Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/729504
"Where care & compassion come from understanding" www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com Located 1 block west of Deer Lodge Centre 2157 Portage Avenue @ Sharp Boulevard & & Located 4 blocks south of the Redwood Bridge 1020 Main Street @ Manitoba Avenue Specializing In: • Entombments • Traditional Earth Burials • Graveside Services • Privately owned Crematorium • Reception Services • Cremation, Memorial & Inurnment Services • Thoughtful Pre-Planning A FAMILY-OWNED ALTERNATIVE TO THE HIGH COSTS OF WINNIPEG'S CORPORATE FUNERAL HOMES In a world where big business can often be cold and impersonal, Richard Wojcik still believe in family. That means at Wojcik's Funeral Chapel you are treated as family by staff who maintain tradition of providing old fashioned and personalized funeral services. They are one of the few family owned funeral chapels left in Winnipeg. "Most of Winnipeg's funeral homes are now owned by large corporations whose loyalties belong to their shareholders," explains Wojcik's President, Richard Wojcik. His vision is to offer families a better, more intimate alternative. Wojcik who was born and raised in Beausejour, began his career in funeral service at the age of 12 – washing cars, cutting grass and answering phones. After graduation he undertook a two-year apprenticeship from the Western School of Mortuary Practice in Winnipeg. He then spent the next 11 years employed in various funeral chapels honing his skills. While in Beausejour, Wojcik was a Firefighter with the Beausejour Brokenhead Fire Department and also a member of the Beausejour Ambulance Service. Throughout Wojcik's 34 years of dedication to his profession, he had been employed at a number of this province's well-known funeral establishments. Beginning his career at Russell's Funeral Home and Sobering Funeral Chapel in Beausejour, Wojcik's Winnipeg experience has included both international corporations and privately owned funeral homes - all prior to opening his own business. "We offer assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week," he says. "We provide a service for all faiths and any beliefs, at any place of worship and cemetery in Winnipeg and rural Manitoba." Wojcik's encourages people to compare prices and services so they can make an informed decision. They usually find that the smaller, privately owned funeral chapels offer a more personal service at a better price. There is no cost or obligation associated with a consultation. People should also be aware that they are not obliged to use the funeral chapel located in the cemetery they are using. They are free to choose the company they feel most comfortable with. Even prearranged funeral plans can be cancelled or transferred to the funeral chapel of their choice. Wojcik's Licensed Funeral Directors are professional, honest and sincere. They are all paid by salary as opposed to commissioned sales people who are under pressure to make sales. This kind of compassionate service is important when you think about all the decisions that have to be considered including arranging for a clergy, soloist, floral arrangements, catering, locations and the details of the service. All this at a time when families are very emotional and are faced with making all the arrangements within just a few days. "One call can take care of all the arrangements," says Wojcik. "Most people are not in a good frame of mind to be making so many difficult decisions. Our goal is to help them through the process and make it as easy as possible." Wojcik suggests it can be helpful to bring someone along who is not as emotionally attached to the situation. Someone who can offer their support and guidance. If you can, it is definitely a good idea to make your funeral arrangements ahead of time. It means you will get the kind of service you want and makes it much easier for your family because they don't have to struggle with the details at such a difficult time. ALL BELIEFS & FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM 204 - 897 - 4665 204 - 268 - 2263 Beausejour, Manitoba 204 - 586 - 8668 Richard Wojcik, his daughter Rachel & son Ryan Serving October 13, 1998 - Opened first Chapel at 2157 Port r age Avenue @Sharp Blvd August 16, 2003 - Opened own Crematorium at Headingley, Manitoba April 1, 2008 - Opened 2nd Chapel at 1020 Main Street @Manitoba Avenue April 24, 2015 - Re-opened famil i y owned Crematorium at 51 Nicola Drive, Headingley, MB