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STEVE GINGERA 1930 - 2014 Peacefully, in the early hours of July 3, 2014, Steve Gingera passed away in Dauphin, Manitoba, with his family by his side. Steve was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Helen Gingera; his brother and sister-in-law Michael and Marie Gingera; and his sister Margaret Chudyk. Remaining to treasure the memories of Steve's life are his true love and wife of 61 years, Anne; his four fiercely loved daughters, Dori (Paul Beauchemin), Donna (Aaron Masson), Laurie (Gerry Hector), and Carole (Lawrence Kowalchuk); and his three adored grandchildren, Emily, Olivia and Andrew; brother-in-law Larry Chudyk; and a legion of nieces, nephews and cousins, both near and far. Steve was born and raised in Pulp River, Manitoba. Growing up on the farm fostered in Steve an unwavering, impressive work ethic; this tenacity was a quality that would define him throughout his life. On Valentine's Day 1947, he met Anne, and quickly fell madly in love. They were married in October 1952, and over the next 61 years, they built a partnership rich in respect, laughter, and steadfast devotion to one another. He was intensely proud of their four daughters, instilling in them the value of family and encouraging the pursuit of adventure and knowledge. He doted upon his three grandkids, who brought him so much joy; he built them playhouses and furniture, and took every opportunity to play a round of rummy or skunk them in cribbage. Steve was a voracious, lifelong learner and loved to share what he knew, so his decision to enter into the field of education was a natural one. He began his career teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in Zalicia, before becoming principal of Rorketon School and later, superintendent of Turtle River School Division in McCreary. Always one to endorse the importance of higher education, he received his Masters in Education from the University of Manitoba in 1974. For vacation time, Steve and Anne embarked on several cross-Canada road trips with their girls, and after retiring, enjoyed travelling with friends, visiting far-flung locales such as Israel, Egypt, Italy, Hawaii, and Mexico. One of Steve's biggest dreams was realized with the construction of the family cabin along the shores of Lake Manipogo in 1989. The cottage was fastidiously designed and built by Steve and Anne themselves, and they dove wholeheartedly into creating the cherished familial haven. The cabin was Steve and Anne's full-time summer home, and they were famous for their hospitality friends gathered there frequently to visit, enjoy the unparalleled home-cooking that Anne's kitchen produced, and play games of cards well into the night. Around the table, conversation thrived: Steve was known for his biting wit and was an adept, willing storyteller, narrating tales that could only be shared by someone with his breadth of experience and eloquent speech. There were also hours of Steve fishing contentedly out on the lake, with some excursions proving more fruitful than others. No matter what the result, he delighted in it all. Steve was also a man of deep, abiding faith, and knew the importance of immersing his family in the Ukrainian-Canadian tradition. We will miss his charm and his care, his quirky sense of humour and his willingness to face life's adversities with unfailing fortitude and zeal. We are left bereft of our loudest supporter and wisest counselor, but we take solace in having spent so many years wholly enveloped in his love. His unsinkable spirit will inspire and remain with us for the rest of our days. Prayers will be held at 8:00 p.m on Sunday, July 6, and funeral services at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 7, at Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Resurrection (802 Jackson St., Dauphin, MB). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dauphin Hospital Foundation or the Children's Rehabilitation Foundation (www.crf.mb.ca). Vichnaya Pamyat, Gego.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 05, 2014
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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Dear Laurie and family. My heart aches along with all of you as you mourn the passing of your beloved father. I have many fond memories of the times we spent together whether it was at their home in McCreary or up at the cottage. Your dad always was the life of the party having everyone laughing and feeling at ease. He loved you and your sisters so much and was so proud of each and every one of you. I know that you and I will continue to tell "Steve" stories whenever we meet and just like in the past, we will laugh and cry tears of joy as we reminisce. Steve was so loved by his family and will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Big hugs to everyone. Love you all...Nancy and Brian, Fraser, Joshua - Posted by: Nancy and Brian Drad (Friend) on: Jul 09, 2014
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Dear Laurie - I was so saddened to hear of the passing of your Dad. My thoughts have been with you and your family since I received the news. I so clearly remember the way we would scramble to put our Mary Speechly Hall room together (and try our hardest to behave) when we would anticipate your Dad arriving for a visit. You had certain right to be so very proud of your Dad - a man due such great respect by so many! I remember a discussion that we had in which we shared the pride that we both felt to have been raised by strong fathers. Please pass along my love and concern to Gerry, Emily, Olivia and Andrew. Anne, Dori, Donna and Carole - please know that you are in my prayers at this very difficult time. What a blessing Steve was! What wonderful, boisterous, happy memories you all will have to comfort you! Love You All! Lori - Posted by: Lori Draper (Friend) on: Jul 08, 2014
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We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. You are in our thoughts and prayers, sincere sympathy to all of you. - Posted by: Bonnie & Leonard Zdan (friend) on: Jul 08, 2014
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Reading Steve's obituary brought smiles to my face and tears to my eyes. While I haven't seen Steve for a number of years, I keep hearing all about him and Anne through Laurie, Donna and the grandkids. Even as the sadness lingers (for a long while yet), I know I will smile and laugh when thinking of all the great and funny times in McCreary and at the cottage with the whole damn family. What a character Steve was and how this place just won't be the same without him. But if I know the Gingera clan...they'll do their best to live up to his sense of fun, adventure and certainly quirkiness. - Posted by: Stephen Hammond (Friend) on: Jul 07, 2014
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Hi Dori, please know our thoughts and sincere condolences are with you & your family. We met your father only briefly but got the very best impression of him - in the family.......& how loved he was....how very missed he will be. I know from experience that it is such a sad time when a dad is gone out of your life. Know we hold you in our thoughts & prayers, love Edith & Henry (Redekop) - Posted by: Henry & Edith Redekop (Friends of Dori, & the family) on: Jul 07, 2014
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From the bottom of our hearts, we send our condolences to the entire family. We will remember Steve with warmth & admiration and learn from the fine example he set of how to live a rich, meaningful life. I will never forget his sincere patience and words of wisdom when he came to our house to install the fine book holder he made for our daughter. Our young son was very eager to help him and I thought was being a nuisance but Steve just smiled and said, " How else will he learn..." Steve was a leader at home and in his work. He is a leader worth emulating because the core of his motivation was the well-being of his family and those he was responsible for at work and in his community. He took his responsibilities seriously but also knew how to balance the weight of those responsibilities with humour and humility. Steve's legacy lives on through his children who are compassionate leaders in their own lives. Steve you will continue to live among us through memories which will provide guidance to us as we create our own legacies. - Posted by: Lisa Shelton, Ken Campbell and family (Friends and neighbors) on: Jul 06, 2014
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Dear Mrs. Gingera, Dori & Paul, Donna & Aaron, Carol & Lawrence, Laurie, Gerry, Emily, Livy and Andrew, We fondly remember our celebrations with the Gingera/Hector families! From convocations to weddings, from shared anniversaries to births, birthdays and sacraments, each milestone was marked with a welcoming family, good friends and great food. Your husband/dad provided the entertaining stories that made us laugh and kept us humble as they often carried simple truths,life lessons or wise advice. The girls, inheriting their dad's spirit, will keep it alive while holding him closely as they reminisce and share their memories with others. We are thinking of you and keeping you and your Dad in our prayers. With our sympathy and love, Brian, Mina, Hannah, Julia and Clarke - Posted by: Brian, Mina, Hannah, Julia and Clarke McCallum (family friend) on: Jul 05, 2014