AUGUST ESSENBURG

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AUGUST ESSENBURG August (Gus) Essenburg, 84, passed away peacefully in the early hours of 9th of March, 2009. Gus emigrated from northern Europe at the age of three with his parents, Elsie and Ludwig, and his brother, Edwin to settle first in Moosehorn, MB. The family later moved to Winnipeg to continue the Essenburg tradition of offering support and lodging to those in need. At 17 Gus began work for the MB Cancer Foundation (now CancerCare Manitoba), delivering radiation treatment sources to local hospitals in his back pocket, on a bicycle'. After 42 years of service, Gus retired as Chief Radiation Protection Officer for the Province of Manitoba. Retirement, to which he often referred as 'the best time of his life', revolved around summers with family and friends at the cottage, and winter pilgrimages to Arizona, Texas and Florida in a personally customized van. Enjoyable hours were also spent shopping for bargains, gardening, hunting, fishing garage sale-ing and (possibly his favourite) tinkering. Gus is survived by his wife of 57 years, Aida (nee Kalinin); his three children, Kate (Peter), Mark (Doris) and Carol (Bob); granddaughters, Alanna and Natalie; his sister Irma (Ike); and numerous nephews and nieces. His older brother Edwin died defending Canada, and his younger brother Herb (Vera) predeceased him by hours. His family mourns the loss of his companionship, but is grateful for his example of a life lived with passion, faith, and emphasis on family and friendships. His love, humour and integrity enriched many lives. The family extends our heartfelt appreciation to the many friends who were by our sides on this transitional journey. Thanks to our teammates Frances and Charlotte for their compassion and insights; Drs. Garcia (Palliative Care) and Brunt of St. Boniface Hospital, and staff of Wards 5B and 6A South for all their support, as well as excellent medical care. A memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 1311 Dakota Street, at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12. In lieu of flowers, should they so wish, friends are invited to contribute to CancerCare Manitoba, P.O. Box 2248, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4A6, Faith Lutheran Church, 1311 Dakota Street, Winnipeg, MB, R2M 1V8 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 200-6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0K6. Neil Bardal Inc. 204-949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 11, 2009