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JOHN ATEAH (July 15, 1913 - July 17, 2002) After a long and fulfilling life, John Ateah passed away at the age of 89 on July 17, 2002. Leaving behind to cherish his memory are his children, Carolyn and Don and their daughter Laela; Michael and Barbara and their children, Christopher and Kathryn; and Curwood and Christine and their daughters, Jaymie and Alexandra. His loving wife Bernice predeceased him in 1991 after 45 years of marriage. He is also lovingly remembered by his sisters, Pansey Lunney and Margaret Morphy; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, multi-generations of friends, and his dear friend, Irene Lowing. John was born, raised and lived his entire life in Victoria Beach, MB. His parents, Michael and Sophia emigrated from Lebanon in the late 19th century. John was the second youngest of 10 siblings raised in the Ateah homestead, which was one of the original families who had settled at Victoria Beach. He served with the R.C.A.F. during the Second World War. For many years John and Bernice ran an award winning mink ranch. John was instrumental in the development of the Manitoba Freshwater Fish Marketing Board and was its Chair for many years. He lived a life of hard work, dedication to family and community, a man who thought up and followed through with many great ideas. John established the Victoria Beach Parking Lot following the completion of Highway 59 to Victoria Beach which ensured that the idyllic setting of Victoria Beach would be maintained without traffic in the cottage area. For 42 years John served as a Councillor for the Rural Municipality of Victoria Beach and he was also active in the federal and provincial Liberal Party for many years. John developed cottage areas in Victoria Beach and Traverse Bay and was renowned for his fieldstone fireplaces. He was very involved with the Victoria Beach community and in particular with St. Michaels Church, the Victoria Beach Cemetery, the curling rink and sports centre, and in his later years the Victoria Beach Seniors Centre. He took great pride in his beautiful garden and in providing his family with its bounty. John also had great talent as a handyman and was always willing to help out any of his friends or family. He was a great teller of believable tall tales and was always fun to be around. His unique personality and great talents will be forever missed. Our lives are so much richer for the time we have spent with him. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Larry and Diane Ateah, Kevin and Sandra Ateah, Helen Trainor, and Marlene Farrell for always being there to provide assistance and support at any time. Thanks also to the St. Boniface General Hospital and the Victoria Beach First Responders for their excellent medical and nursing care. The family would like to give special acknowledgment and gratitude to Irene for all her love and support of John over recent years. Funeral service will be held at St. Michaels Church, Victoria Beach (corner of Pine Road and 8th Avenue) at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 22 with viewing at 12:00 noon with Rev. Fraser Muldrew officiating. A reception will follow at the Victoria Beach Seniors Centre (1 Ateah Road). Pallbearers will be Christopher Ateah, Kevin Ateah, Larry Ateah, Bruce Purdy, Clifton Trainor, and Fred Greengrass. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or St. Michaels Church, General Delivery, Victoria Beach, MB R0E 2C0.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 20, 2002
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
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Uncle John visited our home in Lakewood Ohio when I was still in high school. I was the "baton twirler" who worked at Radio City Music Hall and he and his son came to New York for a show there as well. I recall Uncle John as being so kind-hearted, loving, and intelligent. He was king to both my mother, who was a widow, having lost my father William Kassouf -- (his cousin) - - and to me. He spent much speaking with me about Canada and asking me what I knew about the Canadian government. We spoke of the mink farms and of life in Manitoba. He told me how beautiful Victoria Beach was and invited us up for a visit. Sadly, I never did make the trip to Manitoba having always wanted to do so and to meet his children. I will never forget Uncle John. Although I only met him one time, he had "larger-than-life" charisma and I will always treasure the memory of his visit with us. Judy Kassouf Cummings - Posted by: Judy Cummings (cousin ) on: Feb 12, 2017