Obituary of Danny Kowbel

KOWBEL: Our loving husband, father, gido, brother, uncle and friend, Danny Kowbel, passed away peacefully, at his residence, with family by his side, on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at the age of 74 years. Danny was born on February 27, 1945 in Brandon, Manitoba to Nicholas and Anna Kowbel (née Czekan). He was the youngest of six siblings. Danny was predeceased by his parents Nicholas and Anna Kowbel; his parents-in-law Christopher and Tena Novalkowski; sisters Julie and Jean and brother Michael. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife Pat; three daughters: Nicole (Derrick) Snyder; Chantelle (Myles) Lawrence and Candace Kwiatkowski; six grandchildren: Nikolaus; Cole; Dawson; Elle; Madison and Macy. Also surviving are two sisters: Mary Kowbel of Forrest and Cathy Kowbel of Winnipeg. Danny attended school in Glanton and Forrest. He graduated from Elton Collegiate in 1963. He then went on to become a meteorologist, which started in Broadview, Saskatchewan and took him to Thunder Bay, Ottawa and Churchill. In 1971 Danny returned to the family farm, which ultimately would become his life's passion. Aside from farming, Danny held many other interests including camping, fishing, boating, waterskiing, downhill skiing, karate, judo, goldsmithing, golf and playing cards. At the age of 49, Danny also earned himself a black belt in judo, for which we were all so proud of. He could also add judo instructor and ski instructor to his list of many accomplishments. Danny also served as a counsellor for the R.M. of Elton for thirteen years and he was also an avid member of the Canadian Ukrainian Catholic Men's Club. Danny was an amazing friend who was always quick to lend a helping hand, be a supportive shoulder, or pour you a drink — whichever one was needed the most. He was loved by all and was always the life of the party, with his infectious laughter and witty one liners. Danny loved his family and devoted his life to being the man that we all respect and admire. We could always count on him for guidance, encouragement and unconditional love — or money if you needed it. We honour Danny and his character, his integrity, his commitment to the things he stood for — recognizing his amazing heart, his sense of humour, and the helping hand he so often extended to others. We celebrate a life and all that earned him the love, the admiration, the respect of family and friends, feeling grateful for our time with him, enriched by having known him, feeling blessed to have his remarkable spirit here among us forever. Danny was a man well loved, in a life well lived. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who has brought food and offered condolences and support during this very difficult time. Special thanks to Dr. Tegg, Dr. Bookatz, Dr. Gaiser-Edwards, the Western Medical Clinic staff, Melissa Peters and Brandon Home Care staff, and Heather Boersma and Minnedosa Home Care staff for their compassionate care and support. Thank you to Rev. Father Michael Tkachuk, Cantor Stella Fedeniuk, and the Canadian Ukrainian Catholic Men's Club for the lovely service; to the pallbearers who lead Danny to his final resting place; to Leona Randall for the beautiful music; and to the ladies who prepared and served lunch. Special thank you to Ken Gold and all of the staff at Brockie Donovan Funeral Home. Your thoughtfulness and compassion will never be forgotten. And an extra special thank you to Aunty Shirley Novalkowski for holding Mom up and offering your support when she really needed it. -Pat and family Last but certainly not least, we would like to thank Pat. Dad's last few years were not easy, but you devoted every minute to making his life the best it could be. He was always surrounded by love and laughter, and was always the centre of attention. That was only made possible because of you. Thank you Pat for being dad's person. - Danny's Girls A Funeral Service was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.; interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Danny may be made to the Parkinson Society of Manitoba, 414 Westmount Dr., Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2J 1P2.