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CONRAD LESLIE WYRZYKOWSKI
Born: Mar 22, 1929
Date of Passing: Nov 07, 2020
Offer Condolences or MemoryCONRAD LESLIE WYRZYKOWSKI
March 22, 1929 - November 7, 2020
Conrad is at peace with God and his beloved wife, Evelyn, after being apart for 19 years. He was a humble man; he was simply doing what he had been called upon to do. Conrad and Evelyn discussed philanthropy before they married in 1955, and dedicated their lives to helping others. He became a mentor to many, touched lives in profound ways, and leaves behind countless precious people who loved and respected him.
Conrad is survived by his children, Conrad (Monique), Brian (Linda), Sharon (Mark), Paul (Alice), Linda (Mike); and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who fondly called him "Papa Bear". He also leaves to mourn his sister, Grace Hargrave; sisters-in-law, Hildy Wyrzykowski, Sr. Josepha Schaeffer; and brother-in-law, Edmond (Mary) Schaeffer.
Conrad has always had three priorities: his faith, family, and work. Farming was his passion; it made him feel like he was feeding the world. Mom and Dad moved the family to the country in 1978. He loved the outdoors, and was an avid duck hunter, venturing into the marsh into his late 70s. A lifelong connection to the water developed into generations of family roots at Willard Lake. After retiring from an extended career as a well-respected lawyer, he focused himself on his faith by serving his community through philanthropy and volunteerism. His whole life has been, in one way or another, dedicated to the service of others. Over the years, Conrad and Evelyn led marriage preparation, provided support for those in need, and especially single mothers. They also helped bring L'Arche to Winnipeg.
"I have had a good life and am grateful
for all that I have been blessed with."
Conrad's support of the St. Boniface Hospital was a lifelong commitment. Palliative care was an important priority for Conrad, and for years he visited patients receiving palliative care to offer a listening ear, prayers and Holy Communion. He saw many friends and other patients through their final days, and he took great joy in the comfort and peace he could bring to these people. He also provided support to the hospital in numerous ways: the Evelyn and Conrad Wyrzykowski Endowment Fund to support cancer and cardiovascular research; education and consultation room at the Bergen Cardiac Care Centre; The Wyrzykowski Family Studentship Fund to support an undergraduate student to conduct medical research; funding and establishing a palliative care room on the gynecology ward in memory of Evelyn; The Evelyn Wyrzykowski Family Research Chair in Cardiology; The Wyrzykowski Family Spiritual Care Endowment Fund, and more recently, The Wyrzykowski Family Graduate Nurse Endowment Fund. In 2017, Conrad was recognized as the profiled donor on the St. Boniface Leadership Giving Wall.
Thanks to his parents' guidance, Conrad was grateful for the Jesuit education he received, and the Ignatian influence that was imparted during his time at St. Paul's College. He applied these lessons throughout his life, and chose to recognize this impact through gifts to the college of a bursary, scholarship and Ignatian Scholars Fund. Conrad was made an honorary member of the St. Paul's Assembly, and the college dedicated a wing to Evelyn and Conrad in 2015.
In the most humble way, he truly has achieved a rich harvest.
Conrad served as founding officer and first captain HMSC Crusader Corporation of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, HMSC Chippawa. He was president of the University of Manitoba Students' Union; provincial, national and international delegate of the Credit Union movement in Manitoba. Conrad became an honorary member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1991. He attended the World Conference on Religion and Peace 1999 in Amman, Jordan. In 2008, he was the recipient of the Outstanding Philanthropist Award. The Catholic Foundation of Manitoba's annual dinner in 2017 was pleased to honour and recognize Conrad's work and his donation to the Wyrzykowski Family Fund.
In lieu of flowers, and in support of Conrad's lifelong dedication and commitment to making a difference in healthcare, medical research, education and spiritual advancement, donations would be greatly appreciated:
"The Evelyn Wyrzykowski Family Research Chair in Cardiology" at St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, 409 Tache Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2N6 or (204) 237-2067, "Wyrzykowski Family Ignatian Scholars Fund' in care of St. Paul's College Foundation Inc., (204) 474-9148 or CanadaHelps.org.
"God gave us all different gifts on purpose.
We have to share them to be complete.
We are all interdependent upon each other."
- Conrad
Family and friends may sign a book of condolence online at www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca.
Desjardins Funeral Home
204-233-4949
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 14, 2020
Condolences & Memories (19 entries)
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Please accept my Heartfelt Condolences on Conrad's passing. As he was Blessed, he therefore Blessed others!! "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and Glorify your Father in Heaven." Matthew chp. 5-16 - Posted by: Carol Miller (Relative) on: Dec 29, 2022
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Very sorry to hear of Conrad's passing. He was a guiding light and ardent supporter for many charities in Winnipeg and was very good to us. He will be missed. Please accept our condolences. The Jubilee Fund Board of Directors - Posted by: Derek (friend) on: Nov 30, 2020
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We were so sorry to hear the news about Uncle Con, but what a fine example of a life well lived. Mike and I and our kids have many fond memories of Uncle Con and the rest of our Winnipeg family. Our kids especially enjoyed visits to the farm and even swimming in the pond with their great-uncle Con! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Margaret (and Mike) Irwin (Niece) on: Nov 21, 2020
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My heartfelt condolences to the Wyrzykowski family. My favorite memory is being invited with my daughter to join your family on the annal sleigh ride and festivities back at your dads house afterwards. Mr "W" will truly be missed by all. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. - Posted by: Darlene Chubaty ((co-worker) to Sharon) on: Nov 19, 2020
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Mr. "W", as we referred to him, was one of the most incredible men I have ever met, smart, funny, generous and just an all around fantastic human being! I worked with him for a number of years and my husband and I were lucky enough to be included in the select few to be invited to have our wedding at his farm. It was a true honour and he did an amazing job for us, out of mere kindness. When I heard from Conrad Jr. a little over a year ago that Mr. W had moved off the farm, I didn't realize that things were progressing so fast. My sincerest condolences to all of Mr. W's family. May you find comfort over the next few weeks, or years, in knowing he is back with the love of his life! He will never be forgotten. - Posted by: Judy Kamke (Friend and Colleague) on: Nov 18, 2020
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Very nice to see the wonderful tributes to my 'Uncle Con', my father's older brother. Fond memories of one and only duck hunting trip to Winnipeg many years ago. Will also always remember how he took it upon himself to travel to Sarnia following my father's unexpected passing at 58 to ensure his estate matters were in order. Different times we are of course faced with, but participating in the on-line service. Wishing well to all the family. - Posted by: Owen (& Lisa) Wyrzykowski (Nephew) on: Nov 17, 2020
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For 3 or 4 decades, Conrad was a loyal and faithful friend to my dad, Gabriel. Conrad was a generous man, allowing my sister Danielle, and I at times, to have a free harbour at his farm near Winnipeg, either while travelling or visiting out ailing mother, Irene. Kind and generous to a fault, our family is honoured to have been part of Conrad's circle, and we remember him in our prayers. God Bless. - Posted by: Gerald Soulodre (Friend) on: Nov 16, 2020
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Linda - my deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Julie Choppick (Co-worker/friend of Linda) on: Nov 16, 2020
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Conrad was a lifelong friend to our family and held a very special place in all our hearts, most especially to our Dad, Don. Our sincere condolences to your whole family from all of us. The Killeen family - Posted by: Karen Killeen (Family friend) on: Nov 15, 2020
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As the youngest of Ray and Hildy Wyrzykowski’s children, my husband and I send our condolences. Uncle Con was a fantastic soul! Reading about his personal, professional and spiritual accomplishments in his obituary puts a smile on my face and inspires me to be the best I can be in all areas of my life. Say hello to our Dad for us, and to all the other amazing people up there with you on the other side :) Love, Priscilla and Brian Martindale - Posted by: Priscilla (Wyrzykowski) & Brian Martindale (Niece ) on: Nov 15, 2020
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I have always been in awe of my papa and everything he accomplished throughout his life. I have never been shy to tell people how selfless and amazing of a man he was. I am extremely proud to be his grandson and also very thankful that he was around throughout my childhood and adulthood to offer guidance and support. I am especially grateful that he was able to meet the love of my life (Jackie) and able to attend our wedding with his sisters Grace and Sandra September 2018. He he very quickly took a liking to Jackie not only for her beauty (which he was not shy to admit) but also he commitment to the public as a French Immersion teacher. He will be greatly missed but his memory and beliefs will live on through all of us. I hope that he is proud of me and who I have become. I would be proud if I could do half of what he accomplished in his lifetime. Amongst many memories of my Papa. I will always remember our Tuesday night dinners at mom's (Sharon) house after he had been at the St.B volunteering. I fondly look back on those simple family dinners. Rest in peace Papa so happy that you can finally be reunited with Nana (Evelyn). Lots of love from Jackie and Josh - Posted by: Joshua Brand (Grandson ) on: Nov 15, 2020
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The family will miss him. Donna Macaw - Posted by: Donna Macaw (Victoria Cres friend many years ago. Always enjoyed seeing him. He will be missed) on: Nov 14, 2020
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Whether on the farm, on the Red River, or at Willard, a visit with Uncle Con and his family has always been a treat. That applies from my childhood to our most recent visits. I have warm and happy memories. Even if he did talk me out of practicing in Manitoba and flirted with Theresa! Even from a distance, the service and faith he showed in his life was inspiring. Uncle Con and Aunt Ev, as a couple, lived in faith in a way that has always been an example to me. My condolences and prayers to all family members. I do wish I could be there. But I shall enjoy the warmth I feel as I think of him. - Posted by: James Hargrave (Nephew) on: Nov 14, 2020
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Mr. and Mrs. Wyrzykowski were great friends to our family through Villa Maria. My late husband and I enjoyed working on several engaged encounter weekends with them. Their kindness and dedication will always be appreciated and remembered. Take care Keeping your family in my prayers Michelle ( Campeau) Gnutel - Posted by: Michelle Gnutel (Campeau) (Family friend) on: Nov 14, 2020
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My deepest sympathy to all the Wyrzykowski family. A significant presence throughout his life, your dad is going to be greatly missed. - Posted by: Sidney Macaw (childhood friend, lived on Victoria Crescent) on: Nov 14, 2020
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as we fondly remember Uncle Con. So many wonderful memories of family get- togethers and great times spent visiting at the farm - our kids especially remember the atv rides & minnows nibbling their toes! ☺️ He will be dearly missed and his legacy will keep him close in our hearts ❤️ - Posted by: Anne & Herb Donkers (Niece ) on: Nov 14, 2020
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My sincere condolences to the Wyrzykowski family. My late mother always spoke very fondly of the entire family and I know that she would have wanted to offer her condolences. I remember Conrad's mother making very special Christmas treat stockings for the children...perhaps she will have one waiting for him. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Michelle Pichette (Acquaintance of my mother) on: Nov 14, 2020
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Sharon and family...so sorry for your loss. Your Dad had an incredible life. Such generosity. - Posted by: Judy Wiegner (Old friend of Sharon) on: Nov 14, 2020
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My condolence to the family on the passing of Conrad. It was a pleasure to have known Conrad and Evelyn; they become family. The best lawyer and devote; honest and trustworthy. RIP. Conrad you're in heaven with Evelyn and keep on serving God, that was in your life. We'll miss you dearl ;but was a pleasure to be blessed knowning you. - Posted by: Anna Basset (Friend) on: Nov 14, 2020
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