CLIFFORD KOWALSKY

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CLIFFORD KOWALSKY Peacefully, on July 9, 2004, Clifford Kowalsky, loving husband and father. Survived by Rosemary, his precious wife of 65 years, brother Bernie, son Clifford (Julia, Stephen, Christopher, Rachel, Shara, Megan), daughter Elaine ( Elton), son Barry (Kathryn, Brendan, Robyn Katelyn) son Kenneth (Linda, Kenneth Jr., Marie) predeceased by his parents, Maryan and Theophelia; brothers, Thomas and James; sisters, Elsie, Stella and Olga. A remarkably talented man, Cliff was born in Winnipeg in 1915, and grew up in Point Douglas. He attended Norquay and Tec Voc schools. A gifted athlete, he founded the Royal Dukes Athletic Club and earned his Royal Life Saving Society Bronze Medallion at the age of 17. He met Rosemary in 1939. They were married at the Stella Mission in Winnipeg by Dr. Schaefer on December 23, 1939. Cliff answered his countrys call to war in September 1939, serving in the Royal Canadian Engineers, 12th Field Company. Cliff served in England, Sicily, Italy, France and Holland. Twice mentioned in dispatches, Cliff was wounded in battle. He saw his wife only once during the war, in 1945 he managed to obtain and 10 day furlough in London, where Rosemary served in the Canadian Womens Army Corps. Cliff remained in the reserves after the war, and he was invited to attend the Coronation of Elizabeth II, where he was decorated by the Queen for his courage in battle. After the war, Cliff and Rosemary settled at 41 Bowhill Lane in Charleswood, here they built their home and raised their children. A pioneer in the community, Cliff was involved with the Legion, the Church Choir, Scouts, the Charleswood Youth Drop In Centre, helping out friends and lending a hand. He cheerfully volunteered for any task no matter how arduous. His warm and engaging personality touched everyone who knew him. Throughout his life, Cliff continued his athletic endeavours. A champion runner, he won the over 65 half marathon at the age of 75. He mastered the fine art of bathtub racing, winning every race he entered. He was a life member of the lawn bowling society, winning the Manitoba Championship. As well, he was an avid darts player at the Legion, where he won many trophies. Cliff loved acting, and appeared in many roles at church functions. He played monsters, clowns and comic strip characters, but his most endearing role was that of Harry Higgins, the scheming English dandy, in a church musical. He loved to dress up for his childrens parties, and spent many happy hours entertaining the kids. A master story writer and teller, Cliff participated in the school reading program, reading his original works to the school children. Cliff worked in construction for 45 years in Winnipeg starting with Commonwealth Construction in the early 1930s. He was respected and admired by his colleagues for his technical knowledge and his wonderful people skills. Cliff loved to go fishing at Lac Du Bonnet at his cottage, where he spent many happy hours going after "The Big One". The memories of the time at the lake spent with him will shine within all of us for the rest of our lives. A master builder, Cliff created a wonderful home for his family. He spent many hours doing woodwork, building additions, gardening in his greenhouse and "fixing up the place". His flowers were amazing to see. Cliff was a devoted husband, loving father, faithful servant of God, helpful neighbour, brave soldier, athlete, entertainer, community builder, and friend to all. To know him was an honour and a pleasure. He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten. A celebration of Cliffs life will be held at the church he helped build, Charleswood United Church, on July 17 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Joanne Kury officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Cliffs name to the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 14, 2004