WILLARD CHARLES STASKA

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WILLARD CHARLES STASKA It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Willard Charles Staska on December 22, 2006. Willard is survived by his devoted wife Nettie; loving children, Kevin and Sandra; his brother Bernie (Alice); sister Eleanor Weber (John) and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Willard was predeceased by his father Charles, his mother Jean, and his brother Lawrence. Willard was born in Winnipeg and raised in Brokenhead, MB where his parents ran a general store and post office. He attended Ladywood School, Beausejour Collegiate and St. Paul's College (University of Manitoba) from which he graduated with his Bachelor of Arts degree receiving the Lieutenant Governor's Gold Medal along with the Rector's Prize for Philosophy. After receiving a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Manitoba, Willard began his teaching career at Neil Campbell and John Henderson Junior High. Willard was an excellent teacher and for several years held the distinction of having the highest pass rate in Grade IX history for departmental exams in the province. He later transferred to the River East Collegiate Social Studies Department where he taught history and geography. While at River East Collegiate, he also helped pioneer the provincial High School Driver Education program. After he retired from formal classroom teaching, he continued as coordinator, as well as classroom and in-car instructor of the High School Driver Education program until illness forced him to retire in June 2006. Willard had a gentle and unassuming disposition and was a master of diplomacy. His best times were spent with his family and in the company of longtime friends. Willard enjoyed sports and was one of the members of the East Kildonan Senior Men's Volleyball team which held the Western Canadian Championship title for two successive years, along with the Manitoba and Greater Winnipeg trophies. Willard also taught physical education for a while at Neil Campbell. He also coached the Flyerettes, a senior women's volleyball team leading them to provincial championships in the Greater Winnipeg League. Willard and his wife met while teaching together at River East Collegiate and were married in 1968. Willard loved to travel and he and his wife spent summers in Europe, Australia and Japan. When his children were growing up, summer vacations were spent touring all the major national and historic sites in Canada and the United States. Trips were planned in detail in order to enrich his geography classes as Willard strongly believed in practically enriching the quality of his student's education. After retiring from teaching, Willard and his wife spent winter vacations in Las Vegas and Cuba. Prayer service will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 7:00 p.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, December 28, 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 250 Jefferson Ave. Fr. Raymond Lukie presiding. Flowers gratefully declined. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the St. Joseph's Building and Maintenance Fund. Arrangements entrusted to: Glen Eden Funeral Home 4477 Main St. 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 26, 2006