ALEXANDER GUZ

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ALEXANDER GUZ Alexander Guz passed away peacefully at Extendicare/Oakview Place on Thursday, April 21, 2005. He leaves behind his loving daughter, Mary Ann Guz, son-in-law, Dr. Bob Chalaturnyk and grandsons, Andrew, Mathew and Robert Chalaturnyk; a brother Ilia and sister Maria in the Ukraine. Alex was predeceased by his parents; first wife Anastasia (Nellie) Figus-Guz in 1964; his wife in later years Elizabeth Williams in 2004. Alex was born in Lyszaniw, Poland (presently Ukraine) on April 23, 1921 to Anna Kolodzinska and Ilya Guz. He immigrated to Canada landing in Halifax in March 1948. Alex was sponsored to Canada by his uncle Walter Kolidzinski of Tolstoi, MB whose family welcomed him and eased the transition into a new country and culture. He spent his entire working life in Canada employed by CP Rail; first as a regular line worker then as a section foreman until his retirement. In 1951 Dad married Nellie Figus of Vita, MB and in 1954 produced his first and only child Mary Ann. Alexander Guz was a survivor. He lived through times during the Second World War that would be a challenge even for the greatest of us. Despite all of his hardships, he was a man known for his incredible charity and, of course, his stubbornness. He was a man who had many friends and if you got to know him you could see why. His humour was blunt and he had a very strong presence. To his grandsons he was more than a grandfather; he was also a friend. He was someone you could spend sunny afternoons with while helping tend to his immaculate garden or watch some spirited wrestling on TV. One knew however, not to phone or interrupt him during a news program or when Dr. Phil was on. Dad in his later years was plagued with a series of health problems culminating in his last lengthy hospital stay and a final move to the nursing home. The family wishes to extend their thanks to the staff of the Extendicare/Oakview Place and most especially to Leila, for helping Alex during his final hours. He will be remembered for his unique personality and most importantly, his amazing soup and fist-sized holubchi he loved to share with his grandsons. He said he cooked large portions to make sure his grandsons had enough to eat because your parents don't feed you enough . A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 25 at 10:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 24, 2005