Obituary for Clifford Paul Kurbis
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Clifford Paul Kurbis, with his loved ones by his side.
Cliff is survived by his life-long partner and best friend Elizabeth, and his two daughters; Shannon (Mark) Kurbis and Mychelle (Philip) Houde, his sister Edna (Mike) Oleksiuk and many nieces and nephews.
Cliff was an amazing man known for his honesty, integrity and strong work ethic. He was an achiever at an early age and showed remarkable entrepreneurial skills growing up. He left his childhood home in Selkirk, at only sixteen, to take a job in Edmonton. Once he had earned enough money to purchase a car, he returned home to Selkirk and took over a bread truck delivery route. This job led to him developing a love of the food business. He then started his entrepreneurial career, along with his wife Elizabeth, by operating the food concession stands at Grand Beach, several restaurants and ultimately becoming the Owner and President of Ritz Foods Ltd. He was able to expand his businesses over the years and take over the food concessions at many locations, including most notably the Winnipeg Stadium and Arena, which he ran for many years. Here he was able to combine his love of the food industry and the love of his favourite sports teams, the Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers. His business interests diversified over the years and he later opened a national toy store chain, Hans Christian Toys.
After he sold his businesses and retired, he enjoyed spending time with his family, bowling with Elizabeth and his brother-in-law Harry, watching the wildlife in his yard and working along side his daughter and son-in-law in a family business, River East Travel. He particularly enjoyed cheering on the Jets/Bombers with Philip and spending time with his Houde/Rasmussen in-laws. He also loved talking to Mark about everything car related and was especially appreciative of having him as his own personal mechanic.
Cliff was blessed with having a wonderful family. He especially enjoyed, and always looked forward to visits from his sister Edna and brother-in-law Mike Oleksiuk. He always enjoyed and took an extreme interest in seeing what Mike had cooked the days he visited. He also spent many years working closely with his uncle Harold (Liz) Patzer and his cousin Gord Loeb, and he always greatly appreciated their advice and companionship, while navigating through the issues involved with running a business.
Cliff was a devout Christian and active member of St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church. He lived his whole life truly practicing what was preached, and was honest, fair and kind.
Dad will be forever remembered for his humour, quick wit and generous heart. He always saw the good in everyone and there was seldom a time, when out in public, that someone didn’t approach him and thank him for giving them a job or helping them in some way. His life was truly a gift, blessing and treasure to us, that we will hold in our hearts forever.
The family will be holding a private ceremony to honour Cliff.
A very special thank you to Dr. Donald Houston at CancerCare MB. We credit you solely for giving us many extra cherished, quality years with our father. We cannot thank you enough and are forever in your debt. Also, to Yemmi at CCMB, please know that our father always looked forward to your conversations and they brought him a lot of happiness and comfort.
Special thanks to Dr. Johannes Jacobs and the wonderful staff at Selkirk General Hospital, specifically Josie and Jennifer (Med 1 Ward). Your kindness and compassion were greatly appreciated at this most difficult time.
If you would like to honour Cliff, you can do so by making a donation to the charity he loved; Wildlife Rescue Network Inc. (Charity Registration # 89944 7981 RR0001):2 Red River Place, St Andrews, MB, R1A 2V2
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
–Winnie The Pooh (A. A. Milne)
Cliff is survived by his life-long partner and best friend Elizabeth, and his two daughters; Shannon (Mark) Kurbis and Mychelle (Philip) Houde, his sister Edna (Mike) Oleksiuk and many nieces and nephews.
Cliff was an amazing man known for his honesty, integrity and strong work ethic. He was an achiever at an early age and showed remarkable entrepreneurial skills growing up. He left his childhood home in Selkirk, at only sixteen, to take a job in Edmonton. Once he had earned enough money to purchase a car, he returned home to Selkirk and took over a bread truck delivery route. This job led to him developing a love of the food business. He then started his entrepreneurial career, along with his wife Elizabeth, by operating the food concession stands at Grand Beach, several restaurants and ultimately becoming the Owner and President of Ritz Foods Ltd. He was able to expand his businesses over the years and take over the food concessions at many locations, including most notably the Winnipeg Stadium and Arena, which he ran for many years. Here he was able to combine his love of the food industry and the love of his favourite sports teams, the Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers. His business interests diversified over the years and he later opened a national toy store chain, Hans Christian Toys.
After he sold his businesses and retired, he enjoyed spending time with his family, bowling with Elizabeth and his brother-in-law Harry, watching the wildlife in his yard and working along side his daughter and son-in-law in a family business, River East Travel. He particularly enjoyed cheering on the Jets/Bombers with Philip and spending time with his Houde/Rasmussen in-laws. He also loved talking to Mark about everything car related and was especially appreciative of having him as his own personal mechanic.
Cliff was blessed with having a wonderful family. He especially enjoyed, and always looked forward to visits from his sister Edna and brother-in-law Mike Oleksiuk. He always enjoyed and took an extreme interest in seeing what Mike had cooked the days he visited. He also spent many years working closely with his uncle Harold (Liz) Patzer and his cousin Gord Loeb, and he always greatly appreciated their advice and companionship, while navigating through the issues involved with running a business.
Cliff was a devout Christian and active member of St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church. He lived his whole life truly practicing what was preached, and was honest, fair and kind.
Dad will be forever remembered for his humour, quick wit and generous heart. He always saw the good in everyone and there was seldom a time, when out in public, that someone didn’t approach him and thank him for giving them a job or helping them in some way. His life was truly a gift, blessing and treasure to us, that we will hold in our hearts forever.
The family will be holding a private ceremony to honour Cliff.
A very special thank you to Dr. Donald Houston at CancerCare MB. We credit you solely for giving us many extra cherished, quality years with our father. We cannot thank you enough and are forever in your debt. Also, to Yemmi at CCMB, please know that our father always looked forward to your conversations and they brought him a lot of happiness and comfort.
Special thanks to Dr. Johannes Jacobs and the wonderful staff at Selkirk General Hospital, specifically Josie and Jennifer (Med 1 Ward). Your kindness and compassion were greatly appreciated at this most difficult time.
If you would like to honour Cliff, you can do so by making a donation to the charity he loved; Wildlife Rescue Network Inc. (Charity Registration # 89944 7981 RR0001):2 Red River Place, St Andrews, MB, R1A 2V2
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
–Winnie The Pooh (A. A. Milne)