PETER DREWNIAK

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PETER DREWNIAK With deep sadness and pain, the family announces the passing of our much loved husband and father, Peter Drewniak, on Friday, May 18, 2001. Peter fought lung cancer for two years with an incredible will to survive until God took him home. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary Drewniak, and his brother Joe. Peter will be sorrowfully missed by his wife Gladys and his son Elliott. Our close little family of three has grown smaller and inconsolably sadder. He will also be missed by his brother Bill and wife Luba, by his brother Maurice and wife Josie, and by his brother Matt. Many in-laws, nephews, nieces, and great-nephews and nieces will miss his attention and love. He will especially be missed by his new great-nephew Darian, who will never know his loving and playful uncle. Peter was born on his parents farm in Caliento, MB on July 27, 1940. He attended Strand School and Shevchenko High School in Vita. Peter worked very hard on his parents farm until he left to begin a job as a signal maintainer for CN. He then completed the Winnipeg Police training course and became a Fort Garry police constable in 1964. After eight years on the force, he decided to try business but later returned to police work, which he loved. He worked as a Constable and Sargent for the Winnipeg Park Police for 19 years. His strong work ethic was obvious: he worked two or three jobs at once for most of his life. Peter was a master of all trades. His curiosity to know how things worked drove him to become a self-taught master craftsman. He always offered plumbing, electrical, home-renovating and mechanical help and advice to family and friends. His love of nature and quiet days spent at the lake, made him a master angler. His love of cooking inspired his secret gravy recipe along with many others. His love of music led him to play the accordion in a band with his brothers and later to follow in his fathers footsteps as a cantor for St. Michaels Church. Church was an integral part of Peters life. He was a past president of St. Michaels Ukrainian Orthodox Church. His faith in God was deep and constant; it sustained him throughout his life and in the darkest hours of his horrific illness. Peters kindness to others was always present. His willingness to help and his wonderful ability to listen brought him many friends. Old people loved him because he respected and listened to them. Young people loved him because he treated them seriously and did not judge or preach. Children loved him because he always had time to play with them. His brothers and in-laws loved him because he had a great sense of humour and was always agreeable to a visit or a party. Best of all, his wife and son loved him because he was always there to protect and care for them, especially in times of illness or need. Prayers will be sung on Tuesday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Cathedral, 1175 Main St. with Very Rev. Fr. John Melnyk and Very Rev. Fr. Henry Lakusta officiating. Pallbearers will be Shane Lylyk, Bonnie Eliuk, Cynthia Drewniak, Lori Leclair, Evan Campbell, and Curtis Drewniak. We would like to thank all the wonderful nurses and doctors from the Mayo Clinic, CancerCare, and Riverview, who tried so hard to save him and to keep him free from pain and suffering. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL in care of arrangements - 586-8044.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 20, 2001