GORDON KOWAL

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GORDON KOWAL On June 22, 2008, at the age of 84, Gordon passed away peacefully, with family at his side at the St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Unit. He will be sadly missed by his wife Nadia; daughter Karen McKenzie (Glen); grandson Collin McKenzie; sister Olga Armstrong, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members from both Gordon and Nadia's families. Gordon also leaves to mourn his passing many longtime friends who gave generously of their time to visit and reminisce with him over the last few months. He was predeceased by his parents John Kowalyszyn and Stella Prokopowicz. Gordon and Nadia were fortunate to be able to celebrate 50 years of marriage this past year. Gordon was born and raised in Winnipeg's North End where he attended school and helped his parents with their shoemaking shop and grocery store on Arlington at Redwood. He was always ready with a story about delivering groceries by bicycle or playing hockey in the streets with pucks fashioned from shoe leather scraps. Despite the financial constraints associated with growing up during the Depression, Gordon doggedly pursued a career as a Chartered Accountant and became a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Manitoba in 1953. The majority of his working life was spent at the Provincial Auditor's Office. In his spare time, Gordon enjoyed the outdoors and spent many happy days at the family summer property on the Netley Creek. Gordon had an amazing memory for names and faces of those he met both socially and in the course of his work. He always loved a good conversation, was an amazing listener and could quickly put others at ease. During retirement, Gordon maintained contact with his many friends through Monday morning coffee sessions, meetings at the local Salisbury House with the Salisbury Senators , and the special monthly luncheons he enjoyed with his buddies. He particularly enjoyed spending time with family and had a special fondness for his grandson. The family would like to thank relatives and the many friends who gave of their time and provided support during Gordon's recent illness. We also gratefully acknowledge all of the caring medical professionals who touched Gordon's life in the last few months and eased his suffering. Special thanks to all of the gentle souls and new friends he made at the Palliative Care Unit at St. Boniface Hospital. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Friday, June 27, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street with Father Michael Winn officiating. Interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gordon's memory to the St. Boniface Hospital and Research Foundation, Palliative Care Program Donation, Rm. D1003, 409 Tache Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 or the Children's Rehabilitation Foundation, 633 Wellington Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3M 0A8. Glen Eden Funeral Home 338-7111 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of condolences at www.gleneden-mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 25, 2008