NO OBLIGATION
ZERO PRESSURE
NO UPSELLING
ADAM SEMENIUK
It is with profound love and heartbreaking sorrow, that we the family, of Adam Semeniuk, of Pine River, Manitoba most recently Winnipeg and previously Ethelbert; announce the passing of my Beloved Husband, Our Beloved Father, Grandfather (Gido), Great-Grandfather (Great- Gido) and Brother; due to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Adam / Dad passed peacefully at Concordia Hospital with loving family at his side, on December 8th, 2020 at the age of 92 years.
Dad was born to Steven and Anastasia (Chunick) Semeniuk on December 21, 1927 as the fourth of six children on the family farm; in the Fletcher District near the village of Pine River, Manitoba. He attended Fletcher School to a Grade 8 level and as the child of hardworking Ukrainian Pioneer parents, worked alongside his family in their farming endeavours.
As he grew older, his appreciation for education and knowledge filled him with a curiosity about the wide world around him. In his unquenchable thirst for learning and experience, he found work at a number of jobs including a Bakery, Corning Glass Factory and Tobacco farm in Ontario. After a period of time, he returned home to Manitoba for a year; where he assisted his father in the construction of a commercial building in his hometown. Then he ventured west to Vancouver where he was employed for a short time in a Sugar Refinery. As an adventurous young man, Dad joined the Merchant Marines on the west coast which ignited his lifelong hunger for travel and continuous adventure.
He then returned to Pine River to purchase his father’s commercial building and began his own independent business in 1950 continuing under the business name of Northern Motors; supplying bulk and pump fuel, agricultural equipment (sales and service), as well as a service bay for automotive repair.
In 1957, he married Adeline Serwa of Pulp River, Manitoba. Together, while operating their growing business, volunteering and participating in the community as well as surrounding regions; they raised their seven children, namely: Arlene, Sandra, Mark, Audrey, Lyle, Richard, and Dawn. No...life was never ever boring!
Northern Motors became known to maintain an extensive inventory of parts. This provided a valuable source of procurement to serve a widespread customer base; in a growing, thriving region of Manitoba. He earned numerous business and service company performance awards. He believed in stellar sacrificial customer service by devoting days, evenings, and many holidays providing follow up support, resourcing of parts, troubleshooting and delivery to his client base. His entrepreneurial spirit and concern for his community led him to add services such as: a propane fill station, laundromat, and carwash to name a few. He was faithfully assisted by his wife, family and key employees. His integrity and work ethic has been instilled in his children and their families.
Dad was instrumental in establishing Ambulance Services in the Parkland Region, in addition to a potable water system supply to Pine River Residents and its surrounding area. He also served as Vice-President on Village Council; that brought about the building of Rainbow Villa Senior Citizen housing complex in Pine River. He worked closely with the Deputy Commissioner of Northern Affairs to advocate for remote housing and rural mail delivery. Community development and leadership were benchmark priorities for Dad. He served as Board member to the local Credit Union in his earlier years and municipal Local Unincorporated District area, where he received an award for his numerous years of service; until his health prevented him from fulfilling his commitment. Dad was a lifetime Pine River Lions Club member, always participating and donating to countless celebrations, clubs and organizations. Even as a busy businessman, Dad made a point of doing research, development, and co-ordinating resources; to better the quality of living conditions for his community and area. We respected that dad had strong convictions in bringing about positive change selflessly; not motivated by praise, publicity, position or personal gain, but by satisfaction in a job well done and quality of life improved.
Daddy always said “ If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem….you choose”. He was not one to sit passively on the sidelines of life as an opportunist, bemoaning and complaining to use the energies of others to further his own interests. He was a true philanthropist at heart.
“Pinky”, as he became affectionately known (due to his rosy cheeks and animated personality) carved out time for activities that he loved, like picking mushrooms (especially springtime morels), nuts, berries, exploring nature, fishing and in his earlier years - hunting. Of special interest to Dad, his hobbies were reading, music, dance, history, geography and travel. Through much hard work together, Dad and Mom travelled extensively to interesting destinations around the world; as well as their family road trips. All cultures and traditions, especially his own Ukrainian background intrigued and captivated his attention. He was voracious and relentless in fully living his life without wasted time. He loved and respected God deeply and reverently, feeling that he could best worship and commune with Him in the vast beauty and stillness of nature without distraction or hypocrisy.
Into his midlife years, Dad suffered a series of significant health events and issues, and a good number of them were very nearly fatal! Our family loved his resilient spirit and when a massive stroke robbed Dad of his ability to communicate effectively and strongly, (those who knew him best... knew how he enjoyed dialogue, debate and wit), then we became practised charade artists. Dad, to his credit became one of the most sensitive, attentive, affectionate, supportive and loving listener that our family ever had the privilege of embracing.
When the time came to sell Northern Motors 1976 Ltd. in 2003 after 55 years in business, and move closer to his children as well as Medical Specialists in Winnipeg; he handled the changing of his season with grace and pragmatic wisdom. Dad resided at Sunnyside Lodge in Ethelbert for approximately two and a half years, remaining close to family and friends in the area.
In May of 2019, due to his unpredictable health and need for more care, Dad moved back to Winnipeg and a short time later into Holy Family Home - Long Term Care; to be closer to Mom (Adeline) and his family living in the city, where many joyful visits ensued.
Dad loved his family and cared for us each and all without reservation or regret. We are stronger and better citizens for his example. We will miss him unspeakably.
Adam was predeceased by his parents, Steven (1981) and Anastasia (1996) sisters Helen Danylyshyn and Effie Brezden, their spouses, many more in-laws, relatives and close friends.
Remaining to cherish precious memories are his wife of 63 years, Adeline, children: Arlene (Greg), Sandra (Mackie), Mark (Bonnie), Audrey, Lyle (Bridget) , Richard (Lynn) and Dawn (Michael).
He was a beloved Gido "The Geeg" to Dondina (Andrew), Lisa (Ryan), Belinda (Justin), Michael, Allison, Steven (Karley), Madeline, Benjamin, Monique, Sarah and Jack. “White Haired Gido” to Kara, Jacob, Ophelia and Clay.
He is also survived and remembered with love by his loving sister, Steffie (John Karalash of Saskatoon), Brothers - Anthony of Pine River, and Joseph (Tina), as well as Brothers- in- law - Edward (Margaret), Ernie (Beverley) and his numerous Nieces and Nephews, whom he loved dearly.
A life well lived indeed...We love you Adam / Dad and will miss you, as we hold countless precious memories close
In accordance with Adam’s / Dad’s wishes cremation has taken place; but due to the COVID-19 restrictions and regulations, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Anyone wishing to donate in Adam’s memory may do so in support of: Dauphin Regional Health Centre (Palliative Care Unit) at 625 - 3rd Street S.W., Dauphin, MB. R7N 1R7 or Holy Family Home c/o LUBOV SSMI 1085 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2W 3S1 or a charity of one's choice.
Vichnaya Pam'yat.
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