VICTOR SOBKOWICH

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VICTOR SOBKOWICH January 5, 1923 - March 30, 2013 With family by his side, it is with tremendous sadness the family announces the passing of Victor Sobkowich, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, in his 90th year. Vic was predeceased by his beloved wife, Betty, his parents, Thomas and Anna, his two sisters, Beatrice and Joyce, and his brother Tommy. Left to mourn his passing are his three children, Vicki (Jeff), Vince (Nam), Val (Bryan), his grandchildren Jennifer, Chris, Josh (Marsha), Chelsea, Liam, Dylan, Shawn (Becky), Shane (Chelsea), as well as 13 (plus one unborn) great-grandchildren. Not to be forgotten is his feline companion Soxx. Vic was born in Scott, Saskatchewan and later moved to Pope, Manitoba where he resided until he joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1942. He served on minesweepers on the Pacific Coast and corvettes on convoy escort duty on the Atlantic in the capacity of a signalman. At the end of the Second World War, Vic enrolled at the University of Manitoba graduating in Architecture in 1950. He designed many buildings during his professional career but his most recognized design is the Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church on Grant Avenue. The three arches on the front of the Church stand for The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. The design was featured in Architectural Digest magazine in 1962. Vic's career included a partnership in an Architectural Firm, VP and GM of Aetna Roofing, Construction Technology Advisor for the National Research Council and also the Clerk of the Works for the Nav Canada Air Traffic Control building on Moray Avenue. Vic met his wife, Betty (nee Field) at a dance hall in the late 1940s, marrying in 1949. Together they continued their shared love of ballroom and swing dancing throughout their lives. During his life, Vic was active in many endeavours and organizations, including a long term participation on the executive of the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, serving for a time as its President. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for many years. He was a founding member of the Westview Dance Club in 1968, remaining as an active member of the club for over 43 years. Later on, Vic and his beloved wife Betty were able to take their love of dance and further share their passion by teaching clients to dance at the CNIB - which carries on the program to this day. Vic continued to give back, serving on the Seniors Independent Living Committee. He and Betty were also featured as the face of the annual United Way campaign and were proud to be part of a very successful fundraising campaign for that year. Other activities included participation on his Condominium Board and the South Beach Cottage Association. In his later years, he loved living at the Westhaven Retirement Residence, wanting to return to be with his wonderful friends there. Plans changed and God has called him Home where he is now free of pain and dancing once again with his beloved wife, Betty. We would like to sincerely thank the doctors and nurses of the Health Sciences Centre in the GA 3 Step Down unit and GA 3 General unit who were so kind and respectful to Dad during his stay. Vic's kind and compassionate spirit will live on forever in our hearts. He was loved and respected by all who knew him and he will be greatly missed. A memorial service to celebrate Vic's life will be held on Friday, April 5 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, with interment and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to a charity of your choice. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 02, 2013