Rupert David Chmelowski

On November 30, 2017 Mr. Rupert Chmelowski of Swan River formerly of Birch River/Pine River passed away at the age of 79 years.

He leaves to mourn his wife Stella Chmelowski and three children; daughter Laurie Young (Stan Anderson) of Swan River, sons Dean Chmelowski of Winnipeg and Darren Chmelowski (Christine) of Swan River.

Gido was always proud of his grandchildren: Kylie, Jody (Brayden), Tia, Aiden and Olivia, and his great grandchildren Dominic, Sydney and Bodhi always brought a smile to his face.

He is also survived by his sister Violet Jensen of Winnipeg, mother in law Nellie Pachkowski of Gilbert Plains, brothers in law Terry (Adeline) Pachkowski of Dauphin, Ernie (Hilda) Pachkowski of Ethelbert, sister in law Donna (Gord Vandepoele) Rudkewich of Dauphin and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rupert was predeceased by his parents, Steve and Nellie Chmelowski; sisters, Eva Hlady, Doris Dudar; brother, Cedric Chmelowski; and brothers in law Tony Hlady, Nick Dudar and Vern Jensen.

Rupert Chmelowski was born August 30, 1938 at his parents’ home in Pine River.

Dad started his education in Pine River and graduated from Grade 12 in Minitonas. He got a teacher’s permit and spent one year in Rice Lake teaching in a 1 room school house before deciding that he wanted to pursue teaching as a career. So, he went to Winnipeg Teachers College and received his professional certificate. Living and teaching in Kulish, he met Stella Pachkowski of Ethelbert. They married in 1963 and resided in Haig, Manitoba where he taught. A year later they had a daughter, Laurie. Two years passed, and Dad accepted a position with the Swan Valley School Division in Benito. They bought a home and in 1968 they expanded their family with twins, Dean and Darren. Throughout the years Dad continued to travel to the family farm in Pine River to help Uncle Cedric, and Baba. 1973 was the big family move to Birch River where he taught until his early retirement at the age of 54. Even beyond his thirty-five years of teaching, many of his former students still call him “Mr.C”.

Dad’s love for the farm drew him back to Pine River, so after retirement he spent most of his time assuming the renters needed his input on how to grow a bumper crop. Dad loved to garden and looked forward to showing off his crop to everyone who would visit. Food was always plentiful as he enjoyed cooking and baking. Never known to stick to a recipe, it seemed that garlic was usually the main ingredient. As an amateur distiller, he also looked forward to sharing a shot with his visitors. (Sometimes two!)

Besides the farm, Dad had a love for hunting and fishing. Many miles were put on the Beaver Lake Road with his brother, sisters and their families. Moose was his favourite quarry and the Steeprock Road also saw a lot of travel. Luck and skill with his trusty rifle kept the family freezer full.  He passed on his hunting skills to his son Darren and grandson Aiden. He continued to be the “guide” until his passing.

He always looked forward to seeing his kids and grandkids and great grandkids. Dad was never shy about sharing his advice (opinion) on the phone, which we dubbed the “RC approval” …. Seemed like pretty much everything we did had to get the “RC approval”.

Due to a health issue, Dad lost some mobility and made the tough decision to leave the farm and reside in Swan River, with family close by. He adjusted well to his new home, and spoke often of the good times. He even became a techie and enjoyed his internet. Solitaire, old time country music and of course not a sale got by with the Coop flyer website.

Through the years he made many friends whom we consider family. Dad was always happy for a visit, but if not, a phone call was all he needed. Dad always understood how busy life can be, so he appreciated hearing from everyone. Every phone call started with “Nothing important…” and ended with “Keep in touch…”.  Keep in touch Dad, we love you and miss you.!! Cheers

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