Julie Foy

With great sadness the family of Julie Victoria Foy, 75, announces her passing on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital with family by her side.

Julie was born on July 13, 1942 in Winnipeg to Edward and Thelma Huff. She was united in marriage with Jack Foy on August 7, 1959.  Together they raised three children, Jackie, Craig, and Paula. Julie was very family and community oriented; she would lend a hand whenever needed. She volunteered with local hockey, was a Brownie leader, helped with crafting and reading groups, was a member of the United Church Women and the Moose Auxiliary.

She leaves behind her husband Jack; children Jacqueline (Alvin) Johnson of Atikokan, Craig Foy of Edmonton, and Paula Foy of Atikokan; grandchildren Ashley (Erin Zacharias) Johnson, Brodie Gallinger (Candace), Haylee Foy, Saryn Foy, Ashley Foy, Anthony Foy, and Angeline Foy; great grandchildren Gabriel Zacharias, Codie Gallinger, Carter and Jackie Foy; step grandson Jay (Shannon) Johnson and their children Cole, Cade, and Cara; brother Dennis Huff of Australia; brother-in-law Albert Foy and sister-in-law Muriel Houle.

Julie was pre-deceased by her parents Edward and Thelma; daughter Coralee Foy; in-laws Arthur and Rose McDonald; sister-in-law Velma Foy and brother-in-law Rene Houle.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made in care of www.GreenFuneralHomeFortFrances.com.

If friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, Kidney Foundation or Canadian Diabetes.

The post Obituary: Julie Foy appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Margaret Hall

Margaret Hall, 98, passed away peacefully January 9, 2018 at Atikokan General Hospita.

Born here on October 8, 1919, Margaret spent the majority of her life in Atikokan.

In 2009, on her 90^th Birthday, Margaret received recognition from the Mayor and council of the Town of Atikokan and Bill Mauro, M.P.P. Thunder Bay-Atikokan, as the longest residing resident of Atikokan who was born in Atikokan.

Because of her strong will and determination, Margaret was able to live independently in her own home until the age of 96, despite being totally blind from Retinitis Pigmentosa for 25 years.

Margaret enjoyed socializing with friends and had a deep love for her family. She will be missed for her caring, compassion, sense of humor, and tenacity.

She is survived by her son Gerald (Sue), grand-daughter Ruby, nieces and nephews, their children, and her friends.

Margaret was pre-deceased by her parents, husband Ernest (Jack), her brother Frank, sisters Sadie, Albina, and Helen and, tragically, her daughter Ida in 1967.

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to the Atikokan General Hospital Extended Care. A service was held at the Pentecostal Church on January 12 at 1 pm.

The post Obituary: Margaret Hall appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Robert Muzyka

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Robert Vicky Muzyka, 59, passed away peacefully at his Hinton, Alberta home surrounded by his loving family on January 1st, 2018 at the age of 59 years.

Robert was born in Atikokan, Ontario, and raised in McCreary, Manitoba, where he spent his time farming, did his schooling, and graduated from high school. After his graduation, he moved back to Atikokan and worked for Pluswood.  It was here that he met his wife, Becky. In 1980, the couple moved to Slave Lake, Alberta where he worked for Weldwood for 10 years. The family then moved on to Hinton, Alberta where he worked for West Fraser Pulp Mill for 27 years. Robert was very active and was an avid golfer, hunter, enjoyed camping and especially loved to travel.

Robert will be missed by his beloved family Becky Muzyka (nee Stewart), Tanis Fedchuk (Dave McNall),  Ryan Muzyka (Shonagh Samson), and his much loved grandchildren Kiera Fedchuk and Ryker Muzyka.  Robert was predeceased by his parents Walter and Vina Muzyka, and by his brother Martin Muzyka.

A celebration to commemorate Robert’s life will be held on January 13 (2 pm)  at the Hinton Community Centre with the Rev. Bill Bulger officiating.

As an expression of sympathy and in loving memory of Robert, memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada (11227 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5K 0L5).  Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting our website at www.FoothillsMemorialChapel.com.

The post Obituary: Robert Muzyka appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Rose Hanson

Rose Hanson, 88, of Atikokan, passed away unexpectedly at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on December 15, 2017.

Rose was born on September 25, 1929 in Sonta, Yugoslavia. She immigrated to Canada when she was nine. She married Harold Hanson on November 20, 1947. She and Harold raised eight children in Atikokan.

Rose is survived by companion Vern Silver, children Diana Kaus (Werner), Karen Sequin, Robert Hanson, David Hanson (Betty), Betty Collition, Henry Hanson (Susan), Raymond Hanson (Karen), and Brian Hanson (Trudy Gagne), 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, brother Joe Bencinger (Lee), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rose was pre-deceased by her parents, infant daughter at birth, husband Harold, brother Tony, granddaughter Sarah Hanson, granddaughter-in-law Rachel Hanson, and son-in-law Henry Collition.

Cremation ahs taken place. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at a later date. Internment will be held in the spring.

If family so desires, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Atikokan General Hospital would be appreciated.

The post Obituary: Rose Hanson appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Sharon Veran

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Sharon Veran, 70, at the Atikokan General Hospital December 18, 2017, with her family and friends by her side.

Sharon was born August 1, 1947 in Fort Frances, Ontario, and after her early years in Sapawe, spent most of her life in Atikokan. Her greatest joy in life came from her grandchildren, surrounding herself with family and friends, and reading. She had a fabulous sense of humor and a knack for giving advice and telling funny stories, both of which will live on in our memories.

Sharon is survived by her grandchildren, Cassidy and Michaela Genik, brothers and sisters, Alfred and Marie Veran, Deloris Veran, Beverly Veran, Sandra Sedor, Alverne Dickson, Joe Veran, Jack and Evelyn Veran. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.

Sharon was pre-deceased by her children Paul Goodman, Kelly Goodman, and Ricky Goodman, parents Alfred and Mary Veran, brother Ray Veran, brother-in-law Russell Sedor, and niece and nephews, Lonnie Goodman Jr., Mark Goodman, Rachel Hanson, Patty Veran, Robert Veran, and Danny Veran.

Internment will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Atikokan General Hospital.

The post Obituary: Sharon Veran appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Wanda Zygmunt

With great sadness, the family of Wanda Zygmunt, 82, announces her passing on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 in Selkirk, Manitoba.

Wanda was born February 8, 1935 in Zawady, Poland to Walter and Stanislava Sobanska.  She was united in marriage to Michael Zygmunt on November 28, 1953 and settled into a making a life for them and their family.  She was an active member of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church and the CWL, she was a member of the Pioneer Club and enjoyed gardening.  As her health failed she moved to Selkirk to be closer to her daughters.

She leaves behind her son Roman and wife Corinna; daughters Irene and husband John Rarog and Elizabeth Lachowski; grandchildren Diana (Paul), Angie (Kyle), Michael (Oceane), Robert (Jacqueline), Victoria (Jesse), Ryan (Meaghan) and Tyler (Shannon); great grandchildren Halena, Emerson and Aria; brothers Bogdan and John Krowka; sisters Maria Dunajska and Zofia Krol as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Wanda was predeceased by her husband Michael in 1989 and her son Matthew in 1974.

A funeral mass was held January 29 at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Atikokan, Ontario. Interment took place in Little Falls Cemetery in Atikokan. The pallbearers were Ryan Diziadzios, Tyler Zygmunt, Joey Bednarski, Sid Stus, Michal Rarog and Kyle Molotkin.

If friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society. Online condolences may be made in care of www.GreenFuneralHomeFortFrances.com.

The post Obituary: Wanda Zygmunt appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Mary Ann Jean Sawdo

Mary Ann Jean Sawdo passed away June 18, 2018.  She was not suffering with pain and had a peaceful look on her face when she passed.

Jean was born at Quetico, Ontario on December 24, 1930, the oldest daughter and second eldest to Simon Frank Tenniscoe and Phylliss Lavallee. She and 19 siblings grew up at the family homestead on Brule Creek at the east end of Windigoosetigwan Lake.  er education was given at the Native Residential school in Mackintosh, just north of Vermillion Bay, Ontario.

When she was 16 she started working as a cookee at local logging camps. It was where she met Phil Sawdo, one of the timer graders for the camp. After a brief courtship they married in Fort William on November 7, 1947.  They began their family almost immediately with Louis being born in May 1948. Phil was a builder and he built a cabin on the north side of the tracks at the Savanne River. They resided there for a few years while Phil guided, trapped, and worked for the Sawmill Bay logging company.

An opportunity surfaced for the young couple to build and manage a tourist camp on Sandford Lake. Dad built a lodge and cabins for the tourists, the camp flourished, and for a few years the young couple lived the high side of life. As the family grew to five children, Louis, Agnes, Linda, Allan and Lori, education became an issue. They sold the camp and moved to Crystal Lake where Phil built a house and three more children were born (Andrew, Larry and Arlene). All were raised there where they could go to school in Atikokan. Phil trapped during the winter months and guided tourists in the summer, along with other various jobs. After living at Crystal for about 18 years, they bought a house at Eva Lake where they lived until his passing in 1988.

Mom sold the Eva Lake house and lived with her children at various times of the year until she met Joe Komaranski in 1996. They lived together in Atikokan until his passing about three years ago. Jean moved into the Atikokan Extended Care due to her failing health.

Jean leaves behind her children Louis (Hannelore), Linda (Mike), Allan (Sherry), Lori, Larry (Peggy) and Arlene; son-in-law Roland; grandchildren Mark, Dawn, Cherie, Tanya, Jeffery, Ross, Michelle, Scott, Tammy, Derrick, Shawn, Teanna, Madeline, James, Paul, John, Trista, Kayla, Lionel, Camile, Treena and Paula; great grandchildren Zachary, Zoey, Reid, Mitchel, Raymond, Ryan, Sophia, Tyler, Macy, Sydney, Brennan, Brayden, Tatum, Cooper, Cassia, Chayse, Stefan, Donavan, Jayden, Etienne, Harlee, Hope, Jace,  Kohl, Kehl, Damian, Anna Marie, Loucious, Bill, Braelynna, Teilor, Jaedin and Teegan; great great grandchildren Michael, Chance and Nova; siblings Ruth, Richard, David, Elsie, Margaret and Noela, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was pre-deceased by her parents Simon and Phylliss; husband Phillip; daughter Agnes; son Andrew; granddaughter Sheila; siblings Florence, Rose, Russell, Geraldine, Joan, Mary, Louis, Edward, Simon, Gerome, Dennis, and Eleanor.

A funeral mass was held on Friday, June 22, at noon at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church with Father Chinoso Alaribe officiating. Interment will take place in Little Falls Cemetery in Atikokan, Ontario.

The pallbearers were Jeff Hummel, John Sawdo, Lionel Porier, Derrick Sawdo, Mark Sawdo, James Rimkus, James LaFreniere, Bud Dickson, and Dave Maynard.

Online condolences may be made in care of www.GreenFuneralHomeFortFrances.com.

The post Obituary: Mary Ann Jean Sawdo appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Olga Mary Jaculak

Olga Mary Jaculak, 81, passed away peacefully June 15, 2018 at the Atikokan General Hospital with her family by her side. Olga was born January 28, 1937 in Port Arthur, the youngest child of Michael and Helen Loda. She was proud to call Atikokan home for her entire life. As a young woman she worked at Bob Moffatt’s Taxi and at the Midway store.

On August 31, 1957 she married William Jaculak and together they raised five children. Olga was a wonderful mother who devoted her life to her family. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who loved to play, eat, and visit at Grandma’s house.

Olga was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose and was a dedicated kitchen helper for many years. She loved playing bingo, gardening, travelling and going for drives around town looking for deer.

She is survived by her siblings John, Mike, and Jenny (Rocky) and sisters-in-law Emily and Patricia; children: Joan (Rick), William Jr., Dale (Donna), Linda (Rob), and Bonnie (Eugene); grandchildren Erica (Sebastian), Robert (Trisha), Jaynie (Isaiah), Joshua, Adam (Jessica), Julie (Kyle), Hayley, Jonathon and Matthew, and her six precious great-grandchildren Chloe, Hunter, Ella, Molly, Addison, and Micah.

Olga was pre-deceased by her parents Michael and Helen Loda, husband William, infant daughter, sister Annie (Ron), and her brothers-in-law Walter and Tony.

A celebration of Olga’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 6, at the Riverview United Church.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Atikokan General Hospital or the Diabetes Association.

The post Obituary: Olga Mary Jaculak appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Wayne Rundle

Garth Wayne Rundle, 79, passed away January 11, 2018, in Okanagan Falls, BC. He was a devoted family man, bringing light, laughter and happiness to everyone he met.

Wayne was born in Las Pas, Manitoba in 1938. He spent his life working as an accomplished heavy duty mechanic. He relocated to British Columbia with his family in 1971, where he and Joan established their home for the last 47 years. He was a prominent and respected figure within the community of OK Falls, evident through his indispensable contributions through volunteering at Okanagan Falls Elementary, OK Falls Senior Activity Center, the Legion, the Lions, and through his contributions

to the United Church. Wayne was admired by many, and will be greatly missed.

Left to honour Wayne and remember his love are Wayne’s wife of 54 years, Joan Rundle; his four children, Jill (Bruce) Elvins, Garth (Sheena) Rundle, Melinda Rundle, and Jackie (Neal) Waterston; brothers and sisters, Edna Youd, Monty Rundle, Glen (Wendy) Rundle, Penny (Leo) Rivera; three grandchildren, Thomas (Jamie) Elvins, Melinda Elvins, and Maddison Horner (Andrew);  and three great grandchildren, Brooklyn Elvins, Parker Elvins, and Jaxon Martin. Wayne will be fondly remembered by an endless number of friends.

Wayne joins his parents, J.W. Rundle and Kathleen Rundle; brother, Leeland Rundle; sister, Jackie Rundle; sister-in-law, Jean Rundle; and brother-in-law Cliff Youd.

In celebration of Wayne’s remarkable life, an open house and refreshments was held at the OK Falls Senior’s Activity Center on January 20. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the OK Falls Senior Activity Center.

The post Obituary: Wayne Rundle appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Muriel Isabelle McMullen

With immense sadness the family of Muriel McMullen, 76, announces her sudden passing on Monday, November 27, 2017 in Atikokan, Ontario.

She was born on September 13, 1941 in St. Boniface, Manitoba. Her family moved to Atikokan when she was 10. She was united in marriage with Daniel McMullen on September 15, 1972.

Muriel always had a great love for children. While her family home on Hancock Boulevard was big, her heart was much bigger. Many family gatherings were hosted at the McMullen house: birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, wedding receptions, and farewell parties. Muriel thoroughly enjoyed having a full house.  All her children’s friends were always welcome, despite the ever-present chaos that is typical in a family with ten children. This remained true throughout the children’s youth and led to three rounds as host families; twice for Canada World Youth and again for an exchange with students from Japan. As a result Muriel has a legacy of bonus children or many “eleventh daughters and sons”.

Once the children had all left and she and Dan became empty-nesters, Muriel worked with many children over the years providing daycare in her home as well as providing respite care to numerous families in the community. Her door was always open and no one was ever turned away.

Once widowed, Muriel began to work in the kitchen at the Atikokan General Hospital. The friendships she forged with the staff in the kitchen and throughout the hospital were very dear to her. She was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League since 1967 and Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary member since 2006. She loved to do crafts, particularly paper tolling in the 80s and more recently making greeting cards for friends and family.  In the last few years she and her good friend Joan Bradshaw could be found participating in many healthy activities organized through the Atikokan Native Friendship Centre and the Atikokan Family Health Team such as Nordic Pole walking, swimming, and chair yoga. Her favourite part came afterward while catching up with the participants over a cup of coffee. Muriel also looked forward to her annual visits with the Wisconsin Crew lead by her extra special friend Terri Ross (another eleventh daughter).

She leaves behind her children Andrew McMullen (Jane) of McDougall, ON, Kathy (Blair) Campbell of Ear Falls, ON, Jody O’Leary of Atikokan, Kelly Stairs (Don Schlitt) of Hinton, AB, Carrie Savoie (Tim Armstrong) of Atikokan, Dean McMullen (Hazel Ramisch) of Atikokan, David (Rona) McMullen of Fort McMurray, AB, Shayne McMullen of Atikokan, Teresa (Roger) Tremblay of Thunder Bay, ON and Bella (Ed) Ojala of Atikokan, ON; Grandchildren Andrea McMullen (Martin Rohac), Travis Latell (Lindsay), Sarah Campbell (Scott Jonassen), Meagan O’Leary, Crystal Stairs, Bradley Cruise (Delilah Dickson), Samara Savoie, Brittany Savoie, Dean McMullen Jr., Amanda Goodman, Nickolas McMullen, Addison McMullen, Autumn McMullen, Payton McMullen, Mason Tremblay, Evan Tremblay, and Davin Ojala; great grandchildren Mackenzie Latell, Leland Jonassen, Heidi Jonassen, Kane Jonassen, Paisley Campbell-Jonassen, Whisper Stairs, Haven White, Taylor Robinson-Dickson, Mason Cruise, Hailey Cruise, Eric Goodman, A.J. Goodman, Abigail Osmar, Leah McMullen, and Harper McMullen;  sister Madge Prokopchuk (Vic); brothers Ron, Robert (Diana) and David (Candi) Coulombe; goddaughter Debbie Douglass as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Muriel was pre-deceased by her parents Noel and Geraldine Coulombe; husband Daniel; in-laws Clarence McMullen, Jessie Horton, Don McMullen; granddaughter Angel Stairs, and brother Ken Coulombe.

A memorial service was held December 2 St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Atikokan, her grandchildren and great grandchildren as honourary pallbearers, aand a Catholic Women’s League Honour Guard. Cremation has taken place and a private interment will be held in the spring.

If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Atikokan General Hospital, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made in care of www.GreenFuneralHomeFortFrances.com.

The post Obituary: Muriel Isabelle McMullen appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

James (JP) Pettiford

It is with great sadness that the family of James (JP) Keith Pettiford, 53, announce his passing on Sunday, October 8, 2017.

James was born in Toronto and moved to Atikokan in 2012 with Karen. Their dream was to move north to lead a simpler life which is what they did. He loved the north and felt that it was home.

James will be lovingly remembered by his common-law wife Karen, his daughter Nicole, his sisters Andrea and Kim, and his brothers Ricky and Zach). James will also be remembered by his nieces Kiah and Quiana, nephews Kyle and Quintyn, his family on Karen’s side, and his best friends Clancy and Cyril.

James was pre-deceased by his mother Gail and his father James.

A service will be held on Saturday, October 21, at 1 pm at the Legion Hall in Atikokan.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in his honour can be made to a local charity of your choosing. James always felt it was important to support the local community and would attend functions and do his part to support the various causes and charities.

The post Obituary: James Pettiford appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Joseph (Joe) Swerda

Joseph (Joe) Stanley Paul Swerda passed away peacefully with Ann Marie at his side, on October 6, 2017, in Thunder Bay hospital.  Joe was born on August 22, 1939, in Mundare, Alberta, to Mary (nee Homeniuk) and Stanley Swerda. Joe had a deep faith and was a member of the Anglican Church.

He grew up near Round Hill, Alberta, with his seven siblings, thriving in the beautiful countryside, learning the hard work of farming at an early age, and forming friendships that lasted throughout his life.  He often talked about his Mom’s wonderful meals made from their farm garden produce and of his Dad bringing him and his siblings chocolates when he returned home from a week’s work in the coal mines. He humorously recounted how he and his twin brother decided to help their Dad by greasing the entire wagon, not just the wheels!

He loved his family, his neighbourhood, his community of Atikokan, and spending time at home and in his garden. He was a millwright by trade, a member of C.A.R.P. and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #145 – Atikokan. He took daily walks in Bunnell Park to Little Falls, coming home with a smile because he had met an old friend or made a new one that day. He especially enjoyed spending a day exploring the area’s bush roads with a friend of more than fifty years, having coffee with friends, and playing bocce ball at the Pioneer Club.  His face lit up when friends delivered gourmet jams and meals to his door. He always said that Atikokan was ‘God’s country’.

He will be deeply missed by Ann Marie, his sons, Darren and Darwin, his grandchildren Ayla (Kaidance, Mercedes, Keira & Tyrell), Joshua (Erin – Emma & Jade), Alexandra, Hayley, Scott and Avanna, and his special ‘daughter’, Leona. His sister Anne, brother Ray and sister-in-law Kathy, twin brother Ted and sister-in-law Martha, all of Alberta, will miss him dearly, as will many nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and Ann Marie’s family who loved him as a brother and an uncle.

He was pre-deceased by Frankie, his first love and the mother of his sons, his parents, Mary and Stanley Swerda, his brothers, Louis and Walter, his sisters, Tonie and Margaret and his niece, Debbie.

A celebration of life service will be announced; inurnment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Thunder Bay. If you desire, memorial donations would be welcome to a charity of your choice.

The post Obituary: Joseph Swerda appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

John ‘Moose’ Mulcahy

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of John ‘Moose’ Michael Mulcahy on September 21, 2017. His death came only a few short weeks after his 81^st birthday.

Moose was born September 1, 1936, fourth of six children born to Patrick and Beatrice Mulcahy. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan and attended high school, college and seminary at Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.  He was ordained in 1965 in Washington D.C. and was a steward of his faith his entire life.  He came to Canada on a sought-after business venture and was amazed by the vast beauty and opportunity he found in the Quetico area.  He purchased Morris’ Camp in 1977, where he and his long- time companion, Lorraine (pre-deceased) met and made many friends, some of whom have been returning for their entire outfitting career. He loved living on the lake and taking care of the people who came into his life. The Church, guiding groups, hunting, fishing, and cooking amazing meals were just a few of his passions.

He is survived by his step-daughter Patti-Ann James (Kaz Bednarski), grandchildren Jennifer James (Mike Paul), Meaghan James (Ryan Zygmunt), and Christopher James (Karlee Lyght), and the joys of his life, his great grandchildren, Olivia and Theoren Paul, and Aria Zygmunt. He is also survived by his brothers Michael and James, and sister Kathleen and their families who reside in the United States.

To say he will be missed would be an understatement for all who knew and loved him. A service was held on Saturday September 30, at 11 am at St. Patrick’s Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.

The post Obituary: John Mulcahy appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Neil Gilles

Neil Gillies, 77 years, passed away peacefully October 7, 2017 with his family by his side.

Neil was born in Emo, Ontario on March 3, 1940 to Ross and Mabel Gillies (Borrett). As a child Neil lived in Cypress River, Manitoba. The family returned to the Rainy River District in the early 1950s, living in Fort Frances for two years, then moving to Atikokan, where they lived until 1965. Neil moved to Thunder Bay in 1965 with his parents, where he worked with his father logging in Pearson Township.

Neil meet Linda Seed and they were married in 1969. They had two children, Michael and Sheila. For many years Neil worked for Motorways, and around 1980 Neil returned to logging. When no longer possible for him to continue logging, Neil worked as a security guard until he retired in 2002.

In his younger years, Neil enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son Michael and brother Kent and camping with the family. Neil very much enjoyed the outdoors and wildlife; where he was known to have birds eat from his hand, or have a fox regularly follow him on one of this security jobs.

In his later years, while not being in the best of health, Neil found a great deal of pleasure spending time with his daughter and grandchildren Emily and Zachary. He very much enjoyed reconnecting with old friends, Gary Wilton, Leo Landry, and Bob Cox in recent years. Also recently, his cousin Marj Lambkin has been able to visit quite regularly, bringing coffee and cookies and brightening his day with her visits.

He will be fondly remembered and missed by his wife Linda, daughter Sheila, grandchildren Emily and Zachary; cousins Marj Lambkin, Joyce Stangeland and their families; nephew Steve Peterson and his family.

Neil was predeceased by his son Michael, his parents, brother and sister-in-law Kent and Lea Gillies. As per Neil’s wishes, a private family service has already taken place.

The post Obituary: Neil Gilles appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Thomas Adamcewicz

Thomas Adamcewicz died peacefully surrounded by God’s love and the love of his family and friends on August 30, 2017 in Regina.

Tom was born in Niescierowicze, Poland on May 1, 1940. The family came to Canada in September 1949 and settled in Northwestern Ontario.

After graduating from Port Arthur Collegiate in 1958 and then from Queen’s University in 1963 (BSc, mining engineering), Tom made his career in the mining industry. His first employment was with the Iron Ore Company of Canada, Schefferville, PQ. Following the family’s move to Atikokan, Ontario, in 1964 Tom was employed by the Caland Ore Company and was serving as plant superintendent at the time of the closing of the mine in 1980.

The next move was to Regina, where Tom worked with SaskPower, SaskEnergy and eventually retired from TransGas in May of 2000.

One of Tom’s greatest joys was to spend time in the outdoors at the cabin on Niobe Lake. He spent 15 years in the construction of an addition to the cabin during his retirement and loved the many happy, spiritual hours spent there with family and friends. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March, 2016, his final months included six good weeks at Niobe Lake this past summer.

Tom served the communities he lived in through his work in numerous service clubs; he was an active member of the parishes of Faith Lutheran, Calvary Lutheran, and St. Mark’s Lutheran Churches contributing as a member of Church Council and by sharing his beautiful bass voice and his passion for singing as a member of the choir. All who knew him will remember Tom as friendly and outgoing, a deeply spiritual and creative person who loved nature and who extended empathy and understanding to all he encountered.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years Jonina Adamcewicz (Swanbergson); his children Marnie (Daniel) Major, Jeff (Loryann) Adamcewicz, Jody (Richard) Melnechenko, Stephanie (Kevin) Rorke, and Sylvia (David) Mikkonen; his grandchildren Dylan Major (Chantel Gingras), Nikki Melnechenko, Sebastian Rorke (Jessica Frame), Cassidy Rorke, Alexa Melnechenko and Megan Melnechenko; his sister Marion (Fred) Searle, his sister-in-law Marilyn Adams and his sister-in-law Alice (John Jensen) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, Olympia (Olga) and Hippolyte (Harry) Adamcewicz and his brother Anthony Adams of Thunder Bay.

A memorial service was held in Regina September 14. In lieu of flowers, donations to Faith Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.SpeersFuneralChapel.com

The post Obituary: Thomas Adamcewicz appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Vera Newman

On Saturday, October 14, 2017 Mrs. Vera Newman passed away peacefully from this world to reunite with her husband ‘Eddy’. Born on June 6, 1927, she married Ed on April 10, 1944 and they had three children, Shirley, Douglas, and Barbara.

In her early days she could be found in her garden where she was very passionate about her flower beds.  Famous for her holubtsi, pedaheh, and to-die-for pies, her love for her family could be seen in the feast she put on her table. In fact, anyone stopping by that old house on Steerola could expect a feast of flavours before leaving.

The last of her siblings, Vera is survived by her children, Shirley Lysakowski, Doug (Denise), Barb Minelli (Frank); grandchildren Brooke Lysakowski, Adrian Lysakowski, Kayla Newman, Melissa Minelli, Michael Minelli (Heather); and great grandchildren Cody, Matthew, Julia and Rosa (Michael and Heather), Emily, Nathan and Samuel (Melissa), Aidan (Adrian).

A graveside service for Vera and Ed will be held at the Little Falls Cemetery in Atikokan on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

The post Obituary: Vera Newman appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Vincent Armstrong

Vincent ‘Vince’ Armstrong, 59, passed away suddenly on Sunday, October 22, 2017 at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre in Kingston, Ontario.

He was born on May 2, 1958 in Atikokan, Ontario to the late Bernard and Mary (Molly) Armstrong. He was an Outer in 1974-75, and loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and hunting; his favorite place in the world was Tip Top Lodge. Vince was known for his sense of humour and his cooking; he loved nothing more than a big crowd and a fish fry. His personality was larger than life and his bark was always worse than his bite. He was loved and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

He was pre-deceased by his four brothers, Tom, John, Alvin, and Kelly Armstrong; and brother-in-law, Tom Bruyere.

Vince is survived by three sisters, Dorothy and husband Mack Usipuik of Prince George, B.C., Ann Bruyere of Fort Frances, Donna and husband Norman Jewett of Stratton; and, sister in law, Elaine Armstrong of Edson, Alberta;  four brothers, Richard Armstrong,  Michael Armstrong and wife Nancy all of Prince George, B.C.; Robert Armstrong and wife Ursula of Hinton, Alberta, and Francis Armstrong and wife Edith of Kingston; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Vince’s life was held October 27 at Third Day Worship Centre in Kingston.

Should family and friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Third Day Worship Centre for their Guatemala Children’s Home; Casa de Alabbanza. www.tdwc.ca

The post Obituary: Vince Armstrong appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Marianne Henze

Marianne Henze, 88, passed away peacefully in her Atikokan home September 7, 2017.

She was born April 24. 1929 in Huckeswagen, Germany to Elfriede and Hans Hofmann. On November 6, 1948, she married the love of her life, Erich Henze, and they emigrated to Thunder Bay, in 1956. They moved to Atikokan, Ontario in 1959 and lived there ever since.

Marianne had a variety of jobs over the years, ranging from the Lee’s Restaurant, Atikokan Theatre, Caland Ore, school bus driver, and the White Otter Inn.

Over the years she was very active in the community starting, from fundraising for the Nakokita swim team, to the quilters guild, to aqua-fit at the pool till she was 87. Up until she was 85, she went down to the hospital to cook breakfast for the long term care unit once a month. She was active in her church.

Marianne was a very ‘crafty’ lady, from knitting to sewing, to making pottery, to quilting, to crocheting, and many people reaped the rewards of her talent. She loved surprising family and friends with some of her creations and also made many lap blankets for the people who went through Tamarack House in Thunder Bay.

Her cooking skills were impressive and she enjoyed making everybody their favourite dishes when they came over. She loved her garden and kept the yard and house immaculate. One of her passions was reading.

Marianne is survived by her husband Erich, her children Harald (Mary-Anne) Henze, Heidi (William) Naturkach, Norman (Donna) Henze, Ian Henze, Dean (Karen) Henze; grandchildren Erin Kenzie, Leigh Naturkach, Eric Henze, Megan Henze, Todd Henze, Rhiannon Henze, Jacklyn McKee, Brock Henze, Chase Henze, Jason and Madeline Sabet; great-grandchildren Ty Kenzie, Hunter Kenzie, Ethan Henze, Audrey Henze, Luke Arnup and Lucas Sabet. Also surviving is her sister Ursula (Chris) Husfeldt.

She was pre-deceased by her parents, two brothers, two sisters, and granddaughter Kristy McKee.

Funeral services were held at the Faith Lutheran Church, Atikokan on September 13. Internment will be later with just immediate family. Pallbearers were Norman Henze, Ian Henze, Dean Henze, Harald Henze, Eric Henze and Todd Henze. The honourary pallbearers were Erin Kenzie, Leigh Naturkach, Rhiannon Henze, Megan Henze, Karen Henze, Donna Henze, Mary Ann Henze and Marcela Conejeros.

If friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to the Atikokan General Hospital, 120 Dorothy Street, Atikokan, Ontario, P0T 1C0.

The post Obituary: Marianne Henze appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Marjorie Napper

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marjorie Napper (nee Albrecht), 77, on August 24, 2017 in Nanaimo, BC after a four month struggle with gastric cancer.

Marjorie was born in Thorsby, Alberta and was the third child in a family of five. After attending Teacher’s College in Winnipeg, she taught in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. When she wasn’t cooking, housekeeping, and caring for others, she had many hobbies and interests. She was an avid amateur photographer of nature and loved long walks and being outdoors. She enjoyed crafting, anything from needlepoint, crocheting and knitting to ink drawing and oil painting; she also loved to write. She was an excellent seamstress, sewing many articles of clothing for her family. She particularly enjoyed creating an extensive wardrobe for her granddaughter Michelle, even creating a mermaid’s tail costume for her.

Her generous and giving personality was demonstrated by her work with special needs children, teaching literacy skills to adults, and tutoring. Marjorie was involved in volunteer work through the Church including quilting blankets for Canadian Lutheran World Relief. Many people benefited from her caring ways. Not one to stand in the spotlight, she did her good works quietly.

She drew people together with her kindness and keen sense of humour. She loved her family most of all, but she always had room in her heart for anyone who came into her life. She lived her life being kind to everyone. As she said – “Kindness costs nothing and you never know if it might have a positive impact on someone’s journey through life.”

Marjorie was loving, caring, thoughtful, kind, and supportive of her husband of 56 years, Garth, her son Doug and daughter Corinne and grandchildren Michelle and Carson, all of whom loved her dearly. Marjorie was a much loved sister of Alfred and Deborah and their spouses. She leaves behind a large extended family who will deeply feel her absence.

She was pre-deceased by her parents, Sam and Hedy, and brothers Edgar and Reginald Albrecht.

Marjorie will be missed by all who knew her, as one person said – to know her is to love her. Please help honour her memory by spreading her legacy of kindness on to those who we can touch with our lives.

A memorial service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, Nanaimo, on September 9. Marjorie requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations to Hope Lutheran Church for Canadian World Relief or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

The post Obituary: Marjorie Napper appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.

Peter P. Ribotto

Peter P. Ribotto, age 99, a resident of Green Valley since 1981, passed away peacefully at his home on August 2^nd, surrounded by his family.

Peter was born November 17, 1917 in Coalgate, Oklahoma, where his father was a cotton farmer and coal miner.  The family moved to the northern Wisconsin iron mining town of Montreal where his father worked as an iron miner.

Peter graduated from high school in Hurley, Wisconsin and studied mining engineering at what was then known as the Wisconsin Mining School in Platteville.  He went on to the University of Missouri at Rolla where he received a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering in 1939 and an Engineer of Mines degree in 1944.  In 1964 he graduated from the Harvard University Advanced Management Program.

He began his mining career working underground for Phelps-Dodge in Bisbee, Arizona.  After a short spell there, he joined Inland Steel Co. at Ishpeming, Michigan and spent the rest of his working career with Inland. In 1942, at the age of 24, he was named the chief engineer of Inland’s iron mining operations.  In 1959 he was transferred to Canada where he spent 15 years heading up Inland’s operations there.  It was there that he experienced the career achievement of which he was most proud:  engineering and later managing a dredging project larger than that of the Panama Canal.  The enemy was minus 60 degree temperatures, not yellow fever.

In 1974 he was transferred to Virginia, Minnesota where, as Vice-President of Operations, he was in charge of Inland’s iron ore and limestone properties.  He retired to Green Valley in 1981.

Peter was married for 67 years to Win (Geelan), whom he met in Ishpeming, Michigan.  They had four sons, Michael (Donna) of Kakabeka Falls, Ontario, Gregory (Paula) of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Peter L (Carrie) of Bradenton, FL, and Patrick (Meg) of Green Valley.  He had six grandchildren: Andrew, Jeff, Stephen, Hannah, Mary, and William

Peter was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Church in Green Valley.  He joined the Knights of Columbus in Bisbee in 1940 and was a Grand Knight of the Ishpeming, Michigan council in 1943.  He was a long-time secretary of the Friends of the Library in Green Valley.  In addition, he headed a small group of men who volunteered for the Coronado National Forest Service as Hazardous Abandoned Mine Finders.  This group sought out hazardous abandoned mines and posted them, marking a total of some 7000 mines in southern Arizona over a period  of twenty years. Peter was a Legion of Honor member of the Society of Mining Engineers and a professional engineer in the province of Ontario.

Peter was preceded in death by a brother, Joe, and by his wife, Winifred.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him

Services will be held Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Green Valley.  Rosary prayer service will be at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m.  A reception will follow in the Holy Family Center.

The post Obituary: Peter Ribotto appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.