara, Guy, Morgan and Blake, along with many other close friends and family members. He is predeceased by his father and mother, Nicholas and Mary and by his youngest son Glen. Eugene was born in June of 1937 and grew up in Point Douglas in Winnipeg's North End, an upbringing that was a source of pride for him his whole life. It was there that he developed his strong sense of community and family, never losing touch with his roots and maintaining lifelong friendships with numerous people from The Point. As a young man, Eugene gained a love for music, playing with Gerry and other family members at their home on McFarlane Avenue, a love that only grew as the years passed. He taught himself to play drums and performed in several bands, playing weddings and other events for over 40 years. In June of 1960, he married Nancy Holmes, beginning a marriage that would last for the rest of his life. She was his great Love, his best friend and partner, and for 46 years they rarely left each other's sides. Their relationship has been an example and an inspiration to everyone who knew them, and they loved each other more with every day they were together. Together, Eugene and Nancy raised two sons and eventually became proud grandparents to three wonderful boys who loved to spend time with their Gigi. He could always be counted on to attend the boys' activities, and never missed a recital or any of their piano competitions. He was truly their biggest fan. In December 2000, Eugene retired from the Worker's Compensation Board and was finally able to devote his considerable energies to the other love of his life, his yard. Not one leaf on a shrub or blade of grass on his lawn escaped his attention, and his collection of lawn-gnomes and other ornaments had attained near-legendary status, as did his Musician's Party, an event that was eagerly anticipated every year by an ever-growing circle of family and friends. He was well known as a warm, generous host, and anybody who entered his home was made to feel welcome as a part of the family. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements entrusted to: Glen Eden Funeral Home 4477 Main Street 338-7111 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolences at www.gleneden-mb.ca.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 18, 2006