Obituary of THEODORE GIERYS

THEODORE GIERYS

March 15, 1932 – August 16, 2017 Age 85 years

Theodore Gierys, our loving Husband, Dad, Grandpa passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning August 16, 2017 at the age of 85 at the Health Sciences Centre. Ted will be greatly missed by wife Sophie (nee Melnychuk), daughter Sandra Petrynko (Brian), Sons Terry (Judy), Gerald (Kendra). He loved and cherished his four grandchildren and will be missed greatly by Terren, Michael, Andrew, and Isabella. Ted also leaves to mourn his loss Sister Nettie Kolisnyk (Leslie deceased) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ted was predeceased by his father Peter Gierys, Mother Katryna Tabaka, and step father Michael Tabaka.

Dad was born in Ituna, Saskatchewan where he grew up and went to school till grade 8. Ted left home at 14/15 years old to work at neighboring large farms in Grenfell. He moved onto jobs at the CNR and Saskatchewan Dept. of Highways, eventually making his way to Manitoba working at Fort Whyte Cement, Bissett Gold Mine and a brief stint at Canada Packers.

Ted’s work in Winnipeg would lead him to become a Journeyman Steamfitter and an A-gas fitter, with Lount Heating, Frank E. Simmons, Johnson Controls, and the later years self-employed as Ted Gierys Mechanical. His last employer was his favourite, and he enjoyed working for himself very much. Ted was a proud member of Local 254 for over 40 years.

He would meet his lifelong Partner of 59 years marriage Sophie Melnychuk at a St. Nicholas Saturday night dance. Sophie and Ted were married June 14, 1958 at St. Andrews Church. They would become member of Holy Eucharist Parish, where Ted was actively involved and volunteered countless hours to address all Heating, Plumbing and air conditioning issues at the parish and Hall. Ted was a Member of the Knights of Columbus, Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood, held several positions on Holy Eucharist Parish Center Board and Advisory Board, and St. Joseph’s Men’s Club.

Ted and Sophie started their family at 171 Essar, then built their current home at 74 Essar in 1970. Family life including summers at the family cottage in Gimli, Camping and fishing to Dauphin River, Anama bay, Gypsumville, Gimli, and countless other locations in Manitoba. There were many family summer trips back to Saskatchewan, and Silver Manitoba for family weddings and anniversaries.

Ted’s first hobby was of course his love for work.  In his spare time he would always fix other people’s appliances, furnaces, boilers, and air conditioners.  Dad was always there to help family and friends with any mechanical issues.

Although Ted lost his battle with his lengthy illness, he fought courageously. We would like to thank the staff and many volunteers at cancer care, Dr. Maksymiuk , Dr. Houston, Nurses Dawn and Tracy, HSC Nurses, Father Michael for visits to the home and HSC, and also for last sacrament. Special thanks to homecare staff for brightening Ted and Sophie’s days at Home.

Pall bearers are Terren Gierys, Michael Petrynko, Andrew Gierys, Isabella Gierys, Patti Duhault, and Mike Zazula.

Funeral Liturgy will be on Thursday, August 24 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Eucharist Church, 505 Watt St. Interment will follow. Family will return to Holy Eucharist Parish Hall, 460 Munroe Ave. shortly after to re-join all for lunch and a celebration of Ted’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba and Canadian Hemophilia Society.