- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
MARC WANKLING
Born: Apr 09, 1960
Date of Passing: Sep 18, 2021
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
MARC WANKLING
April 9, 1960 – September 18, 2021
When announcing a death, it's natural to want to talk about the person's life and how they lived. Especially in a passing so unexpected, it's hard to find the right words to describe the vibrancy of the person so suddenly lost. Marc was kind and generous. He was adventurous and spontaneous. He was warm and honest, a good, genuine person. The type of guy who was easy to give a smile or a hello, and more than willing to lend a listening ear and helping hand. He wanted to live in a loving world, one where neighbours celebrated each other's successes, and were there to help in times of trouble, so that was the world he created. He wanted people around him to feel welcome, anyone could talk to Marc about anything. He was the guy to go to for a favour because he was always so willing to help. Marc was free with the generosity that he gave to his community and the love he gave his friends, wanting nothing in return except maybe for you to pay it forward to the next person in need. He was the type of man that helped change the world, not in one big revolutionary act, but in many small, kind ways that have a rippling effect to encourage others to do the same.
He was raised by a loving mother (Mona) and devoted father (Claude) whose support of him created the foundation for the happy, honest man he grew into. With three uniquely awesome siblings (Shaun, Lori and Blair) by his side, Marc spent his early childhood camping around Canada and playing baseball. Marc met friends in his childhood who stayed with him for life, a group of guys called The Splashers, and most notably his best friend Harvey. Their shared love for fishing, the outdoors and an active lifestyle made them lifelong friends for their many adventures. As life progressed he met Donna, and together they raised three children, Lindsey Morgan and Eric. His kids meant the world to Marc and raised them with compassion, supporting them in all they wished to be. Nothing made him happier than getting everyone together and making memories. Whether it was camping, boating, kayaking, golfing, having a bonfire, or just listening to some rock 'n roll while sharing easy conversations and drinks, his kids and family were some of his best friends. Marc loved all children. His many nieces and nephews, the boys he helped manage with the St. James Canadians AA Hockey club, and all the kids he took tubing at Bird Lake, can attest that nothing warmed Marc's heart quite like the joyful banter of children enjoying life. His granddaughter, Ayla, shone like a bright sun to Marc, and he spoiled her at every chance he could get. In his later life Marc met Kathy, an equally kind hearted and adventurous woman. They shared a summer full of laughter, enjoying the early days of his retirement together. He'd just retired from a 23 year employment at Manitoba Hydro, where the simple pleasure of getting to see the countryside, setting his own schedule and meeting the diverse people at his job gave his work life as much satisfaction as the honest day he'd put in. He was an active member in his community, most of St. James knowing him by the sight of his friendly face.
Whether you called him father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, colleague or acquaintance, to know Marc was to know a genuine person. He was a simple man in what made him tick, and that was fun, laughter and love. He might not have had as many days as many of us would have wished for him, but he made the most out of every day he was given. His life was full of value, he never waited for the right time or place to start living, he squeezed the most out of every moment. He saw the potential in others and did his best to raise those around him up. In the wake of his loss we can still feel his love and the lessons he taught us all, most importantly to love thy neighbour and seize the wonderful moments life has to offer you with the people who matter most.
Donations can be made to SickKids Foundation in memory of Marc.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 02, 2021
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
-
My condolences to Marc's family. God Bless you in this difficult time. - Posted by: Barry Tobin (friend) on: Oct 27, 2021
-
My deepest condolences to Marc’s family. I met Marc through work and it was always such a pleasure to see him in my office. He was truly one of the nicest people I have ever had the honour to meet. I am deeply saddened that the world has lost such a beautiful soul. - Posted by: Christina (Acquaintance ) on: Oct 18, 2021
-
So sorry to hear of the passing of Marc. So sad that such a nice guy leaves us all so soon in life. All my deepest sympathizes to the entire family. No words can express this sudden shock. Mark was super nice guy and would talk to everyone. Easy going and always extending a hand out to help other's. Rest in Peace see you on the other side. Tim Buzunis. - Posted by: Timothy Buzunis (High School mate) on: Oct 09, 2021
-
I was very saddened to hear of Marc's passing. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Treasure your memories. - Posted by: KATHLEEN BIGELOW ( McDevitt ) (childhood neighbor ) on: Oct 06, 2021
-
I am sad and sorry to hear this news. My condolences to his family and close friends (19). I had the pleasure to work with Marc thru St. James minor hockey. We did player assessments for years. He was a great guy to work with and learn from. Just recently, I saw him a local store and he went out of his way to come over to see me and chat. This was the kind of guy that he was. He has left this planet too soon and will be dearly missed. Richard Heise - retired St. James minor hockey coach - Posted by: Richard Heise (friend) on: Oct 06, 2021
-
My sincere condolences to all of Marc's family and friends, including his MH work friends. I am shocked and saddened to learn of Marc's sudden passing. I worked with him for over 15 years. He was a hard worker and took his role to heart from what I saw and knew. He was passionate, and certainly contacted me many a time over the years with proactive and update calls, good source of info, but most importantly a good person to deal with. He helped me develop new processes and was a great resource for lessons learned too. He was part of a team and in a critical role. I missed him when he left his career with us behind, but now I am deeply saddened that he has left us altogether. I can only imagine for those much closer to him than I how this loss must feel. May your memories keep him alive in your hearts for eternity. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Sincerely, Adele - Posted by: Adele Poulin (Work Collegue) on: Oct 04, 2021
-
On behalf of my family the Silvestrins, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Wankling family. Adriana Silvestrin - Posted by: Adriana Silvestrin (Former neighbour ) on: Oct 02, 2021
-
I did not know Marc for very long. I first met him in dealings with the Minnesota hydro line crossing our land. All of the personal attributes shared in the obituary were easily evident in my meetings, calls and legal dealings. He struck me as the kind of man who you’d want living as a neighbour to you. My condolences to all who were lucky enough to know or even simply meet him. - Posted by: Andy Bell (Acquaintance) on: Oct 02, 2021
-
Marc was a wonderful, kind and caring person. My thoughts go out to his family, what a huge loss. - Posted by: Cathy Nieroda (McKenzie) (High school friend) on: Oct 02, 2021
-
My heartfelt sympathy to all the family members who have been devastated by your death. As a friend of your mother's, I know how much you meant to her. You and your siblings were always ready to help her with everyday things, and I know she appreciated you and all your family so very much. You were also a close friend of my son Greg. He was looking forward to taking you fishing while you were out in Vancouver. I have a valued picture of your last fishing trip with him. You both looked so happy! Again, my sympathy to the whole family .... you have lost a wonderful man. Lib Downes - Posted by: Lib Downes (friend) on: Oct 02, 2021
-
It is with shock and sadness that my husband Gary and I heard of Marc’s passing. A wonderful man taken too soon from us. Always friendly and happy every time we saw him. A man who gave himself to everyone he new. Our love goes out to all his family members. Sincerely, Gary and Michelle Shingleton - Posted by: Michelle Shingleton (Friend) on: Oct 02, 2021
-
My condolences to Marc's family and friends. Very saddened to hear of his passing. I worked with him at Centra Gas (Manitoba Hydro). Such an easy going caring and thoughtful man. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Norma Buss (Work acquaintance) on: Oct 02, 2021
-
I had the pleasure of working with Marc for many years. Over the last two years, our meetings shifted to my backyard so we could look at drawings together. They were always planned for the end of the day and they included a beer or two. They also always ended with a hug. Marc was a sincere, kind, smart, funny guy. We were supposed to meet up for a beer soon so I will crack one open for me and one for him and toast the great person I got to spend all those years getting to know. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. I can only imagine the hole that losing him leaves. Please know that you don’t grieve alone and that all of the energy that he put into this world will never go away. - Posted by: Karen Toews (Colleague) on: Oct 02, 2021
-
I first met Marc as a fellow employee at Hydro. He was well trained when he came there and could be best described as a very intelligent, compassionate, energetic, bright star. A leader in his profession. My sympathy to his family and friends over their loss. Alex Warga - Posted by: Alex Warga (Fellow Employee) on: Oct 02, 2021