Obituary of Vern Andrew Joseph Mosquin

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Vern Mosquin , aged 60 , at his residence in Winnipeg. He is survived by his daughter Michelle (Chris), his longtime friend and companion Lorna Doberstein; his father Dan (Stephie); sister Geraldine Merke; brothers Darcey (Linda), Daniel (Lisa) and Matthew (Kaitlyn); step brother Micheal Senyk; nephews Ryan (Danielle) Smorang , Myron (Brittany), Marcel, Jaxon; and nieces Shelena (Bryce) Smorang and Jessica; as well as many aunts , uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother Elsie (nee Chorney); brother Lyndon; nephew Brent Smorang and step brother Jayson Senyk. Vern was born in Winnipeg and grew up on the family farm in Brokenhead. He attended Brokenhead school and later Edward Schreyer School where he excelled on the track team, specializing in the 400 and 800 meter events. He took pride in developing his stamina and decreasing his time by running the four miles around the section. After leaving school, Vern began work with CP Weston Shops where he would remain until his retirement. Initially he worked in the yards before moving to the offices where he helped develop and put together the "Big Board", which was and still is, used to track the movements of all CP rail cars in North America. Vern was an avid outdoorsman all his life. He loved hunting, canoeing, his motorcycle and generally just being "in the bush". He had a passion for history, spent hours reading and became inspired to begin writing. He truly had an amazing gift. He related well with young people and was a confidant and inspiration to many. He once took five of us ranging in age from 11 to 15 on a seven day canoe trip down the Manigotagan river. It was a testament to his courage and the trust we had in him. It was an experience we will never forget. Vern was a free spirit and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.