FRED KOLESAR

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FRED KOLESAR With deep regret, the family of Fred Kolesar announces his passing on Sunday, September 9, 2007, at the age of 85. He will be greatly missed by children, grandchildren, sisters, and friends. Born near Franklin, MB, on June 15, 1922, to Michael and Anna Kolesar, Fred grew up in the Rural Municipality of Rosedale. He left home as a young man to train as an Air Frame Mechanic and served in the Air Force and Navy until 1946, after which he worked for four years in the printing business in Winnipeg and Neepawa. In 1950 Fred married Isobel Chambers, his beloved wife and partner of 53 years, and they began their married life farming in the Polonia area of Manitoba. In 1953 he re-enlisted in the RCAF and served for a further 11 years primarily at McDonald and Namao, north of Edmonton. Feeling the pull of home and family, he and Isobel returned to Manitoba where they farmed near Minnedosa for the next 29 years. During his time in Minnedosa Fred was a respected community leader, serving as Councilor and Reeve in the RM of Minto. He also spent six years as the Executive Director of the Mid-West Municipal district, and served on many provincial boards, such as the Whitemud Watershed Conservation District, the Manitoba Milk Marketing Board, and the Minnedosa Regional Hospital Board. In 1993 he and Isobel left the farm and moved to Portage la Prairie where they cultivated a huge flower and vegetable garden, along with an impressive orchard of fruit trees. As Isobel's health failed, they moved to Winnipeg to be closer to their family. Fred had a great love of the outdoors. In his younger years he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He always enjoyed a drive through the countryside or a walk through the bush looking for deer or wild fruit. For many years he kept bees and grew fruit trees especially apple. Intent on keeping his mind active, Fred read extensively on many subjects and enjoyed any opportunity for a good debate. He spent many hours researching his family history and recording it on his computer. He had a great sense of humour which only improved as the years passed. Fred was very proud of his grandchildren and was interested in all their activities; he nearly always accepted an invitation to watch a sporting event with particular interest in baseball and curling. Fred is survived by his children, Ken (Priscilla and Krystyna), Noreen (Wayne Loeppky, Scott and Travis), Robert (Pat Butts, Ben, Rebecca and Sarah) and Rick (Pam Bidewell, Alexander, Robyn and Reid). He is also survived by his sisters Nellie (Ken) McLeod, Velma Pavlin, and Alice (Bill) Moger, brother-in-law George (Gloria) Chambers, sister-in-law Evelyn (Allan) McKee and brother-in-law Charlie Irvine as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Fred was predeceased by his wife Isobel (2003), infant sister Rose, brother-in-law George Pavlin and sisters-in-law Florence Irvine and Marjorie Chambers. A graveside service will be held on Monday, September 24 at 1:30 p.m. at Neepawa Cemetery with a reception at 2:00 p.m. at the Christian Education Centre. Donations may be sent to Fort Whyte Alive, 1961 McCreary Road, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2K9, for the planting of apple trees. White's Funeral Home, Neepawa, in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 15, 2007