ROMAN DOUGLAS GAWRONSKY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ROMAN DOUGLAS GAWRONSKY October 1953 - November 2009 It is with heavy hearts and mixed emotions we announce the passing of Roman Douglas Gawronsky on November 17, 2009 at 56 years of age. Roman overcame the effects of a stroke in 2005 but with his family by his side at his home, lost a very short battle with cancer. Roman will forever be in the hearts of his wife of 33 years, Michelle; daughters, Jolene (Ryan), Josie (Steve); sons, Joseph (Melanie) and Joshua; granddaughters, Shae-Lynn and Megan; and grandson Steven. Stepfather Peter Jansen; sister Daria; brothers, Peter (Pat), Johnnie (Sherry); brothers-in-law, Jim (Trish), Jay (Stacy), Dale, Ken, Judd (Sarah); sisters-in-law, Jeanette (Dale), Connie (Gary), Joanne (Jean Francois), Jodi (Greg); nieces, Allyssa, Marisa and Destiny; nephews, James, Micheal, Ryan, Heath, Reed, Aidan, Holden and Noah. Roman was predeceased by his father John, his mother Olga and his mom-in-law Kathleen St. Godard. Roman was born in Vita on October 23, 1953, grew up on the farm in Woodmore, attended school in Planky Plains, Greenridge, Woodmore and Shevchenko School in Vita. Roman's first attempt at fame and fortune was on the AWA wrestling stage, namely Lil Putski and Oklahoma Kid . He became a Custom Combiner in 1975 and worked for Michaud Construction in 1978. In 1980 he was employed at the Vita Creamery and was Vita's last professional butter maker. In his heart Roman was always a farmer and in 1982, he went to work for Smooks Ltd. where he found his home away from home on Smooks Farms. One of Roman's greatest pleasures was in being Santa for the past 26 years. He believed in his community and served on the Board of Directors of the Vita District Health Centre for approximately eight years after which he represented Vita on the South Eastman District Health Advisory Committee from 1996 to present. Roman was elected as Vita's town Councillor in 1998 and continued to serve the residents until the day of his passing, serving three consecutive terms. Roman's greatest pride and joy were his children. They were very grateful to have spent these last couple of months talking, sharing and loving. These special Goodbyes will always be treasured. When Roman was recovering from his stroke he began accompanying Michelle to her Union functions and became an avid believer of the Labour Movement. He often encouraged people to fight for their rights and join the MGEU. Roman became Michelle's strongest supporter. Roman's boots will never be filled, his kindness, fairness and capacity to love will always be remembered. A man of integrity. At Roman's request, flowers are gratefully declined, in lieu donations can be made to his granddaughter's trust fund set up at the Vita Credit Union, Vita, Manitoba. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at the Vita Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Prayers will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Vita Hall. Funeral service will be Wednesday, November 25 at 10:00 a.m. at the Nativity of St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Senkiw, MB. Lunch to follow at the Vita Hall in Vita, MB. Vita Funeral Homes Vita Chapel In care of arrangements. (204) 425-3114

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 21, 2009