JOE JOROWSKI

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JOE JOROWSKI Peacefully, on August 11, 2008, our father, husband and grandfather Joe Jorowski, passed away at Riverview Health Centre, in his 91st year. Left to honour Joe's memory are the love of his life Anne, and their children, Joanne and husband Mansueto Siorpaes, Paul and wife Chris, and daughter Jay (Cathy), and his three grandchildren David, Kevin and Wendy, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, neighbours and friends too numerous to mention here. All are known and gratefully acknowledged in our hearts. He was predeceased by his brothers Nick and Tony, and sister Helen. Joe was born January 19, 1917 in Russell, Manitoba, where his father was a station master. He moved to Winnipeg with his family at a young age and following high school, joined the Winnipeg Light Infantry. In 1938, while participating in youth activities at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in the city's North End, he asked a pretty blond if he could walk her home. Anne Horbowy became Anne Jorowski four years later, and followed her husband to Nanaimo and Vernon, BC where he was stationed during the Second World War. The couple returned to Winnipeg after the war and eventually settled in East Kildonan, where they raised three children and shared a bungalow and beautiful garden for the next 50 plus years. Joe's life revolved around his wife and three children, and his 40 year career with Carter Motors, where he worked in sales, appraisals, and finally managed the leasing department. He was a devoted father who enjoyed hosting summer barbecues, making homemade french fries, singing and playing his harmonica for his kids and their friends. He encouraged his children's faith journey at St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, where he was an active member and called bingo for years. He was a sportsman who hunted, curled, cheered for the Blue Bombers all of his life, and made a very big deal of the Grey Cup each year. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed a 47 year membership at Elmhurst Golf and Country Club with his family. Attending functions at the clubhouse became an honoured family tradition. Joe was an extraordinary dancer (pretty good singer too) and he loved to clear the floor when he took Anne dancing every weekend. Other women waited in line for the enviable thrill of perhaps also getting one dance with Joe, whom he was known to oblige occasionally with Anne's pride. Joe was a liberated' husband long before women's lib forced men into thinking differently about marriage. Anne was a high-profile city councillor for 15 years and a community activist for most of their marriage. He supported his wife's passions with unwavering honour, pride and loyalty, enabling her to become who she wanted to be. Theirs was a partnership based on mutual respect and a deep and abiding love that lasted 66 years; a love story that is a legacy for their children and grandchildren and all who knew them. A celebration of Joe's life will be held Friday, August 15, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Church, 300 Donalda Avenue, where he was a parishioner for 53 years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, Unit 10 - 120 Donald St., R3C 4G2.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 13, 2008