WILLIAM PODOLSKY

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WILLIAM PODOLSKY 1916 - 2006 Formerly of Gardenton, MB passed peacefully on March 18, 2006 at Riverview Health Centre. Bill was born in Vita, MB on March 21,1916 to Doris Andriew and John Podolsky, of Postolivka, W. Ukraine, the third of 10 children, Marian, Mike, Nettie, Morris, Evelyn, Eugene, Ida and Robert. He is survived by sisters, Evelyn Manser and Ida (David) Gibb of Toronto and brothers, Eugene (Mildred) and Bob (Eva) of Winnipeg. Bill grew up in Sundown, MB and served his country as a Gunner in the PPCLI from 1941 to 1944. In 1941, Bill married and is survived by Lillian (nee Eliuk) of Sundown and together they have seven children, Arlene (Ivan) Kowalchuk, John (Sylvia Samborski), Judy Lehn, Ken, Audrey (Raymond) Mireault, Robert (Iris MacMillan) and Valerie (Bill) Badlo; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Before serving his country, Bill worked with his brothers cutting cord wood. From 1947 to 1965 Bill owned and operated Gardenton Transfer and in addition he operated beef and dairy farms. He quickly established himself as an active community member, he helped organize the Gardenton Chamber of Commerce, was a school board trustee active in the consolidation and development of the Boundary School Division and served as a St. Michael's Orthodox Church committee member. Bill was a strong advocate of education both for his own children and the community at large. He was active in the politics of the region and served on many federal and provincial election campaigns. Bill was an honest, generous, hard-working and good man who tirelessly served his community. His passions included playing his beloved violin in earlier years in a band at many weddings and dances, later he enjoyed playing for his children and grandchildren, hunting, fishing, smoking his pipe and creating intriguing bedtime stories. Bill spent his later years in Winnipeg, where he quickly gained many new friends. In his later years he enjoyed traveling throughout North America. The family would like to thank Rev. W. Wasyliw, the nurses, Drs. Norandas and McMann and staff of Riverview for their compassionate care and loving support given to Bill and his family. In Bill's memory, funeral services have taken place at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main St., Winnipeg on Thursday, March 23. Flowers are gratefully declined, memorial donations may be made to Riverview Health Centre or Heart and Stroke Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to: Glen Eden Funeral Home 4477 Main Street 338-7111 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolences at www.gleneden-mb.ca.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 25, 2006