ALGIRD (DUTTIE) GUSTAITIS -

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ALGIRD (DUTTIE) GUSTAITIS 1933 - 2000 With deep sadness our family announces the passing of Algird, beloved husband of Anne, after a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 66 years. He passed away peacefully on February 17, 2000, at the St. Boniface Hospital with his family by his side. Al was born August 11, 1933, in Winnipeg. He was raised and spent his youth in the Norwood area. Together with his wife Anne, they settled in West Kildonan where they spent their lives and raised their children. Al entered the Fire Department June 1, 1961, and was promoted to Lieutenant January 3, 1987. He was then promoted to Captain, August 12, 1990. He retired June 13, 1993, with 32 years of service. After retiring he enjoyed biking, especially at Birds Hill Park, and walking daily in Kildonan Park. He entered the Manitoba Marathon Blue Cross Walk for the past seven years. He participated in many charitable fundraisers such as the MS Ride and Roll, the Supercities Walk for MS and the Terry Fox Walk for Cancer many times. He loved his time spent with his grandchildren, watching them partake in soccer, volleyball, basketball, and especially watching his grandson play hockey. Al was a kind and gentle man who was a friend to everyone. All those who knew him grew to love him. Al was predeceased by his mother Sophie in 1956, his father Julius in 1971 and his granddaughter Kelly in 1973. He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife Anne; his daughter Patricia Benson of Vancouver; daughter Sharon Obirek, her husband Ken and daughter Darcy Spikula and her husband Jim, both of Winnipeg. Also to mourn his passing is his loving sister Donna Rivard and husband Gerry; niece Theresa Benard, husband Jack and son Weston and nephew Rodney Olver, all of Vancouver. He will be missed with great sorrow by his beloved grandchildren, Donald and Tina Benson of Vancouver, Kimberly and Amy Obirek of Winnipeg and Catherine and Colin Spikula of Winnipeg. A memorial reception in his honour will be held at the Norwood Hotel on Monday, February 21, at 1:00 p.m. in celebration of his life. All are welcome. Private interment will be held at a later date. Thank you to Dr. A. Maksymiak and the nursing staff at St. Boniface Hospital for their wonderful and compassionate care. Memorial arrangements entrusted through P. Coutu Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Manitoba Cancer Treatment & Research Foundation, 100 Olivia St., Winnipeg, Man., R3E 9Z9. "We love you, Dad and Poppa" P. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 156 Marion Street 949-4864

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 20, 2000