It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of their dear father/grandfather/great grandfather on December 24 2017 at his home with his family beside him.
Leslie was born May 16, 1931 to Stefan Czank and Teresa Vaszula in Mistatim, Saskatchewan. Leslie grew up on a farm with six siblings, and had many stories to tell about their many adventures. He dabbled in truck driving but, went on to pursue a career as an Operator for the CN Rail where he retired in 1989.
Dad was a fan of the outdoors. He loved fishing, hunting, or just taking a walk to enjoy the scenery. His greatest pride was his children and grandchildren. Poppa would spend hours playing with them, reading to them, or just sitting and talking about the good ole days. A day didn’t go by that he had to spend some time with them, or did he miss an opportunity to tuck them into bed. The neighbourhood kids even called him “Poppa” and he will be remembered for his nightly game of hide and seek which they would play for hours until it got too dark to see.
Dad suffered many health related battles in his life including cancer which he fought courageously several times. Dad never gave up hope and always had his faith in God to pull him through the tough times.
Many thanks go out to the numerous Doctors and Nurses who provided him with such wonderful care. A special thanks to the Cancer Care Doctors – Geoffrey Davis, Amir Faghih & Kevin Ramchandar who treated dad with the highest quality care until the end. Dr Hartford and Patti who never refused a last minute appointment and their excellent care as well. Near the end VON & Palliative Care helped us to provide care & support to preserve dad’s dignity and allow him to remain at home as per his wishes.
Leslie is predeceased by his parents, wife Irene (Barbeau) Aug 2017, son Allan Czank 1987, sisters Marian & Ethel and brother Jerry. He is survived by his brother Rudy & sister Irene whom he loved dearly, his children Barb (Roy) Bedesky, Denise Miniely (Gary Runholm), Dan (Jen) Czank, and his grandchildren Fay (Joe) Kulyk & Sephara, Lisa (Tanner) Saul & Nixon & Hailey, Julie Bedesky, Matt Bedesky. Christopher & Nicole Miniely, and Ian & Jacob Czank. Dad is resting peacefully at the Blake Funeral Chapel.
A prayer service will be held at Blake’s Thursday Dec 28 2017 at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Patrick’s Cathedral Friday Dec 29 2017 at 12 noon, with interment at Cliffside Cemetery in Nipigon. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Regional Cancer Care @ the hospital would be greatly appreciated. Dad was lost after mom’s passing and has been reunited with her again in heaven.
Our dad, Poppa & best friend will remain in our hearts forever.
