- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
OREST EARL WOZNY
Born: Feb 25, 1935
Date of Passing: Dec 11, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryOREST EARL WOZNY February 25, 1935 December 11, 2013 After a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer, Orest passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at Concordia Hospital. Orest was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Nellie Wozny, and his sister Adeline Kibsey. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Doreen, daughters, Laura (Bryan) Wood, April (Geoff) Wozny, son Jeffery (Nicola) Wozny, grandchildren Travys Wood, Phaedra Palmer, Mason Palmer and Kayleigh Wozny, brothers Marcel (Verna) Wozny, William (Pat) Wozny, sister Connie (Bill) Cox, brother-in-law Thomas Kibsey, many nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends. Born and raised in Pine River, MB, Orest moved to Winnipeg in his late teens and he began working at Ashdowns Hardware. It was here that he met Doreen and they were married soon thereafter. In 1964 Orest began his career as a letter carrier, which he continued until his retirement in 1995. During his working years, Orest spent time coaching his children in many sports as well as volunteering at and helping to establish Gateway Recreation Center. Summer weekends were spent with family at the lake, fishing and berry picking in the Whiteshell. In 1982, Orest was disappointed to not be drawn for a spot at White Lake, where the family had spent the last decade. This proved to be a blessing in disguise however, as he got a spot at West Hawk Lake where he happily spent the rest of the "summers of his life" and became the unofficial "Mayor of West Hawk"! Orest forged many friendships at West Hawk, especially with Bill and Shannon Kletke and their son Wes. In his retirement years, Orest pursued his passion for curling at the Heather Curling Club, becoming President of the Heather Seniors and earning an Honorary Life Membership. Orest also ran the Heather Seniors Golf each summer. Orest was a member of the Canadian Postal Employees Curling Hall of Fame, being instrumental in starting the Manitoba Postal Curling Association which spawned a national organization. As well as curling, Orest loved 10 pin bowling. He was a member of numerous leagues and bowled four to five days per week right up until this year. Always quick with a smile and a hug, Orest touched the lives of all who knew him. The family sincerely thanks Dr. Pat Harris, Dr. Harvey Lee, Palliative Care Manitoba and the Concordia Hospital for their assistance during Orest's time of need. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 19 at John Black United Church, 898 Henderson Hwy, Winnipeg MB. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to John Black United Church.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 14, 2013
Condolences & Memories (25 entries)
-
I will really miss the welcoming Hugs and a dance that Orest would greet me with each and every time I saw him. The service really did pay tribute to him, he will be sadly missed but fondly remembered forever. - Posted by: Tina (West Hawk Family) on: Dec 20, 2013
-
I went to school with April and she remains one of my best friends. My connection to the family started when my parents split up. There was a brief period of time that I needed a place to stay. The Woznys' took me in until I could figure out how I was going to make it on my own (keep in mind I was only 18). The warmth and acceptance they showed me is something that has never ceased and from that day on my heart holds a special place for them. April took me and my daughter out to West Hawk on August long weekends and we'd stay with Orest. My daughter was 3 years old when Orest helped her reel in her first fish on a pink Barbie fishing rod. My daughter is pretty reserved and doesn't welcome hugs very well but Orest picked her up and set her on his knee. He would take her for walks and visit with his friends and Koda really enjoyed all the dogs that visited the lake. I would sit back on the deck of his trailor with a rye, April would usually be reading (and drinking a rye) and Koda and Orest would be trying to lure in squirrels, deer or fox into the site. One of the most memorable visits from nature was a silver fox - came right up to Koda and Orest. All the memories that people have about Orest will resemble each other. He was kind, funny, opinionated, jolly, helpful, social, loyal and genuine. I truly feel honoured to have had the pleasure of knowing him. He made me feel a part of his world and it was a happy place to visit!! - Posted by: Brandy Avramoski (family-friend) on: Dec 19, 2013
-
Although we met Orest only a couple summers ago at West Hawk, we will really miss him. He was one of the first people we met in the campground and he immediately made us feel welcome - he was always there with a warm smile, big hug, and a helping hand. We called him the "Fish Whisperer". Our sincerest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Erin & Kyle Spencer (Friends from West Hawk) on: Dec 19, 2013
-
We are very fortunate to have known Orest. He was truly the ambassador of West Hawk lake. He never forgot a face or a name and always made us feel welcome. His welcoming hugs will be missed. - Posted by: Danielle and Andrew Kerr (West Hawk Lake friends) on: Dec 19, 2013
-
I only had the pleasure of knowing Orest for the last five years of his life. What I can tell you is the guy was top notch, kind and always reserved judgement, wise and gentle, excellent coach to a younger bowler, easy to look up to... Orest, if you're reading these I'll take the coaching tips to heart and I'll remember you always buddy. See you in the afterlife, save me a spot on the bowling team. - Posted by: Shane Weston (Friend / Bowling Team) on: Dec 18, 2013
-
Orest your passing came as a surprise to me. You were one of the good ones and I will always remember your Christmas hugs and big sloppy kisses. Rest in peace and I am sure there is beer in heaven and you are enjoying one right now. You will be missed. - Posted by: Jacquie LaRiviere (Friend & Saturday A.M. Bowling Waitress) on: Dec 18, 2013
-
I will miss the visits to caddy lake after catching fish in a lake with no fish. You always smiled and had a positive attitude towards life. He never once complained about anything.i remember this summer climbing up 70 stairs from the dock to the cabin short of breath not complaining and just smiling. we need more people like Orest in the world. - Posted by: Young family (Friend from the lake) on: Dec 18, 2013
-
Our sincere condolences to the whole family at this time of your loss. Our prayers go out to you. - Posted by: Elizabet Tukaj (Friend) on: Dec 17, 2013
-
My husband Earle and I could not get to the lake fast enough to be with you and Doreen. Sleep well my friend. - Posted by: Gail Cooke (friend) on: Dec 16, 2013
-
It is not often you meet a person and you are instantly drawn to them, they are unique, few and very special, their memory is forever cherished. While Debbie and I only knew Orest though the carefree times at West Hawk it was easy to see the impact he made on people's lives. I am certain Orest was not perfect, as no one really is however to us he was pretty close. He made everything just a little bit better and we will miss this, but by his example we will appreciate the simple things in life that are often overlooked for that was his way. Doreen, April, Laura and Jeff please know Orest may seem like he is gone but his spirit will always remain alive in all who he knew. - Posted by: Debbie.Brian (Friends) on: Dec 16, 2013
-
We had the honor of being friends with Orest. He was the most generous, kind hearted man I have ever known. His positivity in life was infectious. You couldn't help but have a smile on your face in his presence. He will always be the mayor of West Hawk Lake and always be remembered for his kind heart. You will be dearly missed. - Posted by: Michelle, Jae and Kyla Auger (Friend) on: Dec 16, 2013
-
Sympathies are extended to you, Doreen, and your family, from your friends in the Bee-Attitudes at John Black United. Please know we're thinking about you. - Posted by: Wanda McConnell ( ) on: Dec 15, 2013
-
Orest, our family met you many years ago at West Hawk Lake and from the moment we met you, you were like family. Many years later, we would coincidentally be reunited through your son Jeff as he would be my son's hockey coach. Our prayers and thoughts go out to Doreen, Laura, April & Jeff as they mourn their loss. Always smiling, always waving when he saw you, may the fishing be as good where you are as it was at West Hawk lake. Rest in peace, our friend. - Posted by: Hrushka Family (Friend) on: Dec 15, 2013
-
You were a very important part of our family. We will always hold you close to our hearts sweet dear man. Love you - Posted by: The Holdens (Westhawk Family) on: Dec 15, 2013
-
Orest, I will forever cherish your bright smile, our afternoon visits at the lake, and most of all, your big hugs and kisses. It was an absolute honour to know and to love you. My deepest condolences to Doreen & family. I know that Orest's light will continue to shine for he truly touched so many. xo - Posted by: Wendy Hoskins (Friend) on: Dec 15, 2013
-
Met Orest at the Redfern trailer. He was a caring and thoughtful man who loved life. One of a kind. CHEERS to Orest!! - Posted by: Leanne & Keith Zoroneck (Fellow campers at West Hawk) on: Dec 15, 2013
-
Orest, you were like a Father to Bill and I and a Special Grandpa to Wes and Tanya. West Hawk Lake will never be the same. We Love You and miss you so much... Till we meet again. All Our Love... The Kletke Family xxoo... Rest in Peace Sweet Soul.... - Posted by: Bill, Shannon, Wes and Tanya Kletke () on: Dec 14, 2013
-
Orest was not just a friend, he was family to us, we cannot begin to explain our feelings and what he meant to us. Orest was an exceptional person, so giving and caring and ready to give a hand, always with a smile and hugs (and sometimes a plate of fish snacks in hand) he could make your worst day the best of day of your life just being around him! Dear Doreen, April, Laura, Jeff & family, our condolences to you. Our wonderful memories of times with Orest & his family will remain with us forever!! - Posted by: Len & Jan Dombrowski (Friend) on: Dec 14, 2013
-
I had the honor to get to know " The Mayor" at the lake. You would take both my boys fishing with you, to this day they both still talk about those days. Even though everyone who went fishing would come back empty handed, you ALLWAYS came back with a boat full of fish!! Thank you for all you did, your constant smile, your generosity, your never ending desire to help everyone out. Mr. Orest, thank you for being you - Posted by: Tommy Hoskins (Friend) on: Dec 14, 2013
-
He will be dearly missed by all of us bowlers. He was always there with a smile and a joke for you. RIP Buddy - Posted by: Dean Davis (Saturday Golfers League) on: Dec 14, 2013
-
We had the honour of meeting Orest at our store in West Hawk Lake. Every spring we would look forward to his return with a huge hug and an even bigger smile. He will always be remembered as knowledgable, caring and always willing to lend a hand. Our condolences go out to his family. He will surely be missed by all of us whose lives he has touched at West Hawk. - Posted by: Barb and Lionel St. Godard (Friends) on: Dec 14, 2013
-
I have only known Orest for a couple of years as a bowling teammate. It was a pleasure and privilege to be and do so. I found him to be a very inspiring gentleman. My sincere condolences to your family at this time of your loss. - Posted by: Glenn W. (Red White and Blue teammate ) on: Dec 14, 2013
-
Met Orest at Westhawk, discovered we were related. Sincere sympathy to Doreen & all the family. His hair was silver & his hugs were gold. Will miss you Orest. Happy Fishing - Posted by: Jean Holden (Friend / 2nd cousin) on: Dec 14, 2013
-
I met Orest at the bowling alley. He always had a smile on his face, and was quick to greet me with a hug or a big wave if I was at the other side of the lanes. He will be missed. Heartfelt condolences to Jeff and Nicola, and the rest of the family. May your memories give you strength. - Posted by: Wanda Howard (Fellow bowler from the 59ers.) on: Dec 14, 2013
-
My thoughts and prayers go out to Orest's family. When I started at the Post Office I had the privlege to work with Orest. Orest took me under his wing and showed me the ropes for which I am forever grateful. Mike - Posted by: mike Silman (co-worker) on: Dec 14, 2013
