PETER HENRY FUNK

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PETER HENRY FUNK August 18, 1906 - November 19, 2003 Peter H. Funk, Annes beloved husband of 61 years, passed away peacefully at the age of 97 years, on November 19, 2003. Besides his wife Anne, he is survived by three sons, Gerry of Edmonton, Colin (Hope) of Victoria, Sheldon of Winnipeg; two daughters, Verlie Maclean Stead of Vancouver and Tannis (Sig) Laser of Winnipeg; two daughters-in-law, Jean Funk of Spruce Grove and Bernice Funk of The Pas; twelve grandchildren, Peter (Margaret) Funk of Edmonton, Mark (Patti) Funk and Jenni (Skye) Beddington of Victoria, Kelly Maclean (Rene Hugo-Sanchez) of Vancouver, John Maclean (Adele Benoit) of Montreal, Jill Stead (Richard Joanette), Jake Stead, Shosana and Kayce Funk, Nathan, Annie and Alex Laser of Winnipeg. Also survived by three great-granddaughters, Kessa Beddington, Taylor Funk, and Zoe Funk; his brother David Funk and wife Mary of Winkler; and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, Heinrich and Maria; sisters, Anna Sawatzky, Tina Wiebe, Maria Dyck; brother Henry Funk. Peter was born on August 18, 1906 near Altona, MB. He received his elementary education in one-room rural schools, and his secondary education at Winkler Collegiate. He graduated from the University of Manitoba with degrees in Arts and Education. Additional training consisted of Industrial Arts and an Army Cadet Officers Training Course. He was a professional educator for 42 years, teaching at New Bothwell, Sanford, Steinbach, Altona, and Gladstone, including ten years of principalship. He was then appointed Inspector of Schools, and held this position for 18 years at Shoal Lake, MB. Peter was also active in the civic field; organizations receiving his support were Chambers of Commerce at Altona and Shoal Lake, the Lions Club and Golf Clubs. For seven years he acted as Magistrate for the province of Manitoba, and he was a member of the governing board of the Morley House Care Home. Fraternal organizations received his ardent support. He was a member of the Shoal Lake and Strathclair Masonic Lodges, as well as the Scottish Rite of the Valley of Brandon with the 33rd degree. He was extremely devoted to the Masonic Order and claimed that it had done more for him than any other society or organization. He was also a member of the Royal York Chapter No. 30 of The Order of the Eastern Star. As a member of the United Church of Canada, Peter served on the Westminster United Church Board in Shoal Lake for many years, as well as Superintendent of the Sunday school and as Lay Reader. For recreation in his younger years, he chose tennis, golf, curling and walking. In his leisure time he pursued hobbies of woodworking, photography, reading, landscaping and gardening. As a father he was adept at finding activities, academic, artistic, athletic, to enjoy with his children. He imparted his enthusiasm for life to his grandchildren as well. A loving and devoted husband, a kind and caring father, a wise and admired grandfather, his life and teachings touched the lives of many colleagues, students, friends, neighbours, brothers and sisters of fraternal organizations, and above all, his family. Honorary pallbearers were his six granddaughters. Active pallbearers were his six grandsons. Funeral service was held in the Trinity United Church in Winnipeg, on Saturday, November 22. In accordance with Peters wishes, cremation has taken place, with interment at Waverley Memorial Gardens. Peters family extends thanks to the staffs at St. Boniface Hospital and Poseidon Personal Care Home for the care and kindness provided to him this past summer. GARRY MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY & CREMATION CENTRE 1291 McGillivray Blvd. - 925-1120

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 25, 2003