Obituary of JOHN KAWALER

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Kawaler, our dear father, grandfather and great-grandfather on April 6, 2020, surrounded by the love of his children. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved daughter Valerie Balla (Ken), his beloved sons Ronald (Christie) and David (Karen); his dearly loved grandchildren Aaron Balla (Nicole), Marian Polakoff (Nathan), Daniel Kawaler (Kelly), Stephanie Wall (Nick), Laryssa Kawaler and Andrew Kawaler; his precious great-grandchildren Sarah, Emily, Olivia, Ian, Sofia, John, Amy and Katie. He is also survived by his sister Elsie Baryluk (John); sisters-in-law, Martha, Ollie, Antoinette, Helen and Mary; and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his loving wife Sophia in 2018; his parents John & Maria; his sister Mary Harrison; four siblings in infancy; his in-laws Stephen and Katherine Kiernicki; his brothers-in-law Dan Harrison, John Kiernicki, Michael Kiernicki, John Hnatishin, Bernie Kolodiejchuk, Lloyd Bauer and Carl Charrier and sisters-in-law Ann Grycki and Helen Kiernicki. Dad was born in Western Ukraine on June 1st, 1927. He came to Canada in 1929, he was raised and lived in Oakbank, MB. John married Sophia in 1948 and resided in Oakbank, later moving to Transcona in 1958. Dad was employed with C.N.R. for 35 years retiring in 1989. Dad took great pride in working at CNR and was especially proud that Ken, Ron and David all followed in his footsteps and was able to work alongside with them. Dad was always there for his children, to lend a helping hand and offer his advice to the family. No matter what needed fixing, Dad always found a way to repair it and followed it up with his favorite saying, “Experience costs money”. Dad loved life and looked forward to enjoying the good times with his extended family. Many of these good times were spent Sundays at Winnipeg Beach with the whole family gathered together, sunshine or rain. Everyone knew our “spot” and would drop by to engage in a spirited conversation with Dad. If you asked Dad if something was “good”, he would always respond with “There are two goods: good for something and good for nothing…” and he always ended by saying “…good for something”. Dad and Mom enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. They built a beautiful life during their 69 years together where they made many train trips in Canada, enjoyed Hawaii, Las Vegas and their retirement trip to Florida. However, their most cherished times were spent sitting in the backyard enjoying each other’s company and the company of their children and grandchildren. We are grateful that our parents instilled in us their most treasured values: to love your faith, the importance of family and to always work hard. Dad was a member of St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Transcona. His Church and his family were most important to him. His pallbearers will be his grandchildren Aaron Balla, Daniel Kawaler, Stephanie Wall, Marian Polakoff, Laryssa Kawaler and Andrew Kawaler. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at River East PCH for the care they provided Dad. We would also like to thank Very Rev. Mark Gnutel, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Mitrat Michael Buyachok, Fr. Alan Wizinsky, Fr. Michael Krochak and St. Michael Pastoral Care for all their spiritual guidance and friendship over the years. A private family funeral will be held, officiated by Very Rev. Mark Gnutel. Interment will take place at All Saints Cemetery. A Divine Liturgy and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Parish or to a charity of your choice.