JOSEPH SZMERSKI

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JOSEPH SZMERSKI Born February 1st, 1927 - Passed Away November 3rd, 2009 Peacefully on November 3, 2009 Dad passed away at the Victoria Hospital. Dad was born on February 1, 1927 in Poland. In 1931 he immigrated to Canada to settle in the Lac du Bonnet area, he was raised here and this is where he came to raise his own family. Dad was many things in his life; number one he was a proud loving father. To support his kids he was also always a hard worker. He was a commercial fisherman fishing sturgeon, he was an owner operator of Szmerski Trucking with his dear brother Stanley, he was also an equipment operator at Tantalum Mining until he retired and moved to Winnipeg where he lived with his son Dennis. Dad was always at every family function with his camera taking pictures of everyone. No candid shots, always a professional job done. Like his pride with his work, he had pride in his picture taking and his family. Dad always had treats for all of the children at these functions, he also never forgot to take treats for birthdays and Christmas for the kids. Dad also never missed the opportunity to send birthday and Christmas cards to his family; he was family to everyone and everyone was family to him, Dad was not just another Joe. Dad had many favourite places. Following his love of drawing birds for his family he also loved to take his grandkids and family to Alf Hole Goose Sanctuary in Rene. He also held a special place for the Isle of Mac Arthur. We will all certainly miss Dad's moment in the spotlight where we encouraged him to sing his songs; one called the Isle of Mac Arthur, the second Spruce Bug. I think Dad liked the persuasion to sing as much as he liked making us all happy hearing his songs. Dad always spoke proudly of his brother Stan, how hard they worked together over the years loading those logging trucks by hand. Dad also spoke highly of his kids Al, Dennis, and Louise; so proud that he raised such hardworking loving individuals who took care of him so well. Dad had many number ones in his life, all of his grands, big grands, nephews and nieces never failed to put a smile on his face and a light in his eye, he always had all he needed as long as they were there with him. Dad's memory will be cherished forever by us all in both thoughts and actions; every time we work hard and earn that dollar or each time we think of someone and send our love their way thanking them, we know we do it with pride and a lot of love just like Dad always did. Dad was predeceased by his siblings, sister Myroslava (Poland), sister Anne (Hynds), and brother Walter. He is survived by his brothers Stanley (Rosalie), Teddy (Linda), and Paul; his children Alan (Holly), Louise (Tim), Dennis, and Darlene (Shawn); grandchildren Stephanie Szmerski, James Szmerski, Cole Buss, and Amy Buss. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the staff on the fourth floor at the Victoria Hospital; among them Doctor Pichin and Bonnie; taking care of Dad for us is deeply appreciated. We would also like to thank all of Dad's family and friends who visited and who also continue to support us. Dad was truly grateful for all of you and I'm sure still sends his love and thanks. Following Dad's wishes he will be cremated. A viewing and private family gathering was held on Thursday, November 5 at the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Selkirk. Interment of ashes will be held at a later date at the Lac du Bonnet cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a children's charity of your choice. Thanks to Gilbart Funeral Home in Selkirk for taking care of Dads arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 06, 2009