Obituary of STANLEY GURNIAK

STANLEY GURNIAK Peacefully after a difficult battle with cancer on Sunday, March 20, 2016 Stanley Gurniak joined his beloved wife Marjorie in Heaven. It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye, yet we celebrate the wonderful man he was. Left to cherish his memory are daughters, Debbie Karpenko (Mike) and Stacy Chihonik; grandchildren, Michael Karpenko (Jennifer), Chelsea Karpenko and Ashley Chihonik; brothers, Paul Gurniak and Bill Botshka; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by wife Marjorie; son-in-law Darcy; parents, Andrew and Anne; brothers, John, Mike, Tony; and sisters, Doris and Elsie. Stanley was born in Fraserwood on February 25, 1932. He was a quiet man with a witty sense of humour. In his mid 20’s he moved to Winnipeg where he began his courtship with Marjorie, an Interlake girl from Teulon. They married and raised two daughters who were the apple of his eye. Stanley was a country boy at heart who often reminisced about life on the farm, working at the Gimli Airport, moonshine and barnyard dances at Crabby Steve’s. Proud of his Ukrainian heritage, he liked polka music, Ukrainian conversation and Ukrainian Christmas Eve at the Brocks. Throughout the years, he enjoyed weekends with family in Winnipeg Beach, Teulon and Gimli. He did travel to Hawaii and California but preferred the road trip visits with family in Fort Frances, Lloydminster and Thompson. His favourite road trips were to watch his granddaughter play hockey at Notre Dame in Saskatchewan. Nothing brought him more joy than his three grandchildren. His life’s passion was attending all their events from sports to concerts and spoiling them beyond reason. Stanley supported his family as a window installer. He worked for several companies before joining his nephew’s business Wach Glass until he retired at age 65. He was a hard worker who also spent many years caring for his ailing wife, dotting on her every need. He never questioned a request or complained about a problem. Stanley was unconditionally generous, with a kind nature that warmed the hearts of all who knew him. Thanks to the staff at Seven Oaks Hospital, especially nurses, Trinity, Amanda and Tara who went above and beyond patient care. Thank you to Dr. Zaki and Dr. Leylek who gave Stanley extended time with his family. Visits with Dr. Leylek were always uplifting. Extra special thanks to Dr. Hechtenthal who’s expert care and compassion for Stanley and his family was limitless. A service in honour of Stanley will be held on March 24, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Interment to follow in All Saints Cemetery.