JOSEPH (JOE) DAVID KARSIN

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JOSEPH (JOE) DAVID KARSIN Peacefully at home with family at his side on February 24, 2005. Dad was born on August 15, 1918 in Broad Valley, MB, one of four children born to John and Mary Kucharczyn spending his early years working on the family farm. Dad obtained his license in Radio Operations in 1936 and during the Second World War was a radio operator in Arctic Bay sending weather conditions to Europe by Morris Code. It was at this time he realized that Kucharczyn was not the easiest to send in Morris Code and changed his surname to Karsin. After the war he followed his interest in electronics obtaining his electrical license then opening his own business Karsin Electronics in Arborg. As hydro electricity became available throughout the Interlake, Dad and his work crew would wire several houses a day in one community. Always wanting and accepting the challenge of learning new or more things, Dad became a professional photographer, licensed plumber and began selling home appliances in addition to his electronics business. In early January 1950, Dad met Phyllis Alguire while both were working at the Red Cross (Arborg) Hospital and on October 7, 1950 they married. In 1953 Dad was stricken with Polio, but never one to give up or sit idle, he worked hard rising to the challenge and was soon walking again. In 1963 and 1964 their daughter Sheila Grace and son David John arrived respectively. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Phyllis; daughter Sheila (Rick) Johnston; son David (Pauline) Karsin; and his four grandchildren, Shaina, Tyler and Kirk Johnston and Jonathan Karsin. He is also survived by his sister Kay Pieper of St. Helens, OR; numerous family and friends. Dad was predeceased by his father John; mother Mary; brothers, Anthony and Andrew. Dad's great patience, kindness, gentle demeanour and warm heart came natural to him through his faith in God. The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to Dr. E. Beukes, the staff and ambulance attendants of the Arborg District Health Centre, Georgina Ball and the Home Care workers. A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 2 at the Arborg Christian Fellowship Church with Pastor Tom Gerbrandt officiating. In lieu of flowers if family and friends so desire, donations may be made in Dad's memory to the Arborg Christian Fellowship Church or The Foundation Fighting Blindness , 703-60 Saint Clair Ave. East, Toronto, ON M4T 1N5. (1-800-461-3331). Arrangements entrusted to Arborg (MacKenzie) Funeral Chapel.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 28, 2005