Casimir Petaski

Casimir Petaski

1926 – 2019

  After a long, wonderful and fulfilling life of over 93 years, on June 18th, we said goodbye to a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Born and raised on the Lockport area farm that his grandfather started in 1904, Casimir was the 7th of 10 children of Ludwig and Polly (Denesiuk).  In 1951 Casimir married the love of his life, Mary (Skrypnyk). Together they raised two sons, Dennis and Jim, and proudly farmed potatoes and grains.

  Casimir was a hard-working entrepreneurial man who added to their farm income by mortgaging houses for others, and for many years contracting his services to the Selkirk Weed Control Department, CNR and CPR, for the task of cutting weeds throughout the Interlake. He was a proud lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and also served as a Councillor for the RM of St. Clements.  Although he led a very busy life, Casimir was also very sociable and took time to relax.  He thoroughly enjoyed boating and water-skiing, taking his grandchildren on a cruise, taking road trips, singing, and spending time with family and friends. Later in life, he became an avid reader and enjoyed his time at the library, often taking home history books to read.  He also made his special oatmeal recipe and brewed a great cup of coffee, offering to anyone who would join him in what he called the morning meetings. Even as his body aged, his mind and spirit stayed young, and it would be fitting to pass on Casimir’s most used phrase when saying good-bye,

"Keep on Smiling, and May the Good Lord Take a Liking to You".

  He will be forever missed by his loving wife of 67 years Mary, sons Dennis (Kim), Jim (Marianne), grandchildren, Kristin (Ryan), Erin, Allyse (Josh) and great-grandchild Adelyn, who gave him that new sparkle in his eye.   Casimir is pre-deceased by his brothers Joe and Mike, and sisters, Rose (Bochen), Anne (Onhaiser), Helen (Semenchuk), Mary (Danko), Blanche (Donachuk), and survived by his sisters Pauline (Banash) and Angela (Bunio).

  Pallbearers are Josh Cheater, Ryan Davies, Daniel Denesiuk, Sam Donachuk, Ron Petaski and Pat Skrypnyk. Honorary Pallbearers are Dennis Banash, Ron Bochen, Bill Bunio, Sharon Degroot, Joe Petaski and Sandra Rigey.  

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 24th. at Gilbart Funeral Home. Viewing will be held prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Casimir’s name to Gaynor Family Regional Library, 806 Manitoba Ave., Selkirk R1A 2H4, or a charity of your choice.

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