FRANK MIAZGA

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FRANK MIAZGA Peacefully, on January 5, 2011, with his wife and three daughters by his side, Frank Frederick Miazga passed away at the age of 82 years. Frank was the tenth of 13 children, born on the family farm in a two room house in rural Gronlid, Saskatchewan on October 6, 1928. Educated at the small Gronlid school, Frank loved learning. His life-long passion for knowledge was first fostered in these humble surroundings. He later attended the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. Frank completed his education with a diploma in Physical Education, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Law, PhD in Educational Physiology (Hons), as well as several professional certificates. Frank loved to pass on his knowledge and excelled as a high school science teacher. He taught at several small rural schools in Saskatchewan before moving to Kamsack to teach a new chemistry course in grades XI and XII. Upon moving to Portage he took a job at Arthur Meighen High where he taught grade XI and XII Physics and Math. Ill health forced him to retire in 1978. Many of his former students have often told stories about how strict but fair Frank was as a teacher. Frank is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary Elizabeth (Mary-Liz); daughters, Elizabeth, Jane (Chris) Odnokon and Susan (Owen Johnson); his grandchildren, Keira and Teryn Penner, Ntalia and Russell Odnokon, Kyla and Emily Miazga; his sisters, Mary Grosh, Kay Plohr; brothers, Steve (Lena) and Nick. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Elsie (Ted) Slusarchuk, Millie, Mary and Rose; as well as brother-in-law Dave Hargrave, numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, Johanna and Joseph; parents-in-law, Wilbert and Annie Corden; siblings: an infant sister, Peter, Mike, Rose Zalusky, Anne Wolkowski, Jake, John and Helen Mateyko. Brothers-in-law, John Wolkowski, Bill Plohr, John Mateyko, Eli Zalusky and Alex Grosh. Sisters-in-law, Irene Miazga and Marjorie Hargrave. After their marriage in August of 1969, Frank and Mary-Liz moved to Portage la Prairie. They bought a house in Koko Platz and Frank had continued to have various renovation projects on the go for over 40 years! Frank served several years on the Portage Handi-Van board. When he became board Treasurer, they were in financial difficulty, but under his watch they turned it around and were able to buy a new van. Frank was also a longtime board member of the Portage Co-op. He really enjoyed being involved with helping others and trying to make a difference in whatever role he was fulfilling. Beginning in 1995 Frank served as a community magistrate for nine years. A job he thoroughly enjoyed and a chance to finally put into practice his law degree, which had been collecting dust for many years! Dad had a great respect for the law as well as for the RCMP and was honoured to be a part of that community. In later years he kept himself busy with renovations and fix-it jobs at his rental properties in Winnipeg. Frank was extremely excited to become a grandfather and loved to spoil all six of his grandchildren. His first five grandchildren are all girls...he had given up hope of ever having another male around until his sixth grandchild was born, finally a boy! Grandpa loved all of them so much. Frank, Dad, Grandpa, your family all love you and will think about you with a smile in our hearts. You are greatly missed. The funeral service will be held on Monday, January 10 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity United Church, Rev. Beth Kerr officiating. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, friends may make a donation to the Trinity Memorial Fund, the Portage Hospital or to a charity of your choice. A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel 857-4021 A message can be left in the on-line guest book at www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 10, 2011