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HOWARD MICHAEL SKRYPNYK Obituary pic

HOWARD MICHAEL SKRYPNYK

Date of Passing: Feb 03, 2022

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HOWARD MICHAEL SKRYPNYK

1954 - 2022
A life well lived


Howard died peacefully on February 3 at Grace Hospice following a short battle with cancer.
Remembered lovingly by wife Cathie (Morrison); children, Paul (Kate); Cameron (Anna) and Heather (Caleb); grandchildren, Rudyard, Nora and Miles: siblings, Stephan, Tina Shipman (Ron), Danny (Liz), Andrew (son Justin); mother-in-law Rose Morrison and many cousins and relatives across the country. Predeceased by father Borden (1981), mother Helen (nee Prystayko) (1989) and father-in-law Donald Morrison (2017).
The firstborn son, Howard and his siblings were raised within the Ukrainian community of Winnipeg. He felt lucky to have lifelong friendships with Josh, Morris, Ron, Gary, Jim C, and Jim B, a rare feat! Howard attended University of Manitoba, graduating in 1979 with a Bachelor of Phys Ed and returning in 1985 for a Bachelor of Education.
Howard was a loving and devoted father. His children's interests became his interests and he shared with them a vast and eclectic taste in music. Family holidays were spent camping across Canada in a tent and later a rickety 1960s canvas pop-up trailer. Howard visited every province and territory except the Yukon and his last cycle touring holiday was in the Gulf Islands of BC in 2018.
Howard was a strong community supporter. He began coaching youth baseball while still a teenager himself. He served on the board of the Woodhaven Community Club and coached baseball, soccer, and hockey. Howard volunteered every year as an athlete support cyclist for the Manitoba Marathon, at numerous golf tournaments, football events, Pan Am Games, and he ran for city council in 1995. He was an inaugural member of the Winnipeg Cycletouring Club and represented cycling at the provincial and national level. He was instrumental in bringing/promoting cycling skills and education courses to children and adults.
Committed to fitness and health at a personal and professional level, his entire career was devoted to healthy living. Starting in cardiology / exercise physiology research with Dr. G. Cumming at Children's Hospital, where he met his wife Cathie (1978); trainer / equipment manager Western Hockey league Winnipeg Warriors coached by Bruce Southern (1979 to 1982); community health and active lifestyle education at Nor-West Co-op (25 years) and policy analyst for Manitoba Health (10 years).
Howard loved golf and was a member of the hole in one club. Upon retirement, he quickly got his dream job cutting fairways at Assiniboine Golf Club. He also spent a lot of time trying to achieve putting green status for his own small lawn. Always into photography, he picked up a gig shooting photos for Golf Manitoba for the past several years.
A lifetime Bomber fan, season ticket holder for decades, he attended numerous Grey Cups across the country. Howard once flew from Iceland, via Halifax, to Vancouver to attend a quarter final with family members. Howard was fortunate to have a final memory of listening to his Bombers win the 2021 Grey Cup in his home with his brother Steve.
Howard loved travel. Being chatty by nature and a curious soul, he would meet and befriend many people throughout his journeys, always extending his open door should they ever pass through Winnipeg (and sometimes they did!) He also loved the fresh cuisine that travel would bring and had a ranked list of the location and Chef of the best French Onion soup (according to him). He travelled to Europe six times: as a Grade 9 student with his class; a four month cycle touring adventure with Cathie in 1982, with Bison Hockey in 1983, cycle touring Holland with Cathie in 1997; visiting the UK and Germany with Cathie and in-laws when Heather lived there in 2009 and with brother Stephen attending the Ryder Cup in Wales and golfing around Scotland (including the old course at St. Andrews) in 2010. While Heather lived in New Zealand in 2016, they rented an old van and toured the North and South Island for a month. He spent a very special holiday visiting the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa, and playing baseball with son Cam and brother Stephan.
Never one to shy away from adventure, he bought the house next door, took it down to the studs, renovating with brother Stephan, Cathie, friends and neighbours. This was a labour of love as Heather and Caleb bought the house; became neighbours and then parents themselves. Howard felt blessed having family living beside him.
A new small travel trailer bought in 2019 meant buying a bigger car and within a week of acquiring both they set off for Yellowknife, NWT to visit son Paul and his young family, then meandered down to Grand Forks, BC to visit son Cam and headed back home through the Rockies, camping amidst snow to enjoy the Banff Film Fest. This past summer they travelled out to see Cam and Anna, now living in Green Valley, ON and meet new grandson Miles, followed by a quick turnaround at home and then headed up to NWT to camp with Paul, Kate and Rudyard.
Howard was kind, spontaneous, quirky, the "go to guy" for all things cycling, an encyclopedia of music knowledge, lover of single malt scotch, bagpipes, and headlamps.
His final act of giving to others, Howard has donated his body to the University of Manitoba.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trails Manitoba or Grace Hospice/Grace Hospital Foundation.


Remember him as you will, from the lessons you learned and those you taught him.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 12, 2022

Condolences & Memories (36 entries)

  • He was a great person to know. Great co-worker. He will be missed. - Posted by: Mayfield Duff (Worked at MB Health with Howard. Awesome to work with. Was a special person. My sincere condolences.) on: Jul 25, 2023

  • You lived the epitome of an exemplary life my Brother and your spirit is alive in all of us who love you and will live on in us, your children and their children. Love you Max. - Posted by: Andrew Skrypnyk (Brother) on: Aug 27, 2022

  • Condolences to family & friends. Howard went from a government employee - Provincial Trails Consultant - Manitoba Healthy Living, Youth & Seniors, to fellow director on Trails Manitoba, to a friend. I always enjoyed conversing with Howard on trails and shared travels in life. Enjoyed discussions on music and a single malt scotch. I am glad that I knew Howard Skrypnyk. RIP 🙏🙏🙏👍🚴‍♂️ - Posted by: Dan Lester (Friend & fellow volunteer) on: Mar 22, 2022

  • I just heard about Howard. I am so sorry to hear this and sympathies to his family. I got to know Howard at Manitoba Health and found him to be ALWAYS kind, respectful and very passionate about active living. Always a gentle man and always willing to help others. He had a contagious smile. He also loved to share stories about his family and was also a very proud husband and father. My sincere condolences. He and his spirit will be missed. - Posted by: Barb W (Colleague from MH) on: Mar 15, 2022

  • In just learning of this (March 14), I have to say how fortunate I feel to have worked on the 2nd floor with Howard at MB Health. Even though we worked in different branches, Howard was a very important part of our work culture: his bubbly brook personality and unequivocal boosterism for life, fitness and health made my day and that of others on numerous occasions. I'm sorry to hear of his passing and send my condolences to his siblings and family. Howard can be seen as a person who did what we often talk...he lived life writ large and I hope to celebrate him with others when restrictions allow. - Posted by: Jessica Irvine (Fellow MB Health Employee) on: Mar 14, 2022

  • I’m so sorry to hear the news. My sincere condolences. Howard & I worked together on many trail projects in Winnipeg. He was so kind & thoughtful-and always offering suggestions. Chatty he was! And loved hearing him in recent years calling in to CBC on Saturday mornings. I learned so much from Howard. Our city is better because of Howard’s sharing of wisdoms and perspectives. To cycling in the heavens. Rest In Peace Howard. - Posted by: Janice Lukes (Friend through trails & cycling ) on: Feb 28, 2022

  • I am so sorry to hear about Howard. He and Cathie have been good friends of mine since 1980. I have many happy memories of time (and some travels) spent together Love to Cathie, Paul, Cameron, Heather and families. - Posted by: Cathie Watson (Friend) on: Feb 25, 2022

  • I would not be the person that I am had it not been for you my big Brother. You certainly built a legacy with your life! I Luv you Max. No one can top how you lived your life to the fullest. - Posted by: Andrew Skrypnyk (Brother) on: Feb 21, 2022

  • Saddened by the loss of your Dad and Husband. Cathie, Paul, Cam, and Heather I feel for you in this time. Howard was always so kind to me and the other buddies that Cam and Paul always seemed to pile into the Skrypnyk basement! He was always gentle in tone and gracious in the morning despite the late night chaos that so often ensued while he tried to sleep. A memory that comes back often was that of Howard and Cathie always making a place for friends in their home. No matter the occasion, their home has always been a place where "friends don't knock", you just walk in. This could not be more evident than during the Christmas season when many of us Patricia's would be on holiday leave and the Skrypnyk house was where we would find ourselves for a fine meal and company. Sitting around the living room fire with Howard and the Skrypnyk family singing Christmas carols will always stick with me. Howard's love for people was so evident and an example to follow. - Posted by: Tyler McAllister (Hiebert) (Family Friend) on: Feb 20, 2022

  • I was shocked and saddened to see in WFP that Howard passed. I too was one of his Health colleagues and our offices were very close to each other. Howard was a truly a gift to work with — always positive, always a smile, always beaming when he told me about his family, always caring about his colleagues. We shared a birthday — one year apart. Cathie, Heather, Cameron and Paul and all family — keep the love that Howard had for each of you tight in your hearts always. Colleen Olafson - Posted by: Colleen Olafson (Colleague and friend) on: Feb 17, 2022

  • My deepest condolences to the entire Skrypnyk family. I have never met a person that carried such genuine happiness with the most welcoming smile and love of life. Time spent working with Howard was pure fun. Storytelling was his forte and there were many to tell. Most important, was his love for his family and what a proud parent and grandparent he was. He will be missed greatly. - Posted by: Janelle DePeazer (Friend & Colleague ) on: Feb 16, 2022

  • Dear Cathie and family We are so sorry to hear of Howard’s passing … your tribute truly captures “a life well lived”. Heaven just keeps getting better. Take care❤️ Bev - Posted by: Bev prystenski (Classmate to Cathy) on: Feb 15, 2022

  • My Deepest condolences to your family and friends! May you RIP! 🙏 - Posted by: Debbie Dezall (Friend of his brother! ) on: Feb 15, 2022

  • I was shocked and saddened by hearing about Howard. We worked together at Manitoba Health for many years and it was always a pleasure meeting him in the hallways or working with him on various projects. For a while there he was in the habit of calling him and I brothers of a different mother which I took as high praise that Howard wanted to have me as a brother and him as mine!! Howard will be remembered by me and other Manitoba Health colleagues. I wish the family my most since condolences!! - Posted by: Richard Loiselle (Colleague) on: Feb 14, 2022

  • To Cathie and all of Howard's most loved family. I was so shocked and saddened at the news of his passing. He was a cherished colleague. He was so kind and generous and always smiling. We all have such fond memories of him and he remains a model for us all for giving to the community of our time, energy and care. - Posted by: Ciara Shattuck (Colleague, friend) on: Feb 14, 2022

  • We are truly saddened by the news of Howard's passing. We both met Howard through his work at NorWest which grew into a friendship. It was his positive encouragement that led to my 25 years of commuting to work by bike, which was in keeping with Howard's philosophy of healthy living. Howard was a role model for a life well lived - full of positive energy and an insatiable need to talk to everyone with whom he came into contact, always with a tale in hand and an openness that was so engaging. Our deepest sympathies to Cathy and family. Conrad and Cindy - Posted by: Conrad & Cindy Peters (Friend, co worker, client and fan (Cindy worked with Howard at NorWest)) on: Feb 13, 2022

  • Sending my love and prayers to all of you in this time of deep loss. Howard was an extraordinary human being whose warmth, kindness, gentleness and amazing, infectious enthusiasm for life will always be remembered in my heart. Your tribute to him captures his deep love for his family and many varied interests. It really captures beautifully the immense passion he had for life. I am so glad we had a chance to golf together at my Dad's 80th birthday celebration in 2019 and to attend a Bomber's game. I will hold his big smile in my heart forever and the positive energy he brought to everyone and everything he did. May his soul rest in eternal joy and peace and may he cheer on the Bombers to victory forever from heaven above. I will miss him so much. - Posted by: Michael Hryniuk (Cousin) on: Feb 13, 2022

  • We are so sorry for your loss. Howard was a dear colleague of mine at NorWest Co-op Community Health. He was a Health Promoter and worked hard at motivating individuals and the community at large to engage in daily physical activity. He always practiced what he has preached or taught others. He has introduced me to the concept of community development and health promotion at grass roots level. We were the only health centre that had a health promoter who offered fitness assessments for individuals. He was also instrumental in developing and facilitating numerous community events such as Lifestyle Lottery, Food Bingo, Sneaker Day and Roast the Coach Potatoe Fair to name a few. He was always compassionate and nonjudgmental and liked by his clients. I will miss you Howard and remember all the good you have done. Deepest condolences Cathie and family. Renata and Dave Cook - Posted by: Renata Cook (Worked with Howard at NorWest ) on: Feb 13, 2022

  • Cathie and Family, please accept our sincere condolences. Georganne and I are so sorry to hear of Howards passing. He will be missed. - Posted by: Brian Hoel (Friend) on: Feb 13, 2022

  • Our deepest condolences to Cathie, Paul, Cameron, Heather and families. We are so saddened to hear about Howard. As your Woodhaven neighbours, we were blessed to know your lovely family. Howard was such a kind and friendly person and always willing to help a neighbour in need. Our thoughts are with all of you during this time. - Posted by: Pam McLeod and Bobby Depres (Woodhaven neighbours) on: Feb 13, 2022

  • Our sincere condolences Cathie and Family Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Marie-Alice Grassick and Arva alynuk (Friends) on: Feb 12, 2022

  • Condolences to Cathie, Paul, Cameron, Heather, their families, Steve, Tina and the rest of Howard’s siblings. We have some fond memories of working with Howard to build his garage and redo his kitchen. Howard was a kind and gentle man and always interested in what was happening in your life. I know he will be missed. Thinking of you always. - Posted by: Andrew Meers (Friend) on: Feb 12, 2022

  • So terribly sorry for your loss. His zest for life was contagious. So many memories of his love for family will leave a lasting impression to carry you through this difficult journey. Thoughts and prayers for your family and friends. - Posted by: Carol Ronald (Cathie’s cousin) on: Feb 12, 2022

  • Such a beautiful, fitting tribute to a really, really good guy! Dear Cathie and family, we are thinking of you, and send our sincere condolences. Karen & Richard Howell, Robin Shreiber, Sara Wilner, and Tracey & Chris Block and family. - Posted by: Karen & Richard Howell & Family (Friends) on: Feb 12, 2022

  • I’m so sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. Sending my condolences to Cathie, Cam, Paul and Heather. Howard’s kind and calm presence was a joy to be around at the office. I miss seeing him everyday as my across the hall office mate and across the section Bomber game buddy. Howard loved working with the community and being around people. I continue to learn from the way he lived his life. Miss you H! - Posted by: Jessica Jaques (Friend and colleague ) on: Feb 12, 2022

  • I was so very sorry to hear about Howard, my condolences to his family. I had the pleasure to know Howard for well over 30 years, seeing him at various meetings and workshops. He was highly respected for his work in physical activity and community wellness. Our paths crossed most often when he was with Nor-West Co-op. When I hear of cycling initiatives in Winnipeg, I always think of Howard. - Posted by: Elizabeth Ready (Colleague ) on: Feb 12, 2022

  • I got to know and enjoy our friendship when our kids played hockey together back in the late 80s. Howard and Cathy were always supportive to their community together. As our paths always seem to cross it was always enjoyable to catch up and chat about what our families were up to. Indeed when I found out Howard enjoyed photography I press ganged him into joining our Golf Manitoba photo team. He enjoyed the volunteer aspect and everyone loved having Howard around the course- especially Lisa who always asked "where is Howard!" Howard can be described as a gentle caring soul- one that we needed during these times. Our condolences to Cathy and his family of very loved ones. You will be missed. - Posted by: Mike and Lorraine Lagace (Friend) on: Feb 12, 2022

  • I am deeply saddened to hear this news! Howard was a wonderful colleague who made such passionate contributions to improving healthy living programs and policies in Manitoba. He was unflaggingly positive in his outlook on life and his faith in people was something we should all model ourselves after. My condolences to Cathy, Cameron, Paul and Heather and family. He was so proud of you all and I know how deeply you will miss him. - Posted by: Dawn Ridd (Friend and Colleague ) on: Feb 12, 2022

  • My sincere sympathy to all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Donna Passante (Friend) on: Feb 12, 2022

  • Steve, my condolences to you on the loss of your bro. Howard always had a smile on his face and great guy to talk to. - Posted by: W.alter Mazepa (Friend) on: Feb 12, 2022

  • Our deepest sympathies, Cathie and family. Howard was always there to help, to listen and to act. I will remember him as an 'in motion' ambassador who always motivated people to live life to the fullest. See you on a trail, Howard! - Posted by: Beatrice Davidson (friend) on: Feb 12, 2022

  • I’m so sorry to read about the loss of Howard. Every time I bumped into him in the neighbourhood, he had a very welcoming, peaceful and kind presence and energy about him. He was the face of what woodhaven was about when we lived there. Our thoughts are with you and your family. - Posted by: Allison Pedersen (Woodhaven community) on: Feb 12, 2022

  • My deepest condolences to Cathie and family. I have many fond memories of Howard as a friend and colleague, that I will keep in my heart. His presence was a constant reminder of gratitude for the beauty of the world. - Posted by: Paul Fieldhouse (Friend) on: Feb 12, 2022

  • Sympathies Cathie to you and your families. Amazing adventures with the love of your life. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you. - Posted by: Lois Borkowsky (Nursing classmate of Cathie) on: Feb 12, 2022

  • So very sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of being a hockey dad with Howard. Always met us with a smile and a happy conversation. Not many like him will come this way again. John & Kris - Posted by: John and Kris Durham (Friend ) on: Feb 12, 2022

  • Our deepest sympathy for Cathy and Family. We are saddened to learn Howard has left this world, he will be missed by all whom he cherished and admired. Howard's remarkable kindness and zest for life touched us all those years ago. - Posted by: barrie and pat.fraser (Winnipeg Cycle Touring Club) on: Feb 12, 2022

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