CHARLES ERNEST DOJACK

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CHARLES ERNEST DOJACK Peacefully, on Thursday, March 31, 2005, Charles Ernest Dojack passed away at the Richmond Lions Manor in Vancouver, B.C. at the age of 86. Charles was born in Winnipeg on April 25, 1918, the son of Czechoslovakian parents, Rosa and Frank Dojacek. He attended public school at St. John's Colleges and Arts Pre-Law at the University of Manitoba. While at university he was responsible for the organization and development of the first University of Manitoba Student Symphony Orchestra, the forerunner of the present Winnipeg Symphony. His university degree was cut short by the Second World War where he joined the Army show stationed in England. Upon returning from the War, Charles respected his father's wishes and took over as the publisher and general manager of National Publishers Ltd., which published five ethnic newspapers, including The Canadian Farmer , Der Nordwestern and The Croatian Voice . Like his father, Frank Dojacek, Charles devoted much of his work and leisure time to the welfare and settlement of new Canadians. He was strongly committed to promoting citizenship within Canada's multicultural heritage. In 1967 he organized the first tours of 58 ethnic press editors to Quebec and 72 French Canadian editors to tour ethnic communities in Western Canada to promote a better understanding of each others cultures. During his 28 year publishing career Charles was the President of the Ethnic Press Federation comprising nearly 100 weeklies, President of Winnipeg's Sales and Advertising Club, Director of the Winnipeg Press Club, President of the Canada Press Club of Winnipeg and Director of the German Canadian Business Association of Manitoba. Although Charles was obviously devoted to his work, he spent even more of his time devoted to his community and the arts. Positions held by Charles included Director of the Canadian Folk Arts Council, Founder of the Community Folk Arts Council of Manitoba, National Director of the Dominion Drama Festival, Director of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Member of the National Executive for the 1967 Pan Am Games and Vice President of the Winnipeg Symphony. Charles love of music and in particular the cello resulted in his being a member of the Symphony Board for 14 years and a first desk cellist of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra for eight years. His devotion to these causes resulted in Charles receiving Community Service awards from Mayor Stephen Juba, the Metropolitan Government of Winnipeg, and the Honourable Edward Schreyer. In 1973, Charles and his wife Anne moved to Ottawa. Charles was a special consultant to Canada Manpower and Immigration on the 1973 Immigration Adjustment Program and the 1975 Green Paper on Immigration. While in Ottawa Charles was the President, Director and fund raising chairperson of the Canadian Citizenship Federation. He received a Citation for Citizenship in 1992, the Canadian Scene Award for the Promotion of Intercultural Understanding in 1993, was short-listed for appointment to the Senate in recognition of his services to Canada, and as recently as 2002 received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. It is a sad fact of life that you often only reflect on all the business and community service accomplishments of your father when you are faced with preparing his obituary. Dad accomplished so much in his life because of his honesty, genuine concern for his fellow man, unbelievable optimism and open-friendly behaviour. Everyone that met him was instantly won over by his friendly smile, warm handshake and welcome Hi, Charlie Dojack, nice to meet you. Charlie married Anne Margaret (Carpenter) in 1947 and raised three children, Roberta (Axworthy), Ron and John in Winnipeg. His upbringing left Charlie with an understanding of the strong importance and devotion to family and friends. No where was this more evident than at the family cottage at Whytewold on Lake Winnipeg. So many of our memories of Dad come from here. Mom and Dad truly were what you wish for in a relationship of growing old together. One best captured in movies like On Golden Pond . The loss of Mom to a heart attack left Dad decimated. Perhaps it was a result of all he did for his fellow-man that fate enabled Dad to meet an old musical acquaintance from Winnipeg, Donna Grescoe. Our family was happy when Dad eventually married Donna on December 29, 1996. Many happy years were shared in Vancouver. Dad will also be sadly missed by his five grandchildren, Michelle and David Axworthy, DeNeige Dojack, Jeffrey and Michael Dojack and all of his other friends and relatives that he touched so deeply. During my last visit with Dad he was reflecting back on his life and saddened that he hadn't spent more time with his children. He stressed how important it was and that it was his biggest regret. Dad, we recognize the importance of what you did and how you gave so much to ensure so many had a new home in the Canada you loved. Be at peace with Mom once again and know that we listened. I'm writing this at your grandson's football practice! In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson Society of Manitoba, 302 - 171 Donald St. A memorial service will be held in Vancouver on April 23 at the Gilmore Park United Church and in Winnipeg in late July, 2005, announcement to follow in late June. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at the Richmond Lions Manor and to Ron for his incredible devotion in caring for his Dad.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 09, 2005