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VERN SOKALUK 1946 - 2013 The family would like to inform you of the passing of Vern on Monday, June 24, 2013 at 7:00 a.m. after several years of fighting Esophageal Cancer. Vern was predeceased by his parents and his younger sister Shirley Kolench who passed away on September 1, 2012. He leaves to mourn his sister Elsie Clemis (Lorne Clemis) from Ste. Anne, MB, his partner Connie Crogal of Gimli, MB, his daughter Nadine Sidhu (Dr. Kuldeep Sidhu) and (two) granddaughters Preya and Meera of Burlington, ON and as well his daughter Christine Sokaluk (George Boucher) of Burlington, ON. Vern was born in Canora, SK. He and his family lived in Stenen, SK where he attended Sturgis High School. Soon after graduating he left for Winnipeg and in 1967 he joined the Winnipeg Police Service. During Vern's career as Platoon Sargeant he received numerous awards one of which was the Medal of Bravery (1980) from Governor General Edward Schreyer for saving a man from a house fire. This Medal of Bravery was the first given for the Police Service in Winnipeg. In 1996 after retiring from the Police Service Vern studied to become a Licensed Funeral Director. He joined Cropo Funeral Chapel, his wife's families funeral home and became Executive Assistant to the owner and president Thomas Cropo. After Tom Cropo's passing, Vern became CEO of the Funeral Chapel until he retired in 2002. Subsequently the funeral home was sold and in 2008 Vern came out of retirement and became Managing Director for the new owner. Vern's love for funeral directing and helping families was a second calling in his life. He enjoyed working for the new owners, especially John Leggat. While working at the chapel he was unexpectedly diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer and was forced to go on sick leave. He missed the great staff at Cropo who were always very supportive. Vern was also a director of The Sir Thomas Cropo Foundation since 1997 up until the time of his death. The family would like to thank the CancerCare staff at the Health Sciences Centre with special thanks to Dr. Maksymiuk for his ongoing care and as well the Gimli Chemo team and the Palliative Care unit nurses and doctors at Gimli Hospital, with special thanks to nurse Julie Kumps and Dr. S.V. Patel. A special thank you also to Vern's son-in-law Dr. K. Sidhu, Chief of Emergency Medicine of the North York Hospital in Toronto. Cremation has taken place according to Vern's wishes. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, June 30, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in The Sir Thomas Cropo Chapel, Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. A private entombment will be at the Family Mausoleum at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. The family would like to thank all the Cropo staff for their help with the service. Cropo, Funeral Chapel, 204-586-8044.
Publish Date: Jun 27, 2013
VERNON METRO SOKALUK It is with deep sadness the family announces the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and friend on Monday, June 24, 2013 at the age of 66 years. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 30 at 2:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Complete obituary to follow. 204-586-8044
Publish Date: Jun 25, 2013
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 27, 2013
Condolences & Memories (23 entries)
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Dear Connie and your precious family, Jim and I wish to express our sincere sympathy on the passing of your beloved Vern. We remember Vern to be such a jovial and easy going man, we also know he was a great supporter of your artistic endeavors as well as partner in life. We are holding you in our thoughts in this difficult time. - Posted by: Helma Rogge Rehders and Jim Watson (neighbour and artist colleague) on: Jul 13, 2013
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We met Vern while doing limousine service for Cropo's. Vern was a great guy to work with and for. He always had a wonderful attitude and great stories, so positive throughout his illness. He was truly a man who loved God and all mankind. He was such a family man too. He cherished time spent with his family ,especially his grandkids. We prayed for Vern regularly in our prayers the duration of his battle with cancer. His emails to us were always insightful and very welcomed words of wisdom. We were so sad to get the email from George Boucher, and also because we could not attend Vern's memorial due to other commitments. Thank you so much for your email telling us of Vern's passing. He was a special man to us as well. Our hearts and prayers are with the entire family. We will miss Vern too....God bless you all, hugs to all of you from Marge & Darwin Knutson - Posted by: Marge &Darwin Knutson (Friend & colleague thru Cropo Chapel) on: Jul 13, 2013
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Vern was always a hard worker and a friendly person. When he worked at Cropo Funeral Chapel, I saw another side of Vern. I saw his compassion and caring. He never turned away people who couldn't afford a decent funeral - it came out of his own pocket. Rest in peace Vern, your reward is awaiting you. - Posted by: Erik Gruter (former colleague) on: Jul 09, 2013
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Met Vern when I worked in the WPS Comm Centre....he would come up and visit and bring a java for looking after his boys and girls on his shift ..... was always smiling, had a good joke to tell.....was a true gentleman....RIP Vern - Posted by: Mike Ewatski (WPS co worker) on: Jul 03, 2013
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Vern always had a way to cheer up a bad situation. His caring for fellow workers was a trademark of his role as a Sergeant. Whenever you would meet Vern he always had a word of good cheer. - Posted by: Glen Ash (former colleague) on: Jul 02, 2013
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Connie, Nadine and Christine: Enzo and I would like to convey our heartfelt condolences. Vern was such a great person. He was always willing to help in any way and so dependable no matter what the circumstance. He was a truly reliable friend whose word you could count on. We have so many beautiful memories of him over the past 44+ years. We are going to miss him so very much! Love Christine and Enzo - Posted by: Christine & Enzo Bauer (Friend) on: Jul 02, 2013
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Saddened to read of Vern's passing. Worked with Vern at IGA in Gimli doing stock on the midnight shift. He always had a smile on his face. Always asked how the kids were even though he had his own troubles. He was very optimistic on his battle with cancer even when things weren't looking good. Vern you were a great friend and I will miss our talks at the mail. You are free from pain and suffering, and are now our special angel. Spread your wings and fly, you earned it! Thought are prayers to Connie and the family. You truly had a special man! - Posted by: Kelly Spulnick (Friend) on: Jul 01, 2013
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We have only had the opportunity to meet Vern during his visits in Burlington to visit his daughters. His sense of humour was very contagious. He always had funny stories to share with us like we were sitting by a campfire. He loved his family very much and you can see his heart light up in the presence of his two beautiful grand daughters. He will be sadly missed by all us. Ha Family - Posted by: Wendy and Michael Ha (Friends) on: Jun 28, 2013
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My deepest sympathies to Christine, Nadine, and Connie. Thinking of you. - Posted by: Lisa Friesen (childhood friend of Christine) on: Jun 27, 2013
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On our first a.m. recess at school Vern and I found a dark room in the basement. Vern looked at me and I looked at Vern and in we went in the dark. We began climbing some kind of lumpy cold material. We cimbed until the recess bell called us upstairs to light and howls of laughter and everyone pointing fingers at us. I looked at Vern his eyes where as big as a horned owl looking at me. We unknowingly had just come out of our first coal bin adventure. Needless to say one adventure led to another. The teacher had to send a message to the class. It was a Painfull Message and one I will leave to your imagination. Vern and I took our driving test together in 1963 Feb. My dad had a 1958 pathfinder pontiac standard shift. Vern went first. It seemed an eternity before he got back. Vern didn't pass. So off I went feeling sorry for Vern but feeling very confident because I was a farm boy and I couid out drive a town boy. However I found out over confidence doesn't always pay. Vern and I continued to practice. One of our GREATEST MOMENTS was our grade 12 Grad at Sturgis Highschool in 1964-65. Vern looked at me and I looked at Him and our first coal encounter in grade 1 passed through our thoughts bringing us to embrace in a congratulation hug. Now with many fond memories to carry me on, GOODBYE to one of my dearest longtime fiends! Larry - Posted by: Larry Serdachny (Tiny) (We started school in Stenen together in grade 1.From that first day in1952 we became best friends.) on: Jun 27, 2013
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Vern has been a great friend over the past ten years. My wife and I enjoyed many social activities and outings with Vern and Connie. Even though our time has been cut short, I am glad to have known him and he will be missed, but I do have some good memories. Rob - Posted by: Rob Schultiess (Friend & Neighbor) on: Jun 27, 2013
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We will all miss his incredible wit, and wisdom. He was a true inspiration for his willingness to live life with zest, not just during his heroic battle with cancer. He is with us all now, and he is at peace. God bless you Nadine, Christine and Connie, and all your family. - Posted by: Kristin Tataryn (Friend) on: Jun 27, 2013
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My condolences to Vern's family. I am glad that in this past year I was able to meet Connie and chat with Vern about our high school days in Sturgis. He was so proud of his family and his career. - Posted by: Gloria Mattson (Prekaski) (Sturgis High School friend) on: Jun 27, 2013
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Vern was a loving soul and wonderful father to his girls. I will always remember his kindness, laughter, smiling eyes and calm demeanour. There are no words that can express what a loss this is. My deepest sympathies to his family. - Posted by: Christine LaBossiere (family friend) on: Jun 27, 2013
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my heart goes out to you Connie, Nadine, Christine and families. Vern will be missed by all who knew him. He was a great guy. He managed to accomplish all he set out to do in his life. and he never gave up through his illness. He was so proud of you all and loved his 2 granddaughters with all his heart. love you all. - Posted by: pat sakaluk (aunt) on: Jun 27, 2013
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My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this trying time. I hope you can find some peace in knowing that he is no longer in pain and now watching over you all. - Posted by: Tammy Abraham (old school friend of Christine) on: Jun 27, 2013
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It has been few years since last saw Vern but remember our days in the recruit class of 1968. My thoughts go out to the family. - Posted by: Lyle Moffatt ((former colleague)) on: Jun 27, 2013
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Thank you to those that have posted. It means a lot to read how my father touched your lives. I will miss his advice, sense of humor and unconditional love. I knew he was there for me through thick and thin and I couldn't be prouder to call him my father. - Posted by: Christine Sokaluk (Daughter ) on: Jun 26, 2013
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I have many great memories of a wonderful man to work with from our time together in the north end. Practical jokes both given and taken!! And great advice provided. RIP my Sargeant..... - Posted by: Dave Clayton (former colleague) on: Jun 26, 2013
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I am saddened to hear of Vern's passing. He was always willing to chat and share a laugh when out for walk in Ponemah or when I would run into him in Gimli. When I worked at a local hardware store, he would come in and we would always have a nice talk. So very sad. My condolences to Connie and family. - Posted by: Kathy Magnusson (Friend from Ponemah) on: Jun 26, 2013
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Vern was such a nice guy...True Blue to all that knew him. Funny, I was just thinking about him the other day and wondering how he was doing. So sorry to hear of his passing.... untimely. - Posted by: Jim Dzikowski (Good friend) on: Jun 25, 2013
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We will miss Vern's sense of humor and his calls every once in awhile to check up on us. Our hearts go out to you Connie, Nadine and Christine. - Posted by: Phil, Anita, Chistine and Eric Labossiere (Friends) on: Jun 25, 2013
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Fond memories of Vern while with WPD. A "good guy" Recall he was always upbeat. RIP. - Posted by: Bill Nicholson (Former colleague) on: Jun 25, 2013
