MICHAEL BODNAR

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MICHAEL (MIKE) BODNAR July 16, 1914 - July 9, 2015 A week shy of his 101st birthday, our dear uncle, Michael (Mike) Bodnar, passed away on July 9, 2015 at Deer Lodge Centre. Mike was predeceased by his parents Maksym and Tecla Bodnar; his beloved wife Marion; his sisters Anne Tanchuk and Elsie Dahl, and his brothers Joe Bodnar and John Popko. Mike is survived by his many nieces and nephews and their families. Born in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Mike was a hardworking man with a gentle soul. In 1942, Mike enlisted in the army and served as a Gunner until discharge in 1945 for what was then known as "shell shock" (PTSD) having served active duty in heavy artillery. Although Mike shared very little of the atrocities he faced while he served on the front lines of Italy and the United Kingdom, we know he endured much suffering during that time and would continue to suffer the resulting affects long after the Second World War. In 1947, Mike married his sweetheart, Marion Bandura, and the young couple moved to St. Catharines, Ontario to begin their life together. In 2002, we had the honour of bringing Mike home to Winnipeg where he would live out his remaining years, surrounded by the love of his brother John; sister Elsie; and their families. We cherished our time with our adored uncle, and he especially enjoyed his visits with his great nieces and great nephews, over a McDonald's coffee and hamburger. We will miss his gentle ways and his sweet smile. We would like to thank the staff at Rosewood Village and Deer Lodge Centre (Tower 7 and Tower 5) for the devoted care they provided to Mike over these past several years. Mike's care teams often spoke of his endearing nature, and Mike was just as fond of all the staff who helped him live his life with dignity and value. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. at Wheeler Funeral Home, 1800 Day Street in Transcona, with Father Sam Argenziano officiating. Internment at VictoriaLawn Cemetery in St. Catharines, Ontario. If so desired, donations may be made to the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation, 2109 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3J 0L3 Funeral Arrangements in Care of Wheeler Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematorium 1800 Day Street 204-224-1525 You may sign the Book of Memories at www.wheelerfuneral.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 13, 2015