JOHN WALTER (VLADIMIRUS) KOWALCHUK

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JOHN WALTER (VLADIMIRUS) KOWALCHUK With deep sadness, the family of John Kowalchuk announces that on Tuesday, January 6, 2004, with his beloved wife Anne at his side, he passed away at his home. John was born in Poland on September 6, 1909, and immigrated to Canada as a small child in 1912, with his mother Francesca Kowalchuk (predeceased 1962). He married Anne Lazaruk June 18, 1938, in Transcona, and their union was blessed with a daughter and son. John is survived by his wife Anne; son Robert of Carmen, MB; and daughter Carrie (Sidney) Smid of Winnipeg; grandchildren, Gordon (Lisette) Smid of Vernon, BC, David (Margaret) Smid of Edmonton, AB, Elaine (Dan) Mack of Emo, ON; nine great-grandchildren; brother-in-law William (Myrtle) Lazaruk and their family; and special niece Connie (Ivan) LeBlanc of Winnipeg. John treasured his family, and together he and Anne hosted warm and modest gatherings to celebrate annual events or milestones for family or friends throughout the years. During the 1940s and 1950s, he enjoyed taking his young family by train on memorable summer vacations to cottages located at Grand Beach. Later, the train travel extended across Canada to visit the wonders of our country, and for his work. Upon his retirement, he could not sit still, but was content to take to the road by driving to Carmen to plan and supervise new home-repair tasks for his son and son-in-law to undertake. He always enjoyed a good chuckle and was blessed with many longtime and loyal friends throughout his busy life. In the late 1930s, John began working for the CN Transcona Shops in the B & B Department. He became active with the Brotherhood Maintenance of Way Employees union in 1941. Never forgetting his humble beginnings, he dedicated his work to improve conditions for fellow workers and their families. His qualities included a dignified sense of fairness, unconditionally giving and earning respect. He retired as the International Secretary-Treasurer of BMWE in 1977 and was presented a 50 Year Merit Award. John was also active in undertaking civic and provincial political campaign work. Until his eyesight began to fail in the past decade, he continued to expand his knowledge as an avid reader of current events. John received several awards in recognition of his lifelong works and leadership. He was especially proud of one that related to his 18 years of volunteer work with the Transcona Seniors and was the recipient of a Community Services Award from the City of Winnipeg in 1983. In 1992, on Canadas 125th Anniversary of Confederation, the Governor General of Canada presented him with a Commemorative Medal for Significant Contributions to Compatriots, Community and Canada. His abiding guidance, strength and love will always be remembered. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 10 at 11:00 a.m. at the Transcona Funeral Chapel, 1800 Day St., with Father Bill Wasyliw officiating. A private family interment will follow at the Transcona Cemetery, Monday, January 12. The family expresses their deep gratitude to homecare services for the faithful care they provided; in particular, we thank Jan, Lorraine, Gordon and Andrea. The family is also very grateful to all the Emergency Response Units who attended on January 6. Their compassion and assistance eased the difficult crisis. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations in Johns memory may be made to either the Alzheimers Society of Manitoba, #10 - 120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2, or to a charity of their own choosing. Transcona Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 09, 2004