GERALD WILLIAM SCHATKOWSKY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GERALD WILLIAM SCHATKOWSKY On Sunday, January 6, 2019, at the Brandon Assiniboine Centre, Dad left us. His best friend Dawn Kilfoyle was with him. Both his children, Joan and Vince were able to spend time with Dad just before his passing. Jerry is survived by his son Vincent (Debbie); daughter Joan (Gary); and sister Darlene (Gerry). Also left behind are five grandchildren, Mathew, Jeremy, Benjamin, Gregory and Elyne; as well as six great-grandchildren, Brooklynn, Annika, Galya, Victor, Zoja and Nikolai. Jerry lived most of his life in Whitemouth, Manitoba on the family farm before moving to Lac du Bonnet and eventually to Lyleton, Manitoba where he met his friend and companion Dawn Kilfoyle. Dad was a talented builder. If he could imagine it, he could build it out of steel or wood. A pontoon boat, pot filling machine for the greenhouse, bale buncher, butcher shack complete with meat cutting equipment, plus too many more to mention, were no match for Dad. Everything was built to last and always at minimal cost. Jerry dabbled in many things on the family dairy farm, beef cattle, leaf cutter bees, alfalfa seed, greenhouses, wild rice, grew vegetables for market, anything to make a dollar. In the last years of his life, Dad liked to make furniture for family and friends, and when that became too hard to do, he made beautiful pens and liked to go fishing. Dad was very happy to pass on these hobbies to his best friend Dawn. Dad was a strong man, a fighter. He battled many health issues, including a broken back three years ago, but he wasn't going to be kept down. Dad walked out of hospital six months later on his own steam. Dad spent the last 11 months in hospital, but always in anticipation of going home to finish his shop and kitchen for Dawn. We would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and health care professionals who cared for Dad. He appreciated their kindness as did his family. Friends and relatives are encouraged to share in a photo-tribute, stories, and condolences for the family by visiting IntegrityDeathCare.com Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. INTEGRITY Cremation & Funeral Planning 204-295-5408 - IntegrityDeathCare.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 19, 2019