MICHAEL CHERNIAK

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MICHAEL CHERNIAK In the loving arms of his wife Esther and surrounded by his children, Michael Cherniak passed away peacefully on October 24, 2007 at the Gimli Hospital. Dad was born March 3, 1924 to Joseph and Mary Cherniak. He worked hard on the family farm and then served in the army for four years. After the war, Dad continued to work on the farm and also attended MTI, where he took diesel mechanics. Dad married the love of his life and best friend, Esther Zabudney on August 26, 1950. They celebrated 57 years of marriage together, sharing good times and bad, always having each others' support. In 1953, they purchased their own farm in Winnipeg Beach, where they worked hard together for many years. Besides farming, Dad also worked as a certified mechanic and fixed equipment not only for his job and himself, but for his many neighbours and friends. He was a strong willed man and a perfectionist, as any one who worked with him will attest to. There wasn't a piece of equipment or appliance that he couldn't fix. Dad was also an accomplished carpenter, building his own house and always lending a hand to others. He helped build his brother's house, Camp Massad, and various other community projects. His loving hands also built doll houses, cribs and wagons for his dear grandkids. Dad also drove school bus for the Evergreen School Division. The responsibility of transporting the children safely was his utmost concern. His passengers where like his own kids and he was affectionately known as Uncle Mike to them. After 25 years of driving bus Dad retired in 1989. Dad also spent many years volunteering in the community, serving as school trustee for Prout School and as secretary for the farmers union. He was also greatly involved with his church, faithfully working at bingo for 18 years. He was a member of the Winnipeg Beach Royal Canadian Legion, where he proudly served as Sargent-at-Arms. He made many lasting friendships with his legion buddies that gave him so much joy and laughter. He so enjoyed those times. In 2000, due to ill health Dad and Mom moved from the family farm to Gimli where they made many more friends and enjoyed seven years and one day of City Living. Dad didn't say much but he was a proud and compassionate man who will be missed by many. He leaves to mourn his loss his beloved wife and best friend Esther; son Ray and wife Donna and granddaughter Erin (Rob); daughter Bev and husband Barry Sadlowski and grandsons, Michael (Leah), Jared ( Meagin) and Klayton. He leaves one brother Nestor (Elsie); sisters-in-law Lovie and Danelda Cherniak and Leshia Zabudney; brother-in-law Carl Zabudney as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Mary; brothers Peter and Eddie; nephew Craig; niece Charlene; brothers-in-law, John, Joe and Steve Zabudney; and sister-in-law Mary Guta. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church on Highway # 9 in Winnipeg Beach, with Fr. Art Seaman officiating. A viewing will be held one hour prior to service. Interment will follow at the Holy Rosary Cemetery. Donations in Mike's memory may be made to the Manitoba Paramedic Honour Guard, Box 250,Gimli, MB Our family would like to Thank Dr. Jaci Montoedi, the nursing staff and paramedic staff in Gimli for their tireless and compassionate care of Dad in these last few months. We can never express how much it meant to us and to Dad. And lastly, we were so blessed to have such a loving husband, father and grandfather. A gift from God, that's what we had and we called him our Didi and we called him our Dad. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli and Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 26, 2007