NICHOLAS KUSHNIER

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NICHOLAS KUSHNIER July 11, 1924 - July 24, 2016 It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather on July 24, 2016, at the age of 92. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Anne, parents Mary and Michael Kushnier, in-laws Luke and Irene Stelmach, sister Pauline ("Pat") , brothers-in-law Vance LaClaire Sr. and Edward Huebert Sr., cousins Cecil Semchyshyn and Mike Kushnier and nephew Vance LaClaire Jr.. Nicholas leaves to mourn his children Randie (Janis) Kushnier, Craig (Gail) Kushnier, Michelle (John) Rutherford, Roxanne Nikki, Kevin (Kara) Kushnier; grandchildren Melanie (Michael) Engel, Kyle (Jennifer) Kushnier, Jeremy Kushnier, Dylan Rutherford, Bryce (Melody) Kushnier, Amber (Rob) Ens, Nicholas (Laura) Rutherford, Trevor (Jennifer) Kushnier and Serge Kushnier; and great-grandchildren Emma, Lucas, Braeden, Benjamin, Kali, Brant, Nora, Penelope, Micah, Makenna, Riley, Nixon, Ruby, Annalise, Alexandra, Nicholas and Zachary; and sister-in-law Sophie Huebert, (Sandra, Edward, Robert). Dad was born July 11, 1924, in Poland and emigrated to Canada with his family in 1930. He grew up in the North End where he worked in his parents' business, Kushnier Groceries, at Stella and McGregor. During the Second World War, Nicholas enrolled in the Navy and was proud to serve his country in the Merchant Marines. When he returned from the war, Nicholas met the love of his life, Anne Stelmach, at Winnipeg Beach. They were married in 1946 and together they raised their family in East Kildonan. Dad was an entrepreneur and very successful businessman. After the war, Dad took an accounting course and started his first business, Standard Wholesale, with his sister Pat and brother-in-law Vance. He worked very hard at this business, supplying rural Manitoba with smallwares, toiletries, toys, etc. Uncle Nick was Santa Claus to many rural children. In 1960 he bought The Diplomat Hotel with Pat and Vance, now known as New Cavalier Inn, and worked there every day until he became ill at the age of 84. He had many great memories of staff, friends, patrons and sales personnel that were formed during his business career. Dad greeted everyone he met with a smile and treated everyone with respect. Dad and Mom loved to travel and enjoyed many wonderful trips together. Dad loved his many summers at Sandy Hook, his backyard and his condo in Mexico. His best times were spent around the backyard pool with his kids and playing with the grandkids. Later in life, his beautiful great-grandkids were his special pleasure. Although he loved "the hotel", nothing was more important to Dad than his Hanyu', (his wife Anne), with whom he celebrated fifty seven years of marriage. Dad loved his family and worked hard to make sure his kids were educated and well looked after. Dad taught us that life was to enjoy and to value family, friends and good times. Dad loved music, and although he didn't play an instrument, boy, could that man dance. Dad was generous, not only to his children and family, but often he also quietly helped out relatives, friends, his employees and even other businessmen when they needed it. Dad lived a full and productive life. He worked long hours but still found time to teach us to play golf, swim and ride a bike. We all have fond memories of our times spent together. He was not only our Dad, but our friend and mentor. Sometimes he was hard, but always kind and loving. We will all miss him. Dad resided at Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg for the last four years. The family would like to thank all the nurses, health care aides and staff at the Home for the exceptional care, love and respect that they showed to our father. Viewing and prayers will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, on Wednesday, July 27, at 8:00 p.m.. The family will hold a private interment. A Celebration of Life to honour Nicholas will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel on Monday, August 29, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba Inc., 120 Donald St, Unit 10, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2, or online at www.alzheimer.mb.ca or to a charity of your choice. The obituary can also be viewed at www.cropo.ca FOR A LIFE WELL LIVED! VICHNAYA PAM'YAT CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL  204-586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 27, 2016