CASIMER CLARENCE CHURKO

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CASIMER CLARENCE CHURKO After a long hard fought struggle against the effects of Parkinson disease, Casimer passed away on Friday, April 23, 2004 at Red River Place in Selkirk, MB. Dad was born the second youngest of seven on November 9, 1920 in Zhoda, MB to Joseph and Sophia Churko. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Nell; brother Walter and sister Carrie. His stories and observation of life will always be remembered by his family, daughters, Caroline, Patricia (Al) sons, Casimer (Penni), Michael (Madelene). Grandchildren, Jacqueline, Colin, Bryan, Adam, Reid, Sara, Lisa and Matthew. Great-grandchildren, Tamara and Ashley. He will also be remembered by brothers, Zigmund (June), Charles (Ann) sisters, Stephanie, Rose (Barrie) and numerous nieces and nephews. Leaving Zhoda at an early age, Casimer and his family settled in the Parish of Rossdale, MB, where the family farmstead was established. The son of a farmer carpenter, Dad completed high school and then earned a diploma in Agriculture that developed into a passion he maintained for the remainder of his life. With the advent of the depression, Dad, his brothers and friends travelled throughout Western Canada working with the farmers during the harvest. Dad joined the RCAF during the Second World War and served as a Mechanic in Britain. At the end of the war, he re-enlisted in the Air Force, married Nell on May 2, 1947 after which they began their family and a new phase of his life. Cas had numerous postings and served in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and Alberta including service in Resolute Bay, NWI. Retiring from the RCAF in 1966, he and his family moved from Portage la Prairie to Winnipeg, where he served the people of Manitoba in the Department of Highways, retiring in the early 1980s, to his life long passion of gentleman farmer at the family farm. Dad had an inquisitive mind with a fondness and memory for the local history of St. Andrews. He had numerous passions, some of which included travelling, dancing and relating a good story. He was outgoing and made friends easily. He was always quick with a smile and an invitation to visit and stay for dinner. Dad and Mom enjoyed travelling throughout Canada and Europe including the British Isles. Casimer was always willing to lend a helping hand and as a master mechanic, enjoyed taking his vehicles apart and putting them back together on a regular basis much to his wife and familys amusement and dismay. Mom and Dad had a love of friends and family and the farmhouse was always filled with food, love and laughter. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Colin, Adam, Bryan, Reid and his nephews, Roger Churko and Peter Cimarno. Honorary pallbearers will be his eight grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be on Monday, April 26 at 11:00 a.m. at Notre Dame Catholic Church, Selkirk, MB with Fr. Boguslaw Wardzinski officiating. Cremation will follow. Many thanks to all the staff at Red River Place for their care and support of our father over the past eight years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson Society of Manitoba, 204-825 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1M5. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 25, 2004