Obituary of PAUL KYWERIGA

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of Ernest Paul Kyweriga.  Paul was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.  After a long illness, Paul passed away at home with his wife Dianne by his side on 31 March, 2024 at home in Winnipeg at the age of 76.

Paul will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 17 years, Dianne, his step daughters Cheryl Young (Ernest) and Michelle Young (Kyle) and grandchildren Jade, Michael, Damon, Violet and Luthur. Paul is also survived by his six beautiful daughters, Beverly Veldkamp (Jeff), Barbara Kyweriga, Maria Conley (James), Theresa Tougas (Steve), Lisa Millar (Rick) and Roxanne Lowen (Glen). Paul is also survived by his grandchildren; Erika, Kendra, Taylor, Maggie, Riley, Alexis, Carter, Nathanial, Jacob, Liam and Lance.   Paul will be deeply missed by; his brother Steve Kyweriga, sister Diane Guenther (Leonard), brother-in-laws Dennis Alexiuk (and friend Olgi), David Cunningham, Doug Shaw and Kenny Jacklyn.  Along with his sister- in-law Cheryl Johnson and many many nieces, nephews and friends.

Paul is predeceased by his parents John and Jennie Kyweriga, brother Lawerence (Adeline) and sisters Victoria Kyweriga, Audrey Melnyk (John) and Olga Alexiuk.  Also sister in laws Gail Kyweriga and Mary Shaw along with his brother- in- law Donald Cunningham.

Paul was born on June 13, 1947 in Sarto Manitoba to John and Jennie Kyweriga. He was the fourth child of seven and grew up on the family farm. He attended Willow Plain Elementary. From a very young age Paul showed interest in fixing up bicycles fixing them from the spokes up.  This led to his lifelong passion of fixing, repairing and building cars and trucks. Of note would be his treasured 1930 Model A.

Of the age of approximately 17, Paul left the family farm for the big city of Winnipeg where he initially worked in a carwash. Shortly thereafter Paul moved into the mechanics and body work of cars and trucks.  Paul became the body expert and until he retired, he extremely enjoyed his trade.  Paul was well known as “The Body Man” and “go to guy” for impressive results. At one point Paul owned his own business where he thoroughly enjoyed putting a smile on his customers face and heart. If you were there at closing you may have enjoyed a wobbly pop or two with Paul.

Along his life journey Paul had six beautiful children. In 1997, Paul met the love of his life, Dianne whom he married in 2006.  Paul took the reins to become a wonderful stepfather providing the guidance, compassion and humour that ensured his step-daughters became the competent and caring people they are today. And of course spoiled his and Dianne’s grandchildren immensely!

During his retirement Paul liked to tinker in his garage at home, sprucing up his Model A and on the side taking care of family and friend’s vehicle needs.  Paul and Dianne went to many car shows with his Model A winning many awards which are proudly displayed in his garage and home.  Paul and Dianne also loved to travel. They especially enjoyed the mountains and hot springs in Alberta and British Columbia. Paul and Dianne would take day trips to visit Paul’s sister Diane in Steinbach MB and also would routinely stop for chats with his brother Steve in Winnipeg. They spent time in BC’s Similkameen Valley visiting grandchildren and sipping on the local wine. Vancouver Island was also a treasured spot for Paul and Dianne enjoying the Butchart Gardens in Victoria and the “Goats of the Roof” in Combs BC.   Paul’s number one goal was to ensure Dianne was happy and safe.

As per Paul’s wishes he has been cremated. A Celebration of Life will take place at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street in Winnipeg on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations for funeral costs will be graciously accepted at Cropo Funeral Chapel or please donate to the Canadian Cancer Society.