JOSEPH ADOLPH DANCHO

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JOSEPH ADOLPH DANCHO 1916 - 2007 A loving husband, a dear dad, Joseph Dancho passed away Thursday, August 30, 2007, at the age of 91 years. He was the last surviving child of Andrew and Caroline Dancho. Beside his loving wife Caroline of 65 years, he leaves to cherish his memory daughter Beverly Chabani (Ahmed) of France, daughter Kym Dopheide (Robin) of Springfield, Manitoba, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Adolph and Agnes Peltz of Beausejour, Manitoba, nephews and nieces Glen Peltz, Wendy MacLean (Kennedy) of Winnipeg, John Dancho (Joan) of British Columbia as well as other in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews and their spouses, all of whom he loved and respected. Joe grew up on the farm in Sandhill, Manitoba, one mile from his lifelong sweetheart Caroline Peltz. Born of prairie pioneers, he worked the fields alongside his family. In his late teens, his love of music (and fun) led him to form a band that played many a barn dances in the Beausejour area. He was a self-taught musician - mastering the fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and accordion. He thought Bing Crosby's voice was the cat's pajamas and Sinatra was a weak pretender. We always remember dad's fine deep voice when we hear Bingo! Joe eventually passed his love of laughter and music (but NOT the accordion!) to his girls. His sweetheart from a mile away became his wife in 1941 when he entered the Army. Upon his discharge in 1945, Joe's desire to be his own boss led the couple to build a corner store in St. James. Dancho's Groceteria served the neighbourhood until their retirement in 1981. During those years, two daughters were born, but they were far from the only youngsters Joe influenced and watched grow - the store was only a block away from local schools. Many a young lad in the area became a delivery boy for him and would later drop in to visit once launched into their own adult lives. Joe and Caroline eagerly headed into a lengthy retirement together in the Anola area to be closer to family and back to the countryside they so loved. Joe enjoyed a rich and busy time, planting trees, gardening, and walking with his pedometer attached to his belt the many paths he carved out of the surrounding bush in the summer, and on snowshoes in the winter - he was always fit and happiest when he could enjoy the outdoors. When Alzheimer's began to steal Joe's memory, it didn't take away his cheekiness and love of laughter. He delighted the staff of Kin Place in Oakbank, where he resided the last two years of his life. The working women of Kin Place are true angels, and we cannot thank them enough for the love and attention they showered on Joe during his time there. What can you say about a man you've been lucky enough to have in your lives for so long? That he loved his wife and daughters, was always there to fix the things that broke, make things that weren't broke work better, move his girls from place to place, take in and care for their kitties, worry about their lives, and love them unconditionally. He was always there for us - strong, generous and moral. We imagine him now free from the ravages of a cruel disease - in the arms of his loved ones, playing a rousing polka on the squeezebox - yodeling across the fields behind horse and plow (as much as he loved horses, he was very happy yodeling on a tractor too) - laughing at life - the image of a dad we will never forget. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2007, at 4:00 p.m. from Russell Funeral Home, Beausejour, Manitoba, with Fr. W. Cwieka officiating. If friends so desire memorial donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba or to the animal rescue of your choice. RUSSELL'S of Beausejour, Manitoba are in care of arrangements. Call 1-866-424-6271 toll free or 268-2263. CANADIAN INDEPENDENT since 1941. MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO: When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me, I want no rites in gloom filled room Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not for too long And not with your head bowed low, Remember the love we once shared Miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take And each must go alone, It's all part of the Master's plan A step on the road to home. So when you are lonely and sick at heart Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrow in doing good deeds Miss me, but let me go.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 07, 2007