CHIP MULVANEY Obituary

CHIP MULVANEY attended Sisler High School in Winnipeg, MB. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Chip Mulvaney.

Graduation Year	Class of 1981
Date of Passing	Aug 20, 2023
About	CHIP MULVANEY Chip Mulvaney, 60, passed away on August 20, 2023, after a short battle with cancer. His loving wife, Bernadette, was at his side. Chip, the youngest of seven children, was born in Winnipeg to Rhoda and William (Bill) Mulvaney. They raised their six boys (William [Bill], Robert, Lenny, Lorry and John) and one daughter (Leeanne) in the city's North End. Often barefoot (by choice!), Chip loved to run wild with friends in their Gilbert Park neighbourhood. Chip and Bernadette married in 1998. They made a beautiful home together in 'the Hood where they regularly entertained family and friends. Adventurers at heart, Chip and Bernadette enjoyed travel to destinations near and far. Highlights for Chip included snorkeling in Mexico, sourcing and cooking local food in Portugal and bargaining in the markets of Morocco. For Chip, a "road closed" sign was a question that needed an answer: "I wonder what's over there?" Professionally, Chip was a project manager in the construction industry and a chef, though neither title does his talent justice. A meticulous craftsman with an insatiable curiosity to figure things out, he took on all challenges—build an elevator, rebuild an engine—like they were a dare. As a chef, every meal Chip made was a chance to make people happy. Although he fed hundreds, the dinners that meant the most to him were made closer to home. He spent days in the kitchen preparing for the holidays. Every detail considered. Every dish a chance to experiment. It will be impossible not to think of him at every family meal. Not only will we miss his culinary flair, he hand-built the table we often eat at and the bench we sit on. In details big and small, he is present in almost every room of our homes. A talented musician, Chip enjoyed playing many instruments, including mandolin and guitar. Unhappy with the Irish drums and whistles on the market, he learned how to make his own. He sold instruments to a select few after they promised to love them and give them a good home. In short, Chip was a terrible businessman. Chip was strong willed and stubborn at times but he had an enormous heart for those in need. He loved animals and had a special gift for working with dogs. His border collie Celtic was his heart dog. He spent countless hours training her to herd sheep, master agility courses and learn new tricks. Other special four-legged friends included Tayto and Spike. Chip spent his final days worrying about others. Projects left unfinished. Meals to prepare. Family he knew needed him. An obituary is a tiny space to unpack a big life that leaves the final chapters unwritten. Wherever he is now, we imagine he's elbowing his way to the front of the line, figuring things out, telling stories and making the space around him perfect: "Exactly perfect." Chip is predeceased by his mother Rhoda Sarah-Ann (née Lee), father William Peter and brothers John and Bill. He leaves behind his wife of 25 years Bernadette (née Bryan); sister-in-law Jill Sexsmith (Mikhail); and mother-in-law Maxine Bryan. Chip's fondest memories were made at summer camp where he loved to spend time outdoors with friends old and new. Donations in his name can be made to the Manitoba Camping Association Sunshine Fund, administered by The Winnipeg Foundation (bit.ly/3EaYFzT). We would like to thank the staff at Seven Oaks General Hospital for making Chip's final days as comfortable as possible. We are particularly grateful to Dr. Tunji Fatoye for showing great care and compassion. At Chip's request, there will be no funeral or service. His ashes will be spread in Ireland, a place that filled his heart with a sense of belonging and made his soul sing. As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 26, 2023