HARRY GREGORY SHELEST

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HARRY GREGORY SHELEST It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and granpa on Friday, April 11, 2008 at the Health Sciences Centre at the age of 83 years. He left this world surrounded by his family knowing that he was loved. Remaining to forever cherish Harry's memory are his adored wife of 56 years, Agatha (nee Magjak); beloved children Annette (Lynn) Chartrand, Brenda (Terry) Rheubottom, Greg (Christine); his greatest pride and joy grandchildren Theresa (Cam), his little dolly Elizabeth (Dustin), Matthew, Dylan and Spencer; brother Paul; in-laws Sophie Shelest, Mike Garlinski, Ed and Michael Magjak (Brandon); extended family in Edmonton, especially Auntie Ev; numerous nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends, especially Janet. He was pre-deceased by parents Wasyl and Antonina Shelyst; brothers and sisters Pauline and Stephen (in infancy), Mike, Nel, Peter and Mildred; in-laws George, Anne, Jeanne; Steve and Mary Magjak (Brandon), George and Joe Magjak (Vancouver). Born on December 21, 1924 in Winnipeg, Granpa attended Immaculate Conception School but left school at an early age to deliver telegrams by bicycle. His long career at C.P. (later C.N.C.P. Telecom) ended with his early retirement in November 1987 after almost 43 years of service. He met his Agatha at a family wedding in November 1949 and they married August 23, 1952. Harry had a very special relationship with his family and many friends in Brandon. Granpa was a proud North End boy and lived there all his life. Granpa had a passion for sports. He played softball and hockey in his early years and bowled for many years, winning many trophies. Granpa loved his Maple Leafs, Blue Jays and Yankees and faithfully followed the Blue Bombers, Goldeyes and Moose listening to all their games on the radio. He was a long time member of the Winnipeg Jets Booster Club and attended almost every home game the Jets played. Although he struggled with health issues in the last few years, he loved nothing better than to get together with family for special or impromptu celebrations either in restaurants or at Annette or Brenda's. He truly enjoyed the celebrations that included the Rheubottoms, the Chartrands and the Hammonds (Minnesota). Requiem Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, April 17 at 2:00 p.m. in the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 737 Bannerman Avenue at Arlington Street, with Rev. Fr. Isidore Dziadyk, O.S.B.M., officiating. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date in Holy Family Cemetery. We would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Monica Fernando. We wish to also thank the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service (Redwood and MacGregor) for their speedy response; as well as the team of health professionals at Health Sciences Centre Emergency who tried so hard to keep Granpa with us. Flowers gratefully declined but donations to the Lung Association, Manitoba at 629 McDermot Avenue, R3A 1P6 in Harry's honour would be greatly appreciated.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 15, 2008