JOHN WINTER

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JOHN WINTER It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Winter, peacefully on April 11, 2017 at the age of 93. John was pedeceased by his father Frank; mother Anna; sisters, Annie and Susan and brothers, Frank and Peter. He is survived by his loving wife Katherine; sons, Frank (Roma) and Victor (Brenda); grandchildren, Thomas, Reid, Brittany and Keaton; siblings, Dave (Marilyn) and Tina (Pete); sister-in-law Helen and many nieces and nephews. John was born in Neuenberg, Ukraine on September 17, 1923. It was a very tough life under Soviet rule. He was just 15 years old when his father was taken away during one of the Stalinist purges, never to be seen again. In 1943, as the tide of the war changed, dad was conscripted into the German Army to build bridges. In 1945, upon surrendering to the Americans he was sent to a POW camp. In 1949, he was fortunate enough to have married our mother, Katherine, and they remained together for 68 wonderful years. His first break in life was coming to Canada; the second was being hired by Qualico to start a career as a plumber. Soon after that, in 1956, due to his tenacious ambition and tremendous work ethic, he started his own company, Winter's Plumbing & Heating Ltd. which still thrives today, 61 years later. He also became a successful entrepreneur in his real estate ventures. John felt that his unquestionable belief in his Christian faith and his undying devotion to his family was the base of his success. Dad's trademark was his grooming. He was always impeccably dressed, mostly in a suit and crisp white shirt; never a hair out of place and his shoes always shined before he left the house. With his Hollywood looks, he looked more like a movie star than he did a plumber. Even at his beloved Brereton Lake, he was always dressed as though he was expecting company even if it was just for the wildlife. Dad was fortunate to have experienced great health most of his life. However, in the last five years, his health began to decline. He spent his last days with the same tenacity and compassion that saw him so successful with both his career and family. His life stands as a monument to the virtues of pride and perseverance. The family would like to thank Dr. Loepp and Dr. Thomas and the staff at Bethania PCH for all their exceptional support. Also, thank you to all of you who shared your lives with Dad; for enriching his life with your generous love and undertakings. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Avenue, with viewing prior to the service. Interment in Elmwood Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. If you wish to make a donation in John's memory, please do so to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 15, 2017