STEVEN MALISKI

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STEVEN MALISKI Born on September 29, 1911, Steven Maliski passed away on June 25, 2004. He was predeceased by his daughter Cathy, wife Helen, brother Joseph and Betty Maliski, sisters Helen Sacks, Anne and Hilding Nelson, Jean Crisko and Mary Smith. Steven is survived by his twin sister Julia Kiel (Peter) and brothers-in-law Adam Sacks and Joe Crisko. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and their families. A man of infinite kindness, Steven will be remembered for the quiet comfort that he conveyed to those around him. He dwelt on the positives of life and living. He showed an inner strength in shouldering the burden of the illness and death of Cathy, his only child. While the pain of this tragedy lasted a lifetime his devotion and love towards Helen got them through the difficult times. In memories of Steven are recollections of the vibrancy of the North End. The neighbours, the corner store, the tailor, the doctor, the bakery, the church down the street and the proximity of Selkirk Avenue shops and streetcars, defined his familiar and friendly part of the world. The Maliski home was always open for company and always a refuge for nieces and nephews showered with warmth and affection. The garden was Steves refuge and his flowers the proof of an intensely green thumb. At Helen and Steves fiftieth wedding anniversary a song was written and performed as a tribute to this special and inseparable couple: The sun is shining - Steve is in the garden Hes sowing seeds with patience into rows Steve plants with precision a finely tuned vision Of life and the loving he knows. Stevens career with the City of Winnipeg spanned thirty years. He worked as an engineering draftsman, primarily on detailing street profiles for construction. He always said if the street alignments were imperfect or the rain water did not flow to the catch basins, it invariably meant that the survey crews or the engineers made a mistake. Following retirement in the early days of Unicity, Steve and Helen acquired and operated a paint store on Henderson Highway. It was the little store that could. Master Painting Supplies became a neighbourhood institution. In the early 60s Steve and Helen moved to East Kildonan where they comfortably resided for the rest of their lives. When Helen was admitted to a nursing home, Steves devotion continued with lengthy daily visits until she passed away last September. He lived in his own home and drove his own car (although a tad slowly) until six weeks ago. His wonderful neighbours and home care workers allowed him to maintain independence. The family is truly grateful for this support. Steves life ended peacefully in the North 1 Wing of Concordia Hospital; a place of caring and compassion. Sincere thanks is extended to the hospital medical, nursing and support staff. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 29 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Bannerman Ave. and Arlington St. with a Basilian Father officiating. Interment to follow in All Saints Cemetery alongside his loving wife Helen and daughter Cathy. Down the path the unknown lies Where destiny finds the soul And raises high the gleaming white Of infinite tomorrows. Not faith, not chance nor circumstance Can alter what is fate For He decides for all of us, When to swing the gate. By Noah Yauk CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 28, 2004