ROBERT KOMZAK

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ROBERT KOMZAK After a heroic battle with cancer, Robert Gyula Michael Komzak went to be with his Lord on Friday, March 9, 2007. Mourning his loss are his wife, Una; daughters, Ilona (Grant Spencer) and Danielle Lorenz; sons, Robert (Jennifer) and Leslie (Amanda); parents, Julianna and Robert; and brother George (Joanne); six grandchildren, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and many friends and colleagues. Born in Eschwege/Werra Deu, Germany on August 27, 1945, Robert left with his parents and brother in 1956 to make their way to Winnipeg and a new life. Robert embraced the many educational and business opportunities that Canada offered. He started his business career early delivering newspapers. He later expanded his horizons engaging in truck driving, driving instructor, house painter, We Care Home Health Services and owner of Jo-Jo's Diner. In addition, he trained as a teacher after attaining his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winnipeg (1972); Bachelor of Education (1974) from the University of Manitoba and Certificate in Education (1990). His teaching career took him to many places: Oxford House, God's Lake Narrows, Red Sucker Lake, Pinawa, Powerview, Pine Falls, Beausejour and Whiteshell Colony. He and wife Una have resided in Selkirk for the last 14 years. Robert enjoyed Air Cadets (#220 Red River Squadron) as a teenager and had a long career in the Army Reserves with the Winnipeg Rifles, attaining the rank of Captain. This past summer he became a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. Attending Military Tattoos, football games... especially Grey Cups, camping...frequently at Detroit Lakes; swimming, volunteering, gardening, travelling... Europe, Florida, Bahamas, Mexico; hosting exchange students, sitting around the fire pit, playing cards, collecting wolf art, coins and carvings; and most of all playing with his grandkids, are what filled his leisure time with pleasure! His love of hot foods...like pickled peppers...was legendary! Robert believed in working hard and living with a sense of adventure. In the last few years, he tried going on a zipline, parasailing and skydiving! And loving every minute!! Prayers for Robert will be said at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church in Selkirk on Monday, March 12 (tonight) at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 13, also at the church with Fr. Dado Parrenas officiating. Cremation will follow the Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare MB., specifically towards modern technology in the radiation department to improve care. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 12, 2007