Obituary of GEORGE GABRIEL MARKIW

GEORGE GABRIEL MARKIW

Gabriel passed away suddenly and unexpectantly on February 19, 2023 in Winnipeg at the age of 71 years.

He was predeceased by his parents Andrew Markiw and Antonietta (nee Calvaresi)

Gabriel is survived by his wife Lorraine O’Leary, their children Adrian (Melissa, who is expecting a child in March) of Midland, ON and Dominic (Maddelyn) of Wanaka, New Zealand.  He also leaves his brothers Ivan (Helen) and Jancarlo (Jeannette); his nieces and nephews Michael, Anna, John, Anthony and Taisa; sister and brothers-in-law Valerie, Brian (Lorelei)and Paul (Gay) O’Leary;  Lorraine’s nieces and nephews Brietta, Kevin, Sarah, Erin and Jonah.

Gabriel was born in Winnipeg on February 19, 1952.   He attended St. Johns High School and later the University of Manitoba and Red River Community College taking Creative Communications.  He met Lorraine in Winnipeg, 1973 and they were married in Assisi, Italy in 1985.  The greatest joys of his life were the births of his sons Adrian and Dominic and the many memorable vacations in Jamaica, Mexico and Italy.

He worked briefly at CBC Calgary, moved to Toronto and back to Winnipeg in 1980 and pursued a career in film, starting as an assistant Director and beginning a partnership with his brother Jancarlo of O’Meara Productions in 1983.  They produced, wrote and directed several films for network television and theatrical features.  For the past two decades Gabriel has owned the Mad Science Franchise of Manitoba.  He enjoyed teaching science to curious children. 

A special thanks to all the instructors and his assistant Fiona Olson and to Dr. Babick and Dr. Kroeker.

A celebration of his life will be held on June 10, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.