EUGENE VINCENT PASKEWITZ (published on October 14, 2009)
| EUGENE VINCENT PASKEWITZ Our beloved father, Gene Paskewitz passed away peacefully at home in Winnipeg, on the evening of Friday, October 9, 2009. Born October 21, 1924, on the family dairy farm in Ninette, Manitoba, he was the middle of three sons of John and Olga (Goltz). He was predeceased by his treasured wife Gerry (Smith) in 2005, older brother Alban and his sisters-in-law Phyllis and Vera Paskewitz. Dad is survived by his younger brother Reynold; by his eleven children, Daria (Jim) McLean, Rita (Wayne) Hildahl, Greg (Jill), Michael, Martin, Paul (Terri), Monica Peristerakis, Theresa (Dave) Heffler, Cecilia (John) Elder, Philip, Barb (Don) McGillis; by his grandchildren, Ryan and Patrick Gaborieau and Jeff and Rob McLean, Paul, Mark, Karen and Thomas Hildahl, Jayne, Susan, Laura, Andrea and Sarah Paskewitz, Michael Paskewitz, Terry and Julia Peristerakis, Luke, Max and Theo Heffler, Melanie, Thomas and Hailey McGillis; by his in-laws, Paul and Marianne Smith, Anne Monica Smith, Gail and Vic Coyston, Lynne and Dave Emeny; and by numerous nieces and nephews. As a young man, Dad attended St. Paul's College and while there, joined the University Naval Training Division which led to his enlisting in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1943, serving on a corvette escorting convoys across the North Atlantic. Following the war, Dad resumed his studies at the University of Manitoba, where he received his B.A. (Hons.) in History. Dad married Mom in 1947 and together, in a loving environment, they raised our rambunctious family. Our childhood memories of blissful summers at the cottage, hunting and fishing trips, and many other adventures have become the essence of story-telling at family gatherings and give us all a deep connection. Throughout our childhood, Dad modelled the ethical and moral standards through which he lived his life. He also passed on his deep love of nature and respect for the environment to his children and grandchildren. He was intensely devoted to Mom and missed her profoundly after her passing. Dad was a calm, patient, gentle man as well as a gentleman. He had an unwavering faith in God and continued to be actively involved in the Catholic Church his entire life. He was also a principled man, speaking out and taking action when he encountered discrimination or social injustice. His honesty and integrity in business were legendary. Above all, he was a peacemaker, in business and with family. These qualities will continue to influence us all and will be his legacy. Dad was General Manager of Allied Farm Equipment through our growing years and retired from Allied after 25 years to embark on new opportunities, among them, owning a campground, starting up a manufacturer's representative business and moving to rural Quebec to run a manufacturing business where Dad and Mom immersed themselves in the Quebecois culture and made many lasting friendships. During their 13 years in Quebec, they experienced many adventures including salmon fishing and building a cabin on Nova Scotia's eastern shore. Upon their return to Winnipeg, they were happy to renew old acquaintances and delighted to spend more time with their family. Prayers will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 7:00 p.m in the St. Ignatius of Loyola Roman Catholic Church, 255 Stafford Street at Corydon Avenue. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 16, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. also in the Church. Interment will follow in the Assumption Roman Catholic Cemetery, 3990 Portage Avenue. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CancerCare Manitoba, FortWhyte Alive, or a charity of your choice. |
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