Irwin Eric Konrad

Irwin Eric Konrad (often known as Ike or Hawkeye) passed away May 10, 2023 at the age of 68 in his home in Hines Creek, AB.

Irwin was born June 22, 1954 to Eric and Ida Konrad in the town of Ponoka, AB.

His family consisted of 5 children; sisters Alvina, Linda, Irwin, Brother Terry, and Sister Kathy.  The family moved to Hines Creek when Irwin was four and later moved to a farm NW of town. He was always a hard worker and helped his mother with farming and milking cows. His dad worked as a mechanic at different businesses and like his father Irwin became a handyman at building and repairing and creating things. He began working at Canfor in Hines Creek and obtained his Millwright License.  He moved on to work at Alberta Transportation and apprenticed as a Heavy Duty Mechanic where he received his License and became the Head Supervisor at the Maintenance Shop. He also received a Welding, Inspection Mechanic, and Automotive Certificate. He had many apprentices work under him and they were successful in obtaining and learning the many skills Irwin had to offer.

In 1977 Irwin married Harriet (Frykas). They bought a parcel of land near Hines Creek and began a farming operation. Their love for horses and cattle grew along with a family of 3 beautiful children. Jennifer (Jessie Lubrick), Dustin (Melisa Konrad), Nicole (Daris Kamieniecki); grandchildren Rebecca, Caleb, Hutton Lubrick; Grayson, Taliya Konrad; Pyper, Presley, Roczen Kamieniecki. 

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, quadding, snowmobiling, and farming, but his best quality was visiting and his stories. He spent countless hours with his children teaching them the many skills he had to offer. He always had a smile on his face and offered help to anyone needing it. Everyone he met always went away with a smile on their face. He was always a hard worker and ran, not walked, when he did his work.

Irwin formed a company (Circle Mobile Mechanics Ltd.) and worked for many companies including La Prairie at H.C., Bennett Dam, Hudson Hope, Peace Canyon Dam, Peace River Coal in Tumbler Ridge,  Zavisha Sawmills in Hines Creek, along with going out to many numerous other locations with Circle K . He contributed his talent of helping to build a better workplace to all these companies. His latest passion was driving a school bus for PRSD .  He enjoyed all the kids.

He embraced The Ukrainian Catholic Church and enjoyed the many traditions we had and became a very important part of it. 

Irwin struggled with different illnesses for the last Ten years including his stomach, losing a finger, and his final, Cancer.  After two years of treatments, he was thought to be free, but it came back. Two years more of treatments took a toll on him and he did not win the battle.  He fought super hard, and he suffered and never showed his hurt. A strong person in heart and strength. 

We could go on about him but anyone that knew him has many stories and his legacy will continue.

Goodbye our love, your journey continues onward and upwards.  He was our one of a kind, the pillar of our family. Long lives the cowboy as he rides away. He will truly be missed. Love from all. Your life will live on through your children and grandchildren. You instilled the hard-worker and their kind hearts in your children.

A Celebration of Life will take place June 2, 2023 at 1:00 pm- 4:30 pm at the Dave Shaw Memorial Complex.

Donations can be made to the All Saints Ukrainian Church in Hines Creek, or the Hines Creek Museum.

Care entrusted to Peace Valley Funeral Home in Fairview, Alberta
780-835-3306

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