FRANK (FRANCIS) PETER BALABERDA

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

FRANK (FRANCIS) PETER BALABERDA Peacefully on Thursday, July 26, 2007, at St. Joseph's Residence, with his family by his side, Frank was reborn into New Life. Born October 6, 1925, the 13th of 14 children of Pearl (Spasnyk) and Andrew Balaberda, Frank grew up on the family farm in Plainview, Saskatchewan, with brothers Mike, Claude, Martin, Louis, Joe, Tony, Tom, Wilbert and sisters Vera, Caroline, Jenny, Mary and Annie. He was schooled in a one-room schoolhouse and by correspondence. On June 24, 1953, he married Sophie Mucha, with whom he had three children, Cheryl (Lawrence), Randolph (Margaret) and Cynthia (Volney). He is also survived by his five beloved grandchildren, Adam and Erin Prokopanko of Winnipeg, and Lynne, Neal and Glen Balaberda of Ottawa. Frank and Sophie farmed a quarter-section of land in Killaly, Saskatchewan, until 1958 when they moved their growing family to Winnipeg where Frank began work as a warehouseman with Merchant's Consolidated. In 1965, Frank joined the River East School Division as a custodian. He took great pride in his work and connected with students of all ages at the various schools for which he cared, including Donwood, McLeod, Morse Place, Chief Peguis, Kildonan East, and River East Collegiate. Frank was highly respected and appreciated by divisional staff for his dedication and adherence to high standards. In 1969, Frank realized his dream to build a new home and the family moved to Pinecrest Bay, where he enjoyed gardening, walking to work, and biking. Frank retired in 1990 and spent time traveling with Sophie, caring for his grandchildren, and maintaining the church building at Holy Redeemer parish where he worshipped and worked for over 30 years. Frank's life will be celebrated on Thursday, August 2 with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Parish, 264 Donwood Drive, Winnipeg; interment at Green Acres Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank's memory may be made to The Friends of St. Joseph's Residence, 1149 Leila Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2P 1S6, whose dedicated staff supported Frank's peaceful passing at the residence which had become his home. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 01, 2007