Obituary of Irvine Manske

Irvine Walter Manske died June 2, 2015, in his 99th year. He celebrated 68 years of marriage to Violet Witmer, but said farewell to his life partner in "Virv Enterprises - Love in action" in 2008. Irv was also predeceased by his parents Otto and Edith (Bluhm), and son, Charles (Chuckie) in 1952. Carrying on Irv's spirit are daughter Carol (Bill) Lehman, sons Terry (Jewel), Jim (Jane) and Steve (Pat) and grandchildren David (Jenn), Tim (Alison), Mark (Leeann), Teresa (Glen), Micheline (Dustin), Mike (Cheryl), Carrie (Harry), Shawn (Tracie), Sarah (Craig) and Lauren (Tom) and 17 great-grandchildren. Irv spent 37 years working at BF Goodrich. After choosing early retirement, he and Vi spent three years at Woodstock School in India, and travelled to Australia and New Zealand. Irv was handy, coming out of retirement to drive Shantz Coach Lines school buses, serve as handy man at Mennonite schools and deliver books for Choice Books throughout southern Ontario. Irv cultivated his mind, body and spirit throughout his life. He regularly walked or biked the 2 miles to work. Irv and Vi walked daily, using this as prayer time. As a resident at Winston Park Retirement Village, Kitchener, Irv walked the distance to the International Space Station and back while Canadian astronaut Bob Thirsk was aboard. Irv read voraciously, often "taking over" books while visiting family. Until recently, he kept up with family developments and friends via email. Personalized cards were a "Virv" tradition, often with a quotation chosen specifically for the individual being remembered. Irv was a model for many, including the Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church community. While he preferred not to be in leadership, he was very involved through middle age with child and youth programs and Church Council. He maintained a great sense of humour throughout his life, from writing "Letters from Lizzie" for the Stirling newsletter, to creating "Virv's ABC's" for his grandkids. His positive outlook on life has influenced many, including those who cared for him in recent times. His creative side was also evidenced in wood carvings he hung on his door at the Village of Winston Park. He sang throughout his life, and with choirs at Stirling and Winston Park. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends will celebrate Irv's life on Friday, June 26, 2015 at 12:00 noon at Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church, 57 Stirling Avenue N., Kitchener, with visitation at 11:00 a.m. A light lunch will follow the service. Condolences for the family and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Mennonite Central Committee may be arranged by contacting the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St, S., Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445. "Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God."