John Alvin Gmitroski

July 27, 1927 – February 9, 2019

John passed away peacefully at Eastgate Lodge on Saturday morning, February 9, 2019, at the age of 91.

He was predeceased by his sister Nina Regula, brother Robert Gmitroski, brothers-in-law Tom Regula and Bill Bodnar, and sister-in-law Millie Gmitroski.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife Rose, his daughter Sharon, his beloved granddaughter Jackie (Dylan), sister Betty Bodnar, brother Tony (Audrey), brother-in-law Richard Rattai, sisters-in-law: Clara Matchizen, Joan Modjeski, Pat Rattai, Steffie Gosselin, Celine Schultz, Carol Schultz, Sally Schultz, cousins, numerous nieces and nephews, and friends.

John lived his entire life on his farm.  Farming was his passion, as was looking after the animals on the farm.  He was also a school bus driver for many years for the Agassiz School Division.  Johnny enjoyed going hunting and fishing with his buddies, and always had great stories to tell.  His winter passion was working at the Tyndall curling rink, and he made sure the ice was just perfect.  John helped to build the Tyndall curling rink, and took care of all the maintenance until he passed the baton to his friend Ron Swirski.  He was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Tyndall, the Canadian Order of the Foresters, and the Canadian Wildlife Federation.  John loved sports, as he played hardball in his early years for Tyndall, and enjoyed curling.  Most of all, he was well known for his kindness and generosity, as he would “give the shirt off his back” to help anyone in need.  John will be greatly missed.

Thank you to all the staff at Eastgate Lodge and the Beausejour Hospital for their care and compassion.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 15, 2019 at Sobering Funeral Chapel, at 1035 Park Ave. E., Beausejour, Manitoba.  A light lunch will be held at the Tyndall Curling Rink, 8 Second St., Tyndall, Manitoba immediately after the service.

Honorary pallbearers will be Rick Stefansson Sr., Richard Rattai, Tom Turner, Barb Scharer, Randy Bodner and Jim Regula.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Tyndall Curling Club.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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