PETER CHANAS

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PETER CHANAS After a courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis, which he fought with strength, dignity, and courage, it is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved husband, Dad, Papa, brother, uncle, and best friend on Monday, April 21, 2008 at 4:20 a.m. Peter died at home, in the arms of his wife of 51 years, Winnie, and only daughter Darcene, knowing he was loved. With moist eyes but with eased hearts Peter is finally at rest. Remaining to forever cherish Peter's memory are his wife Winnie (nee Ruchkall); daughter Darcene (Timothy); only grandson Aaron Peter; sister Mary Malcolm of St. Clair Shores, Michigan; brothers, Martin (Francis) of Winnipeg, Ken (Helen) of Vancouver, BC; nephews and nieces, and long time mining friend Walter Morach of The Pas. He was predeceased by his parents Harry and Anna Chanas; sister Stella Graham; and brother Michael. Peter was the youngest sibling of six children and was born on the family farm in Rembrandt, Manitoba to Harry and Anna Chanas. He left the family homestead at an early age to work as a miner. Peter worked primarily in gold, silver, and nickel mines throughout Ontario, British Columbia, North West Territories, and what is now known as Nunavut. In 1956, Peter met Winnie and they fell deeply in love and were married in 1957. He cherished his 1955 Cadillac, which he afforded with the monies he earned mining. In 1957, Peter took up hairdressing and opened his own shop, The Scissor Inn Barber Shop in Garden City. In 1971, he took Mechanical Engineering and worked for the Assiniboine South School Division until his retirement in 1993. In 1971 Peter built his own home in St. Vital, and in 1988 assisted in building a home for his daughter Darcene. After retirement, Peter and Winnie travelled to Hawaii, Mexico, Belize, Venezuela, Aruba, throughout Canada, and the continental United States. Peter was a jack-of-all-trades and could repair anything! He especially enjoyed gardening and his green thumb is evident in his garden today with his manicured cedars, evergreens, and flowerbeds. Peter was a spiritual, gentle, kind, and caring man who touched the hearts of many people. In 1994, Peter was blessed with the birth of his only grandson, Aaron Peter Chanas-Larue, whom he doted over, spending hours driving him around to see his favourite trains. His appreciation of nature was handed down to Aaron through the enjoyment of catching frogs, butterflies, and other insects while also teaching him to enjoy and respect nature. Peter was especially proud of Aaron's accomplishments in competitive swimming and piano and he loved cutting Aarons' hair. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, April 24, 2008 in St. Timothy Parish, 135 John Forsyth Rd., with Father Phil Daley presiding. Interment will be held at a later date. We would like to thank nephew Glenn Malcolm of St. Clair Shores, Michigan and nieces, Valerie Malcolm of Haslett, Michigan, and Lorraine Lenihan (nee Malcolm) of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan for their concern of Uncle Peter's health over the past years. We would also like to thank Dr. Eva Smil, Dr. Stephen Corne (Respirologist), Lynn Demke (Nurse Clinician Respiratory), Pat German (Case Coordinator Respiratory Home Care), and Menno Reimer (Rana Medical). You have all chosen the right field with your kind and caring ways! Lastly, we would especially like to thank Father Phil Daley and the Parish of St. Timothy for their support and compassion at a most difficult time. In lieu of flowers, if friends and family so desire, donations may be made to St. Timothy Parish Garden Care Ministry (cheques payable to the Parish of St. Timothy). Should You Go First Should you go first and I remain To walk the road alone, I'll live in memory's garden dear, With happy days we've known. In spring I'll wait for roses red, When fades the lilac blue, In early fall, when brown leaves call I'll catch a glimpse of you. Should you go first and I remain For battles to be fought, Each thing you've touched along the way Will be a hallowed spot. I'll hear your voice, I'll see you smile, Though blindly I may grope, The memory of your helping hand Will buoy me on with hope. Should you go first and I remain To finish with the scroll, No length'ning shadows shall creep in To make this life seem droll, We've know so much of happiness (51 years), We've had our cup of joy, And memory is one gift of God That death cannot destroy. Should you go first and I remain, One thing I'd had you do: Walk slowly down that long, lone path, For soon I'll follow you. I'll want to know each step you take, That I may walk the same, For someday down that lonely road You'll hear me call your name. Until we meet again, we love you and will miss you and are grateful to have had you in our lives. Peter would like to be remembered with a prayer. Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God's love Commits me here. Ever this day be at my side To love and guard, To rule and guide. Amen.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 26, 2008