Eugene L. Obirek (Gene)

February 5, 1942 ~ February 10, 2019

It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce that Eugene has left us to go fishing permanently. He leaves his wife and best friend Hildegard of 55 years, his 4 children Susan, Elliott, Trevor and Everett, 8 grandchildren April (Elliot), Monique (Sage), Jayden, Raynen, Trystan, Rebekah, Chael, and Beaudy, 2 great grandchildren Zola and Zada. One sister Laverne, 5 sisters-in-law Linda (Allen), Evelyne (Erik), Sylvia (Nestor), Dell (Bill), Darlah, 2 brothers-in-law Richard and Bill, 2 daughters-in-law Rachel and Carrie, his special great nephew Jordan, niece Karalee, and many other nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents John and Mary, two sisters Shelley and Phyllus, his in-laws Peter and Susan Klassen, and one brother-in-law David.

Eugene was a resident in the RM of Lac du Bonnet for 60 years and a man who was always working. He was a true outdoorsman and avid hunter. In 1960 he graduated from the Lac du Bonnet Senior School. He spent 27 years as an agent for Esso Bulk Sales in Lac du Bonnet. He had a contract with the paper mill in Pine Falls to cut pulp along with firewood for his many customers. He owned and operated a farm in the Lee River area producing alfalfa and leaf cutter bees, raising cattle, and also had a riding stable. He partnered with Ducks Unlimited on a 90 acre lake migratory game bird sanctuary (Wild Wing Waters) on his farmland along the #313 highway. He also enjoyed 10 years of growing and harvesting wild rice in the Turtle Mountains.

He was an elected councillor in the RM of Lac du Bonnet for 6 years.  He spent 11 years as a leader for the 4H light horse and beef group. He served as a volunteer fireman for many years. He spent time on the Boards of the Community Club at its inception and onward, and on the Model Forest. He was a member of both the Lac du Bonnet Royal Canadian Legion and the Lac du Bonnet Wild Life Association.

On his retirement he started a live bait business catching minnows and leeches for sale. He also spent and enjoyed many hours assisting his son Everett in developing White Spruce on the Lake seasonal resort off Wendigo Road.

We would like to thank his friend Doctor Nick Van Rensburg and staff at Beausejour Hospital, Dr. Bruneau, Rhonda, Connie and staff with Cancer Care in Pinawa, staff at the Pinawa Hospital, and Cancer Care at HSC in Winnipeg.  Eugene truly appreciated his family and the many special friends who supported him and sent prayers throughout his courageous battle.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 7 at 2:00 p.m. in the Lac du Bonnet Community Centre. Come share stories and memories of Gene’s journey.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations may be made to Cancer Care Pinawa, Box 220, Pinawa, MB R0E 1L0.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

Offer Condolence for the family of Eugene L. Obirek (Gene)