Kevin John Omichinski

In sorrow, we announce the sudden passing of our loving husband, father, brother and friend. Kevin Omichinski passed away suddenly on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the age of 66, at Selkirk Hospital after a long, courageous battle with cancer. 

Kevin leaves to mourn him his wife Merna, children Kayla (Matt) and Kyle (Ashley), sister Janie (Jack), brother in-law Glenn (Debbie), brother of the heart Jamie (Tracy, son Curtis), many relatives and friends who became family, and his closest companions, his dog Horton and garage cat Ozzy.

Kevin started working on vehicles at an early age after designing and building his own motorized bicycle “the popesickle”, leading him to land his first job at Joe’s First Street Auto as a mechanic where he met his lifelong friend Jamie. Graduating high school in 1976, he went on to RRC to obtain his Automotive Certificate while continuing his employment at Joe’s to receive his levels. After a short stint at CN, he obtained his permanent position at River East School Division Transportation Department as a bus mechanic for 40+ years until retiring. 

Kevin met the love of his life, Merna, through a mutual friend and they developed a friendship which blossomed into a dating relationship in 1980. On August 2, 1986, they got married and began their lifelong commitment to each other. Kevin took immense pride in developing his family homestead where he first built his garage, and later on building their dream home in which they would raise their two children. In the garage, Kevin created KO Service where countless individuals received his expertise in diagnosing and repairing a variety of vehicles. His work ethic was impeccable; always vowing to treat his customers with honesty, integrity and fairness. It was in this garage where you could always find him either working on vehicles, snowmobiles, building something or creating a new invention. 

Dad was most well-known for his love of racing from cars to snowmobiles. His drag racing achievements were even showcased in Pinks All-Out (2010) in Topeka, Kansas, where he qualified top 32 out of 400 competitors. The launch of his Plymouth Scamp was famous to the Gimli Drag Racing Community!

Putting aside his own racing to continue into the next generation, his passion persisted as he lived vicariously through his son Kyle’s love of ice oval and drag racing. Leading his son as Crew Chief for 13 years, they celebrated many accomplishments; most notably dad’s favorite, winning the Canadian F500 Championship in 2022.

Kevin was known for his sarcastic sense of humor and wit, his undying devotion to provide for his family, and his determination for perfection. For those who knew him and loved him, they quickly learnt there was only one way to do things; Kevin’s way. 

Kevin’s battle was long and difficult, but he was determined to break all odds; and he did. He hoped his story and journey would help others in their fight against cancer. The family would sincerely like to thank Dr. Ian Alexander for his amazing care, the wonderful nurses at Selkirk Outpatient Clinic, as well as all of the staff at Cancer Care. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either RAMS or Selkirk Hospital in his name. 

There will be a celebration of life honoring Kevin on January 31, at 1:00 p.m., located at the Brokenhead River Community Hall in the Beausejour Room. 

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com