Obituary of John "Huck" Munroe

MUNROE: John Henry "Huck" Munroe 1928-2017. At the age of 89 years, Huck passed away in his home in Brandon of sudden heart failure, December 16th, 2017. As he was in excellent health the event was unexpected. Huck was born and raised in Brandon. He was the youngest child of Hugh and Bessie Munroe. His older brothers and sister have predeceased him: Archie (1944 D-Day); Harry (2002), Jean (Guthrie) (2016). He recalled living at 339-24th St. near Fleming School where his mom would stand on the back porch and use a bugle to call the kids home for lunch. Huck was not so keen with school at Earl Oxford and was happy to get on with life after grade school. Recognizing the benefit of education, Huck completed his GED Grade 12 in 1973.He reminisced how, at the age of 17, working as a bellhop at the Prince Eddie Hotel, he joined the celebration at the end of the war, by throwing rolls of TP from the first floor balconies onto the Princess Ave. parade. In 1948 Huck and Ina Mae (nee Atkinson) were married and so continued a 70 year relationship. Luckily for Huck it turned out to be symbiotic: as he was ever the 'go-getter', a natural entrepreneur, whereas she was more reserved, a natural accountant. They made a good team. Soon to follow were their three sons: Brian (1949), Norm (1952), and Brent (1956). For 25 years Huck worked for Scott National Fruit, a food wholesaling company before vertical integration modernized that industry. With Scott National he progressed through many branches across the prairies including Dauphin, Winnipeg, Brandon, Regina, and Saskatoon. In 1970 the family relocated back to Brandon. After owning and operating the car wash, Huck joined on with Manitoba. Public Insurance Corp, (MPIC), where he teamed up with the salvage disposition department until his retirement in 1989. He enjoyed this job immensely and it brought him into contact with auto wreakers / dealers and repair shop owners all across the province, with whom he formed many lasting friendships. Huck loved Brandon and so supported many civic clubs within the city, including the Kiwanis Club, the Rotary Club, and Toastmasters. He also joined the Brandon Flying club, got his pilot's licence and eventually bought a plane. Many enjoyable and some frightful trips ensued. What interested him most was to provide for the family and for him that meant a cottage life and the chance to teach his boys how to waterski. A Clear Lake cabin in the Old Campground was a priority and any kind of boat to drag the kids across the lake. It was a big deal when his oldest, Brian, turned 13 and could then drive the boat and drag Huck on the skis. He did this into his seventies. What excited him most was the "buy / sell" of business. Whether it was wholesale foods, cars, buildings and land, he always had an entrepreneurial spirit. He formed a small corporation, Brinor Development and funnelled his enthusiasm through it. Even before their retirement, Huck and Ina were not sad to leave Manitoba winters behind and then spent the next 30 winters in Florida. They bought and sold condos in Tampa, Clearwater and Dunedin. He wasn't a happy camper this current winter, when they couldn't travel to escape the cold. So he was planning a move to their next abode where dinner would be served. Huck is predeceased by his parents and siblings, and his brothers-in-law, Nick Bass (Fay) and Wally Gentles (Opal). He is survived by Ina Mae Munroe and his 3 sons, Brian (Lynn), Norm (Sharon) and Brent (Maureen). His grandchildren were always dear to him: Mike (Theresa) and Chris (Melissa); Annie and Cam. His sisters -in-law, Fay Bass and Opal Gentles remain close. His nephew, Dan (Gloria) remained important to him always. A circle of love embraced all the many nieces and nephews, his great grandchildren (Mike Jr, Colin and Connor.) and the great-great grandchildren (Mathew, Zanthony and Mikala). Honorary pallbearers are: Reg Eamer, Tom Town, Rusty Bosman, and Doug Paterson. A celebration of life is planned for Tuesday January 9th at Brockie Donovan at 2:00 p.m. and all are welcome to attend. A luncheon will follow at the funeral home. An interment of the cremated ashes will happen in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations, if wished, could be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Unit 3- 2420 Victoria Avenue, Brandon, MB R7B 0M5.