Lorne James Shindak

It is with profound sadness that the family of Lorne Shindak announce his passing on Wednesday, September 16th, at the age of 71.

He leaves to mourn his wife Linda; daughter Lora; son-in-law Tim; granddaughter Taryn; nieces, nephews, cousins and close family friends. Lorne was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary Shindak (nee Boryskavich), siblings Mildred, Vera, and Robert.

Lorne came into this world with humble beginnings from the family farm in Angusville, MB. From a young age, he learned the importance of hard work. He left to set out on his own shortly after finishing high school and set his sights on Winnipeg.

Lorne maintained childhood friendships and returning to the farm to visit was important to him. It was at a wedding in nearby Rossburn where he first met the love of his life, Linda Zegalski. Although, it took an entire year for him to ask her to dance. They met yet again at another wedding in Rossburn. He approached her saying, “Oh, I remember you. You wore that same dress last year.” Despite this, Linda agreed to dance with Lorne. They were married on June 16, 1973, and were partners for 47 years.

Not wanting to start family life in the city, they moved to Brandon, MB on July 1, 1974. This also happened to be Linda’s due date to give birth. Luckily - Lora decided to wait three weeks before making her debut.

While working as a crane operator at Behlen Wickes, Lorne found a book that forever changed the trajectory of his life. After reading and underlining passages in his copy of “The Magic of Thinking Big” he changed his life plans. It started with owning a restaurant in downtown Brandon (Lorne’s Place). Next, came a change of business and location with Lorne’s Grocery at 18th & McTavish, followed by becoming a co-owner of MLT Food Stores in the city’s north end. Lorne always took care of his customers and employees. Customers became friends and employees became family. 

Lorne’s management and customer service skills were noticed and he was offered to become a Branch Manager of Beverage Services Ltd. (Coca-Cola). The family relocated to Dauphin in 1987. 

After five years, the company restructured and closed. Lorne was swiftly offered a new position and hit the road for Quality Coffee, supplying refreshments across the Parkland. His customer service was legendary and returned to him tenfold. A takeout container of soup waited for him in Ethelbert, ribs in Cowan, butter tarts in Togo, and even a puppy in Erikson. 

Lorne heard the farm calling his name once again in the early 1990s. A slower pace of life was found within an acreage near Sifton, MB. This was Lorne’s happy place. Somehow, pets made their way to the house and were always welcome. When granddaughter Taryn came to visit, adventures were had and Lorne was a kid again.

In an attempt to retire, Lorne put down his travelling coffee mug. Restlessness gave way to becoming a shuttle driver for Forman & Kelleher Ford in Dauphin and finally, an electrical clerk at Westburne.

Never one to sit still, Lorne was very active within his business and cultural communities. His associations included the Brandon Restaurant Association, Brandon’s Own Shumka Ukrainian Dancers (now Troyanda), St. George’s Men’s Club (Dauphin), Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival (Dauphin), Ducks Unlimited (Dauphin) and Dauphin Shrine Club.

Lorne had a deep love for his Ukrainian heritage. Music, food and jokes were always better in Ukrainian. He had an ear for music and picked up the violin with natural talent. Manitoba Polka musicians became another branch of his extended family.

For a little guy from Angusville, he did very well for himself. He had the biggest heart beating inside the smallest frame. The ripples from lifelong friendships will be his legacy. 

Gratitude is extended to Dr. Linda Dutoit for exceptional care in Dauphin and Dr. Adam Andreiw & nurse Shelly for exceptional care at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg. An additional thank you to Father Tommy at St. Boniface Hospital and Rev. Father Nikolaos Tambakis of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Winnipeg.
Donations in Lorne’s name can be made to Ducks Unlimited Canada or a charity of one’s choice.

Vichnaya Pamyat

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