Emmanuel Gust
1926 – 2019
Emmanuel Gust went peacefully to be with his Lord on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at the Swan Valley Lodge. He was 92.
Emmanuel was born in Rozhysche, Volynia, Poland on December 5, 1926 to Rudolf and Emma Gust. In 1927 Rudolf and Emma immigrated to Canada along with Helen and Emmanuel. They lived in various places in the Swan Valley but soon settled in the Craigsford District. Emmanuel grew up working along with his parents and siblings on the farm. School days were difficult at first because he didn’t speak English very well and Emmanuel did not enjoy arithmetic. It was more enjoyable to play ball with the other kids or go fishing at the river. He soon quit school and stayed home to help on the farm. He particularly enjoyed working with the horses. When his parents moved to Minitonas, it was Emmanuel who stayed on the farm and eventually made it his own.
Emmanuel accepted Jesus as his Saviour at an early age. Over the years he served his church as an usher and choir member. His favourite Bible verse was John 3:16.
Emmanuel married Annie Kirsch on October 19, 1963 and Jackie was born in 1966. Granddaughter Crystal was born in 2001 and she instantly became Emmanuel’s pride and joy.
He drove a school bus for a few years in the Bowsman area to supplement the farming income. Emmanuel and Annie retired and moved to Minitonas in the 1980s.
After Annie’s passing, he could be seen in his white Dodge van, going uptown for coffee, going to Swan for lunch at the Qwik Stop, visiting in the Co-op, or driving around the valley checking the crops. He would stop and visit with anyone and made many new acquaintances by the side of the road or just on the street.
Emmanuel was predeceased by his wife Annie; a twin brother in infancy; as well as brothers Bob, Dan, and Sam. He was also predeceased by eleven brother or sisters in law. Left to mourn are his daughter Jackie; granddaughter Crystal; brothers Eric, Irvin, Henry, and Art; sisters Helen, Bertha, Anne, Ruth, Hilda, Anita, and Audrey; also left behind are nine in laws plus many nieces and nephews.
Thanks to the staff at the PCH and the Lodge for looking after him so well in these last years. Thanks also to Swan Valley Funeral Services for the fine help in laying his body to rest.
A funeral service was held on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. from First Baptist Church, Minitonas, Manitoba with Lowell Friesen officiating. Interment followed in the Minitonas Cemetery with Leighton Gust officiating.
If friends so desire, donations in Emmanuel’s memory may be made to Gideon’s International in Canada.
Swan Valley Funeral Services
363 Kelsey Trail, Swan River, Manitoba
204-734-5775 www.swanvalleyfuneralservices.com
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