JOSEPH SMERCHANSKY

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JOSEPH SMERCHANSKY 1916 - 2008 It is with deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Joe Smerchansky on May 14, 2008 at the age of 92. He is survived by his loving wife Nell of 68 years of marriage, his five children and their families. Children: Sonia (Ron) Stecky, Bill (Karen) Shanski, Cynthia (Allan) Grant, Delores (George) Sykes, and Deanne (Keith) Emberley. Grandchildren: Liana Stecky, Lisa (Al) Delaquis, Karla (Phil) Andrews, Kurt (Tanya) Shanski, Andrea Grant, Ian Grant, Lindsey Emberley, Tyler Emberley, Colby Sykes, Chelsey Sykes, Linda (Jason) Campbell, and six great-grandchildren Ryan, Julia, Liam, Kate, Jessica and Kyle. Joe loved life as a husband, a Dad, a Gigi, a brother to a very large Smerchansky clan and of course, a fisherman! He was born in Hadashville with 14 siblings. He was proud to work at Dominion Bridge as a welder, for 40 years and took an early retirement at age 60. He worked hard and always made time for his family, children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren while Nell kept everyone well fed and comfortable. Joe and Nell loved to travel. Joe always spoke about Mexico, and other destinations including Texas, Hawaii, and Florida. For special occasions, they visited relatives in Vancouver and Toronto. However, they loved it best at their summer cottage with their family at Falcon Lake. He built the cottage single handedly in 1954-1955, but continued to build with family in the following years. Joe was a self-taught handyman who could build anything he wanted. He had an artistic flair for creating his boat ( Peter Pan ), docks, willow furniture, birdhouses, and Nell's favorite her flowerpots. He loved Falcon Lake and his passion was fishing. He caught many trophy pickerel and he became a standard fixture every spring while fishing for Jack at the South Shore Causeway. He adored feeding the birds, chipmunks, squirrels, and foxes. A celebration of Joe's life will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cropo Funeral Chapel 1442 Main Street. Interment to follow in Elmwood Cemetery. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.cropo.com. VICHNAYA PAMY'AT 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 17, 2008