Chris James Znak

ZNAK, Christopher James. Born December 16^th, 1944 – February 20, 2024, Aged 79 years.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Christopher Znak of Roblin, Manitoba on February 20^th, 2024, at the age of 79 years.

Christopher James Znak was born on December 16^th, 1944, in Grandview, Manitoba to parents Sophie and Dmytro Znak.  Chris grew up on the family farm in Shortdale, Manitoba, along with his sister Suzanne and brother Vince.  Chris attended school in his early years at Gilbert School, later years in Roblin, and then Grandview.

After high school, Chris worked away in Thompson for two winters in the silver mine but returned home every summer to farm.  He later went to work in the Duck Mountains for one winter skidding logs.  Chris then wanted to venture out west to Rocky Mountain House where he operated a caterpillar.  He then came back to take over the family farm.

In 1973, he married Starlet and together had five children, Laura, Brad, Carla, Travis, and Curtis.  Chris really liked farming and machinery. He took joy in listening to his tractor motor working hard and getting those welds perfect.  When he wasn’t working on the farm, he was hunting, fishing, and trapping.  Visiting with family and neighbors, and having a good time, was always a priority.    

Chris retired from farming in 1999 and started working on the grader for the RM of Hillsburg, Manitoba for 10 years.  He took a lot of pride in doing a good job and keeping the roads smooth and open.  He knew the roads in the area like the back of his hand and enjoyed many conversations with the locals.  Rumor has it that he was one of the best.

Anyone who knows Chris knows how he liked to tell stories and build personal relationships with everyone he knew.  He always took the time to talk and joke around.

As his hearing began to decline, he used technology to stay informed and up to date. He used Facebook and Messenger to keep up with everyone and wasn’t shy to send someone a message when a thought or story popped into his head.  It was well known that he loved a good cup of coffee, with a little too much sugar, and always had a toothpick in his hand. 

Chris moved to Roblin from the farm in the fall of 2020 due to failing health.  He was heartbroken to leave his family farm but knew it was where he needed to be.  After battling cancer for a few years, Chris passed away peacefully on February 20^th, 2024, at the age of 79 at the Russell & District Hospital.

To his kids, Chris was the rock and constant in their lives.  They always looked up to him and respected him in everything he did.  He was always honest and fair, whether they liked it or not.  He set up life pillars that they remember and will continue to pass on to their children.  He will be deeply missed by all.

Chris will be fondly remembered by his children: Laura (Wayne) and daughters Reagan, Renae & Rylee; Brad (Sarah) and children Bradley, Brennan & Jayda; Carla (Florian) and son Lukas; Travis and children Teagan, Vayden, Harlynn, Brynlee & Lenynn; Curtis (Courtney) and children Kyra, Kayden & Kora; sister Suzanne, brother Vincent (Lauren), good friend Linda, his in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews.  Chris was predeceased by his parents Dmytro and Sophie Znak.

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