BRYNE GRENKOW Obituary

BRYNE GRENKOW attended Sisler High School in Winnipeg, MB. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Bryne Grenkow.

Graduation Year	Class of 1966
Date of Passing	Nov 30, 2012
About	BRYNE GRENKOW On November 30, 2012, Bryne Grenkow, aged 64, passed away to join his father Daniel, beloved mother Ollie and dear brother Ron, all of whom he missed deeply. Left to cherish his memory are his soulmate and second pair of eyes, Dorothy Webster, sister Karen Bunyan, sister-in-law Jean Grenkow, nieces Bonnie, Mandy, and Kim, nephew Dan, and best friend, Bill Mantik. Bryne grew up in Winnipeg's North End, graduated from Sisler H.S. and earned his teaching degree at the U of M. As a young man of the 70s he could be described as a long-haired, motorcycle-riding, guitar-playing, hootenanny-loving thinker. For over 30 years, he taught English at Elmwood and Churchill High Schools establishing lifelong friendships with many fellow staff and students. Bryne enjoyed teaching but he loved introducing students to drama and musical theatre. In the late 70s Bryne and other EHS staff had ideas to create a theatre space but budgets were tight. During Bryne's career, the Elmwood community was treated to the King and I, Carousel, Carnival, Oliver, and Godspell, to name a few. He was delighted to attend rehearsals of the 50th anniversary Alumni Choir in 2008 and re-connect with former students. At Churchill H.S., he again directed Godspell and then, became lighting director for the school's performances. He retired in 2003. Bryne was an avid fisherman who loved Otter Falls in both summer and winter, in the company of family or by himself. Over the years, he developed skills in woodworking, metalwork, and landscaping. As a lawn and gardening enthusiast, he amazed friends with his "velvet carpet lawns" and "killer tomatoes". In 2001, he was thrilled to begin working the land he called his "refuge". And yes, his passion for fireworks could be indulged in the open space. Bryne will be remembered for his strength, compassion, nurturing and humour by those who knew and loved him, whether family, friends or students. On Saturday, December 8, 2012 a gathering to remember Bryne will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Donations to further his shared vision of an Elmwood theatre are welcome; cheques may be made to Children's Heritage Fund (include "Elmwood Drama") c/o Winnipeg School Division, 1577 Wall St., E., Winnipeg, MB R3E 2S5, Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of choice. To sign the book of condolence please go to www.knyshfuneralchapel.com We'll miss you, GRENK! As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 06, 2012