ALVIN (AL) WILLIAM MATSKIW

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ALVIN (AL) WILLIAM MATSKIW March 17, 1941 - November 13, 2002 On November 13, 2002, Al Matskiw, aged 61 years, passed away at the St. Boniface Hospital. He is survived by Gloria, his loving wife of 41 years; his son David; and his daughter Laurel (Tim) Irving of New Brunswick; brothers, Mike (Susana) of Dauphin, Harry (Camille) of Lorette; and sisters, Nellie (Ernie) Chudley of Vancouver, Eleanor of Vancouver and Louise (Trent) Lintick of Dauphin; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son William, his father Alex and his mother Doris. Al was born on March 17, 1941 in Petlura, MB to Alex and Doris Matskiw. After graduating from high school in Grandview, MB, he came to Winnipeg and received his teaching certification in 1960, followed by a B.A. and B.Ed. at the University of Manitoba. He taught school for over 30 years, the last 20 in resource for Winnipeg School Division No. 1. Al retired in 1996 to continue his hobby of travelling and digging rocks throughout North America and parts of Europe. He designed unique jewelry with his treasures. He was one of the founders of Red River Art and Craft Co-operative displaying and selling his original creations at craft shows for over 20 years. Al loved nature and the outdoors. Hiking for several hours at Birds Hill Park was a favourite pastime as was picking wild berries and mushrooms, answering bird calls and examining every gravel pit in the country for unusual rocks. He was a very loving and caring husband, devoted father and loyal friend. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the compassionate staff of the St. Boniface Intensive Care Unit. Special heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Patrol Sergeant Clark Single of the Winnipeg Police Service and neighbour Lynne Saunders for their support and to the friends, neighbours and family who helped in a time of need. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Als memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, The Heart and Stroke Building, 6 Donald St., Ste. 200, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. A celebration of Als life will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2:00 p.m. at Leatherdale Gardiner Funeral Chapel, 1501 Waverley St. Come to remember a life too short, but well lived! LEATHERDALE GARDINER 1501 Waverley Street 949-4860

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 16, 2002