JOHN KURTAS

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JOHN KURTAS December 22, 1914 - July 27, 2004 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, John Kurtas, at the Grace Hospice, Winnipeg, MB. Alojza, his wife of 58 years and sister Janina in Poland, survive John. John leaves to mourn his passing and to celebrate his life his four children, Donna (Brian) Stefanson of Airdrie, AB, Ted (Nancy) Kurtas, Stan (Leslie) Kurtas and Theresa (Dan) Beaudoin. Also left to mourn are his seven grandchildren, Kevin (Kendra) Stefanson, Kristy (Trevor) Tarasoff, Jonathan Kurtas, Michael Kurtas, Christopher Beaudoin, Alisha Beaudoin, Matthew Kurtas; and great-granddaughters, Kaila and Sydney Stefanson. His parents, Kazimierz, Maria; his brothers, Zigmund, Stefan, Mundek, and Ludwig in Poland, predeceased John. John was born in Konin, Poland where he became a man, joined the Polish Army as an officer, and fought in the Second World War. He was captured and spent three years in the concentration camp Auschwitz. John was a man of enormous spirit, Christian faith, and strength surviving the inhumanity of incarceration at Auschwitz. He did not return to his native Poland but instead set forward to make a new life for himself and his family in Canada. John lived and worked in Selkirk for over 50 years, retiring in Winnipeg. He enjoyed being with his family, telling stories about the good old days, good home cooked food, gardening, playing chess, and cribbage. John will forever be remembered for his selfless desire for a better life for his family. He was the Patriarch of his family. Solid Christian values, integrity, honour, and tradition are the core values that made him the man he was. John will be remembered for his straight forward fun loving ways, his practical nature, his solid judgement, wisdom, and a dry sense of humour. Johns work ethic was part of his strong drive and will be remembered by his friends and acquaintances. He will be dearly missed and loved. The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to the extremely kind and thoughtful nursing staff and volunteers at the Grace Hospice. They brought dignity, comfort, and peace to a man during his last days. Sincere and special thanks to Dr. J. Mulder, Dr. P.G. Mehta, Dr. P. Daeninck, Joanne Mills and staff at St. Boniface Hospital. Prayers will be held at the Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main St. at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 29. Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 30, at 11:00 a.m. in the Mary Mother Of The Church Parish, 85 Kirkbridge Dr., with Fr. Carl Tarnopolski officiating. Interment to follow at a later date at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. Friends that so desire, memoriams may be made in Johns memory to the Grace Hospice, 260 Booth Dr., Winnipeg, MB R3J 3R5 Telephone 837-0751. Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN EDEN FUNERAL HOME 4477 MAIN STREET 338-7111 Family and friends are invited to sign The Book of Condolences at www.gleneden-mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 29, 2004