Obituary of PETER ALBERT SHAW (CISZEWSKI)

PETER ALBERT SHAW (CISZEWSKI) Peter Albert Shaw (Ciszewski) born July 12, 1932 in Winnipeg Beach, passed away on January 28, 2016. He is survived by Elsie, his loving wife and best friend of 58 years, his daughters Patricia (Curtis Cyr) and Karen (Murray Allan), three grandchildren Aaron and Megan Cyr, and Stewart Shaw-Allan, sister MaryAnn Maxted (Gary), sister-in-law Joan Shaw, brother-in-law Ernie Yaremchuk (Tammy), sister-in-law Joyce Mellors (Trevor), numerous cousins, nephews and nieces, and many friends and long time neighbours in St. Andrews. Peter was predeceased by his father John Ciszewski, mother Mary Ciszewski, brothers Donald and Gordon Shaw, twin brother Frankie Ciszewski in infancy, sister-in-law Sherrie Shaw, niece Susan Shaw, father and mother-in-law John and Caroline Yaremchuk, brother-in-law Bernie Young, and nephew Gary Yaremchuk. It's hard to sum up Peter's life in words. We can only hope to shed light on who Peter was, what he stood for, and what he meant to us. Peter was a very kind, gentle and humble man, but his presence was bigger than life. His sense of humour and quick wit kept us on our toes and made us laugh for hours on end. You should feel very honoured if you were the brunt of one of his practical jokes. This side of Peter was present till the very end and helped us all though this difficult time. At a very young age Peter worked on the Boardwalk during Winnipeg Beach's heyday. He quickly developed an impeccable work ethic, that continued throughout his 35 year career with CN Rail. Working for the railway ignited his passion for trains, which became a life long hobby. In 2014 he presented the Town of Winnipeg Beach an exact miniature replica of the Boardwalk, Railway Yards and Town as it was in the 1940s in celebration of their Centennial Anniversary. Wood was in his blood. He was never far from a hammer, drill, chisel or carving tools, always building or fixing something. Later in life he took his wood working skills to the next level and started making wood carvings of birds, ducks and bark houses. When he was not working on his many projects, you could find him in his yard caring for his well manicured shrub beds or chopping firewood. He enjoyed many years of camaraderie with his cousins hunting in the farm fields of the Interlake. He even taught his daughters how to pluck a duck. You couldn't have asked for a better neighbour and friend. He always made time for you and would always lend a hand when needed. He was a long standing and faithful member of St. Theresa's Roman Catholic Church and was very proud to be a member of the Knights of Columbus #9425. Peter was especially proud to receive the Knights of Columbus Family Award in 2011. Peter considered himself a very lucky man who shared a lifetime of love, trust, patience and honesty with Elsie. As a father, he guided, protected, disciplined, taught and instilled good values in his daughters. His three grandchildren made his heart sing and his eyes shine. They will hold the memories they made together in their hearts forever. Peter fought valiantly for 24 years against a very cruel disease. During those years he never gave up, and never showed defeat, anger or self-pity. Even at the end, he was determined to get back to his cottage and shovel some gravel. Peter's zest for life will live on in the memories we hold and we hope when you remember him it's with a chuckle and a smile. We sincerely thank the doctors, nurses, healthcare aides and staff of CancerCare Manitoba, Palliative Care, Home Care and Riverview Health Centre. They provided Peter with exceptional care and compassion during this journey. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on February 4, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa's Roman Catholic Church, 3597 Main St., West St. Paul. A private family interment will take place at a later date. A reception will follow the service in the church hall. Pallbearers will be Charlie Bobrowich, Ted Sobieski, Ross Shaw, Neil Shaw, Brad Bobrowich and Jason Mellors. Honorary Pallbearers are Orville Spakowski and Ernie Yaremchuk. Donations can be made in Peter's name to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 675 McDermot Ave., Room ON1160, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.