Obituary of KENNETH PETER TRAKALO

KENNETH PETER TRAKALO 

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth (Ken) Peter Trakalo who passed away on February 6th, 2023 at the Grace Hospital at the age of 73 years. 

Ken was predeceased by his father Joseph Trakalo in 2003. He is cherished and lovingly remembered by his mother Jean, sons Lee (Tricia), Colin; grandchildren Sarah, Braydon, Matthew; siblings Shirley (Gerry), Bernie (Ellie), Les, Bill, Lynn (Joe); nieces; grandnieces; extended family (Dina, Meagan, Gabrielle), and loving friends.

Ken was born in Winnipeg at St. Boniface General Hospital on October 20, 1949 and was the first of Baba and Gigi’s (Joe and Jean’s) six kids. Originally from Meleb, Manitoba, they moved to Winnipeg and eventually made Transcona home. Dad graduated from Transcona Collegiate in 1969 and started his working career at Russell Food Equipment as a salesman for a few years until going to work at Metro Pallet with his dad in 1972. In that time, he met our mom Joanne and were married in 1973, raising two boys, and also calling Transcona home. Starting in 1980, he started working for Shell Canada, running the convenience store/gas station on Grant and Waverly. In 1997 he moved on as franchise owner with United Messenger, and then transitioned to his post-retirement career at Princess Auto. In 1995, Ken became a Gigi to Sarah, then Braydon, and then Matthew. Being Gigi to his grandchildren was what he loved most in life and he was always on call and always right around the corner when in need. 

During the late ‘90s, he started a new chapter and moved to Oakbank with his second wife Inda to which they were guardians to foster children, whom they took care of, and are still part of his life. After moving back to Transcona in 2009, Dad eased into life back at the home on Melrose he built and renovated with care and precision until his passing. 

He had a knack for fixing anything, building everything from scratch, and had an arsenal of tools that only a “Craftsman” would have. He also had an extensive knowledge of history and pop culture that would make a lesser man wince. His wisdom, kind words, compassion for others, and his ferocity at doing the right thing made him adored, loved, and respected by all who knew him. Gigi will be greatly missed, but never forgotten and always in our hearts. 

Rest in peace, Dad. 

A Celebration of Life will be at 6:00pm on May 5th at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1800 Day Street in Transcona.