PAUL SOKAL -

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PAUL SOKAL 1937 - 2003 Heaven is a happier place since November 26, 2003, when Paul Sokal passed away at the age of 66 after a brief but valiant fight with cancer. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 41 years, Lil (nee Jeske) his daughter Kim and husband Greg Link; and three cherished grandchildren, Rachel, Mitchell, and Michael and his son Grant and wife Donna and Pauls soon to arrive grandchild. Paul is survived by his sister Anne and husband Dan Zatylny; brother Peter and wife Jean; sister Fran Ridley; sister Stella Barrie; sister Jean and husband John DeGroot and all of their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Tekla and Steve; and brothers, John and Fred. He was born in Sandy Lake on June 28, to parents Tekla and Steve. He attended Rackham School until Grade 8 when he left to help work on the family farm. On his dads insistence, he left the farm for a better life as a mechanic and attended Manitoba Technical Institute. In 1962 he met the love of his life and after a short courtship married Lil. They had two children, daughter Kim and son Grant. Paul worked at International Harvester as a mechanic upon graduation. He then worked for Ryder Machinery as Service Manager for 11 years before he risked it all and branched out in 1979 and started his own trailer making business - Sokal Industries. He was a big strong man with a zest for life. His happiest times were spent at the lake in Lac du Bonnet. He loved to entertain his family and friends in the attached double car garage; around a bonfire; or sitting on the dock. He cut enough wood for two life times, and also loved to fix and build things outdoors (his and everyone elses). His passion was his work, putting in 11 hour-days for 24 years. He would endlessly entertain his grandchildren with hour-long four wheeler rides and tubing around the lake in the summer and skidoo rides in the winter. Last year Mom and Dad celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary at the lake with a big "happening." We would like to thank Drs. Wong and Daeninck, and nurses Tracy and Kathy from CancerCare Manitoba. We would also like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Abbott and nurses Claire, Jennifer and Bernice from Palliative Care at St. Boniface for helping our family in the last two days, face the most difficult time of our lives. Thanks to all our friends and family for your well wishes - we love you all. A celebration of Pauls life will take place on Friday, November 28 at 1:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Interment will take place immediately after at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Ron Lee, Bob Cunningham, Peter Weidmann, Jim Kondryshyn, Buddy Wingate, Len Small and Guy Burr. (All from the right side of the River - except for one!) In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Pauls memory to CancerCare Manitoba, Canadian Diabetes Association or the Palliative Care Unit at the St. Boniface Hospital. Dad, to follow in your footsteps is impossible, but youve left us with your courage, love and strength to try. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 28, 2003