LEOPOLD LEE TRTNIK

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LEOPOLD LEE TRTNIK Passed away peacefully on August 19, 2008 at the young age of 38. He was wrapped in the arms of his loving wife, Karen and was surrounded by his parents Marija and Leopold, sister Tanya, sister-in-law Yasmine, brother-in-law Tim, mother-in-law Sylvia and his close friends. Lee was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on April 17, 1970 to proud parents, Marija and Leopold Trtnik. At the age of six, he became a loving and nurturing brother to his sister, Tanya Swanson. During high school, he excelled both in the classroom and on the basketball court. In 1993, Lee graduated with honours from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy. He worked briefly as a retail pharmacist in Winnipeg before moving to Toronto where Lee was hired by Shopper's Drug Mart for a retail operations position. Lee's personality, his ability to listen and to solve people's problems along with his frank-but-polite approach won him respect from pharmacists all over Canada. After a couple of years, Lee decided to scratch his entrepreneurial itch and accepted an associate position at a Shopper's Drug Mart retail location near downtown Toronto. And, as fate would have it, Lee interviewed a charming new pharmacy graduate, Karen Rizwan, who was initially hired to be his full time pharmacist and quickly became his beloved. Lee and Karen married on September 2, 2007. Lee felt very strongly about pharmacy and always wanted to make a difference. He found an opportunity to flex his creative muscles and that would allow him to practice pharmacy in the way that he envisioned by opening his own practice with his friend Richard Sigesmund. His dream to own a pharmacy had finally come to fruition. Lee loved to contribute to the profession of pharmacy; he was an inspiration to his colleagues. Outside of the pharmacy world, Lee loved art and dabbled in photography, taking numerous courses. He was a fan of sports, both as a player and as a spectator. His height gave him a natural advantage in playing basketball and he also made use of it in ultimate frisbee and sponge hockey. Lee had a quirky, one-of-a-kind sense of humour. A laugh would always be a guarantee when he was around and how Lee loved a good laugh. He also enjoyed travelling, eating, cooking and eating while travelling. Few things disappointed Lee more than a bad meal. His desire for the perfectly cooked meal would often lead him to his own kitchen, where one could find him meticulously preparing meals for his family and friends. Lee's inner strength,courage and will to fight were evident in sickness and in health. As a husband, his encouragement and selflessness made him a loving and supportive partner. As a son, his caring nature was immeasureable and he exceeded his parent's hopes and dreams for success. As a brother and friend, he was a nurturer, a mentor and a great advisor with a magnificent personality that could light up a room with his baritone voice, distinct laugh and mischievously happy grin. The world may feel empty with his physical departure but our lives will be forever complete by his ever present spirit and influence. A celebration of Lee's life was held at Chapel Ridge Funeral Home in Markham, Ontario on August 23, 2008 with cremation following. In rememberance of Lee, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 06, 2008