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GREGORY ALEXANDER JOHN KURDYDYK Obituary pic

GREGORY ALEXANDER JOHN KURDYDYK

Born: Sep 24, 1941

Date of Passing: Jan 30, 2014

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GREGORY ALEXANDER JOHN KURDYDYK September 24, 1941 - January 30, 2014 Greg is survived by his wife Muriel, aka "Murt"; son Brent (Laura), Kara, Caleb, Aidan; daughter Deborah (Ron), Ronin; brother Emil (Shirley); sisters Natalie, Ollie (Steve), his nieces and nephews and their families. I always wanted to do my own obituary, but it appears my time ran out, so I am relying on my wife and kids to do it for me. I grew up in the city's North End. Proud of the neighbourhood and my Ukrainian heritage. Most family and friends called me "Butch" back then. I called myself the "Great Northender". I attended School in the North End and my first job was at Chapman's Drug Store making deliveries on my bike. Then I moved on up and worked at the old Dominion Store on Main Street. I finally found my calling and on January 9, 1961 I joined the Winnipeg Police Department. I did everything from running the elevators to walking the beat in a Buffalo coat to heading up the Arson Unit, retiring April 20, 1991, as a Detective Sergeant. I made many friends and possibly a few enemies along the way but loved them all. After about six months of retirement, Murt suggested it was time I found another job as I was driving her crazy. I started my next journey in life at The Fire Commissioners office where I spent the next 10 years. My years of police knowledge and fire investigation experience turned many cases into great successes. After retiring from the OFC I performed private investigative work for various insurance companies. All Being Said: I believe my Greatest Accomplishments in life were my two children Brent and Deborah. My pride and joy. I may not have told them that often but I hope they know how much I loved them and how proud I was of their accomplishments. Once the grandchildren started coming I had some new fishing buddies to take to the lake. Murt and I loved fishing, we enjoyed nothing more than escaping to our little piece of heaven, the cabin at Trout Lake, ON to get away from it all. We were at peace in a boat on a lake fishing. We had 30 plus happy years "Lakeside" hosting a revolving door of great friends, family and infamous characters from the past and present. My favourite though was when Brent and Deb came with the grandkids and I could take them fishing and of course the night time bonfires. Wish we could have had more. My favourite family tradition was Christmas Eve Open House at "181", which we were fortunate enough to do this past Christmas. I spent my time in the kitchen telling stories from my years on the force, always entertaining and often colourful. Brent would tell me that I should write a book, but I always said no one would believe it. I always loved to be the storyteller, so Brent, Deb and Murt you will have to keep the stories going for me. Bryan, Nancy, Barb, Rob you're the Best!! Murt could not have made it without your love and support. I. O. U. AGAIN! Greg, you had a presence that was larger than life. You could always tell when you were in a room. If you couldn't feel it, you most certainly could HEAR it. You will be missed dearly. You will always be loved and remembered for your dedication to the Winnipeg Police and OFC and for the countless great times we were all fortunate to share together. I bet Rosie was very glad to see you again. Give her a hug for me. RIP, Love you A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 14, 2014, 1:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Home, 1442 Main St., Winnipeg (204-586-8044). Following the service a casual gathering will take place at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 215, 3600 de Vries Ave., East St. Paul to celebrate Greg's life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 08, 2014

Condolences & Memories (23 entries)

  • My Uncle and friend. Taught me fishing and how a life should be lived. From Chinatown to Kenora your memory will live in our hearts. I raise my Alexander Keith's in your honor Butch. RIP - Posted by: Greg Kurdydyk-"Little Greg" (Nephew) on: May 16, 2014

  • Sincerest condolences to MURT and family. I knew Greg for many years both before and after my own time with WPS. I had the true honour and privlledge of working with Greg and regret it ending only due to his retirement. I will forever remember Greg's infectous humour and ability to make his presence known which added to every event or matter he participated in. You are now forever available and on call from your station in the heavens. RIP - Posted by: Garry LEACH (Colleague & friend - WINNIPEG POLICE) on: Mar 29, 2014

  • Greg - you're were an amazing colleague, mentor and friend. You taught me a lot about fire investigation and kept me laughing the whole time. - Posted by: Mark (Colleague & Friend) on: Mar 12, 2014

  • Our deepest Sympathy to Murt and the Family. Many stories in my family included Gregg and my Dad (Fred), Uncle Pete Van der Graaf and Uncle Jack Taylor. Gregg was considered a member of the Van der Graaf family and will be truly missed. Laurie, Joe Caitlin and Antonio - Posted by: Laurie Van der Graaf Chilelli) (Friend of Family) on: Mar 03, 2014

  • Murt...I will miss my "business partner" and will always remember him with a smile. Greg always made me laugh and he was my mentor in Crime Div in the day. No one police officer has left his mark on me as much as Greg did. I cannot express in words how saddened I am of his passing Murt. - Posted by: Mike Ashley (work friend) on: Feb 19, 2014

  • Enjoyed working with you both as Constables in the North End and as young detectives out of the PSB. I was always fascinated by how many young kids of the North End knew and respected you. Sooooo many stories of the North End and you in the 60's and 70's. It was a great time. - Posted by: Glen Ash () on: Feb 14, 2014

  • I remember with a smile when I first met Greg when he was in the WP cadet program with Alf Diak and my then husband Ernie Obirek. The three of them started out on the same shift and beats. The stories were hilarious and they had great fun together both on and off the job. All three loved their job as police officers and took it very seriously and can be proud of their dedication to law enforcement. Life changes for all of us caused us to lose track of each other but I for one have wonderful memories of those times with Greg and his family. I imagine that Greg's great spirit will live on and I am sure he will be entertaining all the friends and family that left before him. - Posted by: Donna Obirek Wilson (Friend) on: Feb 12, 2014

  • My sincere condolences to Greg's family. I had the pleasure of working with "Butch" in 1983-84 in the Detective Div. He was larger than life and despite his outward gruff exterior there was the intelligence, charm and kindness that was the man. I can still hear him in the police car suddenly singing "some enchanted evening" or some other classic old song. I could write a book of stories about working with and getting to know Greg. I will miss him. - Posted by: Bob Russell (Friend and old partner) on: Feb 8, 2014 - Posted by: Bob Russell (Friend and old partner) on: Feb 12, 2014

  • When I started the job Greg had already retired and was working for the O.F.C. He gave our recruit class the lecture regarding the Fire Commissioners Office. To say the least it was quite entertaining. The years following I met him at many fire scenes in the north end where he continued to be a source of entertainment, once showing up in the middle of the night forgetting his teeth on the night stand at home! A true legend and one of a kind. Rest in peace my friend. - Posted by: Kevin Smith (Friend/colleague) on: Feb 11, 2014

  • Greg and Murt did in deed love their fishing. My wife Jackie and myself have a wonderful memory of taking the train to our cottage at Nora Lake with Greg and Murt and catching fish until our arms were sore. Greg was at the top of his game that weekend telling stories. Greg was a great man and will be missed by all who new him. I worked with Greg for 1 year in the Crime Division at WPD and what I admired about Greg was everyone went out of their way to stop and talk to him including the men and women he had arrested. That speaks volumes for the kind heart and fairness Greg had. He treated everyone with the same respect. Glenn & Jackie McIvor - Posted by: GLENN & JACKIE MCIVOR (WORK FRIEND WPD) on: Feb 11, 2014

  • I knew Uncle Greg my whole life. He said things to me three decades ago and I remember them like he just said them. Things that usually ended with "and stop calling me Uncle!" I will miss him, he was a great influence. - Posted by: Tim Diack (Honourary nephew) on: Feb 11, 2014

  • Greg was a great friend and we spent many hours traveling together when he lived on Stuart Ave., great times. Rest in peace My condolences to the family, I am in California and will not be able to attend. - Posted by: Harry Beamish ((Friend)) on: Feb 09, 2014

  • It had been awhile since I seen you and Murt but as a kid I remember how funny you were and Christmas was always a blast at your house. I still have the tweetie bird towel you both had got me about 15 years ago (My 5 year old daughter loves it). I hope you rest peacefully. Love and prayers to Murt and the family. - Posted by: Ashley (family friend) on: Feb 09, 2014

  • I remember several good Greg Kurdydyk stories, as most everyone who knew him would. It was a pleasure knowing and working with Greg. He was a serious, knowledgeable and dedicated investigator. He was also a gregarious fellow, a morale booster, with a quick wit and bigger than life presence. He was also a caring and compassionate person, loyal to his family and friends. His will be a strong voice in the Heavenly Choir. - Posted by: Dick Hickling (Colleague - Winnipeg Police ( 1960 to 1987 )) on: Feb 09, 2014

  • Greg was a stick-boy for the Carruthers Habs, when I was fortunate enough to play for Greg's brothers, Emil and Danny. What great times and memories were had by all. We were all true north-enders. My condolences and prayers go out to the family. - Posted by: gary whyte (family friend) on: Feb 08, 2014

  • Greg, I'll never forget the first stream of water I hit you with. You were an agitated flatfoot. We spent many hours hunting down later in our career, the little trouble makers who were arsonists. Then after a long day we headed for Randy's. I knew in my heart after many conversations, you were nothing but a big TEDDY bear trying to keep us all safe. RIP Brother. - Posted by: bruce halllmuth (Fellow Firefighter) on: Feb 08, 2014

  • Greg has been a longtime friend of the Ivan family, especially Phyllis and Garry. His zest for life was second to none. We will miss him but we shall never forget him. He will be in our fondest memories. RIP - Posted by: th (friend) on: Feb 08, 2014

  • So saddened to hear of Greg's passing. My father Charlie Thompson worked with Greg over the years with the WPD and was a true friend to my parents. So many fishing stories and work stories were told in our house by both of them while indulging in a beer or two. They were loyal buddies and Greg always made time for my mom Kathleen, after my father's passing. Greg was a vibrant, larger than life, caring man. My deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. - Posted by: Donnarae Thompson () on: Feb 08, 2014

  • We were always welcomed for trout fishing. Great to work with Greg and always professional. Learned a lot and shared stories and meals on shores. Also fishing and friendship. May you and your family find peace. By R.W.S. for 3 amigos from OLD FIRE DEPARTMENT - Posted by: Ray Stasuik -Walter Kloos - Al Bartly (Worked and fished togrther) on: Feb 08, 2014

  • Love you always Uncle Greg. I will forever miss your "loud" and exciting stories. I will also miss sharing a glass or 3 of some good Port with you. Cheers! - Posted by: Kyle Allan (Nephew) on: Feb 08, 2014

  • We enjoyed fishing together with Greg on many occasions. Also tilting a few at the Marigold in Chinatown, where Donna and Greg would sometimes break into song. Greg had a beautiful baritone voice. Gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace old friend. - Posted by: Ron Kohler & Donna Basque (Friends from way back.) on: Feb 08, 2014

  • Knew Greg through high school and when he was walking the beat. He was a great guy and we always had fun. My condolences to the family - Posted by: Jerry wexler (Friend) on: Feb 08, 2014

  • Greg will be sadly missed...truly one of a kind...I always enjoyed his storytelling...my thoughts and prayers to the family. God Bless. - Posted by: Jeff Rentz () on: Feb 08, 2014

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