What makes a man? And what drives him to give selflessly to his community?
For Conrad Wyrzykowski Sr., who passed away November 7, 2020, the essence of giving was found not only in financial contributions, but also in the devotion of his time and seemingly limitless enthusiasm.
“Conrad was a generous supporter of patient care and research through St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, and a friend of St. Boniface Hospital, for close to three decades,” said Foundation Board Chair Carmine Militano.
“Over the years, he volunteered on the Hospital’s Patient and Family Advisory Committee and with Spiritual Care Services, and visited countless patients and families as a deacon in his church. He will be missed.”
Perhaps most remarkable about the man was that he supported not only the Foundation, but dozens of charities in Manitoba. These included St. Paul’s College at the University of Manitoba, FortWhyte Alive, the United Way, the Catholic Women’s League, and Knights of Columbus, among many others.
In 2008, Conrad received the Manitoba Philanthropy Award for Outstanding Philanthropist, noted Karen Fowler, Interim President and CEO of St. Boniface Hospital Foundation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” she said.
“Conrad’s generosity of spirit will be remembered.”
“His impact on not only St. Boniface Hospital, but also all the individuals and organizations he touched during his lifetime, was immeasurable.”
Over the years, Conrad and his family established five endowment funds through the Foundation, that will continue to give the gift of hope and healing for generations to come. Among them is a fund that has been used to annually support two undergraduate or graduate students in the fields of health care and research.