Obituary of Reynold John Paskewitz

PASKEWITZ: Reynold John. With family by his side, Rey peacefully passed away on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at his home in Rideau Park Personal Care Home, Brandon, MB, following a battle with Parkinson's disease. Rey was born on June 24, 1927, in the RM of Strathcona, the third son of John and Olga (Goltz) Paskewitz. He grew up on the farm where he developed his love of the outdoors and nature. He started school at Pelican Lake School, also attending school at Ninette, MB, and St Paul's College in Winnipeg. He was rather proud of the fact that he, and his brothers, also attended St Michael's Academy (for girls) in Brandon for two weeks preparation for their first communion. After trying a few varied jobs, Rey decided to farm. About the same time he met the love of his life, Phyllis Brown. He and Phyllis were married on Wednesday, July 16, 1952 at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church in Brandon. While they farmed in the Ninette area, their four children arrived; David, Vincent, Moya and Neil. In 1966, the family left the farm, and following a camping trip to the West Coast they settled in Brandon. Rey began working for MacLeod's Store with the idea of a family business percolating in his mind. The resulting idea was the establishment of Meadowlark Campground in 1967. For Rey this was a dream come true, a family business and the outdoors, all in one and an outlet for his inventive mind. While family was of prime importance to Rey, so too was his church being a faithful parishioner at the Dunrea Catholic Church and the St Augustine's Roman Catholic Church. Rey and Phyllis enjoyed camping throughout Canada and the United States, and Rey grabbed the chance of a lifetime when he joined his brother Gene and travelled to Hong Kong and China. In their retirement years, Rey and Phyllis cherished summers spent at their cottage on Pelican Lake surrounded by family and friends. Shortly after the death of his beloved Phyllis, and with failing health, Rey chose to move to Rideau Park Personal Care Home where he was well cared for by the staff. Rey was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis; his parents; brothers Alban and Eugene Paskewitz; their wives Vera and Gerry; his brother-in-law "Mac" Brown and his wife Vicky. Rey is survived by his children; David (Fay), Vincent (Diane), Moya (Neil) Tarr, and Neil (Nancy); grandchildren Amanda, Ken and Christie (Jason Smith) Paskewitz, Scott, Holly and Meghan Paskewitz, Keith (Andrea) and Carey Tarr, and Taylor Paskewitz; great-grandchildren: Emery Smith and Jaxon Tarr; his sister-in-law Janette Brown; as well as many nieces and nephews and their families. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 11 a.m. at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church 327-4th Street with Father Dominic Yuen as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, P.O Box 767, Winnipeg, MB R7C 2L4 or to a charity of your choice. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com.