PAUL LATOCKI

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PAUL LATOCKI Peacefully, after a brief illness, Paul Latocki passed away at the Seven Oaks Hospital on Wednesday, November 25, 2009, at the age of 94. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Catherine (Kay), who has been residing at Tuxedo Villa since 2005; twin daughters, Nancy and Barbara; sister Hilda Chapman of Los Angeles and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Barbara; brother Peter; sister Mary and nephew, Brian. Paul was born on October 19, 1915, the oldest of four siblings. He grew up in Brooklands and Weston, attending Brooklands (the red) School, Cecil Rhodes School, and Daniel MacIntyre Collegiate Institute. A year of drafting courses followed at the University of Manitoba. Passionate about airplanes and flying, he attained his pilot's license in 1932 at the age of 17. He then began a 43-year career in the Canadian aviation industry, first with MacDonald Brothers Aircraft, where he met his future wife, Kay ( Rosie the riveter ), and later Bristol Aerospace, where he held the position of production manager at the time of his retirement in 1977. For the next 31 years of his life, he was blessed with good health and was able to spend endless hours in his basement workshop, crafting wood and metal objects on his lathe, the most noteworthy being Red River carts, spinning wheels, windmills, and bowls. He also took on the challenge of rebuilding and restoring vintage aircraft for the fledging Western Canada Aviation Museum, forming many new and lasting friendships with the group of volunteers. His innate knowledge, skill, and craftsmanship was recognized by all who knew him. The family wishes to express sincere thanks to Dr. Doug Henry for his care and compassion, as well as to Dr. Naseer Warriarch and the 5th floor nursing staff at Seven Oaks General Hospital. A very special thank you is also extended to Willie Zinkowicz, Dad's home care worker, and to all the relatives and friends who visited Dad in his final days. Monseigneur Stan Jaworski will conduct a service of celebration at Neil Bardal Inc., 3030 Notre Dame Ave. (across from Brookside Cemetery), on Monday, November 30, 2009, at 11:30 a.m., with viewing at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Brookside Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Paul Venton, Justin Copp, Edward Tataryn, Donald Davidson, Norman Bush and George Clay. Honorary pallbearers are Billy Tataryn, Matthew Tataryn, and Neil Aseltine. Flowers are gratefully declined, but if friends so wish, donations may be made in Paul's memory to a charity of their choice, or to The Western Canada Aviation Museum, Hangar T2, 958 Ferry Road, Winnipeg, R3H 0Y8. Not how did he die, but how did he live? Not what did he gain, but what did he give? These are the units to measure the worth Of a man as a man, regardless of birth. We love you, Dad, and will miss you. Be at peace with God. NEIL BARDAL INC. 204-949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 28, 2009