ERNEST JOHN WINTONIW

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ERNEST JOHN WINTONIW December 25, 1951 - October 28, 2014 It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Ernie Wintoniw, who went to his heavenly home, surrounded by family and friends, on Tuesday, October 28, 2014. Ernie is survived by: his wife of 40 years, Kathy; daughter Jennifer (Sheldon) Kowaluk and their daughter Abigail; daughter Becky (Paul) Janzen; and brother Jarvis (Pearl) and their family. He was predeceased by his parents John and Anne, and an older sister Audrey who died as an infant. Ernie was born in Vita on December 25, 1951 and grew up on the family farm in the Zhoda area. Ernie attended a one room school from Grades 1 to 8, and then later attended Vita High School. Upon graduation, Ernie performed a variety of jobs for a few years before joining the Manitoba Department of Highways in August 1970. He started as a "rodman" and progressed through the ranks to Project Supervisor until his retirement in February of 2008. While at "highways", Ernie worked on various projects: Perimeter Highway, Steinbach Main Street, Highway 75, TransCanada Highway, and various other undertakings throughout Manitoba. The most important project was in 1972, working on Highway 200 in Emerson where he met Kathy, the love of his life. They were married on May 18, 1974 and were grateful to be able to celebrate 40 years of wonderful marriage this year. Upon retirement, Ernie became enthusiastically involved in activities at the Steinbach Legion Branch #190, holding the position of treasurer, doing bookings in addition to many other duties supporting Legion operations. Ernie was a dedicated husband and his daughters were an integral part of his life. He adored being a Gido to his granddaughter, Abigail. He loved a good time, playing practical jokes on the family and neighbours, and kept the Coral Crescent neighbourhood lively. Ernie enjoyed playing his accordion and entertaining his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Health Sciences Centre (HSC), GH3 Ward for all their compassionate care given to Ernie during his brief stay. A celebration of his life will be held Monday, November 3, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. Viewing will be at the chapel prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: the HSC Foundation https://hscf.thankyou4caring.org/donate_HSCF St. Paul's Lutheran Church Memorial Fund office@stpaulsteinbach.org or Manitoba Cancer Society http://convio.cancer.ca/site/PageServer? pagename=DONATIONS_MB_home&s_ locale=en_CA#.VFGcMst0xMs Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 31, 2014