Obituary of David Leslie "Les" Koroscil

KOROSCIL: It is with great sorrow, and sad relief, we announce the death of David Leslie Koroscil on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at the St Boniface Hospital, Palliative Care Unit. Les was 56 years old at the time of his passing. He is survived by his wife Mona; his daughter Jessica (Margaret); his sons Micheal (Kyla), Levi, Anthony; and his granddaughters Adelaide and Aavril. Les is also survived by his older brother Larry (Cynthia) and their children; Tristan, Tamara, and Kenda; and his younger brother Rick, and his children Riley and Jayden. Les was predeceased by his parents; Laurie (née Drozda) and Levin Koroscil. Les was born on August 9, 1954, and raised on the family farm in Shoal Lake. He attended school in Shoal Lake and Strathclair and received his high school diploma from Churchill High School in Winnipeg. It was his farm life that instilled in him the love for the outdoors and animals, especially horses. As a young adult, Les had many jobs including driving a gravel truck, health care aide and ambulance attendant. In 1976, Les graduated from the Health Science Centre, as a Respiratory Therapist. That same year, he took a job at the Brandon General Hospital, where he was employed until his death. At the Brandon Regional Health Centre he will be fondly remembered for his cool head, hard work, and sense of humour, his mechanical aptitude, and ability to teach. He very clearly enjoyed his work, and worked hard to contribute to the well being of his patients. He was passionate about his work, and he had an avid zeal for the outdoors. He was an enthusiastic fisherman and hunter. Les was a member of the Manitoba Wildlife Association for many years. He cherished his time in the wilderness and was quite comfortable in the bush, or on a lake. Les loved the time he could take his boys on a northern fishing trip. He was comforted by the fact that he left some of this passion in the blood of his children. Many of Les's fishing and hunting buddies will continue to tell tales of Les from their years spent fishing and hunting together. His favourite outdoor spot was his cabin at Singoush Lake, in the Duck Mountains. This year-round get away was a place for work, play and cooking with family and friends. Always comfortable in the kitchen, Les loved to cook and entertain. Celebrations at work or play were not complete without a special meal, and Les was the man to help organize and prepare it! He was the top chef on all trips and vacations, and he was most definitely the head cook in the Koroscil family. There are many recipe drawers of family and friends that contain some of Les's favourite recipes. His wish was that whenever two or more were gathered there would be great food to share. Les, was also a successful business man. He established and ran A1 Sweeper for many years. His love of cleaning made this job more of a pastime then an occupation. The extra income supported his hobbies and recreation. Many dollars earned from eating dust on his sweeper were spent restoring his 1975 Pontiac LeMans. He had purchased this car brand new and proudly repaired and restored it. This was a source of many hours of happy work and great pride. The car was originally christened with the name of "Chicago", but it has come to be known as "Dad's Red and White". That beautiful red and white Lemans will always hold a place of great honour in the Koroscil family. Les was mechanical and repaired everything, and there was not much that could baffle Les Koroscil. He was renowned for bringing home a trailer of junk, and transforming it into a fully functioning machine of great value. He was always able to turn a buck! In 2007, Les realized his long held dream of owning land out of town when he purchased a quarter section of land, which became known as the "Lazy K". Anything but lazy, Les devoted his energy to making this new home his own. He was able to purchase a few horses and was especially proud to own his Palomino - Buck. It was at this time that he was diagnosed with cancer and was forced to change his focus. Les was many things to many people and his departure leaves us grieving. Les did not leave his life with regrets; he lived his life fully and loved completely. He was troubled having to leave so soon, but was happy knowing the time he was given was well spent. When the story of two people ends well a warm light is shone on all that has proceeded. A relationship that is complete need not end; in this context complete means there is nothing left unsaid or undone. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church, on Monday, March 14, with Rev. Fr. Dominic Yuen as Celebrant. The family wishes to thank the pallbearers, and those who read at the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Les may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, "Western MB Cancer Care Project", 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB R7A 2B3.