STEPHEN ZLOTY

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STEPHEN ZLOTY On April 5, 2002, his family at his side, my dad joined my mom, Natalie, on her birthday. He shared his 91st birthday with us on March 30. Not long ago, Dad told me "Sharon, I am not going to die, just changing my place of residence". He leaves their only daughter, Sharon Natalie; son-in-law Jim Daher; grandsons, that he loved as sons, Jamie Stephen (Anita), Kevin and Jeffrey (Sherrie) great-granddaughters, Jordan, Erin and Sara. Predeceased by his sister Lena Kolson; and brothers, Michael and Nicholas. Dad was born to Andrew and Maria Zloty March 30, 1911, in Glace Bay, Cape Breton Island, NS, and was baptized at St. Annes Parish. He was raised and attended school in north Winnipeg. In 1936 he married my mom, Natalie Prokopiuk, sharing 57 years until her passing, July 18, 1993. Except for the Second World War, their home was north Winnipeg. They enjoyed many trips in Canada as well as Hawaii, Las Vegas, California and Florida. Before the Second World War, Stephen was employed by CP Rail. In 1942 he volunteered his services to the Royal Canadian Navy serving as a Chief Petty Officer. After the Second World War, he returned to CPR, retiring in 1971. While employed by CPR, Stephen was elected to the General Executive Board, Brotherhood of Railway Carmen for USA and Canada. As a member of this board, he participated in the historic New York convention marking the amalgamation of the AFL-CIO. Stephen was elected General Chairman for Western Canada. He was a delegate to the Manitoba Federation of Labor many times. Deeply committed to community service Stephen served two terms as President of the North YMCA, was a member of the YMCA Board of Directors for 15 years and a member of YMCA Metropolitan Winnipeg Committee. He was presented the YMCA "Service to Youth Award". As a member of the North End Charitable Club, they raised the financing to build the pool at the North Y. Dad was an avid swimmer, swimming as much as 90 lengths daily at North YMCA until its closure. He was a member of the 100 Mile Club, receiving an award for swimming 184 miles in 1974. After North YMCA closed, dad swam at YMCA Central with his treasured friend and buddy Adam "Audjie" Ruff. Dad still swam 15 lengths, 3 times a week until December 2000. Stephen served as both President and Vice-President of the Royal Canadian Legion, Ukrainian Canadian Veterans, Branch 141, also serving on several committees. As President, he hosted Her Royal Highness, Princess Margaret on her visit to Branch 141. Stephen was presented the Palm Leaf, highest award presented by the Royal Canadian Legion, by the Dominion President. He was also presented the Meritorious Service Medal, the second highest award. For seven years, Stephen was President of The Royal Canadian Legion Sports Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario at the International Peace Garden and was also a life member of the International Peace Garden. In 1989, the Royal Canadian Sports Foundation honoured him for his services at a special recognition dinner. He was led into the banquet hall by the "pipe" band and presented the Red River Cart by the Honourable Jim Downey, MLA. We, his family, so very proud of him, were in attendance to share this honour. Stephen donated blood to the Canadian Red Cross for over 25 years. He was a member of the Masonic Order of Manitoba and was presented his 50 year pin in the spring of 2001. Dad was also a member of the Arlington Sports Club, CPRail Supervisors Club, North Winnipeg Charitable Club and Ukrainian Canadian Veterans Bowling League. His lifes dedication to community service was reflected in the countless volunteer hours he gave and the many awards he received. After moms passing, dad liked to experiment with new recipes and enjoyed cooking his own meals. Until he was 89 he continued his daily morning exercises. Dad would tell you that exercise should be your No. 1 daily priority. In fact, after each cancer surgery, his 1st question to the surgeon was, "when can I go back swimming?" Dad also loved his yard. A smile on his face, dad got great enjoyment out of the fact he didnt look his age, often joking with those who didnt believe him. He attributed his long life to exercise and swimming. Dad continued to march in the Remembrance Dad Parade until November 11, 1999. "Deedee", as he was known to his grandsons, was devoted to them. For years he took his grandsons swimming to North Y every Saturday to ensure they all learned to swim. Sundays he and mom took them to the Zoo. A special thank you to the Glennie and Baty families for all their help and concern over the past few years that my father was ill. To Jim Mahon, Hospice & Palliative Care, you are a beautiful man. Dad so enjoyed your visits over the past few months both at home and at Riverview. Thank you to his special friends for your very many visits and cards of well wishes. Thank you to Dr. Andrew Cooke, Oncologist, Dr. Peter Kirk and all the wonderful staff at Riverview Palliative Care for your compassion, care and understanding. You made my dad feel so very special his last few months. Dad will be laid to rest beside my mom in our family plot at Brookside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations, designated specifically for "cancer research", to eradicate this dreadful disease, may be sent to CancerCare Manitoba, 100 Olivia St., Winnipeg. A celebration of dads life will be held Thursday, April 11 at 1:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. The Royal Canadian Legion, with full Legion honours, will lower their colours to half mast to say farewell to their Past President, Stephen Zloty. The service will be conducted by Rev. Fr. Isidore Dziadyk O.S.B.M. We walked the road till the final mile We came at last to that one way stile. The time stood still as we said farewell. In my mind I heard your funeral knell. I waved goodby, the road is your own, You pushed through the gates as you passed on alone. I let you go as I knew I should. My thoughts I have now withstood. I turned away from the final gate. You went beyond to an unknown state. Walk slowly down that long, long path, for soon Ill follow you, I want to know each step you take, so I may take them too. For someday down that lonely road, youll hear me call your names. And when my life on earth is through, I pray that God will take my hand, and lead me straight to Mom and you.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 10, 2002