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BARRY SAFINIUK
Date of Passing: Sep 04, 2018
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BARRY SAFINIUK 1957 - 2018 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barry Safiniuk on September 4, 2018 at the age of 61. Barry is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Elyse Le (Wilson Le), his son, Joshua Safiniuk, his granddaughter, Emilia Le, his brothers, Alan Safiniuk, Mike Safiniuk (Debbie Safiniuk), and his sisters, Marlene Ward (Stan Ward), Bev Rich (Al Rich), Liz Golis (Larry Golis) and Theresa Safiniuk. Barry was predeceased by his daughter Catie Safiniuk, his sister Eileen Desousa, his mother Helen Safiniuk, and his father Michael Safiniuk. Born in Winnipeg, Barry was raised on the family farm for the first 15 years of his life. He attended Irwinton School, a one-room school in the RM of Rockwood in which one teacher taught grades one to eight. He finished his grade schooling in Stony Mountain. Barry then attended high school at the Stonewall Collegiate and finished high school in Winnipeg at St. John's High. On the farm, chores, involving the hardest work, fell mostly to the brothers and their dad as the farm increased in size and operation over the years. It was there that Barry learned the high standards and value of hard work and where, as we've come to learn, his determination and competitive nature were born and where they flourished. There was no truer display of these traits than when he played for the St. John's Tigers. His hard work, determination and competitive nature were rewarded when he was awarded the Harry Hood Memorial Trophy in 1974 after an outstanding high school football career. The trophy is awarded annually to the high school football player who exemplifies the highest standards in playing ability, school citizenship, fair play and scholastic standing. All those attributes continued to follow Barry throughout his life including five years of playing Bison football, receiving a degree in Computer Science and a brief period being drafted by the Blue Bombers. Barry joined his wife, father-in-law, and brothers-in-law in their participation of marathons, half marathons, and triathlons. He passed his love for activity, camping, and his natural athleticism down to his children; his daughter earning a visit to the national championships and Canada Games for wrestling. If you didn't get the chance to see Barry compete, a story of his triathlon days captures him quite well. He would regularly be one of the last people to leave the water. After giving his all on the swim, and regardless of what shape he was in, he'd will himself through the bike and run to make it to the front to the pack. Not a natural swimmer or distance runner, he trained with some exceptional athletes often only keeping up through determination alone. He was a quiet fighter. Through a hard childhood, the passing of his second child Catie from Marfan syndrome, and the loss of his sister Eileen, he still excelled in all that was placed in front of him. He lovingly raised his children, Elly and Josh. From religiously reading books to his kids before bed to taking his son on annual Super runs at the Manitoba Marathon, he loved any moment he could spend with his kids. In between work and raising his kids, he loved creating a home for his kids and his dog, Molly who was his constant companion. Entering the house, you immediately could tell how much love and care he put into his home life. There was never a nicer home and dog cared for by one man. The thing Barry was most proud of were his children and grandchildren. Above all else, he was a father and grandfather first. He was the best father Elyse, Josh and Wilson could've had. He was kind, loving and always put his family first. When it came to family, he was as selfless a person as anyone could be. If family asked for help, he would drop whatever he was doing and be there. He wouldn't hesitate to show up with food, games or tools in hand. When his granddaughter, Emilia, was born, he was the first one waiting excitedly at the hospital and provided endless amounts of support. Barry will be deeply missed. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. In lieu of flowers, if you so wish, donations can be made in Barry's memory to the Canadian Marfan Association, 128 Queen Street South, Mississauga, ON L5M 4Z0 or the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 08, 2018
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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Shocked and saddened to hear of Barry's passing. I remember him well at St. John's and played football and rugby together. "The Machine" was a nickname I recall - crushing fullback! My sincere condolences to Barry's family... - Posted by: John Bogar (Friend) on: Oct 08, 2020
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I want to send my condolences to all the families I'm so sorry to have just heard about Barry. Barry was always very determined and a dedicated person. Please know you're all thought about. Rose - Posted by: Rose mary (Cousin) on: Feb 04, 2019
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My condolences to the Safiniuk family. He was very well liked by many and was a wonderful person to be around. Having a loved one pass away is always too soon and only the wonderful memories are left. As always with the Faith, it was once upon a time and then it becomes, we will see you later. - Posted by: Frank Unger (St john's High School friend.) on: Sep 13, 2018
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Marlene and Stan; So sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. My sincere sympathy. Marilyn - Posted by: Marilyn Moskal (friend) on: Sep 11, 2018
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Theresa, I want to pass along our heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family. We are shocked, but hope that you take some comfort with the beautiful tribute and memories of Barry written here. We all miss you at work, and are thinking of you and the whole Safiniuk family. - Posted by: David Gormely and family (friend and work colleague of Theresa) on: Sep 11, 2018
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So very sad to hear about Barry's passing. My deepest condolences to all his family. My memories of Barry are very strong even today. Quiet off the court ,he made a big noise when he played. Often he was charged with guarding the opponent's best player. He drove him nuts and would not leave him for a moment.He was known as one of the top defenders in high school ball. It is so sad that someone of such great abilities both athletically and academically should leave us so soon. Coach Bill - Posted by: Bill Wedlake (Basketball Coach St. John's Tigers) on: Sep 10, 2018
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Theresa, offering our sincerest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve the unexpected passing of your dear brother. What a beautifully written tribute offering a glimpse into the kind of incredible man he was. All our love xo. - Posted by: Emily Gadula and Tyler Bray (Friend of Theresa) on: Sep 10, 2018
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I had the privilege of working closely with Barry at MPI over the last 4 years. Barry was a true professional with an expertise in IT and auditing that was of great value to our team. Barry was a quiet, humble man but there was no doubt when we shared stories about family, his love for his kids and granddaughter brought him the ultimate joy. His son-in-law and my son were from the same graduating class in Medicine at the U of M which brought a special connection for us. I admired Barry very much for the principled man that he was. I, and our team will miss him very much. With our deepest sympathies and prayers to his loving family; Joe Riel and the Internal Audit team at MPI. - Posted by: Joe Riel (Co-worker) on: Sep 09, 2018
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I will miss you, my friend. You and I stayed good friends since high school and always had each others' back, no matter what. We still had some adventures to do, but I know you'll still be with me. You had challenges in life, but always came out on top. You were an athletic marvel, a super Dad and a proud grandfather, and will be missed by all. Deepest sympathies to Josh, Elly, Wilson and Emilia, and all the family.. - Posted by: Ron Guse (Friend) on: Sep 09, 2018
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We have many fond memories of Barry from visits to Winnipeg. We spent some lovely summer days with Barry and Annette at the Comber house in St. Malo having barbeques, laughing around a camp fire and swimming in the lake. He loved children and always kept a watchful eye on his own children, Elyse and Josh and our children Heather and Nick, who would sometime stray too far out into the lake. He seemed to be able to turn his talents to anything: DIY, cooking and all kinds of sports but he always remained humble. Barry was also the kind of person who would do anything for anyone without hesitation. We hadn’t seen Barry for many years due to the miles between us but we always hoped we would meet up again. Rest in peace, my friend. x - Posted by: Christine and Peter Broster (Cousins by marriage and friend) on: Sep 08, 2018
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My condolences to the Safiniuk family. Losing a loved one at any point in life is very hard, especially when such a loss is unexpected. They say the world is a very small place and you never know who you know. My wife, Jeannette knew Barry from working with him at Great West Life and recently working with him again at MPI. Jeannette said that Barry was a wonderful person and work mate. Jeannette conveys that Barry will be greatly missed by all at MPI. I know Larry and Liz Golis. My love and support go out to you both in this most difficult time. Barry and his whole family will be in our thoughts and prayers. In closing a blessing of peace as stated in Numbers 6:24-26 May the Lord bless you and keep you May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to To you, May the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. - Posted by: Len Wheeler (Friend of Liz and Larry) on: Sep 08, 2018

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