Tom OBEDNIAK

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OBEDNIAK: Tom. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father and grandfather, Tom Obedniak of Russell, Manitoba. He passed away at the Russell Personal Care Home on March 31, 2012 at the age of 94, with loving family members by his side. Dad was born on September 27, 1917 in the R.M. of Rossburn to Andrew and Anastasia (Kostiuk) Obedniak. On Novemeber 18, 1948 he married Sylvia Maydaniuk. Together they lived and raised their children on the family farm in the Glen Elmo district until 1983 when Dad and Mom moved to Russell for their retirement. Farming was Dad’s love and passion, a passion that was instilled at a very young age. This passion remained strong throughout his life. He spent many hours working in the fields, from springtime sowing to autumn harvest. The winters were spent tending to the livestock. While Dad and Mom resided in Russell, they made countless road trips to the farm until 1996. It was at that time that they decided to sell the farm. During his time in Russell, Dad made many new friends in his new community. He spent his days in his workshop working on a variety of projects and hobbies. Every morning in winter he would stoke up the fire box to keep his geraniums growing for spring planting. His workshop was his haven where friends would often meet to socialize. Summers were spent in the garden and tending to the flowers. Often on summer evenings, Dad and Mom would sit on their garaden swing and enjoy the beauty of their yard. Dad was predeceased by his father Andrew in 1943 and his mother Anastasia in 1969. He was also predeceased by his brother Nick, sisters Anne and Mary, father-in-law Stanley Maydaniuk and special son-in-law, Bruce Austin in 2004. Dad is survived by his loving wife and partner of 63 years, Sylvia. He has four daughters, Malveen Austin, Darlene Tanasychuk (Bob), Connie Speirs (Ted) and Evelyn Obedniak-Mauro (Renato). A great joy to Dad were his grandchildren, Jennifer Seitz (Andrew), Kevin Austin (Hayli), Jillian Austin, Kirk Austin, Kelly Tanasychuk (Peter) and bonus grandson, Sean Speirs (Andrea and Ethan). Dad was overjoyed at the arrival of his first great-grandson, Tommy Seitz in December, 2008. Also mourning his passing are his sisters, Irene Kozack and Evelyn Kozun (Eugene) and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Russell on Tuesday, April 10, 2012. Father Mykhaylo Khomitskyy and Father Micheal Tkachuk officiated. Interment followed at the Russell Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were: Kevin Austin, Kirk Austin, Ted Speirs, Andrew Seitz, Dennis Kozack and Terry Kozack. Crossbearer was Sean Speirs. Everyone in attendance was considered Honorary Pallbearers. Donations may be made to the Russell Personal Care Home or Russell Palliative Care Service. Braendle-Bruce Funeral Service was in care of arrangements.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 05, 2012