JOHN MAXWELL BODNER

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JOHN MAXWELL BODNER (The Cat Man) On April 20, 2002 John Maxwell Bodner peacefully passed away at St. Boniface Hospital. John was born August 23, 1906 in Vita, MB. Left to cherish his memory is his son Bruce and wife Janet of Calgary; daughter-in-law, Agathe Kruger of Winnipeg; grandchildren, Diana McNab, Wayne (Lucille), Darrin (Jeannine) Kruger, Marylou (John) Carr, Roberta (Wally) Brooks, Brant (Jennifer), Derek (Katherine), Christopher (Suzanne) great-grandchildren, Randy (Lisa), Cary (Lisa), Rodney, Sherri-Lynn (Daniel), Chandel, Danny, Justin, Sarah, Anthony, Michelle, John, Hannah, Amy, Simon, Patrick, Erin, Katie, Maggy; great-great-grandchildren, Melissa, Jessica, Kaylee, Reagan; sister Adeline and husband Whitie Jarmey, sister Elise Kolodzinski and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his beloved wife "FOXY LADY" Laura; parents, Michael and Anna Bodnarchuk; son Robert of Houston, TX; grandson Darrel of Vancouver and two brothers and three sisters. John lived a full life and enjoyed every minute of it. He worked for Eatons for 48 years some of which was interrupted due to joining the armed forces to serve for his country, but his greatest achievement was forming the Manitoba Cat Club with his wife Laura and becoming known as the "Cat Man". This took them to many places all over North America including Japan and Australia. These trips formed many new and valuable friendships. He also had his own television program called "Whats New Pussycat". He wrote a column for the Winnipeg Tribune. John received many honorary citizenships, some of which are the key to the State of Texas, community awards for the City of Winnipeg, honorary Colonel of the State of Kentucky. He was the first Canadian cat judge to become president of the ACFA. The president of the Manitoba Cat Club. Life long member of the "Parrot Club" of Manitoba and life long member of the Ukrainian Canadian Veteran Legion No. 141. John was also the founder of the "Winnipeg Spayed and Neuter Clinic", and a life long member of the Winnipeg Humane Society. Deepest thanks and appreciation is extended to his terrific homecare staff and nurses. Special thanks to Yvonne, Judy, Margret, Nicole and Wanda of the St. Boniface Day Hospital. Also, Mr. K. Massey of the Age and Opportunity for the Saturday cribbage games. Granddad never thought of his caregivers as workers but as friends and extended family. This brings us to a very special person named Dave Delipper. Dave spent many, many an hour trying to "beat" Granddad at cribbage, putting in his garden, fixing his plumbing, fishing for Granddads pickerel and many numerous other jobs Granddad could think of. Dave we cant thank you enough for all you have done for Granddad and the friendship and love you have shown him, you became another Grandson. "THANK YOU". At Granddads request cremation has taken place. Memorial service to take place at Green Acres Funeral Chapel, Highway 1 East at Navin Road, Thursday, April 25 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the A.L.S. Society of Manitoba, N.108 North Pavilion, Deer Lodge Centre, 2109 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3J 0L3 in memory of Laura Bodner. We never lose the ones we love For even though they are gone Within the hearts of those who care Their memory lingers on GREEN ACRES FUNERAL CHAPEL 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 24, 2002