Obituary of Alexander AZARANSKY

ALEXANDER (ALEX) AZARANSKY With sadness the family announces the passing of Alex Azaransky on Monday, February 7, 2011 at Seven Oaks Hospital at the age of 77 years. He leaves to mourn his brothers John (Bernice), William, Nick (Jackie) and sister Kathy (Mal), as well as nieces and nephews Barbara (Ralph), Debbie, Michael (Carrie), Kenneth (Kim), and Christine. Alex was predeceased by his parents Serghi and Anastazia Azaransky, and his wife Rita Azaransky. Alex was born in the town of Hlukhiv in eastern Ukraine on October 6, 1933. In 1949 he and his family immigrated to Canada originally settling in Lethbridge Alberta, Sugar beet Farming. In 1951 the family moved to Winnipeg. Alex's diverse work history began in the early 1950's in construction, followed by employment with Canada Packers where he remained until the mid 1960's. Discontent with working for others he went into business, initially building and operating the Olympic Restaurant near Bird's Hill Park, the current site of the Fifty-Niner. Other businesses included plastic molding and landscaping. In 1984 he met the love of his life Rita and in 1987 they were married. Alex immediately became a fixture in the lives of Rita's three children taking on the responsibility of being a father to Danny (Earla), Karen (Lawrence) and Diane (Jason), and a grandfather to Eric, Dillon, Ryan, Jordan and Joshua. In 1991 Alex and Rita traded in their life in Winnipeg for the pristine landscape and relaxed lifestyle of beautiful Manigotogan. Alex found his lot in life as an outdoorsman, his love of nature made Manigotogan his paradise. Hosting family and friends, hunting, fishing, gardening, bee keeping, and construction rounded out his life and filled it with joy. Following Rita's passing in 1997 Alex remained in Manigotogan surrounded by friends, loved ones, and of course his dogs. Throughout life Alex impacted those around him with his contagious smile, unique sense of humor and endless generosity. His approach to life and friendships will be missed by all. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. with Very Rev. John A. Melnyk officiating. If friends so desire, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba.