LORNE ALBERT KURBIS

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LORNE ALBERT KURBIS On May 7, 2001 at the Selkirk General Hospital, Lorne Kurbis, aged 66 years of Selkirk, passed away peacefully, but unexpectedly, following a long courageous battle with arthritis. He is survived by his loving wife, Anne-Marie; his children, Brent, Joann, Garth; special son-in-law Tim Makara and precious grandchildren, Geoff, Katie and Joel. Also surviving him is his mother Edith; brothers, Ken (Olive) and Ernie (Gail) of Winnipeg as well as numerous relatives and friends. Lorne was born in the Beausejour area and assisted in running the family farm, the family restaurant (The Clariss Tearoom) in Beausejour, and the Kurbis Grocery and Coffee Bar in Selkirk until it was sold in the early 1960s. He then was a dedicated sales representative for Stafford Foods and Scott National throughout Manitoba until his arthritic condition worsened and he took early retirement. He had been a resident of Selkirk for the past 50 years. Whether it was playing baseball (he was selected for many years as an all-star left fielder in the Manitoba Junior League), hockey (a self-described "grinding" defenceman for the Selkirk Fisherman), or as a scratch-handicapper and the winner of many tournaments at the Selkirk Golf and Country Club, Lorne was a gifted athlete in his youth. He remained a keen sports follower during his disability and was especially proud when a relative or close friend excelled at his/her chosen sport. Never shy to express his opinion on any subject, his acquaintances were often amazed at his memory of significant past events in their lives. He, his opinions, and his cheerful disposition in spite of his illness, will be missed by his family and many friends, and his pain is now gone, as he has left us to join his dearly departed father, Gus; his in-laws. Romeo and Emma Girard; and other close relatives and friends. Funeral service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, at No. 6088-PTH No. 9A, in Selkirk at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, with his Pastor Terry Throndson, officiating. Pallbearers will be Craig, Tim, Gord and Kyle Kurbis, Peter Wiebe and Russell Wasnie. The honorary pallbearers will be Edythe and Gord Lenton, Jim and Jan Begg, Nadine Clarkson, Dudley Spence, and Richard Kurbis. The family would like to thank these special friends of Lornes who took time to visit him regularly and bring a sense of strength. A special thank you to Pastor Terry who was not only Lornes spiritual advisor but also a very good friend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arthritis Society, Ste. 105-386 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3R6 or the Selkirk Palliative Care Unit, in care of Selkirk and District General Hospital, Box 5000, Selkirk, MB R1A 2M2. Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there. I do not sleep I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumns rain. When you awaken in the mornings hush, I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die. I am Free. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 09, 2001