JOSEPH KUCHAR

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

• There are so many great & fond memories I have of Joseph Kuchar. In joy and in sorrow I will remember Him as I grieve his passing. Joe Kuchar was the original founder of the Electronic Repair Center, ie. ERC, back then about 1955 it was called the CN Radio Shop . It began In a very small room in the old CN Rail Fort Rouge shops (this location is currently the city of Winnipeg Transit Garage.) With a very small budget and a team of only three, Joe put together the necessary tools & test equipment to nurture the beginnings of what today is called the Electronic Repair Center, ie. ERC. Joe Kuchar patiently taught all technicians to make certain that the workmanship was done properly and documented by all technicians. To him it was very important that repairs would provide the important reliability to all the many railway staff who used the radio equipment. Some of us techs being self centered did not always appreciate such important equipment service repairs. Nevertheless under Joe Kuchar's steady, patient, leadership & training began the ground work for a successful service center. All of those who have worked at the ERC from 1955 to 2016 and beyond can appreciate Joe Kuchar's genuine hard working efforts to make the ERC a success story for the benefit of CN Rail and all the technicians who had the privilege of working at the Electronic Repair Center. I can remember my first meeting Joe Kuchar, it was the spring of 1964, I had just written and passed my CN Rail electronics exam. Joe made a point of welcoming me by personally picking me up down town in his own car and taking me to the repair shop which now was at the basement of the MYO, ie. Main Yard Office of Symington Yard. During that ride Joe Kuchar made me feel comfortable and at ease. I knew I would enjoy working for Joe with the fellow techs. Joe Kuchar worked hard to obtain better, & more work space for the growing work load at the shop. He pursued that effort and in 1980 was able to succeed in garnering the support of his superiors. In 1981 the shop moved a third time to a fabulous new stand alone building at Symington Yard. Joe wasn't always all about work, every Christmas he made certain that we would enjoy some special moments together by freeing up time to celebrate our past years hard work and the birth of our Lord & Saviour. He would order in Chinese food and supply his favourite rum. Together we all cherished that moment with each other in the back room in that Symington basement. Joe didn't have to do this, in fact he did not ask for permission from his boss, he took the opportunity probably contrary to the rules of the company. Joe appreciated his fellow techs and to him it was important that they enjoyed this special free moment together as technicians, as fellow employees and as friends. Life is truly a journey, with a beginning & an end point. We humans all are ever aware of our journey and destiny on Spaceship Planet Earth especially as we age. As I travel on this journey I wish to acknowledge that my trip has been made more successful and enjoyable by the efforts of many wonderful people I have met along my journey. JOE KUCHAR has been one of those SPECIAL PERSONS. Dear Joe Kuchar , thanks a million You for being Joe Kuchar. Rest In Peace my friend. With Sincere Love & Condolences to Joe Kuchar's, wife Beverley, Daughter Leanne, Son Gary, grandson Troy and extended family & friends. May God give you & yours, For every storm, a rainbow, For every tear, a smile, For every care, a promise, And a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, A faithful friend to share, For every sigh, a sweet song, And an answer for each prayer. Sincerely Al & MaryAnne Sum - Posted by: Al Sum, (Friend & retired co-worker at CN Rail, Electronic Repair Center) on: Jul 12, 2016

• Dear Bev, May the love that surrounds you be a source of comfort at this time. With sympathy and love, Chie (HBW) - Posted by: Chie Ominga (Friend) on: Jul 11, 2016

• Bev it is with great sorrow that I learn of Joe's passing today. I remember our times at Kings Park. Joe was always there to help. You both were great friends I offer my condolence to you and your family. Al - Posted by: Al Palmer (Friend) on: Jul 09, 2016

• Mrs. Kuchar, Leanne and Gary, Please except my most sincerest condolences. I have such found memories of Mr. Kuchar. As you all know I spent a lot of time at your house when we were growing up. Both your dad and mom were always so welcoming and were always up for a quick chat before I headed to Leanne's bedroom to hang out. Your dad was always such a kidder with me. On one occasion he said that if I wanted to come over I would have to bring him a present. Hmm what to do, I knew that he was kidding but decided to play along. I found a very old and possibly the ugliest tie I could find and wrapped it up. Mr. Kuchar stopped me before I had one foot in the door and asked me for his present. I handed him my wrapped gift and went inside. Mr. Kuchar was so surprised and very apologetic, explaining to me that I was always welcome in his house even without a gift in hand. He unwrapped the gift and proudly put on this terrible tie, telling all that it was his favourite tie of all time. I will always remember your dad as the quiet, nonassuming jokester with the biggest heart. My thoughts go out to all of you at this difficult time. Love, Shelly Howard - Posted by: Shelly Howard (Leanne's friend ) on: Jul 09, 2016