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ANDREW SIRSKI Obituary pic ANDREW SIRSKI Obituary pic

ANDREW SIRSKI

Born: Jan 05, 1944

Date of Passing: Feb 10, 2017

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ANDREW SIRSKI January 5, 1944 - February 10, 2017 Peacefully in his sleep, Andrew Sirski passed away on Friday, February 10, 2017 at Victoria General Hospital. He is survived by his wife Patricia (nee Kozoriz); daughter Monica (Leslie Mitchnik and their children, Anastasia, Genevieve, and Stella), sons, Jonathan, Daniel (Andrea Rush-Sirski and their children, Emilia and Isabella), Steven, and Nicholas (Natasha Cranney), siblings Joanna (Ken Cooper), Gloria (Bill Bates), Joyce (Jack Howell), Russell (Barb), and Ernie (Jan); brothers-in-law, Gregory Kozoriz (Evelyn) and Russell Kozoriz (Janice); sister-in-law Elizabeth Kozoriz (Brian Walters) and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Andy was born in Swan Plain, Saskatchewan on January 5, 1944 to John and Katherine (Shack) Sirski. He grew up on a farm near Dauphin, Manitoba. He was very active in the 4H program, including the garden and calf clubs. It was in the 4H program where he began public speaking, which was a skill he used to his benefit his whole life. After graduating from high school he attended the Manitoba Institute of Technology in Winnipeg, earning a certificate in Mechanical Technology. He worked in Fort Erie for a few years but returned to Winnipeg to pursue his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics at the University of Manitoba, where he met his future wife Patricia. After graduating he worked first as an Agricultural Representative and then a farm management specialist in the Vita area. Andy and Patricia married on July 10, 1971. They settled in Dominion City where Andy constructed their home. Andy began working as managing editor at Grainews in 1979 and the family moved to Winnipeg. With five children, life was a blur of work and chauffeuring children to school and activities, from soccer to boy scouts to ballet. He tinkered with cars, worked on projects in and around the house, gardened, and made wine. He helped his children deliver newspapers on their paper routes, calling it good exercise. After a snowfall, he pushed his snowblower for blocks, cigar in hand. Over time he sharpened his skills as a stock trader, writing about his experiences in his off-farm investments column in Grainews. He also did income taxes, a side business he began during his AgRep days and continued right to the end. It was another way to keep in close contact with farmers and had the side benefit of a reliable supply of steaks. Andy retired as editorial director of Farm Business Communications and editor of Grainews in 2006 and launched StocksTalk, a subscription newsletter about investments, while continuing to write articles for Grainews. He was a pillar of the Canadian Society of Technical Analysts and a member of the Brotherhood and Knights of Columbus at Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church. In 2012 Andy was named a lifetime member of the Manitoba Farm Writers and Broadcasters Association. His five granddaughters were the apples of his eye. He maintained an endless supply of Smarties for them. He took his granddaughters for wagon and toboggan rides and to the park. He was always happy to push them on the swings. In summer they hunted for raspberries and tomatoes in his garden. He watched them swim, skate, and play soccer. They watched funny videos on the computer or sat in a chair together and watched cartoons. Andy liked a good story and a catchy joke. He had an uncanny ability of being able to fall asleep at the drop of a hat. He could sleep anywhere and his naps were legendary. He was always ready to chat about anything, from grandchildren to covered calls to depreciating the purchase of a combine. Special thanks to the stroke rehabilitation unit at Riverview Health Centre for their excellent support and care in Andy's stroke recovery. He called you MWs - Miracle Workers. A tremendous thank you also to neurophysiotherapist Jon Tiessen. Thanks to Fr. Barry Schoonbaert and Fr. Michael Kwiatkowski for their prayers at the hospital. Prayers will be held at Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 505 Watt St., on Thursday, February 16 at 7:00 pm. Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Michael Kwiatkowski at Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church on Friday, February 17 at 10:00 a.m., followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his sons Jonathan, Daniel, Steven, and Nicholas, son-in-law Leslie Mitchnik, and godson Alexander Kozoriz. If friends so desire, donations can be made to the Riverview Health Centre Foundation, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice. We hope this satisfies Andy's editorial requirement that this was just like a miniskirt - long enough to cover the topic but short enough to be interesting. He always said "I am richly blessed," but we were richly blessed to have had him in our lives. Vichnaya Pamyat. Forever remembered. KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-956-2193 www.korbanchapel.com
Publish Date: Feb 16, 2017

ANDREW SIRSKI January 5, 1944 - February 10, 2017 Andrew Sirski passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, February 10, 2017 at the age of 73. Prayers will be held at Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 505 Watt St., on Thursday, February 16 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Michael Kwiatkowski at Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church on Friday, February 17 at 10:00 a.m., followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery. Longer obituary to follow. Vichnaya Pamyat. Forever remembered. KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-956-2193 www.korbanchapel.com


Publish Date: Feb 15, 2017

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 16, 2017

Condolences & Memories (15 entries)

  • Andy was one of the most positive people i ever met. We worked together at UGG and he used to have so much enthusiasm when I would see him at the start of the day. We got together now and then after UGG and enjoyed our conversations. Andy talked about having someone you could really talk to. And it wasn't just someone to complain to and rehash what was already know, it was someone who could get you to see things more clearly when you were genuinely looking to make a change. Andy was that person for me. He was a truly amazing man and I will miss you my friend. Allan - Posted by: Allan Dubyts (worked with at UGG and friend) on: Dec 06, 2017

  • Jim and I are so saddened to hear about Andy's passing which we were just alerted to today, as we have been in Florida since end of January. Andy always phoned me on my birthday, and I always forgot to phone him...we were the same age, so I would tease him about his being so much older, a whole 4 months. He even phoned me before we left, so I was reminded to wish him a happy Birthday, it was a joke we shared...I was the Librarian at UGG and for a while we also shared the same boss. To his family Pat and all his kids and grandkids of whom he spoke so fondly, our heartfelt condolences. Sincerely, Carole and Jim Rogers - Posted by: Carole Rogers (Friend and colleague from UGG) on: Feb 22, 2017

  • My wife and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Andy's passing. Though we had never met, I have read his articles for many years and subscribe to Stocks Talk. Telephone conversations were always comfortable and informative. Our sympathy to Pat and family. God Bless. - Posted by: Wayne Forbes (Friend and fan of his writing) on: Feb 19, 2017

  • Wow, faintly remember Mr. Sirski and my father hanging out at times, but Mrs. Sirski was a school teacher in Dominion city that I remember very well as a young boy, she was a favorite of many students....my condolences to Mrs. Sirski, and family. - Posted by: Perry Wnuk (student) on: Feb 17, 2017

  • Rest In Peace Andy. Was totally shocked to learn of your passing. Will always remember your unique character and perspective on life. As you used to end your columns: "God Bless." - Posted by: Ray Wytinck (Former Colleague) on: Feb 17, 2017

  • So sorry to hear of the loss of my godfather, Andy. Thank you Andy for your love and dedication and always being there for me through the years, both as a youngster and an adult. I always looked forward to hearing from you, some years it was the annual Christmas card, other times much more often. Thank you for caring so much when we lost everything in the Fort McMurray wildfire and you called me daily at first to ensure I was really ok, and then weekly just to make sure and to hear how things were going. I loved listening to your stock talk and updates on the family comings and goings. So glad I visited you in Winnipeg last year, you were so proud of those beautiful five girls and enjoyed every minute of them. May you rest in peace. Deepest sympathies to you Pat and all the family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Judy - Posted by: Judy Rattie (Godaughter) on: Feb 17, 2017

  • We were saddened to hear of Andys passing. He was a wonderful man, and we enjoyed talking with him and hearing his stories. - Posted by: Dorian and Lionel Guerard () on: Feb 17, 2017

  • Shock & Surprise would be an understatement for Eleanor & me to learn of Andy’s passing. I have known Andy since 1963 when we were both students at MIT and became good friends. Andy had a very easy going personality and was always happy and smiling. He had a very good honest nature about him. We had the distinction of being the very first to attend and graduate from MIT getting our Diploma of Technology in 1965. Andy went to Work for Horton Steel in Fort Erie Ontario, and I went to work at General Electric in Toronto. We stayed in touch visiting one another and in October 1965, Andy was an Usher for me when Eleanor and I got married in Winnipeg. I recall the Visit Andy and his new Bride Pat made to visit us in Edmonton Alberta during the summer of 1971. Over the years we stayed in touch through annual Christmas cards. It was just a few days ago that I mentioned to Eleanor that we had not received the traditional Christmas card and note from Andy & Pat. The last time that I saw Andy was in 2009, when I was in Winnipeg. Andy drove me to the airport when I was returning home and had tea with me at the airport before we parted. I know he was very proud of his family, children and grandchildren and thought he had lived a very lucky and good life. Eleanor and I want to extend our most sincere condolences to Pat and the Sirski Family. Stan & Eleanor Kuzak, former class mate & Friend Sorrento, BC - Posted by: Stan & Eleanor Kuzak (Friend & Former Class Mate) on: Feb 16, 2017

  • I wanted to take a few moments to acknowledge, Mr. Andy Sirski. I worked as an Art and Production Director under Andy's keen editorial management in one capacity or another for many years. Starting in my 20s when he hired me as a young, green designer on a whim after a few glasses of wine at a wedding. With that, my professional life in publishing was launched. Smart, witty, calculating, compassionate and good natured are a few ways to describe him. He taught me the value of a focused, dedicated work ethic, how to think things through, make balanced decisions, keep calm under tremendous pressure, sensitively and respect for journalism, as well as, how to inform and educate through creative thinking. He was a mentor and a friend. I spent numerous hours working along side him and even today when faced with a challenge running my own company, reflect on his many words of wisdom. He touched many people in his professional and personal life, the world has certainly lost a good man. I'm positive he's up there writing something profound, sipping a glass of wine and puffing a stogie! My condolences go out to Pat and the Sirski family. - Posted by: John Vandale (Friend ) on: Feb 16, 2017

  • Pat and family Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. May God in his great Mercy, grant eternal rest to the departed soul of your loved one. Hoping sincerely that the passing of time will strengthen you and surround you with comforting memories. Our deepest sympathy. Nestor & Olesia Kalinowich (Dauphin, Mb.) - Posted by: Nestor & Olesia Kalinowich (Dauphin, Mb.) (Friend) on: Feb 16, 2017

  • Sorry to hear about Andy passing away.He was a great guy and loved meeting up with him mostly at church.We are presently visiting Melissa in Australia and thankfully she and Monica are on Facebook. Pat and family, wishing you peace and love during this time. GOD BLESS - Posted by: Yvonne and Ned Derkach () on: Feb 16, 2017

  • Nick, Sorry to hear about the passing of your father. My condolences to you and the Sirski family. Sincerely, Lorne Milsap - Posted by: Lorne Milsap (Friend/Coach Queens Golden Gael Football) on: Feb 16, 2017

  • We were deeply saddened by your loss. I have so many fond memories of his visits to the farm and many family gatherings. I will remember his contagious smile and laugh, in fact I can still see and hear it if I listen closely. We was loved by so many and will be missed by everyone. May you find comfort in knowing he is at peace and pain free in heaven. I pray for The Lord to wrap his loving arms around you and help you through the difficult days that lay ahead. Wish we lived closer and could be there to support you. Keeping you and your family in our prayers. Love, Maureen & Mike O - Posted by: Mike & Maureen Osborne (Friend of family (Rudy & Marion's daughter)) on: Feb 15, 2017

  • Andy worked on my parents farm in the early 60's and his sisters helped my Mom with myself and my siblings. Andy is godfather to my sister, Judy and his family is like family to us. He will be very dearly missed and I forward my very sincere condolences to all the Sirski Family from the Usick Family. Love you all lots, hugs to Pat, Joyce, Gloria, Ernie, Russell and Joanna and all the Family, I wish I could be there but unfortunately I am unable to. Love, Gloria Anne, Julia and Nicholas Usick - Posted by: Gloria Usick (friend of family for many years) on: Feb 15, 2017

  • Hi, Ever since Andy set foot in Dominion City , he and I were friends and the past few years he was my tax consultant. I am sorry to hear that he has passed away and I send my deepest sympathy to you Pat and family. - Posted by: John N Janzen (friend) on: Feb 15, 2017

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