ALBERT (AL) SRUTWA

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ALBERT (AL) SRUTWA With deep sorrow and a heavy heart Donna Srutwa announces the death of her husband Al, after a valiant battle with cancer, at their residence on Tuesday, May 24, 2005. At the time of his death Al was surrounded by his wife, Donna, mother-in-law, Anne Grabowsky and friends Ken and Marlene McCreary. Al was predeceased by his parents Michael and Anne Srutwa. Al was born at Winnipeg Beach and spent his early years working on the family farm. Upon leaving the farm he worked at the Gimli Air Force Base. He went on to pursue a career with the Province of Manitoba. He took a 2 year-6 month-7 day break from the civil service during which time he owned and operated the Benito Hotel. Al was a man of many talents and pursued various interests and activities. He was often recognized by people who had seen him in television commercials or as a result of his unique sense of style. Every person he met became his new best friend . Al considered every day a bonus and lived life to the fullest. After his early retirement he was able to devote his attention to his true passion the restoration of automobiles and running an automotive adoption agency placing good cars in good homes . His restoration efforts focused primarily on foreign sports cars. His restorations received recognition and awards at automotive events nationally and internationally. He was a founding member of the Jaguar Club of Manitoba and an active member of the Austin Healey Club, the Mercedes Benz Club, the Ferrari Owners Club and the Ferrari Club of America. Al took special pride in showing his Ferrari at auto shows. When not working on cars Al enjoyed the company of the Saturday Morning Breakfast Club; Wednesday lunches at Earls on Main; attending Goldeye baseball games at home and on the road; tailgating at Lincoln with new best friends and golfing at St. Charles. Special thanks to those who gave so much to support Al during his illness: Paul and Shirley for being there every day with everything from soup to nuts; Jim and Ken who carried out tasks on Al's list of things to do ; David (Chuckee Cheese) for his encouragement, laughter and understanding; Adele for the weekly treats; Vince for his assistance in times of need. A special thank you to Leonard for July 19, 2004 a day in heaven culminating in a sweet ride on May 14, 2005. Al leaves to mourn Donna, his wife of 40 years; mother-in-law Anne Grabowsky; his extended family, Marnie Koroluk, Terry, Cindy, Sarah, Steven and TJ Chrol; the world's best neighbours and his many, many friends. In accordance with Al's wishes cremation has taken place and no funeral service will be held. Donna wishes to thank Drs. Butler and Czaykowski and nurse Kristi at CancerCare and nurses Gwen and Chris of Palliative Care for their assistance in Al's final hours. THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE BECAUSE YOU WERE IN IT YOU WILL BE MISSED BARDAL FUNERAL HOME CREMATORIUM 843 Sherbrook Street, 774-7474 Condolences: www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 28, 2005