ALFRED JOHN OATWAY

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(JACK) ALFRED JOHN OATWAY March 27, 1923 - January 10, 2017 It is with heavy hearts the family announces the passing of Jack Oatway on January 10, 2017 at Stonewall Hospital, at the age of 93 years. Jack was a true family man and will be missed by his wife Jean (nee Craig), of 65 years, and their son Kent (Luciel), their children Judith, Lee, Wayne, Arnold, Russell (Ginger), Dana (Donna) Mason, Jacinta (Dale) Bear, and their families; daughter Karen (Brian) Kolosky, their children Deirdre (Aurion) Kologie, and Derek Kolosky; son Martin, his children Jordan and Martina; son Wayne, daughter-in-law Carolyn, their children Jesse (Angela), Corey (Sheena), Jaye, Mackenzie, and Karl Shew; great-grandchildren Sophia, Jackson and Payton; as well as his special brother-in-law James Craig, and many nieces and nephews. Jack was born to Alfred and May Oatway and grew up on the family farm in Lilyfield, Manitoba. Jack married Jean Winnifred Craig on November 3, 1951 and remained on the family homestead, where they raised their four children. Jack farmed in the Lilyfield / Rosser area with his father, and later with his sons Kent and Wayne. They started with a mixed farm, eventually transitioning to strictly grain. He was always involved in the farm business, right up until his death. However in the last few years, he slowed down somewhat and focused more on his passion for gardening. He was also a great carpenter, and often surprised Jean with intricate magazine racks and such. Besides farming, Jack and his family attended Lilyfield United Church; Jack was always very active in several community affairs. He served on a number of boards and associations over the years: Lilyfield Community Club, with the Independent Order of Foresters he served as Chief Ranger for Court Ucambria and received the Supreme Chief Rangers Service Award. He was also a member of the Seed Growers Association since 1949. Jack was one of the original trustees elected after the formation of the Municipal School District of Rosser. He held the position of councillor for the RM of Rosser for 31 years. From his involvement on Council, he served on a number of boards and associations, both as board member and chairperson. When the RM of Rosser became involved with the planning and building of the Rosewood Lodge Care Home in Stonewall, Jack was appointed to represent the municipality on the board which came to be known as the Stonewall and District Health Centre. Jack served on that board for 12 years, acting as chairperson for several terms. He was one of the founding board members for Rosewood Lodge and Stonewall Place. He also sat as chairperson for Fund Raising Committee for the Health Centre. He was the president of the South Interlake 55 Plus, Vice-Chairperson of the South Interlake Seniors Resource Council. Jack was presented with the Humanitarian Award for the Fred Douglas Society in 2008, received the 2008 Recognition Award for Manitoba Council in Aging, and also wrote monthly articles for the Manitoba Society of Seniors. Jack will be remembered for his sense of humour, his humbleness, his kindness, and always finding time to visit shut-ins, whether at their home or hospital. He was always ready to help wherever he could. A celebration of Jack Oatway's life will be held at MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall on Friday, January 20, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. The family wishes to extend their thanks to the staff at Stonewall Hospital, Dr. Pinniger, Dr. Chen, Michelle Loehmer - Home Care Coordinator and the home care staff. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lilyfield United Church, P.O. Box 22-RR#2, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 2E6.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 17, 2017