PETER JOHN MENDRO

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PETER JOHN MENDRO Peter was born July 3, 1927 in Calder, SK to parents John and Mary (Achtemichuk) Mendro, and passed in his sleep April 2, 2018. He was a brother to Rose, Vicky and Maria. Peter grew up in Rhein, SK and when he was 12 the family moved to Roblin, MB. John Mendro owned the barbershop and pool hall in Roblin and all four children became very skilled at the pool table and were all fairly unbeatable (haircutting we are not so sure). It is a skill you never forget and Peter was a Manitoba Seniors Games Snooker Champion in the new century. Peter graduated high school in Roblin and decided to begin a career in the grocery business as a clerk. He started with the Federated Co-op in Erickson. He met his wife Pearl Rystephanuk in 1949 and was married in 1950 in Sandy Lake, MB, Pearl's home, where they chose to live. They moved to Flin Flon in 1956 temporarily to help out family, but never left and it is where they raised their children - Gregory, Ronald, Michele and Karla. In Flin Flon the Mendro family lived on Tweedsmuir, Waldron and finally Princess Boulevard. Peter was an active member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, ensuring his children were immersed in Ukrainian culture. Peter served his community as a member of the Flin Flon Lions Club and later the Sandy Lake Lions Club, as a member for 40 plus years. Peter also served his community as a member of the Chamber of Commerce and as a Flin Flon City Councillor from 1971 until 1985. Peter maintained his 'red seal' career in the grocery clerk business, working at Cash and Save, Willowvale Grocery, and finally Central Meat and Grocery. While at Central Meat, to better serve his customers, Dad went back to school and learned Cree. It made sense that Dad was in the grocery business as he loved food and especially trying new foods. We often had foods that we'd never had before - escargot, chocolate covered grasshoppers and one Thanksgiving we had ham hocks and black-eyed peas. We enjoyed being the taste testers of any new produce to come to town. Pretty neat stuff in the 1970s and 1980s in Flin Flon! Memories of our dad include singing. He loved to sing and we were always amazed by the seemingly endless song lyrics he knew From singing in the church choir to joining in at the family get-togethers, he shared his love of singing with all of us. Once at a Lion's hockey tournament, when the scheduled singer hadn't arrived, Dad jumped up and sang the national anthem. He had a large collection of vinyl and later CDs, and with many different genre, which we cherished hearing at the house. Driving to Sandy Lake for summer vacations or the family cabin out at Schist Creek always included sing songs to make the curvy road go by faster. In 1988 Peter and Pearl retired back to Sandy Lake where Peter enjoyed attending flea markets and planted a garden. He liked to feed the birds and kept us informed of the latest species visiting the feeders. He liked to take drives on the roads around Sandy Lake and enjoy the scenery. He loved baseball and followed the season closely, choosing the teams he thought would make it to the finals, a ritual he followed until he turned 90. He enjoyed telling jokes and had a shoebox full of quips, quotes and anecdotes to share when needed. He was always ready to say Grace when he was called upon. Our dad was a straight shooting kind of guy. You knew where he stood on things and he was clear at what was expected of you as a member of his house. He taught us to be kind, helpful and friendly; to pitch in when someone needed a hand. By example, he taught us that sometimes you had to take a stand on what was right and not back down from an argument if you felt strongly; and that you were entitled to an opinion of your own. One of Dad's favourite sayings was "don't clap, throw money". We hope you'll remember Peter the next time you are out and see a musician sharing their talent, and toss some green their way. He had a heart of gold and adored his wife Pearl. Many times since her passing he would say "I've lived long enough without your mother". We are happy they are reunited. As we stated at our mother's funeral almost 21 years ago - "A link in the chain has broken, it just doesn't feel the same. But as the good Lord calls us one by one, the chain will link up again". Peter was predeceased by wife Pearl, parents Mary and John, and sisters Rose and Vicky. He is survived by his sister Maria Collins; son Gregory (Marylou), grandsons Martin, Monty and Max; son Ron (Lucy), Phil, Kallia and Nick; daughter Michele Doverspike (Wayne), grandsons Jason and Justin; daughter Karla Ramsay (Steve) and granddaughter Brooke. He also was known as Uncle Peter to 15 nieces and nephews. Peter had his favourite Taras Shevchenko words: Each man's fate is special to him and his own broad highway. One man builds, another ruins, looks a third beyond the horizon. Our dad believed strongly in helping your community grow and improve. For this reason, donations in his memory may be made to the Sandy Lake Dock Enhancement Fund, Municipality of Harrison Park, PO Box 190, Onanole, MB R0J 1N0 or The Sandy Lake Endowment Fund, Municipality of Harrison Park, PO Box 220, Newdale, MB R0J 1J0. *Rest In Peace Two Bears*

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 14, 2018