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Eugene (Gene) William Szun

November 5, 1936 - May 8, 2026

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, Eugene (Gene) William Szun on Friday, May 8, 2026, peacefully with his family by his side at the age of 89 years.

Eugene was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, a city he proudly called home throughout his life. Although his travels with wife Judy (and occasionally his son Paul) at his side, took him across Europe, South America, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the United States, and Canada, Winnipeg always remained closest to his heart.

He attended Florence Nightingale School, Margaret Scott School, King Edward School and Isaac Newton High School as well as the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Engineering.

Eugene was employed with CN Telegraphs, Alpha (Joy) Manufacturing, and Wardrop and Associates before settling into a long career at Manitoba Hydro. He retired in 1994 from the Civil Design Department as head of the Tower Detailing Squad after 32 years of service.

Eugene had many passions and hobbies. As an avid amateur photographer, he belonged to The Manitoba Camera Club and won awards in several competitions. He also dabbled in camera restoration and even built a darkroom in his basement to process his own photographs.

A natural builder and problem solver, Gene loved to tinker, innovate, and bring ideas to life. He spent countless hours in his basement workshop creating, repairing, and perfecting his many projects.

His love for all types of aircraft was shared with his brother Norm. Together they exchanged pictures and videos of airshows that they attended, and sent each other aircraft models, t-shirts and mementos.

Along with assistance from his brothers Norm and Dan, and cousins Orest and Sonia, Eugene delved into Genealogy and helped to compile a family tree that dates back several generations.

His most favorite hobby was radio-controlled models. From a young age, he built and flew rubber band planes, free flight gliders, control line aircraft and later graduated to radio-controlled aircraft. He belonged to The Model Aero League of Manitoba, Winnipeg Radio Control Club and Saints Radio Control Flying Club. He also spent time building many plastic aircraft models and vintage World War II aircraft such as the Harvard and P51 Mustang, which were among his favorites.

Gene moved on from building small model Chris Craft style boats to larger radio-controlled models in the 1970s. With his attention to detail and perfection, he crafted many model boats, both scratch built and from kits. He caught the boat racing bug, and along with Paul and Judy, participated in many boat racing competitions throughout Western Canada.

Eugene was a member of the North American Model Boat Association, American Power Boat Association as well as the Manitoba Rudder Benders Boat Racing Club. He happily settled into the building and crew chief roles, tweaking boat handling characteristics and tearing down and modifying engines while letting Paul handle the racing duties at most events. Eugene’s skill in producing fast and well handling boats resulted in many trophies and ribbons won, and even a couple of course and speed records set. He made many friendships at these races and still spoke fondly of his days racing and the comradery that these friendships brought, even long after his days of model building were over.

In addition to hobbies, Eugene enjoyed fishing and boating with his family in the Whiteshell, as well as trout fishing from his canoe and kayak at various lakes throughout Manitoba. He was especially fond of fishing with his grandsons at Lyons Lake, Manitoba.

Strong in his faith, Eugene was a lifelong member of Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church. He was a long-time choir member, served as Parish Vice President, participated on the building committee, and volunteered his time making perogies. In addition to singing with the church choir, he also participated in the Millennium Choir and O. Koshetz Choir.

Above all else, Gene loved his family deeply. He was immensely proud of his son, daughter in law and grandsons and cherished every opportunity to be involved in their lives. He loved to share life lessons, his knowledge and sense of curiosity about the world. It meant a great deal to him to pass along his passions while taking a genuine interest in theirs.

Left to cherish his memory are his son Paul (Valentine); grandsons Nicholas (Amanda) and Matthew; sisters-in law Louise Van Baer and Gloria Szun; brother-in-law Richard (Brenda) Kubara as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his wife of 43 years Judith (Judy); his parents Stanley and Sophie as well as his brothers Norman and Daniel.

Eugene was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be remembered for his creativity, commitment to his faith, and unwavering love for his family.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Andrea Thwala and Dr. John Rabson, for their care throughout the years. Thank you to the staff at Seven Oaks General Hospital (floors 4&5) for their recent care. We are so very grateful to Linda Kohut, the nurses and all the staff at Holy Family Home “A“ building 4th floor for their care and compassion. Thank you to Fr. Bohdan Lukie for your many hospital visits and always checking in on Eugene. God Bless you all!

Pallbearers: Nicholas Szun, Matthew Szun, Chris Szun, Paul Krowiak, Pat Lelliott and Glen Kantyluk

Evening prayers will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. at Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, 965 Boyd Avenue.

Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., also at BVM Church, with Fr. Vasyl Hoi officiating.  Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Eugene requested that donations be made to the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church Building Fund.

Vichnaya Pam’yat/ Memory Eternal

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