JOHN WATRAL

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JOHN WATRAL 1925 - 2012 Peacefully on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at his son's home, surrounded by family, John passed away at the age of 87. He will be sadly missed by his wife Helena of 44 years, son Walter (Brenda) and his grandchildren Marika and Matthew, whom he loved dearly. Also left to cherish his memory are his sisters, Pearl, Danka, Marusia, Irka and brother Bohdan. Born February 5, 1925 in Brunary, Poland, he immigrated to Winnipeg in 1964. In 1967, Helena joined him here and they were married at Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic Church where they remained parishioners for more than 35 years before becoming parishioners at Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church in 2004. In Canada John worked initially as an auto mechanic, then a welder and finally as a blacksmith with the Canadian Pacific Railway, from which he retired after 18 years. He was a jovial and outgoing person, making numerous friends wherever he went. As his wife's health declined he determinedly and lovingly cared for her. He was so grateful to the staff at Holy Family Home who took up this caregiving when he was no longer able. He spent much of the last year visiting Helena at Holy Family. The last two months of his life were spent at his son's house surrounded by the love of his family, the laughter of his grandchildren, and three purring cats. Thank you to all the friends and family who visited and called in the last several weeks and to Father Darren Kawiuk who was a blessing to all of us in the last two months. Thank you also to Dr. B. Salter-Oliver and staff along with the WRHA Palliative Care Program, in particular coordinator Mary Ashcroft, and nurses Monique and Kelly, who all worked together to allow him to remain at home. Prayers will be sung 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 29 at Korban Funeral Chapel, 907 Main St. Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 1 at Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1001 Grant Ave. with Fr. D. Kawiuk officiating. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. If friends so desire, a donation may be made in John's memory to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Inc. We will miss him always and never cease to be inspired by the way in which he lived his life. VICHNAYA PAMYAT KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-956-2193

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 28, 2012