THEODORE (TED) GORDIENKO

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THEODORE (TED) GORDIENKO Peacefully with his family at his side, Ted passed away on April 1, 2005, at Fred Douglas Lodge. Ted will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife Janis of 52 years. He will be remembered with love by his family: son Timothy and daughter-in-law Gloria; daughter Alesia and son-in-law Donald; grandchildren Shelley (Mike) and Scott; great-grandchildren, Ataya and Shaela; his sister Doreen Durban (Andy); and his cousin and friend Bruce Kinnear (Norma). He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. Ted was predeceased by his mother Vera and father Fred; brothers, Leonti and George. Born on February 11, 1923, in Winnipeg, MB, Ted AKA Theo grew up on Parr Street in Winnipeg's North End where he was known for starting his own popular weightlifting and bodybuilding club in his garage called the TNT Bar Bell Club in 1938, at the young age of 15. Ted enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940, after graduating from Isaac Newton High School. He served overseas in England, earning numerous pins and medals for his service, and awards for his athletic abilities. After the war, Ted showed his artistic abilities when he became a sign painter for Skidmore Signs. In 1950 he went to work with his father at Manitoba Bridge where he became a blacksmith. Working at Manitoba Bridge for 37 years as a skilled metal craftsman, he retired in 1987 at the age of 64. Ted met Janis in 1952 and they married in 1953. He planned and directed the building of his family's home in Garden City in 1962, and proudly moved in his wife and son Tim. Shortly thereafter his daughter Alesia was born. Many years later as the family grew to grandkids and great-grandkids, Ted lovingly became known as Mr. Gee or Grampa Gee. Throughout his life Ted was involved in his athletic pursuits. Besides being a respected teacher, his many achievements included winning medals for being the Manitoba Heavy Weightlifting champ from 1945 to 1947, and in 1949, and Manitoba Amateur Heavyweight Wrestling in 1946, 1949 and 1952. He taught weightlifting at the YMHA on Hargrave Street in the early 1950s. Ted was an avid golfer, and he will be missed by his many golfing buddies from Selkirk Golf and Country Club, and from Pine Ridge Golf and Country Club. Later in life he demonstrated his exceptional talent as a wood carver - he will be missed by his fellow wood carvers from Canadian Woodworkers Association. Ted was an avid reader. Although he was a quiet person, anyone who knew him well will remember him for his bright smile, cool temperament, unique story telling, excellent advice, and his outstanding ability to cleverly assess a situation, and make a stunningly witty observation. Although Ted had only a short stay at Fred Douglas, the family wishes to thank the care workers for their exceptional care and kindness they gave our Dad. In lieu of flowers, and if friends and family so wish, donations can be made to the Fred Douglas Foundation in Ted's name. Fred Douglas Lodge is located at 1275 Burrows Ave. A memorial gathering of friends and family will be held at the CanadInns Garden City, 2100 McPhillips St., on Friday, April 8 at 1:00 p.m. The family wishes to share memories and stories of Ted's life.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 02, 2005