ARTHUR (ART) OSWALD

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ARTHUR (ART) OSWALD McCONKEY Suddenly on Tuesday, August 29, 2000, Art McConkey passed away at the Victoria General Hospital. Art will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years, Grace; son David (Meg), grandchildren, Allan, Mark and Clare; daughter Ann (Greg), grandchildren, Alexandra, Jessica and Samantha, step-grandchildren, Thomas and Jonathan; son Brian (Adele), grandchildren, Michelle, Laura and Ian. Also sisters-in-law, Irene Lund, Winona Lund and Madeline Miazga. Art was predeceased by his parents and his brother Glenn. Born on October 24, 1915 to parents Thomas and Florence, Art grew up in Stonewall. He graduated in Arts and Education from St. Johns College in Winnipeg and recently attended the 60th anniversary of his class. Arts working career included teaching at a number of schools in rural Manitoba and Winnipeg. He also worked in an office of the Canadian National Railways in the 1940s and 1950s. After retiring from teaching, Art continued his interest in education with membership in the Mentors Club of Winnipeg. In 1947, Art married Grace Lund. They lived almost their entire life together on North Drive in Fort Garry. Art was a loving husband and a very proud father and grandfather. To his family and indeed all who knew him, Art set an example as a man of integrity and as one who was nurturing, helpful and kind. He was always thinking of others and gave selflessly. Art and Grace were involved members of Fort Garry United Church for 50 years. Art was also an active participant in a number of organizations, including the CCF, later the NDP. He was pleased to have been a founding member of the Co-operators (now Cambrian) Credit Union. Art had a special interest in words and language. He taught English, French and Latin. He enjoyed writing, whether poetry, letters or serving as the secretary of various organizations. A favourite hobby was doing crossword puzzles. Art was born with a club foot, which resulted in challenges during childhood and prevented his serving during the Second World War when he volunteered. He nearly died from polio during the 1952 epidemic. Partly because of these adversities, Art treasured life and being active. Right until his death, Art enjoyed walking, swimming, gardening, curling, going to the theatre and playing Bridge. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 1 at 2:00 p.m. at Fort Garry United Church, 800 Point Rd., Rev. Gordon Taylor officiating. In lieu of flowers, if friends wish, a donation may be made to a charity of ones choice. Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 885-9715.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 31, 2000