Obituary of Paul Frank Felawka

FELAWKA: Felawka, Paul – August 15th, 1920 – February 10th, 2014. Dad was born in Stenen, Saskatchewan in 1920 along with his twin brother, Peter. Dad attended school in the Goldbank district area. In 1944, he moved to the Rounthwaite area with his mom and step-dad, William Kowal. After his step-dad died, he and his mother moved to the farm land in the late 50's, where he would later settle down with his wife, Mary. This property was located two miles south of Rounthwaite, MB. Mom and Dad would reside at this farm location from 1965-1989. Left to survive is his wife of almost 49 years, Mary Felawka of Brandon. Daughters Diane (Paul) Vinet of Winnipeg, Gay (Bill) Courtice of Brandon. Grandchildren Daniel Cowan (Winnipeg), Charlotte Smith (Vernon, BC) Jacqueline Empey (Red Deer), Caroline Vinet (Winnipeg), Dara Courtice (Brandon), Lance Courtice (Brandon). Great Grandchildren Ben Henderson (Red Deer), Olivia Allen, Cassidy Smith (Vernon, BC) and many numerous nephews and nieces. Predeceased by his parents Anton and Mary Felawka, daughter Valerie Healey, brothers Tom, Walter, Mike and twin brother, Peter, sisters, Rose, Ann and Marie. Dad married Mary Pienkowski on October 23rd, 1965. They moved the family (three girls and two dogs) to the Wawanesa, Rounthwaite area and continued to farm his ¾ of a section of land. He farmed for several years and made many great friends in the area. He was a very social person who loved to visit and listen to stories from the neighbours and friends. Mom and dad worked very hard on the farm, with Dad spending late nights on the tractor or combine if he needed to. He never had fancy machinery, but continued to fix what he had and made a good living on the farm. During this time, he married three daughters off, and walked each one down the isle where he was so proud of them all. He cherished each one of the grandchildren and always had time to joke with each of them, even letting them go as far as putting lipstick on their Gigi. Later on, he rented the farmland out, but they continued to stay on the farm. In 1989, they sold the farm, and moved to Brandon, where he resided for almost 25 years until his death. The moment they moved into this house in Brandon, they knew they would stay there, as this was their home. They met many great friends and neighbours in the area, and have continued their friendships up until his passing. Over the last few years, every Sunday was dedicated to our breakfast outings at the North 40 Café. Dad loved to go for coffee, and meet up with people. Even after we had breakfast Dad would ask if we were going out for coffee. He was well known at the different coffee shops in town such as Smitty's, Humpty's, Zellers coffee shop, The North 40 and Clay Pot. Dad loved his plain chips and always had them out for when company came. He also loved to do the crossword puzzle books and playing card games. The family spent many days on the farm with family and friends playing several rounds of card games and celebrating every birthday and anniversary that came up… always with a birthday cake and good cheer. He will be remembered for being a great and wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. Every day will be a challenge without this kind sweet man, who went with the flow of life and always loved to go out for coffee and socialize with the people in his life. Our Sunday breakfast times will have a missing link without him. His favourite saying was "You know, I still love you girls." Every morning Mom will miss that morning smile and kiss. At Dad's request, cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Tuesday, February 18th, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with Funeral Celebrant, Kim Lewarne, officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Brandon Cemetery. Anyone wishing to make a donation can make it to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Unit 3-824-18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 5B7. "We'll see you someday, miss you already"