JOSEPH STRATICHUK

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JOSEPH STRATICHUK It is with our deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother Joseph (Joe) Stratichuk on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at the St. Boniface General Hospital, with his loving family by his side. Joe was born in Winnipeg on November 4, 1933, one of the ten children of Nicholas and Katherine (Galay) Stratichuk, and had grown up in the north-end. On August 7, 1954, he married his first love Sheila Heap-McVicar, to whom he was married for 40 years, until her passing in 1994, and they had raised three children, Debbie, Cam and Darlene. On December 31, 1996, Joe married his second love Linda Giardino, who had three children Tony, Pam and James, and now the family had become the Brady Bunch . Joe's family meant everything to him; he was a wonderful, loving and devoted father and grandfather, who was very involved in not only his children's lives, but his grandchildren's lives. He was loved and adored by all of his children and grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan of hockey, baseball, football, and soccer. He coached hockey and soccer teams, and also enjoyed being a fan in the sports that his son participated in, as well as his grandchildren. He was one of the founders, as well as the first President, of the Charleswood Soccer Association. He was employed by the CPR for over 35 years, and was the President for their local union for many years. He had been part of the army reserves. Many years after his retirement he started his own courier business called Cadillac Express . In August 2001 he became part of The Judy Lindsay Team which he really enjoyed and was very proud of. He had a love for Cadillac's, and he loved to buy old vehicle's, disassemble them and sell the parts. He enjoyed fishing, especially the years out at Lynch's Point, and for the past 15 years out at Lake of the Woods. He also designed and patented a trailer post. To cherish his memory Joe is survived by his loving wife Linda, children, Debbie (Pierre), grandsons Ryan and Brandon; Cam (June) grandchildren Nick (Jennelle), Jacquie, Michelle, Katelyn, and Ben; Darlene and grandson Quinn; Tony (Hayley), grandchildren Mandy and Jenna; Pam (Guy), grandchildren Joshua, Daniel, and Jacob; James (Alfonsina), grandchildren Kyla and Sophia. He is also survived by sister Nellie Crossley and father-in-law Joe Cantafio, brothers and sisters-in-laws Rosemarie (Tony), Gloria (Mark), Josie (Dean), and many nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by his first love and wife Sheila, his parents Nicholas and Katherine Stratichuk sisters Minnie, Marion, Vicky, and Elsie, brothers Johnny, Bill, Alex, and Clifford mothers-in-law Olive McVicar and Sara Cantafio, fathers-in-law William Heap and Ward McVicar, and many brothers and sisters-in-law. The family would like to express our heartfelt thank you to all of the doctors and nurses in the Emergency Ward, CCU, ICU, and 5E at the St. Boniface General Hospital, for their devoted and compassionate care. We would also like to extend a special thank you to our loving family members Linda, Lori, Rosemarie Tony, Gloria, Josie, and Dean for all of their loving support and thoughtful gestures. Pallbearers will be Cam Stratichuk, Nick Stratichuk, Ryan Labonté, Brandon Labonté, Pierre Labonté, Quinn Cormack, Tony Giardino, James Giardino, Guy Bohn and Joshua Bohn. Honorary pallbearers are Mandy and Jenna Giardino. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2009, at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue with interment and reception to follow. Dad, May you not be lonely in your journey because we will always be with you. You are at peace now and out of pain. We will always love and miss you. Love Deb (Deborkah), Cam (Tiger), Darlene (Pink) When I must leave you for a little while, Please do not grieve and shed sad tears, And hug your sorrow to you through the years, But start out bravely with a gallant smile; And for my sake and in my name Live on and do all things the same, But fill each waking hour in useful ways, Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer And I in turn will comfort you And hold you near! And never, never be afraid to die For I am waiting for you in the sky. This life for me is truly past. I've loved you all to the very last. Weep not for me, but courage take, And love one another for my sake. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 21, 2009