PERCY ALBERT CASSEL

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PERCY ALBERT CASSEL October 18, 1930 - April 16, 2009 Peacefully after a long battle with cancer, Percy passed away on April 16, 2009 shortly before midnight. Percy was predeceased by his parents Mary and Nathan Cassel of Prince George, BC, first wife Emily Dobko Cassel, and grandson Christopher Vernon. He leaves to mourn wife Ellie Chomiski Cassel; children, Brian (Pat Martin) of Mississauga, ON, Jacqueline (Rob Vernon) of Winnipeg, Deborah (Daryl Verbeek) of Abbotsford, BC; stepchildren Mike and Lisa Chomiski; grandchildren, Wesley, Courtney, and Riley Verbeek, Peter and Southerly Vernon, Lynn and Jason Martin and great-grandchildren Kenny and Amber Martin. Born in Grandview, MB, Percy's family migrated through western Canada and Northern Ontario looking for work, before they returned to settle in Northern Manitoba. Percy moved to Winnipeg in the 1950's, working at various jobs until becoming an apprentice mechanic at Dickson Motors in 1955. In 1956, he married Emily, and started a family. In 1966, he opened Crosstown Esso at the corner of William and Isobel, serving the north end until 1975. He counted Mayor Stephen Juba among his many regular customers. A closure of the gas station by Esso prompted Percy to move into the trucking industry, where he worked for Atomic Interprovincial Transport until his retirement in 1994, three months after Emily's passing. Percy found love again later in life, marrying Ellie in July 2003. Throughout his life, Percy was an active volunteer and avid sportsman. He devoted time to Big Brothers, doing interviews with CBC Breakaway to promote the program. Amateur baseball became a great passion, as he certified provincially as an umpire in 1975, and continued to umpire junior league games until age 76. Golf, bowling and travel were other pastimes he pursued with zeal, until poor health limited activities. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in St. Bernadette Parish, 820 Cottonwood, with Father Fred Olds officiating. The family wishes to thank the excellent staff of St. Boniface Hospital ward 5B for their care and support, as Percy made his final journey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, for patient support services. Arrangements entrusted to: KLASSEN FUNERAL HOME 1897 Henderson Hwy. - 338-0331 Send expressions of sympathy at www.mem.com.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2009