PAUL JOHN SLIVINSKI

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PAUL JOHN SLIVINSKI Peacefully, on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 with his family singing him to his final rest, Paul John Slivinski, aged 78 of Winnipeg, formerly of Dugald. He was predeceased by his parents Kasimir and Katherine (Regula), his brothers Frank and Joe, and sister Leona. He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife of 54 years, Steffie, and children Catherine (Harry), Jack, Judith, Caroline (Michael) and Thomas (Barb). He was Gee Gee to Russel and Erin McKay and Ashli and Paul Hodgert, and Jaju to Alexandre Slivinski. He is also survived by sisters Anne Winnicki and Mary Protosavage, twin brother Peter, sister-in-law Jeanette, brother-in-law Ed Shul and his wife Mona, and numerous nieces and nephews. Paul was born and raised in Eastdale, MB. Wherever he lived or traveled throughout his life, Paul was always a Manitoba farm boy at heart, and farming was his first love. Despite his humble beginnings, Paul was a man of many talents and varied interests. He could fix a piece of farm machinery with little more than a pair of pliers and a rock. He was a talented carpenter who built two of his own homes. Paul was an exceptional athlete his whole life, and his skills at baseball and hockey in his teen years were worthy of professional leagues. He loved music, and passed many happy hours playing guitar or harmonica, singing with his family or his church choir, and attending seniors' dances with his best dance partner, Steffie. He had a broad knowledge of history, geography and politics, and was a walking encyclopedia of baseball statistics. Baseball was Paul's passion and preoccupation. Paul traveled with his family to see major league games across North America, particularly the Twins in Minneapolis. With Steffie, he saw many spring training games in Florida and visited the Baseball Hall of Fame in New York State. He ensured that all five of his children and his three grandchildren learned to catch a baseball as little tots, and to engage in league play as children. Paul was a valuable pitcher and hitter with the Manitoba 60+ Baseball Allstars league until just months before his passing. Following in the footsteps of his parents, who helped build Manitoba as pioneers from Eastern Europe, Paul believed in stewardship of the land, providing for his family, and contributing to a better community. He volunteered countless hours over decades to his various parish churches, provincial politics, and his union. He was, first and foremost, committed to contributing to his own family, first as a son and brother, then as a husband and father. After marrying Steffie Shul in 1953, he was ecstatic when his first child Cathy was born. His dream of having a large family was becoming a reality. For his children and grandchildren he was a model of honesty, humility, hard work, perseverance and support for the disadvantaged. He overcame a naturally shy personality and made many dear friends over the years at Canada Packers, where he worked for over 30 years, on his baseball and darts teams, at his parishes, at dancing, in politics, and traveling. These friends were particularly important to him in his retirement and recently during his terminal illness. The family wishes to express its heartfelt thanks to Dr. Gary Schroeder and Dr. Al Kaufman at the HSC, and to the coordinators and caregivers from homecare and palliative care for their compassion and dedication. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 19, 2008 at Green Acres Funeral Home, the Rev. Fr. Robb McDougall officiating. Interment will follow in Green Acres Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jack Slivinski, Tom Slivinski, Harry McKay, Russel McKay, Paul Hodgert and Michael Stuart. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg Inc., 929 Main St., Winnipeg, R2W 3P2. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery Hwy. #1 E. at Navin, (204) 222-3241 Life stories may be shared with friends and family across the globe at www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 18, 2008