NICHOLAS PONA

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NICHOLAS PONA It is with sorrow that the family of Nicholas Pona announces that on Wednesday, January 7, 2015, our beloved father, gigi and great-gigi passed away at Holy Family Nursing Home after a brief illness. There are many ways to measure a life. Some see success in the material. For others, it's a plaque on the wall, a job title, or the friends remaining when there's nothing left to call your own. After 92 years, Nick's legacy is family. He leaves three generations bound by a common element: Nick Pona, our gigi, the cornerstone of a large and loving family. Born in Mlyny, povit Jaworiw, Ukraine, on December 21, 1922, Nick came to Canada in 1947, leaving behind a continent ravaged by war and only bringing with him its memory. He met the beautiful Katherine Bodnarchuk, then 22, at a dance in North End Winnipeg and swept her off her feet. They married in 1949 and had two sons, Steve and Dan. Nick and Katherine worked together to build a life, becoming part-owners in the Royal Albert Arms Hotel and later owner-proprietors of the Oakburn Hotel. Katherine died in 2011 and Nick was never the same. All his life Nick demonstrated the grit and prudence of a man who had known hard times. He'd walk anywhere to save a buck on parking and shovelled his own snow till he was 90, beating his sons to the job every time. He had the traditional values of a disappearing generation. He took pride in his home and appreciated the simple things: gardening, church and family. Nick never shied away from debate, imparting on his children and grandchildren an intellectual curiosity that led them to careers such as journalism and education. Nick will be lovingly remembered by his children Steve (Luba) and Dan (Christina), grandchildren Natalia Pona (Richard Madan), Adriana Pona, Renata Hernandez-Lopez, Larissa Nahuliak (Dwight), Alana Pona (Chris Kitching) and Julian Pona (Colleen Worden), and great-grandchildren Chase, Carli and Reese Nahuliak, Elena and Sofia Hernandez-Lopez and Laila Pona. He is also survived by nephews John, Steve and Bill Wachko (Pat); nieces Joyce Wachko and Sister Jonathan (Sisters of St. Basil), and family in Ukraine. Nick was predeceased by sisters Mary Wachko and Anna Smyk and brothers Steve and Bill. Prayers will be held on Thursday, January 15, at 7:00 p.m. at Korban Funeral Chapel, 907 Main Street. Funeral service will take place on Friday, January 16, at 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral, 114 McGregor St. Interment in All Saints Cemetery to follow. The family is grateful to the staff of Holy Family Home for their love and care. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Vichnaya Pamyat Korban Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 204-956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 14, 2015