- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday

JOSEPH SMYRSKI
Born: Feb 09, 1931
Date of Passing: Mar 28, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOSEPH SMYRSKI (HAYWIRE JOE) 1931 - 2017 On the afternoon of March 28, 2017 at his residence, Joseph Smyrski began his next big adventure. Predeceased by his parents, Paul and Catherine Smyrski; his siblings, Mary, Walter and infant brother, he leaves to mourn his passing, his wife Jane; children, Kim, Joey (Krystal), Ricky and Curtis (Corry); grandchildren, Hannah, Reade and Merik, sister Jean. Born February 9, 1931 in Gull Lake Manitoba, he spent his entire life in the community. Starting work at fourteen, he worked in bush camps and then went on to work for the provincial government Highways Department, retiring after 35 years of service. He was fiercely stubborn and determined who was always right "ninety-nine percent of the time." He embraced his nickname of "Haywire Joe," when he made up his mind there was nothing that stood in his way. He quit drinking when he was thirty and smoking when he was fifty five. He went to "his church" every Wednesday at MPI for over forty years. Happiest when he has on his truck/quad/argo/cat, he always wanted to be active and never considered himself old. Carbon emissions in the province will noticeably go down as he loved to burn anything he could get his hands on. Hunting and fishing was an integral part of his life although he was never content to fish off a pier. When he wasn't working for the Highways he was in the garage. Our dad never put any limits on himself. His motto was "I'm going to do what I'm going to do" discussion ended. The last few years were especially challenging for him because of declining health. The family wishes to thank Cyndy Wood for helping our father stay in his home as well as 911, EMS and the RCMP who did all they could to extend our father's life on March 28. A Celebration of Life is pending. In the meantime if you want to remember "the old buck" grab a pepsi, get in a vehicle and go for a drive chances are the road/trail you're travelling on was either clear cut, surveyed or he had a hand in some other aspect of construction. Enjoy the ride, he would have loved to join you. Good Night Mr. Bendera Good Night Mr. Slobodian
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 22, 2017
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
-
What a great tribute to a really cool guy! We loved stopping by the garage for a visit to kibitz with Joe. He had a smile that could light up a room and it just felt good being around him. Everyone around Gull Lake knew Joe and this place will not be the same without him. Our condolences to the family. - Posted by: Carla Hocken and Ray Curtis (Friends) on: Apr 27, 2017
-
I worked with Joe when Manitoba Highways was constructing the road north of Seddon's Corner (near the old radar site). We worked together to figure out how to make the correct curve on that highway. My condolences to the family. Lorne Lester - Posted by: Lorne Lester (Co-worker at Manitoba Highways) on: Apr 27, 2017
-
Our history with "Uncle Joe" goes back to the early days when my father Bill and I would go visit him. The tradition continued as my kids visited with him, spent time working on things and having lots of laughs. He had a great sense of humor and always had time to help his friends. We will miss him but our many fond memories of him will be with us forever. The Babiuk family - Posted by: Darren Babiuk (Friend/ neighbor) on: Apr 25, 2017
-
I have known Joe all my life as a long time cottage dweller at Gull Lake. My parents were good friends of Joe's parents with our cottage in close proximity to the Smyrski homestead. Despite Joe's gruff demeanor, he had a soft underbelly as demonstrated by his love for chipmunks whom he fed regularly. There was nothing he could not fix (or at least attempt to fix or straighten) and he was always ready to offer a helping hand as needed. My son Braden and I will miss the visits to his reception area/paint booth/repair shop where we would receive a warm reception and endure gentle teasing ("Doc. ,I've got this pain in my -----"). He was indeed stubborn and determined-witness his painting without a mask, interrupted by paroxysms of coughing, or welding without goggles despite advice to the contrary. We will always remember Joe fondly and offer the family sincere condolences in his passing. Garvin Pierce - Posted by: Garvin Pierce (Friend) on: Apr 24, 2017
-
I worked with Joe as a surveyer for MB Highways. He became a good lifelong friend and it was always a pleasure to visit with him in his Gull Lake garage. My best wishes to his family. Your Dad was one of a kind! - Posted by: Alvin Froehlich (Friend) on: Apr 24, 2017
-
Hi Joe. You are a loyal friend of my dad and my family forever. I miss ya… and wish I could go adventuring with you and dad again some day. T.W. Arnhold - Posted by: Terence Arnhold (Wesley's son) on: Apr 22, 2017