Alan Martin Safiniuk

Obituary

Passed on March 30, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alan Martin Safiniuk on March 30, 2024, at age 71, after a short courageous battle with cancer.

He is remembered by his daughter Kari Halleux (Roger, grandchildren Daniel and Kate); son Greg (Mia, grandchildren Carter, Caralyn, and Carly); Uncle Steve Cymbalisty; brother Mike (Debbie); sisters Bev Rich, Liz (Larry) Golis, Theresa Lewis; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friend Deb Shabatoski.

Alan was predeceased by his parents Mike and Helen Safiniuk, and his siblings: Eileen De Sousa, Marlene Ward, Barry Safiniuk and Auntie Marie Kellas.

Dad grew up on a farm in Blackdale Manitoba, in a family with 7 siblings. Dad’s early years were spent in a one room, eight grade, one teacher school. He then attended Stonewall Collegiate Institute where he excelled at football and graduated in 1970. While growing up on the farm, Dad discovered hunting and trapping which grew into his lifelong love and passion.

After graduation, Dad started his own company A & B Installers, located in Winnipeg. His business included the installation of office furniture in various government buildings in Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba.

Dads love for farming lead him to buy land and start a hog and grain farm in Balmoral Manitoba in 1976. Here Dad built the family home and all the farming infrastructure with his bare hands. Dad took extreme pride in raising hogs, producing high yielding crops, and working from dawn to dusk when needed.

As the years grew on, Dad understood the economics of farming to either grow bigger or get out. Dad chose an exit strategy to start working for Manitoba Agriculture Services Corporations (MASC) as a Crop Adjuster. During this time a job opportunity in the Swan River region came up. With his previous love of hunting and trapping, he knew this was the place to be. In 1994 the family farm was sold, and a rural property was purchased in Benito MB.

Dad spent the last 30 years of his life living in the Benito area, working as a Crop Adjuster with farmers throughout the province. Dad loved farmer chat, talking about commodities, weather, and anything farm related. Dad was seen as a man with valuable knowledge in these areas.

With this line of work came wildlife claims. This was his true passion as it fit well with his love of hunting. Dad always had a tree stand or a field edge for his kids and grandchildren when they came to visit. This was by far his true love, hunting and trapping. If you have ever been to his place, you could view his numerous antlers and mounts that hung from the walls, trees, and any outbuilding he could attach them to.

Dad also ran a trap line for several years and prided himself with his quality furs. Dad always joked. “If you want to make money trapping, make sure you pick up a few cans on the way to check your traps” because the price of a fur didn’t support the money invested.

Dad was also known as “Papa” or “Grandpa” and spent many hours with his grandkids who were the loves of his life. Papa/Grandpa attended many hockey rinks and events over the years.

Dad, Papa, Grandpa lived life on his own terms. DAD YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED.

Special thanks to the Swan River and Stonewall Palliative Care staff, Dr. Graham and the nurses and staff at Stonewall Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Alan’s name to Cancer Care Manitoba.

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