PAUL GALATIUK

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PAUL GALATIUK Peacefully, after a long decline due to age-related dementia, Paul Galatiuk, passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at Deer Lodge Centre, at the age of 87 years. Left to cherish Paul's memory is his wife Mildred, of 61 years of marriage; brother Harry (Evelyn); sisters-in-law Victoria and Lee; children Calvin, Graham, Vivian and Lois; grandchildren Larisa (Patrick), Martin (Christopher), Jaclyn (David), Loni (Heath), John (Anna), Ann (Graham) and Cameron; great-grandchildren Noah, Katya, Roxy, James and Charlotte, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Arsini and Elena; siblings John (Mabel), Gheorghe, Mary (Bill), Mike (Elsie), Pete (Lena), Vera (John), Alicsandru, Jim, Neil, Bill and Nick (Ann); as well as by his beloved son Warren. Paul was born on July 17, 1923 in Lennard, Manitoba shortly after his family moved from Canora, Saskatchewan. When he was three his family moved to Blue Wing and then when he was six they rented a farm in Shell Valley so the children were able to attend school. Education was important, and Paul was able to complete his Grade 8 education in the Shell Valley School. He loved classical music, particularly Mozart. He become an avid listener as a young boy, reminiscing how on Sundays, when it was his turn to stay home from church to keep an eye on the farm and livestock, Paul would sit outside with the chickens and the horses listening to the classics on the radio. After completing his education at the age of 15, Paul first worked as a farm labourer on local farms and then in the spring of 1941 started work in Abe Shnider's store in Inglis. He left for the R.C.A.F. in February 1943, receiving his training in the Motor Transport Section in Brandon and Rivers. He was then stationed with 405 Squadron in Gransden Lodge, England from April 1944 to June 1945, a period in his life that he always treasured. Following the war Paul tried his hand in several occupations, eventually settling on farming. In 1947, his brother Pete sold to him a beautiful half section of land located between the Shell and Assiniboine Valleys, near Inglis, Manitoba. He farmed this land for the next 40 years. In 1949, Paul married Mildred Jackson and together they raised their family of five children on that farm. He also worked for Manitoba Crop Insurance from 1961 to 1994 in various capacities including sales, adjusting and administration. Following the encouragement of his son Graham, Paul returned to the Air Force he had so loved from his wartime experience by joining the #677 Royal Air Cadet Squadron in Russell as Supply Officer, eventually becoming the Commanding Officer. Paul and Mildred retired to Roblin, Manitoba in 1989. They travelled extensively in Canada, the US, Europe and Australia taking advantage of his passion for languages. He was able to speak English, Romanian, German and Ukrainian. Paul kept a journal of daily events and the weather for over 40 years. These journals will be treasured for years to come and are regularly referred to when settling family debates regarding the details of some events in the past. He will also be remembered for his love of walking. In May 2008 Paul and Mildred moved to Winnipeg to be closer to their daughter Vivian, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. On Wednesday, May 11, 2010 Paul's Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. in Silver Heights United Church, 199 Garrioch Avenue. Interment will follow in Chapel Lawn Cemetery, 4000 Portage Avenue. A sincere thank you is extended to the outstanding staff of Deer Lodge Veteran's Care for their care of our father. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul's memory to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 10, 2011