Contact Us Anytime
Obituary of Gary Douglas Chornoboy
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Gary Douglas Chornoboy, age 77, of Winnipeg, MB, formerly of Grunthal MB, on December 26, 2020 at the Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg MB.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Dorothy, his daughter Shannon & Jon Friesen, grandchildren Taylor, Jayden, Bryson & Jaxon Friesen, his son Daryn & Angela ( Heese), grandchildren Keaton and Thayda Chornoboy, as well as one brother, Dale & Debbie, nephew Gavin Chornoboy of Grande Prairie, AB.
He was predeceased by his parents, Ted & Luba Chornoboy.
Dad was born on April 21, 1943 in Winnipeg, MB and grew up in Grunthal, where he enjoyed going to school and playing sports. After high school, dad joined his father in the family business Chornoboy Farm Equipment Ltd. Dad and mom were married in 1968, settling in Grunthal and started a family shortly after. In 1975, Dad took over the business after the sudden passing of his father and continued selling farm equipment until his retirement in 1999. Dad had a strong work ethic and often worked 6 days a week or afterhours for the emergency calls from customers who just needed a chain link or hydraulic hose fixed so they were able to get back to working on the field. Dad enjoyed getting to know his customers, even picking up some of the low German language along the way so he could “spezeare” with his customers or people in the community. During these years, Dad and Mom made many lifelong friends. Dad seemed to meet someone he knew wherever he went and always loved to stop and chat.
After his heart attack in 1997, Dad and Mom decided to move to Winnipeg, where he quickly got to know his neighbours and gained many new friends. Dad enjoyed taking up mall walking at the St. Vital mall, where they would walk an hour each morning, and at 9am sharp head to “their” table to be joined by the mall walking friends. Dad also enjoyed spending time with family, especially the Fender clan on their “kliezel” making days or special events and dances at Friendensfeld. Dad provided a great life for us kids and always supported us in our sports or school activities. We went on many family vacations or camping trips which will be cherished memories for us. Dad and mom loved to travel, from Europe to Hawaii, to road trips down to Mexico and across Canada and the US. They spent many winters going to Mazatlan, where they were often joined by family or MB friends who would head south to vacation. Dad and mom also enjoyed going on picnics with friends, weekend road trips south to the casino or visiting tourist attractions just for something to do. They loved these trips and valued the time spent with their close friends.
Dad was a kind and gentle man who loved his grandkids. He enjoyed watching them play sports, perform in programs or just listening to their adventures. Dad was always positive and encouraging and someone they could joke with. The boys especially loved when grandpa would take them to the local equipment dealer where he would let them sit in the driver’s seat to pretend to drive or operate the bucket, just for fun. Mom said Dad enjoyed it as much or more as the kids.
Dad was also a huge and loyal Winnipeg Blue Bomber fan. He was proud season ticket holder for 52 years. Dad and Mom usually planned vacations around the Bomber schedule as he was a true blue fan. Dad was able to witness 4 Grey Cup wins, but especially enjoyed the 2019 win after such a long drought. Once the Bombers moved to the new stadium, tail gating BBQ’s became the tradition before each game, rain or shine. Dad enjoyed the time spent with good friends and family and any other fan who would stop by. As his health declined over the last number of years, he moved slower to his seat, but rarely missed a game.
Dad always loved sports. Growing up he played hardball, football and defence for the Grunthal Red Wings hockey team. As time progressed, the sports he played slowed down, changing to slow-pitch, curling and golf. To dad, the friendships and camaraderie were more important than winning. Dad and Mom still got together with many of these team mates who became lifelong friends.
He was an active member with the Lions Club. He played a key role in starting up the Lions Club of Grunthal, and after moving to Winnipeg, invested his time with the Riverside Lions Club. He valued the work they did and felt this was one area where he could help others. For many years he was always asking others make sure they collected the tabs from the pop cans so they could gift someone with a wheelchair. He also faithfully supported the Lions Club mint fundraiser - a treat his grandkids loved and knew he always had with him.
Dad loved helping people. He gave as much of his time as health would allow, but always willing to help in some way, even if it was as a “supervisor”. Dad enjoyed cutting grass for his kids (usually with a grandchild on his lap), helping with home renovations or mom in the kitchen, especially now in his later years. Dad had a good sense of organization and always made sure things were put back where they belonged.
Over the last number of years Dad’s health had declined and had he struggled through a couple stokes along with congestive heart failure. Dad never complained, wanted pity or any special treatment. The last few months have been the hardest, and our mom was definitely the best caregiver he could have asked for. During this time of Covid and not being able to see family and friends or visitors at home or at the hospital was tough. We were thankful that we (Shannon & Daryn) were with mom at the hospital during his final hours.
He will be dearly missed by Mom, his kids and their spouses, his 6 grandkids, as well as his brother and family, numerous brother-in-laws and sister -in-laws, as well his nieces and nephews . We would like to express our thank you to Dad’s best friend/brother Cliff and Angela Tuck for their friendship and all their support over the years.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Riverside Lions Club 188 Worthington Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2M 5K1, which was very important to Gary. (In memo line please put in honour of Gary Chornoboy and it will be directed to the charity that was dear to him).
Gary was strong supporter for the blind and was hoping his organ donation (eyes) could be used to benefit someone else. We would also like to thank the doctors and nursing staff who have helped Dad throughout the years at the various hospitals.
A special thank you to Dr Mark Duerksen for his care and compassion for Dad over the many years.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held when restrictions are lifted and we can celebrate Dad’s life with his family and friends.
More information will be posted on the Birchwood website at a later date.
