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The Canora Courier 08 November 2006
CYMBALISTY DMYTRASH GRABOWICKI KOSAR LOUCKS MALOWANY
Canora Courier, November 8, 2006 Page 9
Frank Grabowicki - Canora boy was a man of the sea A
sailor who grew up in Canora, Frank Grabowicki never liked to talk about his
service during the Second World War, but he had a story to tell. When he died on April 19,
much of the sailor's story was lost, but with the help of his brother, Joe,
the crux of the story can be pieced together. Proud
of his brother's service, Joe said he understood Frank's reluctance to talk
about it. Frank liked the navy but hated the war. There were odd occasions
when he spoke about several events, but those were few and far between. Grabowicki served with the
Royal Canadian Navy aboard the HMCS Montreal, a patrol frigate, which was
credited with sinking at least two submarines. The corvette patrolled the
Pacific coastline, paying special attention to the area around the Aleutian
Islands, just south of Alaska. It also provided escort services for cargo and
troop ships. Frank
had spoken about constantly scanning the water through binoculars. A submarine
would first appear as a white streak under the water, he said. If they were
close enough, they could make out the periscope. As
soon as a submarine was spotted, the captain would order the corvette in that
direction. The submarines would submerge and the corvette's crew would use the
technology of day to estimate its location. It was Grabowicki's job to prepare
the depth charges. After
one confirmed submarine kill, he and several other members of the crew had the
job of retrieving After
that event, when Frank was home on a 30-day leave, he was very happy to get
out of his uniform and get into some casual clothes, Joe said. Grabowicki
served aboard the HMCS Montreal until the end of the war. When the hostilities
ended, he was reassigned to the HMCS
Athabaska, a minesweeper working the Halifax Harbour on the east coast. Grew
up in Canora The
Grabowickis grew up in Canora, but moved to Stenen in 1938 with their parents,
Joe and Anne. They opened a general store. When.
the war started, Frank was eager to get involved, Joe recalled of his younger
brother. Frank and a friend (the son of the Stenen station agent) traveled to
Regina and enlisted in 1941. After 30 days After
the war, he and Joe became partners when they bought Grabowickis' Store from
their parents. Frank used the $700 that he had coming in navy pay to pay for
his share. He
helped manage and operate the store for only a couple of years, and then went
to work for the Canadian Nation Railroad. In 1950, he started work as a
fireman (shovelling coal) on a steamer, but soon afterwards, the diesel
engines were introduced. He trained to operate the new power plants and was a
locomotive engineer for the rest of his 35-year career with the CNR. Frank
worked out of several stations, but towards the end of his career, he worked
mainly on the northern track that extended through Gillam. When he retired, he
continued to live in Canora. "Frank
loved the north country," Joe said. "He liked hunting and fishing.
Above everything else, he loved fishing and took every opportunity to go
fishing." Service
honoured Shortly
after the war, while still living in Stenen, Frank joined the Royal Canadian
Legion, but his association was short lived. The political mood of the area
was shifting and the membership began to play politics, Joe said. Frank said
he wanted no part of it and he left the Legion. He
put his navy service behind him until 1994, when he and fellow crew members
were invited to attend the commissioning of a new corvette named the HMCS
Montreal at the Clock Tower Pier in Montreal. There he met his former captain,
who was 93 at the time. "Frank
had to be talked into going, but was really glad he went," Joe said. Frank's
house recently sold and when Joe was cleaning it out, he came across a framed
certificate from the 1994 commissioning reception, stating that "Frank
Grabowicki is forevermore an honourary member of HMCS Montreal".
Joe Grabowicki of Canora recalls with pride his late brother's service with the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War. Frank served aboard the HMCS Montreal, a patrolling frigate. Canora
Courier, November 8, 2006 Page 16 – In memory of: CYMBALISTY: In loving memory of Peter, loving husband, father, grandfather
and great-grandfather who passed away November 6, 2005. It's
hard to walk the road alone, Instead of side by side; But
to all there comes a moment, When
the ways of life divide. You
gave me years of happiness, Then
sorrow came and tears; But
you left me beautiful memories, I
will treasure through the years. -Sadly
missed and remembered everyday, Vikkie, Bonnie, Dennis, Debbie and their
families. Canora
Courier, November 8, 2006 Page 16 – In memory of: KOSAR: Written in memory of Marion Kosar (Sept. 4, 1941 - Nov. 11, 2003) by
"her" Kassie. You
will be in our hearts as a dear wife, mom, grandma, and friend, Even
though three years have passed, our hearts are still on the mend. It
seems just like yesterday you were spreading joy and warmth throughout the
hearts of everyone you met. You
brightened their days with your smile and laugh, I bet. We miss your laugh and
gentle embrace. We
miss that loving smile you always had upon your face. But
even though you're not with us anymore, I
could swear sometimes you're here with us, just around the corner. -With love, your family. Canora
Courier, November 8, 2006 Page 16 – In memory of: TOFFAN: In loving memory of our parents, Alex. passed away June 19, 1978;
Nellie, passed away November 7, 1995 Time may pass and fade
away, But silent thoughts and
memories stay. -Forever
loved and always remembered Ann, Lawrence and their families. Canora
Courier, November 8, 2006 Page 16 – In memory of: MALOWANY: William (Wasyl), October 17,1929 - November 11, 2005. God
looked around His garden. And saw an empty space; Then
He looked down to earth, And
saw your loving face. He
put His arms around you, And lifted you to rest; His garden must be
beautiful, Because He only picks the
best. A million times we've
needed you, A million times we've
cried; If
love could have saved you, You
never would have died. In
life we loved you dearly, In death we love you
still; In our hearts you hold a
place, No one else will ever
fill. It broke our hearts to
lose you, But you didn't go alone; Part of us went with you, The
day God took you -Your loving wife Irene and children, Laura, Daria, Vladimyr, Robert, Roseanne, Cynthia, P?asil and families. Canora Courier, November 8, 2006 Page 17 Dmytrash - Stefan (Steve) Dmytrash, beloved husband of the late Betty Dmytrash of
Canora passed away peacefully at the Canora Hospital on October 28th. 2006 at
the age of 84 years. Steve was born on the family farm on April 17th, 1922 to
Wasyl and Alexandria (nee Suknasky) Dmytrash. As a young man, Steve attended
the Ormside school while helping on the family farm. Steve was united in
marriage to Betty Gromnik on November 15th, 1947. Together they lived with his
parents for a while and then relocated to Betty's parents farm. Steve and
Betty continued to farm on the homestead and purchased more land nearby. Along
with farming, Steve began to drive school bus on September 1st, 1964 and
continued until December 31st, 1984 when he and Betty relocated to Canora.
Steve was the president of the Ormside School Division and also served as
president and elder at the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Stenen.
He was a member of the Senior Citizens Dew Drop Inn Centre as well as the
Saskatchewan Wheat Pool in Stenen. Steve had quite the sense of humour and
would love to play cards any chance he had. His favourite was '65' and 'Durock'.
Steve was well known for his joke telling and would have everyone laughing
while he was socializing with them. He maintained his sense of humour even
after being diagnosed with Leukemia in 2003 and after the passing of his wife
Betty in April of 2006. Steve will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Steve is lovingly remembered by his son Brian (Marlene) Dmytrash of Preeceville, SK; his daughter Sylvia (Graham) Reagan of Edmonton, AB and his sister Olga Yawney of Stenen, SK. He was predeceased by his wife Betty in April of this year and his sister Lena Lenych. The Prayer Service was held on Tuesday, October 31st, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Leson's Funeral Home, Canora. The Funeral Liturgy was held on Wednesday, November 1st, 2006 at 10:00 a.m from Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Canora with Rev. Fr. Joakim Rac celebrant. Interment followed in the Canora Cemetery. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Canora Hospital Auxiliary as tokens of remembrance. Arrangements had been entrusted to LESON'S FUNERAL HOME, Canora, SK. Canora Courier, November 8, 2006 Page 17 CORRECTION Canora Courier, November 8, 2006 Page 18 Mr. Vic Loucks, beloved husband of Bettine of Yorkton, passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2006 in the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 100 years, 4 months and 6 days of age. Victor Wilson Loucks was born June 20, 1906 to Harry Artley (HA) Loucks and Eveleena Maud Stephens) Loucks in Clear Creek, Ontario. His father had secured a homestead in Invermay in early 1907 and had a teaching position at Olivet School. Vic attended school to grade XI in Invermay. Vic farmed and operated a garage with his brother Cliff from 1928 through 1930. Following in his father's footsteps, he became a teacher, attending Normal School in Saskatoon graduating in 1931. He taught at the one-room rural schools of Mainroad and Loch Sloy, and later in Invermay until June 1937. While at Mainroad, he conducted a school band, which performed at various sports days during the summer months. He played the cornet and for many years he played the Last Post at November 11 memorial services at the Cenotaph in Invermay. During his early teaching career he courted Bettine Frost-Hunt; they were married in 1932. Vic and Bettine enjoyed 74 years of married life. In the fall of 1937, Vic and Bettine took over his father's farm just North of Invermay. Vic became Secretary-Treasurer of the Rural Municipality of Invermay #305 on April 18, 1942, taking over from his father, H.A. Loucks, who had been Secretary Treasurer since January 1919. He retired from the R.M. on December 31, 1973. Vic never lost his love for the land and farming, continuing to farm part time from 1942 until he sold the land in 1980. Vic was very active in Invermay community life; Secretary Treasurer of the Village of Invermay 1947 - 1963; Member of the Canora Union Hospital Board 1951-1953; School trustee of Invermay School Board, 1958 and Chairman of the Board overseeing the building of a six-room elementary school; a foudnig member of the Inverymay Community Remembrance Hall Co-operative Association when the Community Hall was built in 1950; Elder of the United Church continuously from 1945 (several years as treasurer); Chairman of the Recreation Board; and Trustee for the Parkland Regional Library. Vic enjoyed curling since the first slab rink was built in Invermay in 1935. A sport he participated in until his mid 90s. In 1985 Vic and Bettine moved to into a home in Yorkton until December 2004 at which time they moved to an apartment in Independent Manor. Vic and Bettine enjoyed life in Yorkton: golfing, curling, bowling, travelling, playing cards, camping and spending time with grandchildren and great grandchildren. They joined the Westview United Church. Vic sang in the choir for many years. Vic was an avid golfer, becoming a life-time member of the York Lake Golf & Country Club. Vic was predeceased by his parents, brothers: Cliff and George, sisters: Edna McPhee, Bessie Raymond, and Evelyn Willis; and sons-in-law, Jack Stewart and Corn Klippenstine. He leaves to celebrate his long life his loving wife Bettine; his daughters, Vivianne (Gordon) Minken, Yorkton; Karen (Rod) Gerla, Calgary; Katherine (Fred) Klewchuk, Burnaby; Vicki Loucks, Vancouver; Jolyn Loucks, Yorkton. He also leaves 11 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; and one brother, Wilfred (Bernadette) Calgary; and many nieces and nephews. Let us be unafraid of life, unafraid of death, unafraid to be happy, to believe the best, to be trustful and confident. The funeral service was held on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 from Westview United Church with Faye Greer officiating. Organist, Marilyn Newell led members of the church choir and the congregation in the singing of the hymns `Amazing Grace', `How Great Thou Art', and `In the Bulb There is a Flower', the recessional hymn was `Go Now in Peace'. Family members participated in the service, Kevin Stewart gave the eulogy, and grandchildren Tannis, Tanya and Todd read scripture. Soloists: Sharon Coleman sang `He', and Lori Erhardt sang `Danny Boy'. The interment service took place Wednesday afternoon, November 1, 2006 at the Invermay Cemetery. A reception followed at the Invermay Community Hall. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. |
