IGNACE FRANCIS GARLINSKI 1918-2009

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IGNACE FRANCIS GARLINSKI 1918-2009 On the evening of May 29, 2009 surrounded by his family, Ignace left to be in the arms of the Lord. Ignace (Iggie) was born on March 22, 1918 in Ashville, MB. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Stella (nee Korney). Ignace also leaves to mourn his four children; Lorraine Garlinski, Bonnie Carmichael, Gary Garlinski and Donald (Collete) Garlinski. There are eight grandchildren; Kristin (Brian), Paul, Shauna, Jennifer (Gordon), Sara (David), Kerri-Lynne, Shannon, Chantal (Duncan) and one great grandchild, Alexandra Ignace will also be remembered by his brother, Leo (Ruth) and sisters-in-law Helen Myers, Alice Boychuk, Caroline Barton, Ruth Komarnicki and numerous friends and extended family. Ignace was predeceased by his parents Mary and Steven along with 3 brothers Edward, Fabian and Albert and one son-in-law Blenis Carmichael. Ignace was raised on the family farm in Ashville. He often reminisced about memorable times he had as a young boy; remembering childhood friends, playing hockey, family gatherings and his love of animals. Iggie was a hard worker who had a remarkable mind and endless energy. At the age of 23 he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force at the beginning of the Second World War and became a Flight Mechanic. Ignace was a gifted technician who spoke passionately about the test flights he conducted. During this time, Ignace's first fate became apparent in his choice of a life-long partner when he met and courted a beautiful young Dauphin girl by the name of Stella Korney. Iggie would entertain the kids by sharing stories of their years together. He would beam with pride reflecting on his courtship of Stella; remembering the time when they went ice skating on the Valley River. He claimed he had never seen such a beautiful, talented and graceful skater! Ignace's boyish grin and twinkle in his eyes were priceless when he spoke about his Steph. Their union produced much love, happiness and commitment both through the good times and the hard times. They had four children that became the centre of his world. Ignace had an incredible work ethic; a quality that was instilled in each of his children. He served as a Conductor with the Canadian National Railway for 34 years. Along with this fulltime job, he also farmed, was the local chairman of the United Transportation Union for 20 years and served as Secretary for the Knights of Columbus for 20 years. Ignace was a devout Catholic. He prayed daily and looked forward to attending Sunday mass to give thanks to the Lord for his many blessings. Ignace (Iggie, Dad, Pop, Grandpa) will be fondly remembered for his extraordinary ability to mend and repair things in the most creative ways. This could be perceived by some as being frugal, but for Iggie the challenge of fixing something with alternative parts was more a testament to his intelligence, resourcefulness and ingenuity. Igance and Stella spent 27 years vacationing the winter months in Jamaica. This was his haven where he found rest and relaxation playing golf and sipping on dark rum. Iggie excelled in the game of golf beginning at the age of 60. He was a natural athlete and in 1985 was awarded recognition for his Hole in One at the Gilbert Plains Golf Course. Iggie amazed everyone with his feat of obtaining his motorcycle license at the age of 75. He even made headlines in the Winnipeg Sun for this accomplishment. Ignace enjoyed music and dancing. He would entertain by singing medleys from his past; obviously this was a trait that his children and grandchildren inherited. In his younger years Iggie hunted with his sons and coached Donald in hockey. Time spent on hockey road trips and at the cottage with his family at Ochre Beach are special memories for his children. In 2001 Ignace underwent back surgery that resulted in partial paralysis. This left him dependent on a motorized wheel chair to get around. In spite of his physical limitations Iggie made the best of his challenges. He had his van equipped with a lift and hand controls so that he could get back in the driver's seat and regain his sense of freedom and independence. Neighbors complimented Iggie on his strength of character and tenacity to stay active and mobile. It was not unusual to see him raking leaves or shovelling the driveway from the confines of his scooter. Iggie and Stella developed a network of friends across the country, at the lake, in Jamaica and in their community. Ignace established a unique and personal friendship with each of his children, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law and grandchildren. He also had the amazing good fortune during the last few years to create relationships with all of his home care providers. The care and concern offered by Dr. Michael Penrose along with various doctors, nurses and aides at the Dauphin Regional Hospital was greatly appreciated by Ignace. Iggie was indeed a great example of a life well-lived. He regularly encouraged his kids to live life to the fullest and to never take life for granted. He wanted his family to work to live not live to work. Prayer service for Iggie was held on Monday, June 1, 2009 from St. Viator's Roman Catholic Church in Dauphin, MB, with Conrad Artibise as prayer leader. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 from St. Viator's Roman Catholic Church with the Fr. Paul Bisson officiating. Interment followed in the Riverside Cemetery, in Dauphin, MB. Pallbearers were Don Garlinski, Colette Garlinski, Eugene Garlinski, Mark Smith, Vic Letendre, Jasik Gozdziolko and Paul Urbanoski. Honorary pallbearers are Iggie's grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire donations could be made to the War Amps. Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Services (204) 638-4110

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 04, 2009