MICHAEL JOHN ADAMSKI

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MICHAEL JOHN ADAMSKI Peacefully on December 1, 2008 with family by his side, our loving husband, father and Papa passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre-Assiniboine Centre. He will always be remembered for his sense of humour, his love of life and nature, his unconditional love and devotion to his family and above all his tireless work ethic. Our Dad, Michael John Adamski was born on January 2, 1923 in Brandon, Manitoba, his home throughout his entire life. He was proud of his heritage, faith, community and most of all his family. Dad was an amazingly giving person never wanting much for himself but instead putting the needs of others first and foremost. He worked incredibly hard for everything he had in life and always taught us to appreciate the smallest things life could provide. Our Dad always shared with us many stories of his youth and what it was like for him to grow up in Brandon. Dad received his education in Brandon attending Central School and Brandon Collegiate. It was at school that he acquired his love for music playing trumpet in the band. He also taught himself to play the harmonica, an instrument that he mastered and would continue to play his entire life. At the age of 19, Dad left home to serve his country during the Second World War. He initially enlisted with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles-Little Black Devils but later switched units when he was overseas and joined the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders. As a result of his military service, Dad received a number of medals he always wore proudly. At the conclusion of the Second World War, Dad returned home to Brandon where he continued his career with the Canadian Pacific Railway. According to Dad, there was never a better time to be associated with the railway than when the steam locomotives were in full operation. Dad acquired many lasting friendships with the individuals he met during his tenure with the CPR. He retired from the railway in 1988 with 46 years of service. On October 25, 1958, Dad married Joyce Miles, the first couple to be married in the brand new St. Hedwig's Roman Catholic Church in Brandon. Dad and Mom recently celebrated fifty years of marriage together. Dad loved to be outdoors. He was a terrific swimmer, runner, curler and an incredible ice skater. Dad would never hesitate to open up the community center rink for the neighbourhood kids, lace up his own skates and lead the charge in towing twenty or more kids around the rink playing Crack the Whip. Dad taught all of his children how to skate and could often be seen on many late winter nights flooding the backyard family rink he would annually make for us. Dad especially loved to fish and in our eyes was the best filleter of fish around--no meat was ever wasted when Dad filleted his catch. Many times he would finish work in the early morning hours and sneak down to the 3rd street dam to see if the fish might be biting. Dad was also an avid gardener and spent countless hours weeding, hoeing, hilling, watering and harvesting his garden. He loved planting the seeds, nurturing the plants and reaping the rewards of his hard-work. This was a special hobby and pastime for our Dad. His interaction with nature in this manner was incredibly important to him. Dad was never one to ever waste anything. The Sisters of St. Michael's Academy were always very appreciative to the many bags of vegetables Dad would share with them from his garden. Dad always did his best to attend every function his kids chose to become involved with. He encouraged us to always do our best at whatever it was we were interested in. He modeled for us a commitment of service to organizations and activities throughout his entire life, most notably volunteering numerous hours working with the local Navy League and Sea Cadet Corps. He enjoyed his role as music instructor with the Navy League cadet band, introducing and teaching many kids the bugle. He loved interacting with the cadets, as he also ran the canteen on parade nights. Dad was instrumental in assisting with the organization of the annual cadet camps held at Clear Lake. He took great pride in his role as the head cook and chief bottle-washer , the kids were always well fed and it was important to Dad that his kitchen at the camp was kept spotlessly clean. He devoted 26 years to the cadet organization. Many lasting friendships were created and cherished during the time he spent with this group of people. Dad will always be lovingly remembered by his wife Joyce and their four children, Michael (Shannan, Jordan and Aisha), Michelle (Ken Kukurudz, Scott, Cory, Kali and Josh), Jennifer (Norm Badgley, Sam) and Mark (Jerri, Micaela, Tessa and Jack). Dad especially loved spending time with his ten grandchildren who meant the world to him. A prayer service took place at Brockie Donovan's Funeral Chapel on Friday, December 5, 2008 followed by a beautiful celebration of Dad's life on Saturday, December 6, 2008. Father Dominic Yuen served as the celebrant for the funeral Mass. Carl Jarvin, Tom Adamski, John Adamski, Miles Jarvin, John Bokkel and Scott Kukurudz served as pallbearers at the funeral. Eulogies were presented by Mark Adamski and Scott Kukurudz. A video tribute honouring Dad/Papa was created and presented by Scott. Bob and Joan Wright, Russ Roney, Larry Robertson and Ed and Maureen Farrant of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #3 served as the Legion Honour Guard during the service and Don Roy played the bagpipes as part of the funeral procession. Mr. Dan Robertson, Dad's former band student, performed the Last Post and Reveille at the graveside. Dad was laid to rest at the Rosewood Memorial Gardens in Brandon. Donations in the memory of our Dad may be made to the Kidney Foundation, 42 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 2B2 or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Unit 3, 824 - 18th Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 5B7. We know that God has a place where Dad can now plant a huge garden again, play his harmonica and go for coffee with his railroad buddies. Dad is in a better place now and we're sure he is happy there, because in heaven there is peace. Dad, we know we'll see each other again, in the meantime, continue to guide us as we live our lives, watch over Mom, your four children and our families you loved so dearly. You will always be remembered whenever we hear the whistle of the train and you'll continue to hold a warm place in our hearts for as long as we live. Farewell Dad, we salute you!

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 13, 2008