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HOWARD WAYNE TOPNIK
Born: Jan 08, 1956
Date of Passing: Jul 02, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryHOWARD WAYNE TOPNIK
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Howard Topnik on July 2, 2026, at the age of 70 at St. Boniface General Hospital.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, of almost 25 years, Shirley Ganske; his son Cameron (Stephanie Dawson) along with two grandchildren, Kennedy and Kyler, of Campbell River, BC; his sisters, Shirley (Russ) Stogryn, of Langley, BC and Bev (Dean) Warkentin of Kleefeld,MB; nieces and nephews, Stephen (Ruveen) and Karyn Stogryn (Daryl Hawkins), April Pereira, Chris Warkentin (fiancée Rayma Bjornson); great-nieces, Mya Pereira, Roya Stogryn; aunts, Frieda Falk and Ruth Topnik of Steinbach; and numerous cousins.
Howard was predeceased by his parents, Jake (2003) and Elsie Topnik (2014) , and daughter Deanne Topnik (2003).
His early years were spent on the family farm south of Kleefeld. As a child he attended the Hochstadt School, Steinbach Junior High and the Steinbach Regional Secondary School. Howard did his post secondary school studies at the University of Manitoba where he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1980.
He married his first wife Barb in 1981 and they had two children whom they raised in St. Boniface. He worked at Via Rail in finance until 1994, and then he worked for the Kleysen Trucking company as Payroll Coordinator for 26 years and retired in 2022. He continued to do taxes after retirement even while in hospital. Many of his clients considered him a friend.
Howard met Shirley in 2001 on a blind date arranged by a friend. They spent many years camping numerous times with Howard’s mom and other family members. They also took many trips to BC to visit family and especially the grandchildren. Howard cherished these visits with family and friends.
Howard had many hobbies including pixel art, puzzles, board games, movies, collecting coins and stamps, and card games (especially cribbage).
Howard had a long history of kidney disease beginning in his 20s. He was determined to live his best life, taking every challenge in stride. He started Peritoneal Dialysis shortly after retiring. He was still able to travel with his dialysis machine.
We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the many departments and staff at the St. Boniface Hospital for all the care they provided over the last years.
A Celebration of Life will take place on August 24, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Green Acres Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1 Green Acre Lane, Navin, MB.
Donations, in Howard’s memory may be made to the Kidney Foundation or to a charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 25, 2026
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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Howard & I worked at VIA Rail for many years together & became friends. He was a gentleman & a gentle man, with a good sense of humour. He always had a smile for everyone. When Howard met Shirley, it was a match made in heaven. It was so nice to visit them in their Traverse Street home & then at their apartment a few years ago. Since the 90’s, Howard also did my taxes, my parents, my sister’s and many of my friends who had small businesses. I’ll miss you, my friend. RIP - Posted by: Christine Ward (Friend & Co-worker at VIA Rail) on: Jul 25, 2026
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I was very saddened to hear of Howard's passing. We both went to SRSS. I later met Howard again at Adventures. Together we organized and ran a hiking club. Many good times. My deepest condolences to Howards family. - Posted by: Catherine Clincke (nee choate) (high school friend and adventures friend) on: Jul 25, 2026
Green Acres Funeral Home and Cemetery
No. 1 Hwy. E. & Navin Rd. (Map)
Ph: 2042223241 | Visit Website