Obituary of JAMES (JIM) MICHAEL DUDZINSKI

JAMES (JIM) MICHAEL DUDZINSKI It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandpa “dodo”, son, brother and friend James (Jim) Michael Dudzinski on Friday April 10, 2015. Jim passed away peacefully, with family by his side, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Left to cherish his wonderful memory are his loving wife of 45 years, Shirley, daughters Shannon (Derek) Spottar and Stacie (Paul) Karpenko, and grandchildren Shantal, Ryan, Brooke and Abbie. His grandchildren were the apple of his eye and he took great pleasure in spending quality time with them and watching them grow. Also left to cherish his memory are his mother Elsie Douglas, sisters Arleen (Gordon) Kraushar, Diane (Bruce) Sabatini and Barb Vigerut and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim was born on December 29, 1946 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and was predeceased by his father Ed Dudzinski and his beloved dogs Rocky and Duke. Jim graduated from West Kildonan Collegiate and enrolled into the Plumbing Apprenticeship Program at Red River Community College and successfully obtained his Journeyman Master Plumber and Gas Fitter certifications. He commenced his plumbing career in a partnership with Daly Plumbing and Heating and later secured a 17 year career with the Department with National Defense. In 1998, Jim pursued his lifelong dream of owning and operating his own business, J&S Plumbing and Heating until the fall of 2013. He had a strong work ethic and took great pride in the services he provided making many friends along the way. Jim had a passion for the outdoors and loved spending time at the lake with family and friends. Hunting and fishing were his favorite pastimes and he enjoyed sharing his expertise with others. Jim was a member of the senior golf league at Kildonan Golf Course and loved his Tuesday morning rounds with the guys. Other pastimes were playing cards, doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles and always was ready to tease and share a good joke. Travelling was an important part of Jim’s life with Shirley. They visited numerous places making special memories during their trips to Hawaii, Mexico and cruises to the South Pacific and Caribbean Islands to name a few. Jim was an extremely generous and loyal man especially with his daughters and grandchildren often seen with wallet in hand and emptying the change from his pockets. He was very proud of his daughters and often said he gained two amazing sons who he embraced with all his heart. Jim also had a special bond with his mother and was very close with his sisters whom he regarded as his best friends. Jim was a special man who touched many lives and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Maksimiak at CancerCare Manitoba as well as the Selkirk Hospital CancerCare team. A special heartfelt thank you goes to Dr. B. Martin and his palliative care nursing staff for their compassion, dedication, support and care. They gave us the strength and enabled us to fulfill Jim’s wish to spend his remaining days in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. A celebration of Jim’s life will take place on Friday, April 17 at 1:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba. POEM (Author unknown) Your heart of gold stopped beating Two smiling eyes at rest God broke our hearts to prove He only takes the best The tears in our eyes will wipe away But the love in our hearts will forever stay