BERNARD (GUS) BOHUNICKY

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

• I am deeply saddened to hear the news about Gus. Having recently lost my beloved dad, Ross Sowak, my mother, brother and I were back in Winnipeg in late June for dad's burial and memorial luncheon. While visiting old friends and sharing memories including via a long chat with Mrs. Ellie, we were informed that Gus was not doing too well. We recalled fun filled summers at Falcon Lake, sometimes at our cottage, sometimes at Ellie's cottage, sometimes on the beach, and a few times, at the Bohunicky cottage. I shall never forget the amazing wrestling matches that went on between Gus, Bruce, Bernie and "Stormy", with Phyllis as head referee and coach! Gus was a very cool guy. He adored people, and was a loving, family man. I can picture him sitting in his chair at the beach in his cap, the big man, holding court, while Phyllis visited with Mrs. Ellie and my mom on the sand. Dad would be sitting in his own chair, always under a tree with a book! Dad thought a lot of Gus. Two fantastic, decent men have left us, not four months apart. I hope that Gus is entertaining my darling dad with tales of sports and follies, up in Heaven. RIP Mr. B. You will be missed. Condolences Phyllis, Bruce, Bernie, "Stormy" and families. Love Barbara and Stephanie - Posted by: Barbara and Stephanie Sowak (Family Friends) on: Sep 15, 2017

• My deepest condolences to the family. Gus was quite a character. I enjoyed time spent with him, meeting his family of whom he was so proud. Christian love and prayers to you all. - Posted by: Jay (care provider) on: Aug 03, 2017

• Phyliss and family, I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss. I enjoyed every day I came and cared for Gus; it never felt like work when I was there. It felt like family. I will always cherish the many stories Gus shared about his life in sport and always asking about my boys and what tournament was up next. He talked about his children often, he was so very proud of his family! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Phyllis I'm still coming for coffee!!! Xo - Posted by: Christine (Homecare ) on: Jul 21, 2017

• My sincerest condolences to Phyllis and the Bohunicky family regarding the passing of Gus. Gus was my hockey coach for a brief period of time but left a lasting impact on me and so many people around him. We reconnected some many years ago and I always enjoyed visiting with him and Phyllis. During our visits we spoke mainly about hockey and sports as we relived memories of the past and Gus always regaled us with wonderfully insightful and entertaining stories. However, he would never fail to mention the many accomplishments of his family and how he was so very proud of each of them and their successes. Gus was a friend, a mentor and a kind hearted man who will be sadly missed by all who's lives he touched. Sincerely, Paul Krueger - Posted by: Paul Krueger (Family Friend) on: Jul 21, 2017

• Dear Phyllis, Bruce, Bernie, and Brian. So sorry to hear that "Uncle" Gus has passed on. I always felt proud having the privilege of calling him "Uncle Gus" growing up - to me it meant that we had a special "family bond" although not true family members. He was larger than life. Everyone knew who Gus was and if you didn't know him, you'd want to know him! My fondest memories were times at Falcon Lake when our families would spend hours on the beach together or in the evenings walking over to your cottage to enjoy a piece of freshly baked blueberry, or strawberry rhubarb pie (my favorite). There "Uncle" Gus would give us all a hard time (Mom, Auntie Julie, Karen & I) all in jest. I also appreciated hearing the many stories when Mom returned back from her Cuba trips. Seemed more often than not that many of those stories centered around Gus. He was a true character, one in a million. He will be fondly remembered. Mom and I are sorry we are unable to celebrate Gus' life with you in person, but know that we send our love and "Uncle Gus' bear hugs" to all of you. - Posted by: Lisa Yakimchuk (Family Friend) on: Jul 20, 2017

• Our condolences to the Bohunicky family during this difficult period of mourning. We have heard many stories about Gus, his pride in the achievements of his children, his love for his grandchildren, and the happy times at Falcon Lake. He will be greatly missed by all. Our thoughts are with you. From your Ottawa friends, Sheridan and David - Posted by: David Zussman (Friend) on: Jul 19, 2017

• Bohunicky Family, My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time of your loss. I will miss the meetings with Gus that myself and a couple of other "Understudies" of his would have over the last few years as we shared some very fond memories and caught up on some of the current things going on with him and his family, that he was so very proud of. I, as others have mentioned will never forget and will always be indebted to Gus for all he did during the years of his community volunteer involvement. The "Gusser" recruited me some 45 years ago, in the basement of Melrose C.C. at a very young age, for which I thank him very much. Gus giving me that opportunity so many years ago, still has me coaching the game today. Gus, you provided so much to so many kids over the years and for that I thank you very much my friend. There are very few that leave the type of mark that you have left during their time. Greg P. - Posted by: Greg Pacholek (Friend / Understudy) on: Jul 19, 2017

• Our thoughts our with Phyllis and the family at this difficult time. We encounter many people along lifes journey but few that have a life time impact,Little did we know fifty years ago when we met Gus at Melrose that he would be that person.Those years at Melrose provided incredible pride ,excitement and happiness,as we watched our children grow and develop.Little did the kids know Gus was instilling a passion for hard work and many life lessons that remain today.Oh so many laughs like Norm blowing snow on the ice you were flooding or kids blasting pucks at you when you had no equipment.Yes Gus you were an icon who squezzed every ounce out of life. Neil and Gloria - Posted by: neil payne (friend) on: Jul 18, 2017

• Dear Bohunicky Family: We came to know Gus during our years operating the south shore marina at Falcon. Our two daughters took an immediate shine to this jovial, kind hearted, large man, they dubbed "Friendly Giant". Many years have passed by since, but he always has a place in their hearts. Our sincere condolences to you at this sad time. Ken, Karen & daughters, Sherri and Kathy - Posted by: Ken, Karen & dtrs Sherri and Kathy ((friends from Falcon Lake days)) on: Jul 17, 2017

• Phyllis, Bruce, Bernie, Brian and family. So sorry to hear of Gus's passing. I have many fond memories of times spent with your family in the 70s when we would go out to your cottage at Falcon Lake and enjoy wonderful summer days. I also remember the Grey Cup parties we would have at our place and your family would join us, Gus was a great man and he had a tremendous life and touched the lives of so many people. Cherish his memory!! Jeff Olensky and Debbie, West Kelowna BC - Posted by: Jeff Olensky (Family Friend) on: Jul 16, 2017

• Bruce, my family send our condolences to you and anyone who knew and loved your dear dad. We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Jill and the McWhinney family. - Posted by: Jill Palmer (McWhinney) (Friend from school) on: Jul 15, 2017

• Bruce, my family send our condolences to you and anyone who knew and loved your dear dad. We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Jill and the McWhinney family. - Posted by: Jill Palmer (McWhinney) (Friend from school) on: Jul 15, 2017

• My condolences to the Bohunicky family as they grieve the loss of a husband, father ,and grandfather. My memories are of the hockey years in North Kildonan when Gus was coaching hockey. The parents were a supportive group and attended all the games. The players made lasting friendships. These were good years with lots of good memories. May all of you, Gus's family, find comfort in wonderful memories from bygone days. Gus made his mark in life and will always be fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched. Sincerely, Shirley Augustine - Posted by: Shirley Augustine (hockey Mom in Gus's coaching days) on: Jul 15, 2017