Brian Sloik

Brian Raymond Sloik

Peacefully with family by his side, Brian Sloik passed away on Monday, May 19, 2014 at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 69 years.

Predeceased by his parents Milton and Phyllis Sloik, he is lovingly remembered by his beloved wife Mavis Sloik; daughter Kim (Carl) Huebner, grandchildren Delaney and Hannah; daughter Andrea (Rob) Roteliuk, grandchildren Brennan and Paige; brothers Garry (Rita) and Ken (Dot) and many extended family and friends.

Brian was born and raised in Portage la Prairie and the oldest of three boys.  He loved playing baseball and riding horses and excelled at both.  From before he could walk he was on a horse.  In his younger years he rode horses competitively and in 1962 won the provincial (MGRA) Manitoba Gymkhana Rodeo Association finals.  He was awarded with a saddle that he still used to this day.  His love of horses led him to become a PMU farmer with his dad and also became a trained Farrier.  In 1978 he attended Olds College where he was awarded Most Competent Farrier in his class.  For several years Brian shoed horses in the evenings and would still shoe his own standard bred race horse.  Brian was an avid ball player and played first base on several teams over the years.  He continued to play in the Liniment League in town until a wrist problem prevented him from playing.  He had success on the ball diamond and made good friends along the way.

Brian’s real love in life was his family.  He was blessed with two daughters and could not have been happier.  He taught his girls the value of a dollar, to work hard and to be honest.  Brian was always there for his girls; with his support, assistance and love.  He taught his girls to play ball, ride horses and coached all of their ringette teams.   When the girls were young Brian spent countless summers driving to horse shows and in the winter driving to ringette games in every small town in Manitoba.  At separate times both Kim and Andrea worked alongside their dad in the barn.  Brian enjoyed watching his girls grow into women he was proud of.

And then came the grandchildren.  He loved spending time with the kids and thought his grandchildren could do no wrong.  He took great joy in watching them participate in activities.  He would sit through dance recitals and travel all over Manitoba to watch volleyball, softball and football.  He would watch in the rain or snow, no matter the weather, he was there encouraging them and delighting in their efforts.  He would often tease and joke with the kids and always had a treat to share with them.

Five years ago Brian met the love of his live; Mavis, and they married in 2011.  They had a mutual love of horses, farms and family.  They spent all their time together, shopping, working in the yard, attending concerts the Glesby Centre and visiting with family and friends.  While Brian watched the Blue Jays on TV, Mavis would sit and crochet or knit so they could still be together.  They took many day trips and road trips including trips to Thunder Bay, Montana, Wisconsin, Iowa and Banff.  They had the trip of a lifetime planned for this October; a river cruise on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Zurich.

Brian, Mavis, the girls and their families were very close and spent a lot of time together.  They shared suppers, movies, coffees and camping.  They celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and weddings together.

Brian was a good, honest man that worked hard every day of his life.  He spent his last days surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

A Celebration of Brian’s Life will be held on Monday, June 2, 2014, at 7:00 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. A private family interment has taken place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Brian’s memory to the Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524 Fifth St. SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3A8 or a charity of your choice.

Brian’s family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at Health Science Centre and Portage District General Hospital for the care and compassion they showed to Brian and his family.  Also thank you to family and friends for the love and support shown during this very difficult time.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.

204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com