YOHAN (PHIL) GRIFT

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

YOHAN (PHIL) GRIFT After a lengthy illness, Phil went back to his maker on February 28, 2005. He began his journey in life on May 26, 1915 in Swan Lake, MB, the sixth of eleven children born to Geertruida and Matthys. He was predeceased by his wife Mary and daughter Marlene; his parents, Geertruida and Matthys; his brothers, Gerald, Dave, John, Tony; his sisters, Corneila, Mary and Hannah. He is survived by his children, Bert (Penny), Ed, Larry (Fran), JoAnn (Don) Lippens, Archie (Wanda)Mary Ann (Mike) Stewart; his son-in-law Ed Demchuk; his grandchildren, David, Steven, Sheri, Pamela, Chris, Andrea, Terry, Jeff, Bert, Belinda and Laura; his great-grandchildren, Katrina, Nathan, Mitchell, Philip, Cooper, Adara, Jacob, Hannah, Gracie, Melodie; his sisters, Catherine, Bertha and Gertie. He will also be missed by his many nieces and nephews. In 1947, he purchased the family farm, in Transcona, which is now Mission Gardens. He farmed all his life, retiring from farming in 1970. He eased into retirement by changing careers. He became a fisherman, winemaker, horse shoe champion, berry picker, carpenter and gardener. Dad and Mom also enjoyed travelling with their siblings. Some of his fondest memories are fishing with all of his grandkids, Dad enjoyed his crab apple trees and insisted on sharing this passion with his children. Dad we will miss you dearly, but we aren't going to miss those apples. Whenever guests came to visit, Dad always had a glass of home made wine for them. Dad enjoyed the annual family parties at the cottage in Grand Marais. He would sit around the barbecue, grinning from ear to ear, listening to the laughter and joking of his children and grandchildren. Dad enjoyed a long and healthy life, he only began taking prescribed medication for the first time at the age of 85. He had a sharp mind and continued to play BIEN at the age of 89. Dad had a wonderful sense of humour and was always thoughtful and mindful of others. We love you Dad and will miss you always Give Mom and Marlene a hug for us. Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 noon, Friday, March 4 at St. Alphonsus Church, 300 Donalda Ave. Prayers will be held one half hour prior to funeral mass. With a private family burial to be held on a later date at Green Acres Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Concordia Hospital Oncology Clinic, 1095 Concordia Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2K 3S8 or a charity of your choice. Our family would like to thank the nurses and staff in Oncology and the third floor at Concordia Hospital for their compassionate care. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery Hwy. #1 E. at Navin, (204) 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 02, 2005