NORMAN GEORGE KLOWAK

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NORMAN GEORGE KLOWAK Peacefully entered into eternal rest on Thursday, October 4, 2001 at the Holy Family Nursing Home at the age of 69. He leaves to mourn his passing Ollie; his son George (Cathy) daughter Marianne (Bert) his grandchildren, Jonathan, Danielle and Luke; as well as his mother Katherine; brother Ben (Olia) and sister Luba; godchildren, Patricia and Noah; an aunt and uncle, nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends including Irene and Pauline. He was predeceased by his father George and brother Stephan. Dad was born December 10, 1931 at St. Boniface Hospital and had a deep love of rural life as he spent his childhood in a number of Manitoba communities. In 1937 the family settled in Poplarfield where he spent some of the happiest years of his life. In 1954 he married Ollie Panchuk and that same year son George was born and in 1957 daughter Marianne arrived. He eventually made Winnipeg his home where he raised his family. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Pharmacy degree in 1955 at the University of Manitoba. Norman was employed at several pharmacies throughout his career including work at the Municipal Hospitals, Fisher Branch, General Hospital, Ringers and K-Mart. In the 1960s Dad established his own business (Empire Drugs, later Normans Pharmacy) for a period of 10 years. He worked as a pharmacist until retirement at the age of 60. From a young man Norman displayed excellent leadership qualities. He was always deeply devoted to religious matters and community affairs, and became most active and involved with he Charismatic Renewal Movement in the 1970s. He spearheaded many endeavours in the church and was very instrumental in setting up many conferences which also included a trip to Rome with his family during the Holy Year in 1975. Dad was also very diversified with the projects that he undertook. His organizational abilities included two charters to the Ukraine in 1990 and again in 1996. Norman enjoyed his commitment to community affairs and was most anxious that others not forget their roots. He played a major role in initiating the Poplarfield Re-union in the late 1980s. His most recent project saw him as the driving force behind the new Poplarfield 2000 Millennium Memorial which honoured the early Ukrainian pioneers in the Interlake Area (Hamerlik, High Plains, New Star and Poplarfield). Dad was a member in good standing of St. Josephat Council #4138 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus. He was also a member in good standing for many years of Canon Lohuvy Assembly #0374 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. Norman was an avid sports fan and thoroughly enjoyed watching games involving the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Winnipeg Jets, The Manitoba Moose, and the Winnipeg Goldeyes. He was also quite the sports enthusiast himself and loved to play the game of baseball, hockey, curling, soccer and chess. He also excelled in the sport of golf having memberships at the St. Boniface Golf Course and later the Elmhurst Golf and Country Club. A dream come true for every golfer, Norman was the first to score a hole-in-one at the Fisher Branch Golf Club. He was also a real competitor at the game of snooker. Payers will be sung 7:00 p.m. Sunday, October 7, at Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church, Munroe at Watt St. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated 9:30 a.m. Monday, October 8, also at the Church with Rev. D. Kawiuk and Rev. M. Kouts officiating. Interment to follow in All Saints Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Gary Bailley, Marvin Klowak, Darryl Jackson, Bill Markusa, Walter Mudlo, Jim Carrigan, and John Hall. The family wish to express their appreciation for the compassion shown by the doctors, nurses and staff at both Holy Family Nursing Home and Health Sciences Centre. Special thanks to Sister Daria who spent much time in prayer with Dad on several occasions during his illness. The family is deeply grateful to her. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Canadian Wildlife Federation or a charity of your choice. God saw you getting tired And a cure was not to be. So he wrapped you in his loving arms, And whispered "Come to me" You suffered much in silence, Your spirit did not bend. You faced your pain with courage Until the bitter end. We all love you, Norman. Your departure has left a void in many peoples hearts and you will be greatly missed. Norman was a very generous man donating to many charities, whenever he encountered someone in need. Dad enriched the lives of everyone who knew him. He was loving, compassionate and caring especially for those less fortunate. Many thanks to all who called or visited while he was in Holy Family Nursing Home and Health Sciences Centre. VICHNAYA PAMYAT KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 07, 2001