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ALVIN SEMENEK
Our rough on the outside, completely kind-hearted on the inside, generous, terrible at joke telling, always up for a party husband, dad, papa, brother, and dear friend Alvin has passed and our world is a little (or a lot) lost without him. We were all truly the lucky ones for having him with us for 79 years.
Alvin was someone who never took a day off from work, or missed a sporting event, or didn’t follow through with a commitment. He always knew the time of every event, how long it was going to take us to get there, and exactly how late our delays were going to make him. Thankfully his quick acceleration and optional braking driving skills always made up the difference.
Alvin was born on a farm in Saskatchewan to Mary and Alexander Semenek, and the family moved to Brooklands Winnipeg when Alvin was four. He was the middle brother of Ivin and George, and older sister Irene. Being the middle child, Alvin described always feeling like he didn’t quite have a place in his family. He knew he was loved, but all the roles in the family were already assigned. This need to find a place where he did belong led to his lifelong love of animals and seeking a higher education.
Alvin got his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Education degrees concurrently and was one of the first university graduates to come out his Brooklands High School. Because of this, the principal at his school hired a young 21 year old Alvin to teach Chemistry to many of his own friends. Alvin then took a teaching position in Churchill for (what we only recently learned) was just a year. Somehow that one year led us to hear 50 years of stories about Polar Bears, strict Conservation officers, and the wild North. Alvin then taught at Charleswood High and was promoted to Science Head at Shaftesbury High where he retired. He loved being a teacher. His students would tell us about his never-ending overhead notes, how he was always covered in marker ink, and would yell loud enough that the whole school heard. He never met a student who wasn’t really "a good kid".
Alvin met his beloved wife Joann at the Winnipeg German Club. He asked her to dance, and she reluctantly agreed that one dance couldn’t hurt. As she would describe it, he had the bushiest mustache and sideburns she had ever seen, and she wasn’t sure she could kiss that. But thankfully his quiet kindness, his enduring patience, and his pure love for her eventually melted her heart into his. It is the kind of love and friendship that will live on and does not end with death.
Alvin’s truest joy and greatest pride were his children and grandchildren. If you were to ever ask him, his kids were the brightest, the kindest, the best at everything. When his daughter Stacey and son Randy (wife Amber) were born, he channelled his love for them into any and every activity or interest they showed. He coached soccer and baseball, he umpired football. He volunteered on every committee and never missed a single parent teacher invite. He was ever present, and always grumpily quiet. His was a simple love through actions, and not words.
Once his kids had grown, Alvin found joy in his weekly social events. Every week he volunteered at Bingos and bowled at St. Joseph’s Mens Club, he played cribbage, he golfed, he loved gardening and growing tomatoes and he never saw a VLT that didn’t deserve at least one spin.
When his four beloved grandchildren entered his world the gruff dad his kids knew became the most endearing grandfather. Cohen, Theo, Nataliya and Max amazingly also were as brilliantly perfect as his own kids had been. He now became the chauffeur to all sporting events. The drive-through expert who knew what each kid would eat. And the ever-present council of all things science or sports or history.
We take comfort in knowing he is being welcomed into heaven by his son-in-law Corey McCracken and sister-in-law Sadie Semenek who found their way home before him. If they just give him a Brandy and put a Game on, we are sure he will be happy until we can find our way to join him.
Flowers are graciously declined, but we encourage you to order a pitcher of draft beer and toast to a life well lived. Please contact the family directly for details regarding Alvin’s Celebration of Life.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 04, 2023
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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So sorry for your loss. My family sends condolences. Alvin was a great person and made bowling very enjoyable. He will be missed. - Posted by: Robert elcock (Friend) on: Nov 05, 2023
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I met Alvin in 1976. We curled against each other, went fishing together and golfed together. Alvin was a true friend and I enjoyed being with him through competition or general social interaction, especially his Birthday parties... Alvin reminded me of the Banker in the monopoly game with that half snicker and full smile especially when he was beating me in curling. I will miss him and at the same time I am grateful that we had such a long and life enriching friendship. My condolences to Joann, Stacey, Randy and their families. - Posted by: Peter Kowalyk (Freind) on: Nov 05, 2023
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Joann i was sorry to read Alvin's obit in today's paper. I worked at Seven Oaks in the early 2000's but of course saw you more recently at a gathering in Oct. Even though I didn't know your husband it was a funny and great tribute to him. It gave me a real sense of what a character he must have been. Treasure your memories both funny and otherwise; please take care. - Posted by: Debbie Hurrell (former nurse at SOGH) on: Nov 04, 2023
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Reffed many a minor football game with Alvin. If his name was on the crew list I always knew we would have a great game. - Posted by: David Wegner (MFOA ) on: Nov 04, 2023
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My sincere condolences to Alvin's family. I have many fond memories of officiating football games with Alvin. - Posted by: Brian (Friend) on: Nov 04, 2023
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My sincere condolences on your loss. I pray that memories of happier times will see you through your time of grief! "God gave us memory so we might enjoy roses in winter." - Posted by: Bob Strong (Friend through minor football. ) on: Nov 04, 2023
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Our deepest condolences to all the Semenuks. Alvin was a gruff, dear heart and he will be truly missed. He was a proud Father and Grandfather. He truly loved all of his family, but especially the grandkids. He was so proud of them. He was a genuine, old school, good man who appreciated a good family dinner, a cold beverage and a great game. Vichnaya Pomyat Alvin. - Posted by: Melissa and Jim Hancharek (Family) on: Nov 04, 2023
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I was not one of your dad’s model students but he always gave me second, third & more chances. Opened the lab at noon for me to catch up on late labs & once driving all the way to 7 Sisters Falls to confirm that a grade 9 kid had gone along on an “unofficial” school trip with the gr 12’s. He approached me at the fireside while I concealed the beer in my hand (LOL) confirmed I was there and then drove home. I ended up teaching Sci for 30 yrs & modelled my patience for challenging kids after him. I hoped to tell him this personally but I guess this will have to suffice. - Posted by: Hank Dueck (Student (1972-73) at CCI) on: Nov 04, 2023
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Alvin was Manitoba's greatest amateur football official. I've coached football for a very long time and my favorite memory of Alvin was Blaine don't make me throw my flag. I've bowled with Alvin for many years and always enjoyed my time (mostly, sometimes he could be truly annoying) will really miss the old bugger. - Posted by: Blaine Kashmark (friend ) on: Nov 04, 2023
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To the family of Alvin's My deepest condolences to each of you. May time bring you all the love of peace and comfort knowing that Alvin is now at rest without any pain. My prayers and love are with you all at this time. May the memories be with you always. All my love ❤️ Audrey - Posted by: Audrey Powroznik (Friend) on: Nov 04, 2023
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Mr. Semenek was an amazing teacher who was highly respected at Charleswood Collegiate when I attended in the 1970's. His chemistry class was one of my favorites as he was so patient and such an great teacher. My sincere condolences to his family. - Posted by: Karen Isleifson (Former Student) on: Nov 04, 2023
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