Harold Cherkas

Harold Ross Cherkas

Our beloved Harold died suddenly in the comfort of his home on Saturday May 7, 2011 at the age of 52 years.

Left in shock and greatly grieving is his wife of 31 years Kathy, sons Tyler and Andrew (Andrea) his very precious grandchildren Rowan and Lauren, mother Olive, mother in-law Zennia and Rowan's mother Trista. Also left to mourn are Harold's sister Clarice and children Sonny (Allison), Dustin (Stacey) children Jude and Gabriel and Erica (Corey) children Aiden and Charlotte, brother Ronald (Maureen) children Christopher and Jonathon, brother Gord (Marie) children Matthew and Danielle and sister Dawn Marie children Devon and Max. Kathy's sister Karen (Daryl) children Danielle, Cameron and Carter, sister Linda (Mike) children Brennan and Bryant, brother Wayne (Patty) child Justin as well as many extended family members and life long friends.

Harold was predeceased by his father Peter Cherkas on October 25, 2005 and father in-law Peter Semchyshyn November 26, 2006

Harold was born in Portage la Prairie on January 25th, 1959. Harold's younger years were spent surrounded by family often enjoying long road trips. Early on in life Harold developed a love for camping and the outdoors, spending most of his childhood summers at his favorite place St. Ambroise Beach. During Harold's teenage years he developed somewhat of a wild side. To support this lifestyle he left school early and hitch hiked to British Columbia where he worked in a lumber mill, his nomadic years continued on in Calgary where he developed a love for fish and fish tanks as he managed a local pet store. He returned to Portage and purchased many prized possessions such as his 55 Chevy and locally famous Ski-Doo. Harold enjoyed local employment at the Portage 10 pin-bowling ally, where he developed skills for fixing machines and a love for bowling...he once was one shot away from a trip to Nationals and a perfect game. Brief employment was held at the Portage Hospital, Harold's many employment opportunities were beneficial later in life as he was know to all close to him as a "jack of all trades".

During the winter of 1978 Harold was working as the assistant manager of The Metropolitan Store in downtown Portage. It was here where he met the love of his life Kathy, who also worked there. Kathy worked in the cafeteria and one fateful day cut her hand while separating hamburger. She went to the back of the store to apply first aid, where a young assistant manager came to see if she was okay. Kathy being Kathy fainted and Harold being Harold dropped everything and rushed her to the hospital...the rest as they say is history. Harold and Kathy were married on August 25th, 1979. They settled in to what would become the only street they ever lived on together-3rd St. N.W. and welcomed son Tyler to the world on Christmas Day of the same year. Plans were quickly made to add to the family and son Andrew was born on July 21st, 1982. In 1986 Harold and family packed up and moved across the street to the house that would become the family home. During his family years Harold took his last "paid" job at the Manitoba Developmental Centre, a position he held until the late 90's when he had to retire early due to poor health. Harold didn't let his poor health become an excuse. He was very involved in his children's activities; he was a scout leader, baseball coach, hockey assistant, and founder of the Youth Archery Club in Portage. In his community he contributed by volunteering with the Portage Minor Hockey Association and the Portage Terrier Executive. Harold spent his free time with family; watching numerous events with quiet pride for his family. He was especially proud of Tyler and Andrew's hockey achievements and Tyler's band Anionic 9 which was founded in his basement. In no particular order Harold loved the following: computers, photography, painting, music, camping, pets, sunsets, scotch whiskey, ball caps, brown leather coats, boats, St. Ambroise and his trusty pocket knife which was always on hand and often put to use.

Harold was most proud of his grandchildren, Tyler's son Rowan and Andrew's daughter Lauren. He would do anything for them, no matter how sore or sick he was. Talking about their adventures together and time-shared brought joy to his life. Harold was like a best friend to his grandchildren. He never passed on an opportunity to spend time with them and did so daily.

If Harold can be remembered for anything it should be a loving Husband and able provider. A patient, fair, loving and dependable Father and the best Papa any child could hope for.

Harold was very fair, never judgemental, always believing in family. He never complained and seldom raised his voice. He could pick up the craziest object and tell you what it was good for. He did the same with people, always seeing the good and positive things in everybody.

Harold was very tired the last week of his life, once he has caught up on his sleep in Heaven his family hopes he is enjoying a ride in his Jeep, top down...his Dad and Father-in-Law riding shotgun and his beloved Dogs in the back.

Harold's family is overwhelmed by the showing of support.

Donations gratefully accepted in Harold's memory to, Portage Plains United Way, 224 Saskatchewan Ave. E. Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 0K9, to help people in our community or do a good deed with a smile, tell them Harold sent you.

A celebration of Harold's life will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church led by Deacon Bill Parrack. There will be a time of fellowship following the service at the Legion Hall.

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