FRANK ALBERT SAFNUK CARL JOSEPH SAFNUK

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FRANK ALBERT SAFNUK CARL JOSEPH SAFNUK Frank Albert Safnuk, age 87, transitioned on January 23, 2016 at Brookhaven Care Centre. His brother Carl Joseph, age 86, transitioned on February 9, 2016 in Cottonwoods Care Centre. Both were born in Fort Francis, Ontario in the beginning of the Great Depression era in the 1930's. They moved with their parents, John and Sophie Safinuk to farming country in several districts in Manitoba, eventually settling in Ethelbert, Manitoba. Both pursued their careers in Manitoba and both retired to Kelowna, BC, Frank in 1993 and Carl in 2001. At age 14, Frank worked as a farmhand to help his family during the Depression. He moved to Winnipeg in 1943. He furthered his high school education by taking night courses in mechanics and working in auto repair shops and dealerships. In 1955, he purchased his own service station business, Safnuk Motors. In 1950, he married Olga "Ollie" Fedorchuk and together they raised their young family, a daughter, Penny, presently residing in Phoenix, Arizona and a son, Don, with his wife Belinda, residing in Vancouver, presented "PaPa" with three grandchildren, Charlotte, Alannah and Derek. His grandchildren occupied a special place in his heart. After selling his business in 1973, he was employed by Motor Coach Inc. for 20 years, retiring from the work force in 1993. He relocated to Kelowna the same year, first residing in Hawthorne Park Retirement Community, then Mountain View Village. Wherever he lived, he liked to "help people." He moved to Brookhaven Care Home for the last three years of his life where he transitioned on January 23, 2016. The family extends their appreciation to Dr. M. Appleby for the care given to Frank throughout the years. Thanks are also extended to the staff at Brookhaven for providing a loving and caring home in his final years. Carl pursued a teaching career in Manitoba. He graduated from Dauphin Collegiate at age 22. He completed Normal School two years later. He taught his first class in 1953 at North Lake school. For the next ten years, he taught at Spearhill and Inwood Collegiate. In 1967, he settled into Teulon Collegiate for 20 years until he retired in 1987. He was a huge sports fan, from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to the Dodgers whether they were in Brooklyn or Los Angeles, and The Maple Leafs. During summer holidays, he travelled in his motor coach. One year he followed the Dodgers on their circuit. He loved card games and cribbage. When he came to Kelowna, he lived in Dorchester Retirement Residence. It wasn't long before he organized cribbage games for the residents. He made many friends and appreciated their company for 14 years. When his health declined, he was moved to Cottonwoods Care Home in the last year of his life. The family are grateful that Carl formed many friendships throughout his life who remembered him and enriched his life in retirement. We also extend our thanks to Dr. R. Williams for his 15 years of care for Carl, his courteous staff, as well as staff at Cottonwoods for their care in his final months. The brothers are survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as grand nieces and nephews along with their sister Nadia. Frank will be missed by his three grandchildren, his son Don and his wife Belinda in Vancouver and his daughter Penny in Arizona. We are all grateful for the times we had together. No gifts please. However any anecdotes/stories/condolences received will be shared.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 20, 2016