PETER SULYMA

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PETER SULYMA On Sunday, April 27, 2014 while his daughter held his hand, Peter Sulyma peacefully passed away at the age of 87, the last of the 11 Sulyma siblings to be called to Heaven. Peter was predeceased by three sisters Irene, Anne and Joyce and seven brothers Nick, Fred, Steve, Paul, Mike, Frank and Joe. Left to cherish his memory is his immediate family and only child Shari (Brant) and granddaughter Brooke. Also by his step-children Deborah (Rick), Steven and Catherine, 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. Born to John and Catherine Sulyma on the farm on April 4, 1927 in the Fraserwood District, Peter was very proud to call the Gimli area his home. As a young man Peter worked on Lake Winnipeg as a commercial fisherman, and for several years up north in the mines. Not only was Peter a skilled mechanic, he was also an entrepreneur and he later owned/operated the Gimli ESSO. Peter then moved on to the ESSO Service Station and Restaurant in Prawda known then as the "BA" where he met the mother of his daughter, Rose. Later he operated a restaurant in Lundar, the restaurant in the "Old Hotel" in Gimli, and also the East St. Paul ESSO service station on Henderson Hwy. He was a very patient man and a great teacher. He shared his memories of the time he spent teaching Headingley Inmates the basics in mechanics at his garage, and would talk about how HCC gave him clearance to directly pick up and drop off the inmates from "The Annex." Peter loved to socialize. When Shari was young, he loved to watch her play ringette and baseball and would be happy to drive the whole neighbourhood to the games. Peter would also welcome all of Shari's friends over for lunch and if they didn't have any (or preferred to eat the full course lunch he was serving he was a good cook) he happily did, and never would someone leave his home hungry - although cooking for two, there was always enough to feed 12. He loved having company and loved to go for coffee at the Garden City Mall with his brother Joe. Peter also loved to go to Middlechurch's Adult Day Program. He loved to sit outside in the sun. Peter was always smiling and was an extremely kind and gentle man and a fantastic father. There are so many memories such a cute little "old guy" that was loved by all that knew him. "Goodbye Dad until we meet again I will hold you close in my heart and visit us often in our dreams I love you." The family would like to extend special thanks to all staff, residents and volunteers at Luther Home for making his last year of life on earth a great one. Special thanks to Dr. M. Boroditsky for being in his corner, and to all staff on 3 unit 6 at Seven Oaks Hospital for the quality care provided to both Peter and his family. A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 5, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Luther Home at 1081 Andrews St. in Winnipeg.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 03, 2014