JOHN JAMES PETROWSKI

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JOHN JAMES PETROWSKI August 22, 1932 February 25, 2016 It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dad, John Petrowski on the morning of February 25, 2016. Our dad managed many conditions during his lifetime, coronary disease, type II diabetes, anxiety, dementia and finally colorectal cancer which was treated by surgery in April 2015, but returned with a vengeance in 2016 and ravished his body in a very short time. Despite these many setbacks, we truly believed he died of a broken heart from missing our mom after her passing. There wasn't a day that he didn't ask why God had taken her before him. Although he was sad to leave this earth, we are comforted to know that they are together again in heaven. To mourn his memory are his daughter Joan (David Bartmanovich) and son Kenneth. He also leaves behind his fur babies, Pusser, Tigey and Pumpkin; granddoggies Molly and Elsie and grandkitties Stella, Tipper and Walter. They always were so happy when Dad visited, as it meant a whole lot of treats and most of his own dinner! Dad was born in the Churchyard of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in Felsendorf (between Gimli and Fraserwood) and was the fourth of eight children born to Michael and Kornelia Piotrowski who had immigrated from Poland. Life was hard for them growing up but they relied on the strength of each other to get through tough times and have many good memories of their early life. The siblings are close to this day and he is survived by Eddie (Rose), Stanley (Helen), Emily (Tom), Edwin (Myrna), Bernice (Kjell) and Teddy (Emilie). He was predeceased by his parents and sister Donna in 2008. Dad is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Gordon Wach (Judy), Richard Wach (Sonia), Ronald Wach (Rose) and Betty Kulyk (Louie). He was an uncle to many nieces and nephews on both sides. He will be missed by his good friend Mike Woychyshyn. Dad was a great provider for our family and always put us first. He worked at many jobs, sometimes up to three different ones at one time. He was farmer, a mason, a plasterer, school bus driver, garbage man, janitor, bartender and icemaker. He was meticulous at everyone one of them and provided us with a good work ethic and respect for others. We did many things as a family that involved work of some sort and of course he always was the boss! But we did have lots of time with family and fun adventures. Our Dad always had a story or good joke to tell. He loved to tease and someone always has a Johnny story to share with us. To say he was a "character" is an understatement. Everyone was welcomed to our home with a big "come on in!" and offered a beer or drink before they sat down. Next he insisted my mom made something to eat for company and even when he was on his own he made sure we weren't hungry and encouraged us to make a sandwich and eat whatever was in the fridge. Whatever he had was shared with family, friends and strangers alike. Although he might forget to tell us, he always was very proud of us kids and he simply adored our mother. When he first found out about his cancer in 2015 he would say - "I've had a good life, a wonderful wife and two beautiful children what more could a person ask for.. Life is good as long as you don't weaken." At this time we would like to thank the caring staff of both the Gimli Community Health Centre and the Gimli Betel Home who cared for Dad when we couldn't. There are angels that walk here on earth and they work in Gimli. Thanks for your love and attention to our dad. We would also like to thank Dr. S.V. Patel who managed his care for most of his life and Dr. R.C. Patel during his short stay at Betel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, 7th Avenue, Gimli, at 11:00 a.m. with viewing one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest next to our Mom at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cemetery, with a luncheon after that at St. Michael's Church basement. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Gimli Humane Society, Box 1999 Gimli, R0C 1B0, Sts. Cyril & Methodius Heritage Church, PO Box 92 Gimli, R0C 1B0 or the charity of your choice. If you are over 50 please remember to get your bum checked and follow-up on the results! Rest in Peace dear Dad say hi to Mom and remember you two are forever loved. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Publish Date: Feb 27, 2016

JOHN JAMES PETROWSKI Peacefully, on Thursday, February 25, 2016, at the Betel Home, Gimli, MB, John Petrowski, aged 83 years, of Gimli, MB, beloved husband of the late Patricia; father of Joan and Ken, passed away. Full obituary to follow. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: Feb 26, 2016

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 27, 2016