August Slonowski

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of August (Gus) Slonowski, age 76, of Garland, Manitoba. 

August was born in Garland on September 11, 1943 and died on January 17, 2020 at the Dauphin General Hospital due to complications from diabetes. He was surrounded by family and friends during his stay in the hospital and had family by his side at the time of his passing.

An experienced miner, August worked at mines across Canada from the 1960s to the late 1990s, making life-long friends along the way. After retiring from mining, he became a proud grain farmer, an occupation he continued until the time of his death. 

August was one of a kind. Known for his sharp sense of humour, he always had time for a cup of coffee and a good ‘b.s.’ session, even during the busy growing season. He could tell stories that had his listeners in tears of laughter and he had the habit of using unique greetings when phoning friends and family, such as: te sha jhy-izj? Ukrainian for ‘Are you still living?’ 

Proud of his Ukrainian heritage, August would speak the language whenever and wherever he could. He loved music and reading and amassed a large classic country and bluegrass collection and a library of books on topics ranging from science to history. Although a small-town resident, August was well-travelled and knowledgeable on many subjects.

While August didn’t have children of his own, he took pride in and followed the successes and accomplishments of his nieces and nephews. They will remember him for his generosity, his stories and card tricks and the many trips to Wasyluk’s store to buy treats.

August was predeceased by his oldest brother, Walter (1955), his father, Victor (1966) and his mother, Helen (2004). He is survived by his siblings: Carl (Olga) of St. Paul, Alberta, Victoria Horbas of Winnipeg, Orest of Cranbrook, B.C., Nestor (Lorraine) of Dauphin, Paul of Penticton, B.C. and Susan Pachkowski of Roblin, his nieces and nephews: Lorraine, Larry, Penny, Sandy, Deborah, Laverne, Pam, Dean, Garry and Kevin and his many great-nieces and nephews.

The family is very thankful for the special friendship August had with his neighbours, Jim and Sharon Campbell, and would like to acknowledge the care August received at the Dauphin General Hospital and Brandon Regional Hospital during his final weeks. A special thanks goes to Dr. Scott Kish who cared for August when he was admitted to Emergency and during his stay at the Dauphin Hospital and to Dr. Paul Igoh who looked after August while at the Brandon Regional Hospital.

Funeral Service was held on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 2:00 pm from Sneath-Strilchuk Family Care Centre in Dauphin, MB with Rev. Karen Kuzek officiating.  Interment will take place in the Garland Union Cemetery in Garland, MB at a later date.

Should friends so desire, in lieu of flowers donations in memory of August may be made to:

Diabetes Canada (Manitoba & Nunavut) 401-1 Wesley Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4C6 www.diabetes.ca,

Kidney Foundation of Canada - Manitoba Branch 1 – 452 Dovercourt Drive, Winnipeg , MB, R3Y 1G4 https://www.kidney.ca/manitoba

and Misericordia Health Centre Foundation 99 Cornish Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1A2 Canada

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