FELIX TESARSKI

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

FELIX TESARSKI Felix slipped away peacefully on Sunday, July 18, 2010 at Middlechurch Personal Care Home in his 94th year. He will be sadly missed by his son Daniel (Gale) Tesarski, children: Christopher (Audrey) Tesarski, Catherine Harder, Valerie (Kenneth) Anderson, Jennifer (Quinn) Barreth; daughters Deanna (Frank) Hayes, children: Holly (Paul) Graham, Heather (Mike) Shaw; Sonia Harvey, children: Tanya (Simon) Robinson, Tracey (Arnel) Wiebe, Michael, Richard; and Patricia (Bill) Pillon, children: Joel (Jillian) Goralski, Kerry (Kathleen) Goralski, Candise (Ryan) Gugenheimer plus 27 great-grandchildren. Felix was predeceased by his wife Sophia on May 17, 2007, his parents Anton and Anna Tesarski, brothers Michael, Joseph and Stanley, and his grandson Bradley Hayes in 1997. Felix was born September 14, 1916 in the Ukrainian community of Tolstoi, MB. There he attended school, did his daily farm chores, enjoyed nature and actively participated in community, church and sports. On the hockey rink he was known as flash . On completion of schooling, he attended Normal School and received his Teacher's certificate. On June 21, 1937 Felix married the love of his live, Sophia Shepit of Sirko where he received his first teaching position at Ackland School in 1936. His career as teacher and principal spanned 12 years and also included Zbarag, Komarno, Poplarfield and Gonor, MB. During this time being community-minded, he taught Ukrainian after school hours, ran adult night-school, organized plays, concerts and the hot lunch program at Gonor School. Following Felix's teaching career he became a salesman (Professional CLU 1956), a career that was both challenging and rewarding, receiving many plaques and awards in the insurance industry. During this time the family moved to Winnipeg, residing in Norwood, and later on to Garden City. Felix and Sophia's final residence together was at Amber Meadows Retirement Community. Felix was a very committed, dedicated and loyal person in everything that he did. He was involved in many organizations holding key positions: Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church, The Order of St. Andrews, Ukrainian Professional and Businessmen's Club, Winnipeg Society of Seniors, Ukrainian Self Reliance League, St. Andrew's College, Toastmasters, North Y.M.C.A., Trident Press Ltd. (Ukrainian Voice). His church, family and home were all extremely important to him. He was a regular church-goer. He was a devoted husband and father to his four children and took great pride in his home and garden. In the early years there were many family visits to California, Chicago, Toronto, and the homestead areas, Sirko and Vita and later on to their grown children and grandchildren living in Bolton, ON, Calgary and Vancouver. There were also many family get-togethers in Winnipeg and picnics in Kildonan Park. Felix was a very generous man. He volunteered countless hours to various causes, charities and organizations as well as many monetary pledges to charities, museums and scholarships. He also donated over 60 pints of blood in his lifetime! All his life he strived to make the world a better place. If Felix believed in a cause he let others know about it. He corresponded with all levels of government and wrote letters to the Newspaper Editors regarding improving conditions for the benefit of others. He also became an author of three (self)published books, including Son Of Pioneers (A Barefoot Boy with Boots On) in which he shared his life experiences. Felix accomplished much in his lifetime gaining respect and admiration from all that knew him. His most cherished award was the Fifth Degree Pin (the highest) in The Order of St. Andrews. In his later years his greatest joy was hearing from his children and grandchildren and their family visits. The family would like to thank the staff at Middlechurch Personal Care Home for their care and compassion this past year. Even through failing health, he could still serenade the staff with his harmonica or sing a little ditty bringing smiles to their faces. Prayers will be Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 7:00 p.m., the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 23; both will be held at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1175 Main St., Winnipeg. Interment will be at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, 4477 Main Street. Pallbearers will include The Order of St. Andrews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Vichnaya Pamyat - Memory Eternal Glen Eden Funeral Home 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 21, 2010