James "Jimmy" Horetchko

James "Jimmy" Horetchko

James Horetchko was born on November 29, 1944 and passed away on April 27, 2017 in Portage la Prairie, MB.

As a child Jimmy lived at the Manitoba Developmental Centre until the age of 16 years when he was taken in by Jean Poirier.  At the age of 53 he moved into his forever home with Bev Gale (pre-deceased), Jamilee Gale (Shaun Nepinak and children “baby Max” Matthew, and “lasagna” Connor), Frank Horodecki and Jack Sayak (pre-deceased).  His family continued to grow over the years with Eddie Tangway (pre-deceased), Tom Horodecki, Chris Heppner and Sandra Spriggs who cared and comforted him until his last days.

Jimmy started to work at Portage ARC Industries at the age of 53 and continued to work until this February when he became ill with cancer.  Aside from his daily job Jimmy loved to help around the house with drying the dishes and sweeping the floors.  To relax from a busy day you would always find Jimmy with his feet up watching the game show channel drinking a black coffee straight up.

Jimmy spent his summers at the cabin enjoying the warm summer days at the beach watching baby Max build sand castles.  He enjoyed going in the water with Shaun and the boys.  Most nights ended around the fire roasting marshmallows, chilly evenings were spent in the cabana around the table visiting with the girls while they played cards.

Jimmy was always on the go, he loved a good BBQ with friends, a supper out with the gang or going to Matthew’s sporting events.  He always loved his Sundays, they were spent uptown with Sam and the boys shopping and if Jimmy knew you, you were guaranteed a firm hand shake.

He will be missed by many friends at work and his close friends Isabel and Melissa McDonald; Chas, Nikki and Nadia Charrington; Val and Kodi Smoke and Bob and Terri Neufeld.

Jimmy has gone to be with Jesus and has taken on his journey his lifelong teddy bear Diane.

We would like to thank Dr. R. Price and all the staff on the medical ward at the Portage District General Hospital.

A service to celebrate Jimmy’s life will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017 at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 11:00 am.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations in Jimmy’s memory may be made to Portage ARC Industries, 1675 Saskatchewan Ave W, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0R4 or to the Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524-5th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3A8.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021