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JOSEPH FRANK SMOLINSKI (JOE)
Born: Apr 24, 1941
Date of Passing: Mar 06, 2021
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JOSEPH FRANK SMOLINSKI
He was born April 24, 1941 and grew up in the Ladywood area of Manitoba.
He leaves to mourn the love of his life, Patricia (Pat), with whom he shared 58 wonderful years. Loving father to Bill (Desiree) and Richard (Linda). He will be fondly remembered by his cherished siblings, Mary, Charlie, Elizabeth and Paul. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Annie Smolinski; as well as father and mother-in-law, William and Milly Fewchuk. Joseph will be mourned and greatly missed by all those who loved him and those that were fortunate to call him a friend.
Family was greatly important to Joseph. Joe and Pat were a great team as they raised a family, built homes in Gonor and East Selkirk, and took an active part in their communities. They loved to dance, cook and laugh together. The best of friends, they created a welcoming and warm home environment. Joseph was also a great dad. His sage advice and insight were always thoughtful and supportive. He enjoyed coaching and watching his sons' hockey teams, and was always very encouraging as Bill and Richard pursued their creative interests in music and art respectively.
Joseph was a great host who, with his Pat, organized countless feasts for multiple generations of the extended Smolinski-Fewchuk clans. Although such celebrations could be raucous as delicious treats were passed around the table, Joe's heartfelt blessings and graces gave every occasion a sense of dignity and significance as he reminded us of the importance of sharing and caring for one another, and to cherish those times we had together. This insightful spirit came naturally to Joseph as he was also a man of great faith who studied his Bible every day. Over the last year of his life, he even fashioned a small "chapel" in the greenhouse that served as a source of comfort and contemplative space for him, especially as he was experiencing health challenges. On this same property in East Selkirk, he took immense pleasure in fishing and gardening.
With great openness, Joseph was always enthusiastic to meet new people. His outstretched hand and hearty "Hi, I'm Joe Smolinski" opened-up countless impromptu chats where he made countless friends over the years. That openness and enthusiasm for challenges was also important throughout his professional career in management and consulting, moving from backhoe operator to plant manager in Greater Winnipeg Gas and then Centra Gas, and eventually venturing into his own business. Joseph was equally passionate about giving his time generously to help others, and his numerous volunteer positions included chairing the Selkirk Hospital construction board and being a catalyst for the East Selkirk Recreation Association's construction of the East Selkirk Arena. More recently he was an active and involved board member for the Learning Centre, as well as Secretary-Treasurer for the Community Futures Centre.
Joseph's absence leaves an immense sadness for all who knew him. His tall stature was matched by his equally large heart.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites everyone to please send donations to the cause closest to their hearts.
A celebration of Joe's life will be held when public health conditions allow.
Condolences may be left on his tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk
in care of arrangements.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 13, 2021
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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To Mary, Charlie, Elizabeth and Paul, my heartfelt condolences. My lasting memory of Joe will be his lovely smile.......never saw him without it. Had many a good time at our little country school. Rest easy Joe! - Posted by: Lorna Omichinski (Classmate) on: Mar 16, 2021
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Our condolences to the Family, Mary, Charles, Elizabeth and Paul. Joe was my age and a good high school friend, always had a smile and loved to laugh. We will forever remember him and our friendly neighbours. - Posted by: Ed Novakowski (Friend and Neighbour) on: Mar 13, 2021
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Sorry to hear about Joe's passing, my condolences to Pat and family - Posted by: ROY WALKER (FRIEND ) on: Mar 13, 2021
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My condolences to the family of Joe. I met him back in the late 70's when he was Chairman of the Board and I never ran into a more friendly man on first greeting. A genuine smile on his face made one feel that he knew him for years and I was amazed that he remembered my name even months after that first meeting. Life should have more of his type. God bless all and give you strength in this sad time. - Posted by: RIck Dolenuck (Co-worker) on: Mar 13, 2021
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As a volunteer for the ESRA you could not be associated with a better person than Joe He was positive supportive and a futuristic thinker Sincere condolences to Pat and all his family May your memories sustain you in this time of great sorrow RIP Joe - Posted by: Carole Ezzard Forbister (Friend) on: Mar 13, 2021
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Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your great loss. Joe was a good friend and mentor to me over the 25 years we worked together at Greater Winnipeg Gas Company/Centra Gas. We shared many challenges and laughs over the years in the workplace. Joe was an extremely dedicated and hard working employee, and an excellent role model for the rest of us who worked under him at City Gate. - Posted by: Andy Chizick (Co-worker and Friend) on: Mar 13, 2021
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Good memories of the Smolinski family as school mates and neighbours in the area once known as Sand Hill. The Sand Hill school #1372 was where the farm kids met and made lasting memories, our recesses filled with baseball, soccer and prisoners base. Joe was the tallest, always looked out for us younger kids. I remember mostly his huge smile and friendliness towards everyone. His families one mile walk to school, Kalyna sandwiches for lunch still left him smiling and helping the smaller kids put their jars of tea in the furnace reservoir. Joe, God is sure to bless you with heaven. Thanks for the memories. Most sincere sympathies to Pat your children and both the Fewchuk and Smolinski families. - Posted by: Katherine Krawchuk Fecio (Grade school classmate and neighbour) on: Mar 13, 2021
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My deepest condolences. - Posted by: Helen Bretchka (friend) on: Mar 13, 2021