STEPHEN OLENCH

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STEPHEN OLENCH Stephen Olench passed away peacefully on August 12, 2006 at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, with his family at his side. Born May 5, 1919 in Dauphin, MB, Stephen was predeceased by his father Sam , Semeon and mother Frances , Euphrosina (Tymchuk); his wife Mary (Slobodzian); sisters, Olive Knutson and Anne O'Neill; niece Judith Krueckl and a brother in infancy. Stephen is survived by his daughter Lisa-Maria; son-in-law Roger Bean and grandchildren, Grace and Emily; sister Mildred Semcow, Winnipeg; niece Patty Hrychuk, Winnipeg; nephew Blake Semcow (Gloria), High River, AB; six great-nieces and nephews and their children. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Barbara Slobodzian, Dauphin, Elin Slobodzian, Winnipeg and Marion Slobodian, Flin Flon and brother-in-law Fred Kokura, Dauphin, as well as Mary's many nieces and nephews and their families. Stephen lived almost all of his life in Dauphin, except for 1948 to 1962 during which he resided in Flin Flon, MB. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary, in 1940 and has been a loving and devoted husband for 66 years until her sad passing in July of this year. When the Second World War started, he was quick to volunteer, serving in the RAF and later the RCAF. He became a pilot and flight instructor at various postings in Western Canada until 1942, then under Bomber Command in England at several bases including a conversion unit, training pilots to convert from Wellingtons and Halifaxes to Lancaster bombers. He also went on active operations until 1944 when he was very seriously injured and returned to Canada. The air force instilled in Stephen the discipline, precision and camaraderie that would mark his character in future business, community and personal endeavours. After his air force days, Stephen continued with his love of aviation, flying for pleasure, as well as business. He gave his time to the Dauphin Flying Club for many years. Stephen on occasion offered his plane to assist the RCMP and to fly the sick to hospital in Winnipeg. Most of all he enjoyed taking friends or family out for a flight on a fine afternoon for a view of the beautiful Dauphin countryside. His other favourite pastime was hunting game birds, which he often did on trips with his buddies. Stephen was a great friend, and was often the person at a gathering telling the best jokes. Stephen and Mary owned and operated the Mary-Jayne Shoppes in Flin Flon and Dauphin from 1948 until their retirement in 1982. His forte was in managing the stores, while Mary and others bought and sold the clothes. Stephen was a man of community participation and character, he led by example with his personal unwavering commitment in all endeavours. He was a life member since 1948 of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #20 in Dauphin; an active Kinsman while living in Flin Flon; a member of the Lions Club in Dauphin, serving on the executive for a time. Stephen was also a longtime member and Past Faithful Navigator of the Knights of Columbus, and was awarded their Sir Knight of the Year award more than once. He had a good tenor voice and sang in the St. Viator's choir for many years. Stephen's most recent achievements were in the sport of Taekwondo - which he decided to take up at the youthful age of 79, to help stay fit - soon finding the sport's discipline and camaraderie very appealing. He studied with great intensity, attaining his First Dan Black Belt in 2000 and continuing to his Fourth Dan in 2004. Master Olench embraced the Taekwondo ideals of respect, discipline, spirit and perseverance, assisting with his club's endeavors, the Parkland Taekwondo Association, the local Black Belt Association and becoming a role model and mentor and mentor as an instructor. The friendships made while studying Taekwondo gave him great happiness and contentment in the later years of his life. As a father, Stephen was again a patient instructor, whether of arithmetic, driving a car or flying a plane. He taught that with perseverance and precision, one can do anything. His family was the one place where his softer side showed, as a very caring son, husband, father and Grandpa. He will be sadly missed by all who loved him. There is a void in the lives of everyone he touched, which cannot be easily filled. The family would like to thank all who helped Stephen, by caring for him, visiting and sending wishes and prayers in his last days at the Dauphin Hospital and at 3 North in the Grace Hospital. Your kindness kept him in good spirits during this trying time. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, they may make a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to a charity of one's choice. The Knights of Columbus led a Rosary service at the Dauphin St. Viator's Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, August 17 at 6:30 p.m. and prayers followed at 7:00 p.m. Funeral service was held on Friday, August 18 at 2:30 p.m. in the St. Viator's Roman Catholic Church, Dauphin, MB. Rev. Fr. Yolando Gamallo officiated and interment followed in the Dauphin Riverside Cemetery. The Eulogy was offered by Michael Bolton. The Royal Canadian Legion conducted a graveside Poppy tribute. Active pallbearers were Joey Adamowski, Bruce Brezden, Ronald Chan, Doug Stephen, Tom Van Buekenhout and Jason Yates. Honorary pallbearers were Gordon Brygidyr, William Buchanan, Alex Dmitruk, Charlie McKay, Jim Park and Larry Pearson. Honor Guard was comprised of Members of the Knights of Columbus, Members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #20, Dauphin and Members of the Dauphin Lions Club. The Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Service had care of the funeral arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 19, 2006