April 17, 1941 – December 27, 2024

Dad dealt with increasing dementia in his last years but it was a broken heart that eventually took him from us.

After losing his beloved wife of nearly 58 years, Bev, in 2022, his enthusiasm for life waned. He stopped eating and was weak. His continual refusal to eat in the hospital granted him his final wish, to be with his “Bevelyn.”

The many memories of dad (Papa) will be treasured by his daughter Sandy Motkaluk (Richard); son Darren (Jenn Still); grandchildren, Steven, Riley, Maryssa and Myranda Motkaluk, Abby and Ben Bernhardt; and many nieces and nephews.

Dad was born and raised in Winnipeg and spent his entire life in the Elmwood-East Kildonan area, which he fiercely loved. He was the youngest of nine siblings, many who also spent their lives in the neighbourhood. Dad was the last of them.

He was predeceased by his father Phillip in 1957, and mother Maria in 1977, as well as his seven sisters and one brother.

Dad and mom met at Elmwood High School and built a simple, happy life in a modest home. Dad spent a short time working as a travelling salesman for Arnold Bros. Transport, a family he was very fond of, before shifting to Air Canada Cargo, where he spent 33 years.

A private interment will happen at a later date at Elmwood Cemetery when his remains will be reunited with mom’s in the niche they share. The one inscribed “Together Forever.”

Tribute Link: alternacremation.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 11, 2025