JOHN GONGOS

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JOHN GONGOS May 5, 1927 - February 28, 2008 At sunrise on February 28, 2008, John Gongos died at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His life's story began as the first child of Adam Gongos and Christina Fasenko, born in Bellis, Alberta, on May 5, 1927. Growing up and attending school in Edmonton, John decided early in his adult life to join the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. John's career as an RCMP officer would last 33 years and he retired as an Assistant Commissioner in 1980. As a senior member of the Force, he shared in the business of Interpol and other global agencies, making his career both challenging and exciting. Originally stationed in Manitoba, his tenure with the Force would also take him to New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario. He worked in a variety of areas including Identification, Photography and Investigation, and completed his career as Assistant Commissioner responsible for the Canadian Police Information Centre in Ottawa. His service record is celebrated by accomplishments ranging from crime scene investigation to the development of a country-wide security information system. While serving at Headquarters, he was asked to be the security chief for the Right Honourable Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau. In this capacity, he escorted Trudeau to 26 countries, including Belize, India, Japan and Russia. He had occasion to meet great personalities and politicians including Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and actress Barbra Streisand. John had deep connections with his family. In July 1951, he married Lois Donnelly (passed away 1988), the daughter of a Winnipeg United Church minister. Together they had three children. Lee, their eldest daughter (now deceased, married to Raymond Petz of Calgary) and son Gerald (married to Anne Pope, Calgary) were both born in Winnipeg, while daughter Janet (married to Albert Belog, Winnipeg) was born in Regina. John is survived by his sister Katherine (Kay) Hooper and brother Henry Gongos, both of Edmonton. Four grandsons, Eric and Graham Petz and Tyler and Stephen Belog, were John's pride and joy as he relished in the role of grandfather. Having done well in life with a grade 11 education, John strongly supported his children and grandchildren as they accomplished higher education. In 1990, John married Ruth Worrell of Winnipeg. Together with Ruth's son Alexander, they played an active role in the lives of their family, and made contributions to the arts and community of Winnipeg. They were often seen together at Centennial Concert Hall for performances of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. These engaging and rewarding chapters in his life were filled with time spent at home, at their cabin, on vacation and involved with his community. John was active in many philanthropic causes and community concerns. Some of his proudest achievements come from his position as board member for Direct Action in Support of Community Homes (DASCH). His commitment to DASCH helped create a solid organization that currently operates 30 homes providing accommodation for people with special or specific needs. Stepson Alexander is one of the people who have experienced personal growth from John's efforts, living at a DASCH home in St. Vital. As a husband, father and grandfather he was involved with encouraging the well-being and happiness of others. The quality of John's character was evident in the tremendous effort he made to stay in touch with his wide network of friends and family. In return, John and Ruth received hundreds of Christmas greetings; evidence of the deep connections they maintained around the world. John received compassionate, round-the-clock attention from the doctors and nurses of St. Boniface Hospital after suffering a stroke. His family is appreciative that every healthcare professional recognized the value of his life and did their best to make him comfortable. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, located at 1291 McGillivray Boulevard in Winnipeg (204-925-1120). Interment will take place at the RCMP Depot in Regina at a later date. If desired, your donations in John's memory can be made to DASCH Inc., located at 117 Victor Lewis Dr., Winnipeg, MB R3P 1J6, or to the Manitoba Division RCMP Veterans Association, P.O. Box/CP5650, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3K2

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 29, 2008