CHAD KROEKER

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CHAD KROEKER It is with deep sadness at our incredible loss, but with thanksgiving for his life, that we announce the passing of Chad Kroeker at the young age of 24. Our precious Chad passed peacefully at the Health Sciences Centre on Saturday, March 16, 2002, after a tough fight to survive serious head injuries incurred from a tragic car accident on March 11, 2002. Left to forever cherish his memory are his parents, John and Connie; and sister Andrea from Hong Kong; grandfather William P. Zacharias, from Altona, MB; and his grandma Susan Kroeker from Winkler, MB. Chad was also blessed to have many wonderful aunts, uncles, and cousins as his parents are each the youngest of six children! Chad was born on February 3, 1978 at the G.G.H. in Winnipeg. Chad grew up in Stonewall, MB, where he spent all of his school years. He loved living in his hometown and had so many close friends. His best times were spent with them right from an early age playing "cars", "lego", video games or Star Wars, climbing trees, building forts or "wrastling". Chad loved to play hockey, baseball or a relaxing game of golf, not to be the best, but for the simple enjoyment of being with friends. Swimming, boating, fishing, lifting weights or just hanging out watching T.V. are a few of the other things he really enjoyed doing. Recently he took up hiking, biking and rock climbing while in Asia. And of course, there will always be "Winfield". Chad worked for many years in this special community and especially enjoyed his time at Quarry Park. He took a year of Sciences at the University of Manitoba, and then moved to Hong Kong to be with his immediate family, to teach ESL, and to see other parts of the world. In his short life he was fortunate to travel to numerous places including Thailand, Indonesia and China. He then returned to Manitoba to take his private pilots license after which he moved back to Hong Kong. He enjoyed working for a year as a teaching assistant at the Canadian International School. The children there adored him because of his special, gentle way with them. In August of 2001, he moved to Calgary to begin his training at the Mount Royal Aviation School. Some of Chads greatest attributes were his commitment to friendship, his love of the simple things, his genuine caring, respectful nature and his ability to have a good time. His sparkling, warm eyes, sly smile and from the heart hugs will be greatly missed. He touched so many lives because of his humble goodness and way of making others feel so special. You are forever loved and never forgotten. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 20 at 2:00 p.m. in the New Life Baptist Church, Stonewall. Viewing will be held at the church from 12:00 noon till service time. Pastor Henry Ozirney will officiate. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Childrens Wish Foundation, Manitoba Chapter, 350 St. Mary Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3C 3J2. So many beautiful memories Sprayed with a million tears Wishing God had spared you For just a few more years. Blessed for the years you were with us, And for the happy times we shared. We know that when you left us, You knew how much we cared. Our family chain is broken And nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, Our chain will link again. MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 20, 2002