Obituary of GREGORY ALEXANDER KURDYDYK

GREGORY ALEXANDER JOHN KURDYDYK September 24, 1941 - January 30, 2014 Greg is survived by his wife Muriel, aka "Murt"; son Brent (Laura), Kara, Caleb, Aidan; daughter Deborah (Ron), Ronin; brother Emil (Shirley); sisters Natalie, Ollie (Steve), his nieces and nephews and their families. I always wanted to do my own obituary, but it appears my time ran out, so I am relying on my wife and kids to do it for me. I grew up in the city's North End. Proud of the neighbourhood and my Ukrainian heritage. Most family and friends called me "Butch" back then. I called myself the "Great Northender". I attended School in the North End and my first job was at Chapman's Drug Store making deliveries on my bike. Then I moved on up and worked at the old Dominion Store on Main Street. I finally found my calling and on January 9, 1961 I joined the Winnipeg Police Department. I did everything from running the elevators to walking the beat in a Buffalo coat to heading up the Arson Unit, retiring April 20, 1991, as a Detective Sergeant. I made many friends and possibly a few enemies along the way but loved them all. After about six months of retirement, Murt suggested it was time I found another job as I was driving her crazy. I started my next journey in life at The Fire Commissioners office where I spent the next 10 years. My years of police knowledge and fire investigation experience turned many cases into great successes. After retiring from the OFC I performed private investigative work for various insurance companies. All Being Said: I believe my Greatest Accomplishments in life were my two children Brent and Deborah. My pride and joy. I may not have told them that often but I hope they know how much I loved them and how proud I was of their accomplishments. Once the grandchildren started coming I had some new fishing buddies to take to the lake. Murt and I loved fishing, we enjoyed nothing more than escaping to our little piece of heaven, the cabin at Trout Lake, ON to get away from it all. We were at peace in a boat on a lake fishing. We had 30 plus happy years "Lakeside" hosting a revolving door of great friends, family and infamous characters from the past and present. My favourite though was when Brent and Deb came with the grandkids and I could take them fishing and of course the night time bonfires. Wish we could have had more. My favourite family tradition was Christmas Eve Open House at "181", which we were fortunate enough to do this past Christmas. I spent my time in the kitchen telling stories from my years on the force, always entertaining and often colourful. Brent would tell me that I should write a book, but I always said no one would believe it. I always loved to be the storyteller, so Brent, Deb and Murt you will have to keep the stories going for me. Bryan, Nancy, Barb, Rob you're the Best!! Murt could not have made it without your love and support. I. O. U. AGAIN! Greg, you had a presence that was larger than life. You could always tell when you were in a room. If you couldn't feel it, you most certainly could HEAR it. You will be missed dearly. You will always be loved and remembered for your dedication to the Winnipeg Police and OFC and for the countless great times we were all fortunate to share together. I bet Rosie was very glad to see you again. Give her a hug for me. RIP, Love you. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 14, 2014, 1:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Home, 1442 Main St., Winnipeg (204-586-8044). Following the service a casual gathering will take place at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 215, 3600 de Vries Ave., East St. Paul to celebrate Greg's life In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.