JOSEPH WILLIAM KONKIN

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JOSEPH WILLIAM KONKIN Joe, (J.W.), Konkin peacefully passed away with his beloved and devoted wife Phyllis at his side, on the morning of Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at 79 years of age. Joe will be sadly missed by Phyllis, his wife of 55 years and by his two sons, Greg, (Dianne), grandchildren, Andrew, Tasha and Alana; and Dave, (Lisa), grandchildren, Brad, Alicia, Craig, Darren, Caroline, Madeline and Hannah. He will also be missed by his sisters, Marie Wells of Calgary, AB, Anne Maras of Penticton, BC, and Florence Mayled, (Vic), of Ponoka, AB; his nephew Louis Konkin, (Marion) of Winnipeg and many cousins, nieces and nephews. His parents, Martha and William and his brothers, Bill and John predeceased Joe. Joe was born on December 21, 1925 on his family's farm near Veregin, SK and attended school in Veregin and Calgary, AB. Joe met Phyllis in Kamsack, SK in June 1948. They were married on October 22, 1949 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends in 1999. Joe and Phyllis moved to Winnipeg on February 14, 1951, initially living in Winnipeg's north end and soon building their first home in East Kildonan in 1955. In 1966 they built their current home in Transcona. Joe began his working life as a farmer, purchasing land on the Assiniboine River, behind his parent's farm outside of Veregin. In 1947 he began a 43 year career working as a fireman and locomotive engineer for the Canadian National Railway and VIA Rail. Joe loved his work with the railway and reluctantly retired from railway life on December 31, 1990 at the age of 65. During his career at CNR, Joe became Local Chairman of Division 583 for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers for over six years. He was later elected the General Chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers for the CNR's Prairie Region West from 1983 through 1986, a position with responsibilities for union members working from Thunder Bay, ON to Canada's west coast. Joe served in these and other union capacities for 15 years. Joe also served on the East Kildonan - Transcona Residents advisory group from 1997 through 1999 and on the East Kildonan - Transcona Library Advisory Committee from 1999 until shortly before his passing. During his retirement, he was also actively involved in the Winnipeg ARES ham radio organization and assisted them in ensuring a smooth transition into Y2K as well as volunteering many hours at Manitoba Marathons, Terry Fox Runs and the 1997 flood and other events where he could provide support. In 2002 Joe was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee medal for his community service activities. Joe was active in athletics in school and after his school days were over he enjoyed fishing, camping and especially curling. Joe was a member of the CN Nitehawks Curling Club for many, many years and also served on its executive, including time as club president. He also curled with the MLCC Curling League and other leagues for some years during his retirement. Joe was curling in 3 different leagues as recently as 2000. Joe took quiet pride in the accomplishments of his family, offering advice and encouragement. He enjoyed sharing his life's experiences with family and friends and especially enjoyed watching his granddaughters play softball. Joe loved to travel and spent time in Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, the Maritimes, Cuba and Cozumel, Mexico. Throughout his life, Joe showed an affinity for gadgets including tools and technology. Special thanks to the nurses, attendants and support staff at the Health Sciences Centre's GD5 ward and Drs. John Karvelas, Garry Schroeder, Caroline Arenida and Monica Dowhonik. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba or the charity of your choice. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, July 25, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at Green Acres Funeral Home, Highway #1 East at Navin Road. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery Hwy. #1 E. at Navin, (204) 222-3241

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 22, 2005