Thomas PODRUSKI

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PODRUSKI: Thomas Podruski passed away accidently on August 3, 2010 in the R.M. of Harrison, Manitoba at the age of 59. Tom was an avid outdoors man and a devoted brother, uncle and friend. Tom was born on October 31, 1950 to John and Katherine Podruski (Zatylny) in Regina, Saskatchewan. The following year the family moved to Erickson where Tom resided for his life. Tom attended school in Erickson. After high school he obtained employment at Agri-Steel and then at the Department of Highways in Minnedosa. Following this, Tom spent much of his life employed as a truck driver and equipment operator for Parks Canada and Ken Beatty Construction. In 2004 he changed employment and came to work for the Town of Erickson. He found himself working as assistant to his younger brother, Ken Podruski but Ken always joked that Tom was the boss, not himself. Tom also volunteered for the Erickson Fire Department for a number of years. Tom had a great passion for the outdoors, wildlife, hunting and fishing. Every morning at 7am Tom could be seen driving out of Erickson to check out the wildlife and then bringing his daily report back to the coffee shop. Tom pursued this passion by acquiring his Professional Guide's Licence and guiding for Ted Jowett from Winnipeg. For many years during elk season Tom could be found helping Rudy Usick at the South Side Outfitters assisting hunters. Tom loved fishing and he could boast about his 22 Master Angler awards. Tom's passion was known and appreciated by all who knew him but those who benefitted most were the children he would help with their fishing skills. He found much happiness in watching them catch their own fish. Tom was an involved member of the Erickson and District Wildlife Association holding almost every position within the organization. For the past several years he was the official big game head scorer for the annual trophy night and took the time to pass on his skillsand knowledge to others. Tom's other passion in his life was his family, especially his nephews and nieces and he had great pride and joy for his great nephews and nieces.Tom was predeceased by his father John (1969), his mother Katherine (1999) and sister Patricia King (2007).Tom is survived by his sisters Joyce (Harley) Bold, Karen (Ken) Manary and brother Ken (Edna) Podruski, nephews Scott Podruski and David Bold, nieces Jodi Shandruk, Leah Recknell, Corina King and Angela Pickett along with nine great nieces and nephews and Aunts Helena Zatylny, Kay Zatylny, Rose Podruski and Joyce Deuce. Tom also leaves to mourn a host of cousins and numerous friends. We love you Tommy and will miss you dearly.A celebration of Tom's life was held at St. Judes Catholic Church in Erickson, Manitoba on Monday, August 9, 2010 with Deacon Conrad officiating. For those who wish, donations in Tom's memory may be sent to Manitoba Wildlife Federation Habitat Trust 70 Stevenson Road Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3H 0W7.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 14, 2010