PETER UNIK

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PETER UNIK It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, dad, papa and most of all our best friend, Peter Unik of East Selkirk, MB on June 5, 2001 at age 59. Peter is survived by "his girls," wife Heather of 34 years; Joy (Peanut), Jodi and special friend Dan Charlesworth, Jana and husband Vince Tycholis; and his precious first granddaughter "Little Miss Megan." His sisters, Nell and Ken Flaherty (Brantford, ON), Mary and Julius Eliass of Henderson Hwy., Anne Gowryluk of Selkirk, brother Lawrence and Doreen of Selkirk; and numerous nieces and nephews. Peter also held a special place in his heart for his sisters and brothers-in-law of the Lloyd family near and far. Peter was predeceased by his parents, Daniel and Mary Unik; his brothers, Stanley, Bill, Johnny and Danny; brother-in-law Bill Gowryluk; and niece Karen Eliass. Peter was born May 26, 1942 in East Selkirk where he grew up and attended Happy Thought School. He married Heather Lloyd August 20, 1966 and over the years constantly reminded her of how beautiful she was. Above all, he took great pride in providing for "his girls." At the time of his passing, Peter was an active member of the East Selkirk/St. Clements Fire Department of which he was a founding member. Peter also sat on the board of the Greek Orthodox Cemetery. He was also a Director of the Triple S Community Futures Development Corporation. Peters early business ventures started with his autobody and spray painting company at home. Clive Rennie recruited Peter to drive fuel trucks for him which gave him the opportunity to get into the bulk oil business and eventually resulted in Peter managing the Gulf Oil Plant in Selkirk. Over the years, he started and operated the following businesses in Selkirk, Sports Plus, Merle Norman Cosmetics and C.A.A. Towing. The major part of his business life was spent at his Gulf Oil Station "now Petro Canada" on Main Street in Selkirk from whom he recently received a 30 year award for his association with Petro Canada and his commitment to his community. Peter was a member of the East Selkirk/St. Clements Fire Department for over 30 years and received a medal for exemplary fire service from the Governor General of Canada. Over these years, he made many good friends within the fire service, fighting fires and assisting with flood control. Away from his business environment, Peter took pride in his yard, sharing it with all his family and friends, around the pool, many flower beds, trees and shrubs. Peter, You always had time to listen, and you were very wise, its true. Although you spoke without opinion, you always seemed to know what to do. You always saw the good in everyone no matter what the case. You loved your kids and granddaughter. The lessons that you left are simple: Treat every stranger like a brother, cherish your family and friends, love what you do, and always love each other. Today I say goodbye to you Peter, a truly special man, this man I miss is my husband. May you rest in Gods loving hands. Till we meet again, I love you forever. - Heather Dearest Dad, Looking back over this last year, you helped me so much, you were so dear, you opened your arms and welcomed Dan and the project of restoring our van. The back garage was a place we met, the path we led from the house to get to the back. Ill never forget. When we needed a favour you would say, "No problem," and yet if something went wrong it was, "Oh dear." The endless time you gave to Dan and I holds so many special moments I wish we didnt have to say goodbye. You were one of a kind and I am so grateful that you were mine. My biggest fear has come true, but why did it have to happen to you? Continue to watch over us and to guide us. I love you, the first of your girls. - Jodi Dad, You are the greatest man I will ever know. I was so fortunate to have been able to spend the last few years working with you and being at your side everyday. My life will not be the same, not talking to you everyday and hearing you say, "Whats Miss Megan" doing. You were and always will be the pillar in our family and I will pass on to your newest little girl "Miss Megan" everything you taught me, all of lifes lessons. How fortunate she was to have four beautiful months with you. You always gave to everyone you knew and especially to people you didnt know, never once taking for yourself. You never thought twice about giving people a second chance. You always said "people whether rich or poor are still people." Vince and I thank you for taking as much pride in making our home and yard as beautiful as yours. How fortunate I am to have found a man in Vince like I had in you. Dad, I will always remember your last words to me. I love you guys and I am so glad I was there with you and could be there for you in your last minutes with us. You are my pride and joy, my whole world, and I will always love you, your greatness will live in my memory forever. Love your second princess, - Jana To my "Papa Bear," Now that youve left us girls, the days just wont be the same. A year and a half ago when my very close friend decided to head west, she had mentioned how lucky she was to have had the chance to work with her dad and help run the family business. From that moment I too realized I was just as lucky. I had the opportunity to work with you for many, many years. Those are the memories I will definitely cherish the most and the $5.00 Nite Owl Saturdays! (I still love my treats). Dad you have taught us all so much and always believed in me no matter what choices I made. You are the most giving dad a kid could ever have. Everyone says Im so much like you. Giving describes us both in just one word! I will keep on giving and I will keep on loving you forever and ever! - Love Peanut P.S. Thanks for the last ride in the fire truck at last years parade. Prayer service will be held Friday, June 8 at 7:00 p.m., Good Shepherd Church, 6088 PTH 9A, Selkirk. Funeral service will be held Saturday, June 9, also in the church, with Pastor Art Kliever officiating.Interment will follow in St. Clements Cemetery. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in Peters memory be made to Selkirk & District Community Foundation, Box 400, Selkirk R1A 2B3 or the Firefighters Burn Fund, 202 - 666 St. James St., Winnipeg, Man., R3E 3J6. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the East Selkirk/St. Clements Volunteer Fire Department. Pallbearers will be, Randy Vandean, Barry Kruger, Bill Kutzak, Randy Gowryluk, Bill Bodman, Ricki Lloyd, Clive Rennie, Alex Kruit and John Buffie. (continued next column)

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 08, 2001