STEVE CHMARA

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STEVE CHMARA 1927 - 2012 Steve Chmara peacefully passed away on March 13, 2012 at Concordia Hospital. Steve was predeceased by his loving wife Pauline and his parents, Paul and Catherine (Kataryna) Chmara. He is remembered and sadly missed by his son Stephen, his wife Donna and granddaughter Kyla; daughter Cathy and spouse Andy; as well as his cat Keetka. He will also be missed by his sister Jean and family, friends and relatives. Steve was born April 24, 1927 in Kiev, Ukraine and immigrated to Canada in 1928 with his mother Kataryna to reunite with her husband Paul. The family settled in East Selkirk where Steve attended Happy Thought School up until age nine. At age 10 his family moved to Winnipeg where he continued his education at Florence Nightingale, Lord Nelson, Isaac Newton and finally Sisler High, where he graduated in 1945. In 1946 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force with a buddy on a whim, which lasted 20 years. Steve loved being in the Air Force and always said that joining was one of the best decisions he ever made. Throughout his life Steve was a stellar athlete winning many provincial and Canadian awards in swimming, boxing, baseball and hockey. In 1948 Dad made the R.C.A.F. Flyers team and in the last exhibition game against the Ottawa Senators he injured his knee and missed the flight to the Olympics in Switzerland. This injury forced Steve to listen to his teammates win the Olympic gold while recovering at a hospital in Saskatoon. In 1949 while playing semi-professional baseball Steve met the love of his life, Pauline Humeny. Pauline was also a superb baseball player and their love of the game solidified their relationship and they were married in 1950. In 1957 dad became a proud father of a baby boy, Stephen Paul. Five years later his beloved daughter, Cathy Lynn was born. Dad embraced fatherhood and loved nothing more than raising and caring for his children. After retiring from the Air Force in 1966, Dad moved on to many careers including, Driver Tester for the Manitoba Government, Workers Compensation Board Accident Prevention Officer and he retired in 1986 from Workplace Safety and Health where he worked as a Health and Safety Officer. His retirement was spent enjoying time with family and his many friends, both two and four legged. Soon after the passing of his beloved wife Pauline in 1996, he enjoyed his newfound friendships at the Elmwood Legion. His love of sports was continued by winning many Winnipeg Legion Dart and Horseshoe tournaments. Although his mobility was hampered in his later years, it did not stop dad from hopping on his scooter and chasing the ladies. He will be missed but fondly remembered for his smile, cheery disposition, corny jokes, love of nature, family and friends. Please join us in a celebration of Steve's life on Friday, March 23 at 1:00 p.m. at the Elmwood Legion Branch #9, 920 Nairn Ave. We will miss you dad. All our love, Cathy and Stephen

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 17, 2012