DENNIS ROBERT KAUK

April 1, 1940 — September 25, 2021

With great sadness, we announce that our beloved Dennis died on September 25, 2021 at the age of 81.

 

Dennis was kind, generous, loving, and gentle. He enjoyed home cooking, time spent with friends and family, and music of all kinds. He was an avid audiophile from vinyl to super audio cd, he loved it all and  shared his love of music through attending concerts and studying bass guitar in his later years. He made the most of every summer and loved to soak up the sun between backyard barbecues, time in the pool, enjoying the beautiful backyard haven, and driving his Le Baron Convertible shades on, top down, playing good tunes.

 

Born in Winnipeg, MB, Dennis attended Elmwood High School, then worked with Swift Meats till 1968, when he moved to Chicago to work in the Meat Packing Industry as an IT Support Systems Trainer. Later on, he moved to Canton, Ohio, in all living, working, and travelling in the U.S. for over 30 years. For many years, he enjoyed visiting family back in Manitoba over the summers, where he purchased a cottage at Star Lake. There, he welcomed all his family to gather and many special times were shared with his siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins. It has been said, that Dennis taught and shared with them the joys of sailing, power-boating, water skiing, fishing and swimming.

 

When he retired, Dennis returned to Winnipeg to look after his dear mother in her final years. It was here, in the last chapter of his life, that he met Gerald Grzenda and Harry Mazuren, two big-hearted and unforgettable spirits who enlivened their stretch of Corydon Avenue for years with front yard barbecues and ever-lively music. Gerald and Harry soon took Dennis in and they developed a loving bond of friendship, and eventually partnership between Gerald and Dennis, all three of them taking care of each other and doing everything together.

 

Predeceased by parents Valentine and Leontina Kauk, sister Marjorie Ireland, brother Roger Kauk, and infant brother Ernest, Dennis will be forever loved, fondly remembered, and dearly missed by all who knew him, most especially his loving husband Gerald, best friend Harry, beloved pets Ringo & Sunny Girl, and the Stanton, Grzenda, Kull, and Kauk families.

 

Gerald and Harry would like to send out some special notes of thanks: to Susanne Zabudny for her six-year quest to get Gerald and Dennis to the altar and to Victoria Lyonin for officiating their marriage, which took place in a small and special backyard ceremony March 21, 2021 with a few family and friends in attendance; to the amazing medical staff at St. Boniface Hospital and The Health Science Centre, who cared for Dennis and offered their support through his illness journey and last weeks of life; to the team at Ethical Death Care for their exceptional care, especially Anthony and Dillon, whose compassion and expert attention helped ease us through this difficult time; and finally a big thank you and grateful hugs to all the neighbours, family, and friends who offered rides; especially Marguerite, Mel and Fiona, emotional support, and all of their love at this tender time.

 

A private viewing was held to bid farewell to Dennis and send off his spirit on Oct. 4, 2021, officiated by Rev. Fr. Isidore Dziadyk. A Celebration of Life may be held next spring. 

 

All notes, cards, and wishes from friends and family are much appreciated.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St, Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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