GEORGE "BLACKIE" GAVRAILOFF

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GEORGE "BLACKIE" GAVRAILOFF Peacefully and dignified, in the early morning of October 4, 2003, George "Blackie" Gavrailoff passed away at the age of 74. George is survived by his wife of 49 years Helen, and six children. Daughter Johanna, husband Gus Fiorino, grandchildren, Joseph, Leathia, Julia and Gabriel; son Thomas, wife Cindy, grandchildren, Brett, Lauren and Connor; son George, wife Rhonda; daughter Helen, husband Mike, grandchild Isaiah; daughter Anne; son Boris, wife Liz, grandchildren, Karla, Michael and George. Family in Bulgaria also survives George. Sisters, Helen and Chuina; and brother Attanac (Maria). George was predeceased by his parents, Ivanka and Boris; and sisters, Maria and Svlatana. A self-made man George immigrated from Ustrem, Bulgaria as a young man of 19 in 1948. He started his odyssey in Northern Canada working the gold mines of the Yukon. While there George met Clifford Kuze who introduced him to his sister Helen. It was love at first sight and the two were married on June 5, 1954. Establishing their roots in Elmwood they would start their family and George began his lifes work to transform the Winnipeg landscape. George was an asphalt man extraordinaire. He arguably put down more asphalt than anyone in the history of Winnipeg. Starting with Tallman Paving in 1954 George became so proficient in laying the "perfect mat" and so well known that former company owner, Marge Tallman, affectionately gave him his trademark nickname, "Blackie". Loyal, determined and hardworking Blackie continued to build his persona while working for BACM, Genstar, Niakwa Construction and founding Bituminex Asphalt Services. Most men upon reaching the pinnacle of their profession slow down or retire, but not George. Late in life he founded Blackies Asphalt Paving, which he ran tirelessly and successfully until a tragic stroke forced him to "shut er down" in October 2002. George taught himself to read and write English. He was a voracious reader, consuming books on topics as diverse as astronomy, religion, politics, history and the sciences. George could engage and carry an in-depth discussion on virtually any subject. George also loved to garden. When visiting George and Helens home one is struck by his huge greenhouse. Inside George would nurture his tomatoes from seeds to ruby red behemoths. Georges love of gardening and nature extended to his "heaven on earth", his cottage property at Longbow Lake, ON. Dad loved to roam his land with his children and grandchildren. He could identify trees, flowers, edible mushrooms, animals and at night, stars, planets and constellations. When you walked with dad at Longbow you were given gentle, real-life lessons on the circle of life. So rich in detail and insight that reading about them at school were a disappointment. George tackled and overcame many obstacles during his life. His greatest challenge was in the year following his stroke. During this past year we truly learned how strong, brave and determined our dad really was. Everyday with courage and dignity he fought to get his life back. Throughout his hardship and struggles he always found the strength to give a smile, hug or affectionate pinch on the cheek. Dad drew strength from the love and care given to him by his tireless wife, Helen, children Johanna and Tom and the joy he experienced when seeing his grandchildren. George became extremely close to his 4 year old grandson Gabriel. They were inseparable. We called them the "kissing birds" as they would kiss and hug for hours. Gabriel truly brightened his days (I love you "Gramps The Gramps"). George and his family also appreciated the help, love and support of his good friends and neighbours Harry and Frieda Klapprat. In the past year, those of us close to George, drew our strength from him. He gave us the courage and strength to face the future without him. We will forever cherish the beautiful memories of our husband, father and grandfather. You can walk now George, our Dad, walk with Jesus and Rest in Peace my darling "Onalee". We love you, forever. "We came from dust, we return to dust". Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 9, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michaels Orthodox Church, 110 Disraeli St. A gathering of family and friends will follow the service at the Glen Eden Reception Centre, 4477 Main St. Should friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 200-6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN EDEN FUNERAL HOME 4477 MAIN STREET 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 07, 2003