MATT (KNUT MATHIAS) WINKLER

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MATT (KNUT MATHIAS) WINKLER August 19, 1940 April 17, 2008 With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Matt, while wintering in Victoria, BC. Matt will be missed by his wife Maureen Olafson, his daughters Erica Winkler and Monica Hiller, his step-son Alex Olafson, his grandchildren Triton and Madison Hiller, his brother Peter Winkler, and sisters-in-law Constanze and Elsbeth, as well as many admiring nieces and nephews in Germany. Matt was predeceased by the mother of his daughters Patricia Winkler (nee Mooney) in 1979, and his brother Klaus Winkler in 2000. Born in Chemnitz Germany, the youngest (and most mischievous) of three boys of Lottelore and Gottwalt Winkler, Matt was always ready for an adventure! He came to Canada in 1965 and originally found work in Montreal. He worked his way through the Canadian West, before putting down roots in the lower mainland of British Columbia; where he met and married Patricia. While working for IBM Canada, Matt focused his career in computer technologies and programming. After the devastating loss of Patricia, Matt and his daughters moved to Winnipeg for a fresh start in snowy Manitoba. Matt brought his interest and skills for computer technology and expanded his career with Red River College, where he recently retired as network supervisor after 20 years. In both British Columbia and Manitoba Matt had owned small hobby farms, his own little empires, where he loved to putter. As well many summers were spent at the Olafson cabin on Lake Winnipeg north of Riverton where Maureen grew up. Matt's most recent adventure had him snow birding in sunny Victoria, BC, with his eldest daughter. Matt will be lovingly remembered for his incorrigible sense of humour, quick wit, friendly manner, interest in people and his appreciation of God's green acres. One would often hear Matt say: It's a good life . And it has been a good life to have known and loved Matt. He will be greatly missed. Matt has moved on to the next great adventure. Go with joy and carry our love and our heartfelt thanks for the gifts you gave to all who knew you. You will always be cherished. A celebration of Matt's life with a presentation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, April 28th at the Scandinavian Cultural Centre, 764 Erin Street in Winnipeg. Come share stories and memories of Matt with his family and friends.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 26, 2008