PAUL JAMES (JIM) GYSELINCK

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PAUL JAMES (JIM) GYSELINCK On February 4, 2012 at Riverview Health Centre, Paul James Gyselinck passed away at the age of 71. Jim is survived by his wife Grace, brothers-in-law Mike Okalita, Ron De Man; sisters-in law, Julie Gyselinck, Diana Rochon (Carl); mother-in-law Olga De Man; niece Diane Whitley (Ward); nephews Richard Gyselinck (Sherry), Paul Gyselinck (Barbara), David Gyselinck (Wendy); grand-niece Joanna Friesen (John); grand-nephews Kirk Gyselinck (Jiness) and Joel Gyselinck. He was predeceased by his parents, Polydore and Madeleine; his sister Jeannette Okalita; his brothers Eugene and Daniel; sisters-in-law Isobel Gyselinck and Donna De Man; father-in-law Lievin De Man, and niece Patricia Maertens. Jim was born on July 1, 1940 and grew up in St. Vital. In 1964 he married Grace De Man and they resided in Fort Garry and then in St. Vital, where they built their home and have lived for the last 40 years. Jim was a proud member of the Fort Garry and the Winnipeg Fire Department for 30 years retiring with the rank of Captain on January 18, 1993. Jim enjoyed life to the fullest. He was known as Mr. Fix It, inventor of many wonderful and weird things. He enjoyed many wonderful wilderness canoe trips with his friends and owned a cabin on the Winnipeg River. He tried his hand at being a beekeeper and wine-maker and was also a long time trustee of the St. Germaine/Vermette Association, taking an active part in his community. Jim shared a close connection with Mother Nature and was very involved with S.O.S. - Save our Seine, a community based stewardship group who work to protect, preserve and enhance the Seine River environment in Winnipeg. He chose the name Bois Des Esprits for the historical park on the Seine River, a forest to be enjoyed by generations to come. Jim loved boxing and spent many hours helping young boxers stay off the streets and served as a time keeper and referee. He also volunteered his time at Transcona Memorial United Church, preparing and serving meals for the senior's meal program. Although he had no children, Jim had a special relationship with his god-child Jenny Christie-Katz and her brother Curtis Christie, and gave generously of his time to his many nieces and nephews. They will all miss his laughter, sense of humour, guidance and especially his unconditional love. A special thanks to Dr. Ralph Wong, Nurse Kathy Kyryluk, all the wonderful staff at CancerCare, St. Boniface Hospital Unit and the doctors and nurses at Riverview Health Centre for their care and kindness. A Memorial Service celebrating Jim's life will be held at the Masonic Memorial Temple, 420 Corydon Avenue (Confusion Corner) Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Flowers gratefully declined. If so wished, donations may be made to the Firefighters Burn Fund Inc., 303-83 Garry St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4J9.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 10, 2012