JAMES (JIM) EON KOUK

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JAMES (JIM) EON KOUK On Sunday, December 30, 2007, James Eon Kouk, our loving father and grandfather, passed away from a brief but well fought battle with cancer. Dad had a perfect final day being visited by friends and family, getting his weekly TV Guide, followed by watching a little NFL Football and a little Golf. Dad ended his perfect day with Katie and Barbara by his side. (Sorry Dad, the Vikings did lose again!) Remaining to forever cherish Jim's memory are his children; Nadene (Brian Karasiuk); Richard (Claudette Kouk) and Barbara (Robert Olson). And his greatly loved grandchildren Michael Kouk, Nicholas Karasiuk, Katherine (Katie) and Benjamin (Ben) Olson. Jim is also survived by brothers Bob, Fred (Ronnie) and Tom Kouk; and sisters, Joyce Barron and Patricia (Charles) Lesperance. Dad was predeceased by Mum on December 25, 2006. Also predeceasing him was his mother Evelyn, father William, brother Richard and mother-in-law Ellen Johnson. Dad lived a happy and content life. Baby Lamb, as his mother referred to him, was born on April 13, 1937 in a Log Cabin on the SW Sec 27-38-25 Minitonas, Manitoba. Dad was very proud of his children and grandchildren and was always positive and supportive. He faced many challenges and was an inspiration in handling life with a smile and never a word of complaint. We are grateful for the lessons Dad has taught us and look to carry on in a way that would make him proud. Jim spent time in the Royal Canadian Air Force from September 10, 1954 to September 9, 1957 and with the Winnipeg Fire Department before becoming an Air Traffic Controller on April 13, 1959. Dad's time with ATC led him to Thunder Bay, Ontario where he met and married Mum on June 21, 1962. Dad and Mum moved the family to Winnipeg in June 1970. He loved being a Controller and spent a number of years as the Vice-President of the International Air Traffic Control Association. Dad retired from ATC on May 31, 1994 but he never stopped looking to the sky to check the weather. A celebration of Dad's life will be held at one of his favourite places, Breezy Bend Golf and Country Club, 7620 Roblin Blvd., on Friday, January 11 at 2:00 p.m. We will raise a Schooner in his honour. A big round of thanks goes out to Dad's many friends, former co-workers and family for friendship and visits with Dad. We know he looked forward to and enjoyed his time with you. Sincere thanks to the folks at Breezy Bend, Dad loved the time he spent at the club. We appreciate you allowing us to take him on his final tour/inspection of the course in the late fall. Joe, Dad so truly looked forward to meeting you for coffee, thank-you. To Marge and Bernie Failing, thank-you for the friendship you showed to Mum and Dad over the many, many years. Since Mum's passing, Dad appreciated your friendship and visits even more. Denis Hamonic, thank-you for all the work you did to make things more comfortable for him. We, the family, would like to thank the many home care workers, Doctors, Nurses, and Health Care Professionals that made the ending days of Dad's life comfortable. Louise, your daily visits to check on Dad became a positive part of Dad's daily routine, and you know how much his routine meant to him, thank-you for your care and compassion. Dad, most of all, we thank-you for all that you have done for us and taught us all these years. We love you and will carry on to make you proud. Rest in Peace Dad, knowing that you are loved. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jim's memory to CancerCare Manitoba 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 05, 2008