Michael Kafka

Michael "Renny" Kafka

With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Renny Kafka on Friday, January 11th, 2013 at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 47 years.

Lovingly remembered by his family at Canadian Mental Health Association, Community Mental Health, and the home care staff at Oak Tree Towers.

Renny was born at St. Boniface hospital in Winnipeg MB on October 25, 1965. He was granted the medal of bravery in 2005 for his heroic actions during a fire this occurred on July 29, 2001. He helped with the safe evacuation and rescue of residents from a burning boarding house. In his life time Renny received 2 heroes of mental health awards from CMHA for his dedication, his bravery, his hard work and life force that he brought with him every day. Renny spent a great deal of time with Keith Hutlet in the last few years and we are eternally grateful that Keith was there with him when he fell ill. Thank you Keith for all that you have done. Renny had an amazing sense of humor, he would love to tease, and make you smile. He was one of the most caring nonjudgmental men we have ever had the privilege of knowing. He was happiest if he thought he was pulling the wool over someone's eyes and would have a good laugh over some of the things he would do to get into trouble.

As we all know Renny volunteered with CMHA for many years, he always tried to do whatever he could to help make the clubhouse cleaner and a tidier place to be. He took great pride in his job. No job was too big, he just always hoped at the end of the day we were pleased with what he contributed. We were always grateful for everyday he spent with us. A few months ago Renny received a promotion; it was something we were all looking forward to. He accepted his promotion was looking forward to his new schedule with excitement, he was so proud and it was a day we will never forget. He said that he would do his new job as best he could and he really did. We are all honored to have known such a wonderful fellow who always brought happiness to all of us at CMHA.

Renny loved to walk, go for a burger, chat, shop for cologne, he always liked to smell nice but he would often forget less is more.

Service to celebrate Renny's life will be held on Friday, January 18th, 2013 at 1:00 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel, with Don Boddy officiating. Interment will follow inEvergreen Memorial Gardens, followed by a light luncheon at CMHA office 236 Saskatchewan Avenue East, Portage la Prairie, MB.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Renny's Memory to the Canadian Mental Health Association Portage Branch, 236 Saskatchewan Avenue East, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 0K9. or a charity of one's choice.

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