KACHKOWSKI: The death of Verne Kachkowski occurred at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Sunday, May 11, 2008. All are invited to join in a casual celebratory gathering on Saturday evening, May 17, 2008. Complete obituary and details of the celebration will follow. Flowers and cards of sympathy are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Verne may be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning, 727-0330.

KACHKOWSKI: Verne Wesley Kachkowski, 1937-2008. Family and friends deeply mourn the passing of Verne Wesley Kachkowski who died on Sunday May 11th, 2008 in Brandon, after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Norma Lennon, and his four children from his first marriage: Lori Cayer, Dena Hudey, Lynn Mitchell and Kyle Kachkowski. He was the proud grandfather of Keith Hudey, Linden Paine, Jody Hudey, Amanda Barrett and Gavin Barrett and he was the great-grandfather of Christopher Hudey. Verne is also survived by his siblings Arnold, Cecil, Gordon, Carmen and Dorene, but was predeceased by his parents Elmer August Kachkowski in 1963 and Georgana Donalda Krushel in 1997. Born in Ethelbert MB, Verne became a journeyman carpenter, a master cabinet maker and a skilled general contractor. Self-employed for most of his working life Verne did many types of work and owned several businesses, including a restaurant. He retired in 2001 from Manitoba Housing where he worked for 18 years as a building inspector. Verne was an unconquerable spirit who loved life to the fullest-he was always busy, he was always happy, and he was always full of plans. Over his lifetime he was a member of many organizations but most recently his passions were the Westman Wilderness Club and the Brandon Scuba Club. A zealous outdoorsman he spent every fall hunting and looked forward to his winter vacations with Norma in Mexico and their summers backpacking, canoeing and camping. At home Verne was an avid gardener and wine maker. Having built his house in 1994, Verne got great pleasure from improving and fixing his children's homes-both for the joy of building and the extra-long visits with his family. Flowers and sympathy cards are gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the charity of one's choice. Verne's friends and family are invited to a celebratory gathering to have fun and tell their "Verne Stories" over a coffee and snack on Saturday May 17th, 2008 at 7:00 P. M. at the Seniors For Seniors Hall at 311 Park Street East. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.