Walter SOKOLOWSKI

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SOKOLOWSKI: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Walter (Laudie) William Sokolowski on March 31, 2009 at the St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the age of 76 years. Laudie was born September 19, 1932 to Walter and Alexandra Sokolowski in Swift Current, Saskatchewan but eventually the family moved and settled in Brandon. Laudie received his regular schooling in Brandon and went on to take his electrical training at the Agricultural School. After obtaining his Electrician's License, he went to work for various construction and electrical contractors. In 1979, Laudie obtained a seasonal job at Riding Mountain National Park, which later became full-time until his retirement in 1991. Laudie married in 1956 and had four children, Ron, Kelly, Jodi and Danica. After the marriage ended, Laudie met Shirley Grudinski. In 1974, they bought their first house on McDonald Avenue in Brandon and their daughter Doriann was born. There were many fun-filled weekends with the 5 kids - everything from their first taxi ride; to ski-dooing; to their first joint attempt at perogy making which turned out like potato soup. Laudie built their new house on the same lot on McDonald Avenue and they moved into it in 1979, tearing down the old house. Shortly after, there was a surprise one night when a caravan of cars showed up at the door and many special friends poured in - fully equipped for a surprise house-warming party. The carpet was rolled back, the dancing began, the food and drink was served and everybody had a wonderful time. In 1983, they sold their Brandon house and lived in their cottage at Clear Lake for a year while they built their new house in Onanole. Their camping and fishing adventures started out in a tent, with a baby and three poodles at the Sandy Lake tenting area across from the ball diamond. They finally bought a cottage on the shores of Sandy Lake, then a small trailer, and finally a motorhome in 1991. They enjoyed many camping and golfing trips, as well as many trips to Texas and other areas of Canada and the U.S.A. Laudie was an avid sportsman and enjoyed bowling, camping, boating, fishing, water skiing, swimming, downhill skiing, curling, tennis, ski-dooing, and of course golfing. He started bowling at an early age and went on to win many tournaments in western Canada. He also coached junior hockey for a time. While in Brandon, he was an active member of the Sokol Hall and later belonged to the Onanole Wildlife Association. Laudie loved animals of all kinds, including the deer that roamed through the yard, but nothing could beat his most recent love - his cat "Whipper". Wherever he went, Whipper went. Laudie had many hobbies such as woodworking, gardening, tinkering in the garage, building, and of late, helping Shirley with her crafts to attend craft fairs. He was a great help in the kitchen when it came time for perogy making. This past winter Laudie and Shirley tried their hand at western living in Westbank, British Columbia for five months. They took some time and ferried out to Vancouver Island for a great visit with his eldest sister Bea. Laudie is survived by his wife Shirley of Onanole, Manitoba; son Ron of Brandon, daughters: Kelly Watson of Delta, British Columbia, Jodi (Rob) Smith of Orillia, Ontario, Danica (Brian) Paetkau of Langdon, Alberta, and Doriann (Clint) Bialas of Edmonton, Alberta; grandchildren: Zak and Jesse Smith of Orillia, Ontario. He is also survived by sisters: Bea Batke of Sidney, British Columbia and Anne Onufryk, Sudbury, Ontario; brother Charlie (Pat) and sister-in-law Barb Sokolowski, both of Brandon, as well as many nieces and nephews. Laudie was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Alexandra; brothers: John and Bernie and a sister Marian. The Funeral Service was held at Memories Chapel on Monday, April 6, 2009. Deacon John MacKenzie of St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church officiated. Readings were by Richard Dean, nephew, and Clint Bialas, son in law. The eulogy was given by daughter Jodi and a poem was read by daughter Doriann. Honorary pallbearers were his sons-in-law: Rob Smith, Brian Paetkau, Clint Bialas and grandson Zak Smith. Laudie's family would like to send special thanks to Memories Chapel in Brandon, specifically Nolan Adam for all the kindness and assistance during this time. In Laudie's memory, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 3-824-18th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 5B7. Expressions of sympathy may be made atwww.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 18, 2009