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CLIFFORD PAUL KURBIS
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Clifford Paul Kurbis, with his loved ones by his side.
Cliff is survived by his life-long partner and best friend Elizabeth and his two daughters, Shannon (Mark) Kurbis and Mychelle (Philip) Houde; his sister Edna (Mike) Oleksiuk and many nieces and nephews.
Cliff was an amazing man known for his honesty, integrity and strong work ethic. He was an achiever at an early age and showed remarkable entrepreneurial skills growing up. He left his childhood home in Selkirk, at only 16, to take a job in Edmonton. Once he had earned enough money to purchase a car, he returned home to Selkirk and took over a bread truck delivery route. This job led to him developing a love of the food business. He then started his entrepreneurial career, along with his wife Elizabeth, by operating the food concession stands at Grand Beach, several restaurants and ultimately becoming the Owner and President of Ritz Foods Ltd. He was able to expand his businesses over the years and take over the food concessions at many locations, including most notably the Winnipeg Stadium and Arena, which he ran for many years. Here he was able to combine his love of the food industry and the love of his favourite sports teams, the Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers. His business interests diversified over the years and he later opened a national toy store chain, Hans Christian Toys.
After he sold his businesses and retired, he enjoyed spending time with his family, bowling with Elizabeth and his brother-in-law Harry, watching the wildlife in his yard and working alongside his daughter and son-in-law in a family business, River East Travel. He particularly enjoyed cheering on the Jets/Bombers with Philip and spending time with his Houde/Rasmussen in-laws. He also loved talking to Mark about everything car related and was especially appreciative of having him as his own personal mechanic.
Cliff was blessed with having a wonderful family. He especially enjoyed, and always looked forward to visits from his sister Edna and brother-in-law Mike Oleksiuk. He also spent many years working closely with his uncle Harold (Liz) Patzer and cousin Gord Loeb. He greatly appreciated their advice and companionship over the years.
Cliff was a devout Christian and active member of St. Luke's Zion Lutheran Church. He lived his whole life truly practicing what was preached, and was honest, fair and kind.
Dad will be forever remembered for his humour, quick wit and generous heart. He always saw the good in everyone and there was seldom a time, when out in public, that someone didn't approach him and thank him for giving them a job or helping them in some way. His life was truly a gift, blessing and treasure to us, that we will hold in our hearts forever.
The family will be holding a private ceremony to honour Cliff.
A very special thank you to Dr. Donald Houston at CancerCare Manitoba. We credit you solely for giving us many extra cherished, quality years with our father. We cannot thank you enough and are forever in your debt. Also, to Yemmi at CCMB, please know that our father always looked forward to your conversations and they brought him a lot of happiness and comfort.
Special thanks to Dr. Johannes Jacobs and the wonderful staff at Selkirk General Hospital, specifically Josie and Jennifer (Med 1 Ward). Your kindness and compassion were greatly appreciated at this most difficult time.
If you would like to honour Clifford, you can do so by making a donation to the charity he loved, Wildlife Rescue Network Inc. (Charity Registration # 89944 7981 RR0001), 2 Red River Place, St Andrews, MB R1A 2V2.
"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."
– Winnie The Pooh (A. A. Milne)
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 15, 2022
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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Dear Family, sending you prayers and comforting hugs on the passing of Cliff. Ritz foods was my first summer job with Cliff and Harold, Nothing was better as a kid. As, years went by at spring break my girlfriend and I were flying back from Hawaii, and we needed cash to board the plane, as they would not accept cheque, or a credit card. We were so lucky that Cliff and family, were in line so he paid our $5.00 back, no questions asked, otherwise we would still be stuck in Hawaii. Yes, we did pay him back. Another great story to add to your collection. - Posted by: JAN & HARVE ROCHELLE (former employee -concession stands, summer holidays ) on: Nov 02, 2022
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I was truly blessed to have had the opportunity to begin my working career for Mr. Kurbis. A very kind man that I very much respected. Ritz was a real stepping stone for me. I met many great people, working many different venues for the company. The experiences over many years was a blessing. My sincerest condolences to Liz, Shannon, Mychelle and their families. Janet McCammon (Binner) - Posted by: Jan McCammon (Friend) on: Oct 31, 2022
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My deepest condolences to the Kurbis family. My first job was working the concession stands in the arena and stadium and later in the head office, I will never forget Mr. K smile first thing in the morning it was a pleasure to work for him for 12 years. - Posted by: Bonnie Shane (Former employee ) on: Oct 17, 2022
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Cliff gave me my first full time job as concession manager at the old arena and stadium in 1970. If it was not for him I do not know where I would of ended up. Stayed in the business for 49 years. He was a great boss and person. He always let me take my holidays during the Grey Cup. The only thing he said to me before I left he said come back in one piece. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: john couture (employee) on: Oct 17, 2022
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My deepest condolences to Liz and family on the loss of your husband and father. I have a lot of good memories working with him at Hans Christian and Ritz. I will always remember him for his sense of humor. He will surely be missed by all. . - Posted by: Brian H (former employee) on: Oct 16, 2022
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I was so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was such a delightful man. Always happy. He was the best thing to happen to a campaign office. I have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do please let me know. - Posted by: Becky Adams (Friend) on: Oct 16, 2022
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My deepest condolences to the Kurbis family. Growing up in ESTP I had the pleasure of meeting Mr and Mrs Kurbis as I was in same grade with their daughter Mychelle. A beautiful family and I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My mum knew Cliff as well through work to some degree, and she was saddened to hear of your loss too. Sending strength and our warmest wishes to your family. Rod(ney) Ingram - Posted by: Rod Ingram (Friend - past schoolmate ) on: Oct 16, 2022
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Elizabeth, Shannon & Mychelle we are deeply saddened by Cliff’s passing. I had worked with Ritz Foods. I knew Cliff as a great person who always made time to have a good conversation. When Cliff made his rounds at the arena and stadium. There was always a ‘hello’ from him. I recall spending a few night shifts in Garden City Shopping Center (Hans Christian Toys) guarding the toys setup in the mall. Cliff would arrive in the morning with coffee and donuts to check on me. Always very thoughtful. I pass along sincere condolences… Former employee, Ray Jones - Posted by: Ray Jones (Former employee ) on: Oct 15, 2022
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My first job was working for Mr. Kurbis at Kildonan Park under the wing of Mrs. Bohonos. Whenever he came out to inspect the operation or see her, he always came around to each of the employees to see how we were doing. My condolences to the family he was a good man. - Posted by: Pat Steele (former employee) on: Oct 15, 2022