CHARLES VINCENT OBSZARSKI JR.

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CHARLES VINCENT OBSZARSKI JR. November 1, 1932 - May 3, 2001 Peacefully on May 3, 2001, with his family at his side, Charlie passed away at the Percy E. Moore Hospital. He was 68 years old. Charlie leaves to mourn his devoted and loving wife Amy; his children, Robert (Cindy), Joanne (Frank) and Arlene (Brian) his grandchildren, Vanessa (friend Kyle), Candace (friend Robbie), Michelle, Megan and Katelyn; his mother-in-law Mary Skibinski; brother-in-law Victor Skibinski; his sisters, Mary Pawlowich, Ann Boychuk, Elizabeth Trachuk, Emily Pawlyk (Joe) and brother-in-law Mike Wladyka; many nephews, nieces, relatives, friends and his pals, Tootsie and Blackie. He was predeceased by his father Charles; mother Josephine; infant son Vincent; brother Joe; sisters, Rosie Stocki, Milly Wladyka and Helen Zuk; brothers-in-law, Mike Stocki, Nestor Pawlowich, Bill Boychuk, Charlie Trachuk and Fred Zuk and father-in-law Joseph Skibinski. Charlie was born and raised in the Zbaraz area of Fisher. He was the youngest born of Charles and Josephine into a family of eight siblingsseven sisters and one brother. In his youth, he attended Barrie School. His mischievous nature and fun loving ways kept his teachers and fellow students in suspense as to what he would do next. He finished his education at Fisher Branch School and went on to teach. On July 10, 1952, he married his sweetheart, Amy Skibinski. Together they raised three children, Robert, Joanne and Arlene. For the next years, he worked with his dad for the Department of Highways, where he acquired the skills of road building and maintenance. In 1955, together with his brother-in-law Victor, he opened a service garage in Hodgson, Man., known as Charlies Service. In 1957 they decided to venture into farming. They farmed and ran the garage until 1961. It was at this time Charlie, Amy and Victor went into farming full time. They were later joined by son Robert, and continued to farm until they retired in 1996. Although retired, Charlie and Amy still helped out on the farm in whatever way they could. They so enjoyed being "Up North"it was their sanctuary. Whether it was cruising on their ATV, feeding the deer, watching the birds, having family visit or playing cards, these were the pastimes that made them the happiest. Charlie had been an active member of the Fisher Branch community. Some of his volunteer involvement included the building of the Fisher Branch Recreation and Community Centre; President of the Recreation Centre; time keeper and referee for local hockey teams; teaching hunter safety courses and of course, carnival clown. Charlie was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and a variety of sports. Family and friends have many fond memories of fishing trips with Charlie, made even more memorable because of his story telling and jokes. Another of Charlies early passions was flying. His ability led him to fire patrol, flood rescue and search and rescue. What made Charlie happiest, though, was flying his plane with his family at his side, to his beloved "Up North," where we are sure his spirit will always soar. Charlie was an intelligent man with a wide array of talents. Being musically inclined, you could always count on Charlie to liven up a party with his accordion or harmonica. He could also jig up a storm. Charlie was also artistically talented and his creative ability shone through his leatherworks. His detailing ability brought deer, elk, bears, birds, fish and nature scenes to life on leather. Many of his family and friends have received wallets, purses, belts and pictures. His last gift to Amy was a beautifully designed Bingo bag. Charlie, we will always cherish your creations with pride. Thank you. We will miss you dearly and you will be forever in our hearts. The family wishes to thank Dr. Greg Andreas, nurses and staff at Percy E. Moore Hospital for their kindness and compassionate care at this very difficult time. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 7 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fisher Branch, Man., with Father David Kowalski officiating. Interment to follow at St. Anthonys of Zbaraz. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may make a donation in Charlies memory to the Fisher Handivan Fund. Fisher Funeral Home, Fisher Branch in care of arrangements. (204) 372-6271.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 05, 2001