NICK SHANKORIK -

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NICK SHANKORIK 1927 - 2011 It is with great sadness, that after 84 entertaining years, we announce the passing of Nick Shankorik on August 9, 2011, at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital surrounded by loving family and friends. Nick is survived by his daughter Cindy Claessens (Joe and grandchildren: Andrew, Riley and Mark) of Cambridge ON; granddaughter Suzie Kopansky (Cam and great-grandson Tayln) of Calgary AB; grandson Steven (Gen) of Canmore AB; sister Doris Malinoski of Winnipeg MB and many more adored nieces, nephews and life-long friends. Nick is now reunited with, his loving wife of 60 years, Gwen, son Dwain, parents John and Mary, and siblings Bill, John, Elsie, Agnus, Della and Florence. Nick was born April 29, 1927, in Gardenton MB. In his teen years he moved to Winnipeg, where he began his much loved career with the C.P.R., as a locomotive engineer. The once shy man soon met Gwen, they were married and began their lives together. Nick's family and friends were his passion, there was never any shortage of jokes, laughs and good times, especially with the gang: Stubby and Shirley, Bud and Dorothy, Grant and Gloria and many others. Anyone who met Nick instantly became a friend! Nick and Gwen moved to Kenora where they raised their family. After 43 years of service, retirement life was fulfilled by travelling throughout Canada and U.S., and living on the lake in Dryden. When it was time to settle down, they moved to Gwen's hometown of Gimli, MB, where Nick enjoyed his daily trips to help out at his nephew Aaron's farm, or visits to his office at the Viking Hotel, to swap stories with his fishermen buddies. As a hobby, Nick insisted on fixing anything, which typically involved a roll of duct-tape or some glue. Nick... you will be truly missed and so will your dill pickles and Borscht. The memories and the legend will remain forever. See you again one day. A celebration of Nick's life will be held later in the fall in Winnipeg at the Wheeler Funeral Chapel with date and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, if desired, in memoriam donations may be made to your local chapter of Make-A-Wish Canada Foundation (1-888-822-9474). Expressions of Sympathy may be sent directly to claessens@rogers.com.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 16, 2011