THEODORE (TED) PROKOPANKO

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THEODORE (TED) PROKOPANKO August 20, 1935 - February 15, 2007 Peacefully while in his favourite vacation place, Parksville, BC, on Thursday, February 15, 2007 with his family by his side. Ted will be lovingly remembered by Joan, his wife of almost 53 years and his children, Karen of Edmonton, Randy (Teri) of Winnipeg and Sandra (Blake) of Balmoral, MB. Ted was ever so proud of his grandchildren and will be especially missed by Brett (Joleen) of Abbotsford, Tara (Tony) of Edmonton, Joe and Rob of Winnipeg and great-grandson Nicholas of Edmonton. He is also survived by his brother Walter (Virginia), sister-in-law Sylvia and sister-in-law Valerie (Ray) Christopherson and their children. Ted was predeceased by his mother Elsie (Onyshko) in 1949, his father Fred in 1966 and his brother Bill in 2005. Ted was born on August 20, 1935 in Winnipeg. Although Winnipeg was home for his entire life, he loved to travel all across Canada and made friends in every corner of the land. Ted was a proud graduate of Isaac Newton School and Tec Voc High School. He began working for Gensers as a furniture refinisher and his considerable skills were later recruited by John Black Decorating. Many a coffee table and dining room chair have been lovingly restored better than new by his wonderful touch and abilities. Ted took up photography as a hobby and became quite good and well known for his photographic skills. Always making friends and contacts, either through furniture or pictures, Ted was offered a job at Winnipeg Photo (Life Touch) where he worked for 20+ years, first as the manager of the professional division and later as a professional sales rep, until retiring in 2000. It was as the professional sales rep for Winnipeg Photo (Life Touch) that Ted travelled across the country, helping photographers, making friends and taking the odd picture or two of all the sites to see in Canada. He was also the voluntary photographer, courtesy of Winnipeg Photo, for his beloved Winnipeg Jets and travelled with the team to Tokyo, Japan. Ted was also very busy with weddings, family portraits and special pictures for just about anyone. More than enough people have heard Ted say Just one more! , over and over again. Recently, Ted was the convocation photographer for the University of Winnipeg and Red River College. Always an avid golfer, in retirement Ted joined the Garden City Senior Golfers first as an active golfer, and most recently as the Health Welfare Chair for the group. Retirement also brought out Ted's artistic side as he took up painting with watercolors. Many a wall in this city will be blessed with a wedding picture, family portrait or painting by Ted. Always supportive and encouraging of his own children, Ted was equally proud and enthusiastic of the achievements of his grandchildren. Ted was so proud when grandson Brett asked him to be Best Man for his wedding. There was nothing Grandpa wouldn't do for his wonderful grandchildren, and that love will continue in their hearts. Ted also felt a special bond with just about any pet, but especially Sandy's two German Shepherds, Timber and Rosie. Dinner would just have to wait if Dad had to walk the dogs. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 26 at Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, 965 Boyd Ave., Winnipeg, with Rt. Rev Msgr. Michael Buyachok officiating. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Ted's memory may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, Room ON-1160, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 24, 2007