CORNELIUS (NEIL) DIRKS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

CORNELIUS (NEIL) DIRKS Following a brief illness, Cornelius (Neil) Dirks passed away Sunday, April 17, 2011 at age 87 at Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home. Born August 11, 1923 and immigrating to Canada in 1924, Neil's family settled in Manitoba near Arnaud, moving to Winnipeg in 1941. Neil graduated Daniel MacIntyre and the University of Winnipeg, (BA 1952). Neil and Laurette married November 30, 1949. He is survived by his loving wife Laurette, daughter Linda Conde (Ross) of Markham, sons, David (Mary Anne) of Winnipeg, and Paul (Julie) of Birch River, and grandchildren, Lise Conde of Markham, Alexander Conde (Jaimie) of Markham, Crystal Dirks of Winnipeg and Catherine Dirks of Winnipeg. Neil was predeceased by parents Alexander and Agnes, brother Henry and sister Irene, survived by brothers Victor of Harrow, John (Faye) of Toronto, sisters Elisabeth of Winnipeg, Rosemarie Thiessen (Arnold) of Calgary, Marguerite Dyke (Rudolf) of Victoria, and sister-in-law Betty Dirks of Victoria. Early on Neil was a street car operator / bus driver for Winnipeg Electric, but most of his working life was a sales representative, covering an extensive area from Sault St. Marie through Alberta. Neil was active in the community, president of Earl Grey Community Club and national board of N.W.C.T.A. With Laurette they visited veterans, and were members in the Legion, I.W.V.A. and A.N.A.F. Veterans. At the end his health weakened, evidenced by the move from their home to St. Boniface General Hospital, Poseidon Personal Care Home, and finally Bethania in 2010. The family thanks all the wonderful people who cared for Dad in his final months. His end was peaceful and calm thanks to your love and kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations to Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home are appreciated. Cremation has already taken place. Memorial service will be on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main St. Rest in peace, Dad

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2011