Dr. Samuel Nicholas Klack

Samuel Klack

- 2019

Sam passed away July 17, 2019 at the Misericordia Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Sam was born and spent his early years on the family farm in Brooksby, Saskatchewan.  With respect to his sense of humour over the years of never telling anyone his actual age or year of birth, it will not be revealed at this time.

He was predeceased by his wife, Marie; parents Nick and Irene Kllach; daughter Carol; and brothers Steve, Mike and Alex.  He is survived by his sons Mike (Barbara), Fayettville, North Carolina, Ralph (Susan), Edmonton, Alberta, Sam, Winnipeg, and Steven, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, as well as thirteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

While early life growing up in rural Saskatchewan was at times life, he did attend school and enjoyed the studies and learning. Upon finishing high school, he attended Teacher's College and taught school for a couple of years.   After encouragement from his older brother, Steve, he enrolled at the University of Manitoba with plans of entering the medical field.   During the summer between the second and third years he travelled to Minneapolis to study a course not offered at the U of M.   Upon waking one morning with the mumps he was encouraged to seek help at the Northwestern College of Chiropractic.  The following day feeling much better he contacted the college to obtain more information regarding this type of treatment.  After meeting with the dean and several calls back to the U of M, he enrolled and spent the following four years preparing for what would become a sixty year journey.

Dad found time during his studies to meet a young cutie, Marie, and after graduation they were married.   With his new wife and two young sons, they returned to Canada, eventually settling and beginning his practice in Swan River, Manitoba.

Eventually, after many years and thousands of treatments later he made the extremely difficult decision to retire in the fall of 2013.   Sam was recognized by the Manitoba Chiropractor Association for his sixty years and his acceptance speech he spoke of how at the beginning he had patients, but as the years went by, they all became friends.

Friends, he had many, most made through his involvement with various organizations including the Masons, Shriners and the local Lions clubs.  He was also extremely proud of the work and accomplishments these organizations completed, not only for Swan River, but for the whole valley.

Throughout his years and looking back it is nearly impossible to list the many people he called friends.   While unable to list them all, I know we all heard or been part of his many jokes, pranks and hi-jinks from Jack's Small Engine Shop to various conventions with the Shriners, Lions Club and of course to his time spent in the dressing rooms of the hockey arena.   How many can recall finding garlic gloves in their skates, purses, jacket pockets or having him volunteer to do the dishes at your place, only to find the next day he really only put the dirty dishes back in your cupboards.

Yes he did work hard but did find time to enjoy his life well,, he really being a caring and forgiving being, although we as his children, did certainly discover his tough side as well.   Looking back, this only helped make us who we are today.

A number of years ago he moved into Winnipeg to reside with his son, Sam and family and slowly adjusted to his new city life.   Their yard soon became decorated with flowerpots, manicured lawn and shrubs, all tended to by himself, prompting a neighbour to comment to his son that the yard never looked as good before his father moved in.  

We were all blessed to have enjoyed many family dinners, birthdays and special occasions together.   His grandchildren enjoyed his many stories and were always excited when he attended their sporting events or even just for coming over for visits.

Throughout his wonderful life, he told everyone he met to stand up straight, keep moving and everyone morning to stretch and reach for God. This he not only believed but practiced daily and was in fact watering his plants the day he fell and taken to hospital.  His last three weeks were spent in the Grace and Misericordia hospitals, where he was visited by family and friends and treated by the medical personnel with dignity and respect at every moment.   We will miss him but know he is home and with his wife, passed family members and friends. 

A memorial service was held from the Chapel of Swan Valley Funeral Services in Swan River, Manitoba on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Kathy Highmoor officiating. Interment followed in the Birchwood Cemetery, Swan River, Manitoba.

If friends so desire, donations in Sam’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Swan Valley Funeral Services

363 Kelsey Trail, Swan River, Manitoba

204-734-5775  www.swanvalleyfuneralservices.com

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