Obituary of BOHDAN SHESTERNIAK

BOHDAN (BORIS) SHESTERNIAK 

August 27, 1932 – July 17, 2021 

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Bohdan (Boris) Shesterniak on July 17, 2021, with his loving children by his side. He leaves to mourn his children, Paul (Lori), Lynne (Mike), and Angela (Chris), and his adored grandchildren, Robyn (Mike), Kimberly (Nic), Cole, Matthew, and Tyson, and Lori’s daughter Lisa (Ricky) and their family. Boris was predeceased by his wife of almost 60 years, Kathleen (nee Switzer) in 2016, their infant daughter who died at birth and was the twin sister to Angela, his parents Stefan and Ahafia (nee Hujwan), his brother Michael, and his twin sisters Kay Zoroneck and Mary Bortniak. He also leaves to mourn his sister-in-law Margaret and very many special nieces and nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends. Thank you all for your love and kindness, special visits and many suppers and baking you have given him through the years. 

On August 27, 1932, Dad was born 2 miles north of the small town of Rackham, in the RM of Harrison, Manitoba.  His family immigrated to Canada from Ukraine just a few years before he was born, and Dad was always proud of his Ukrainian heritage, as he was just as proud to be a Canadian.  Dad stayed in Manitoba for most of his life, apart from working at a ranch in Alberta and working with the Canadian Pacific Railway, which would see him venture from coast to coast. Back in Manitoba he would work at many different jobs such as working with TCA, Standard Aero and many different contract work positions.  He eventually met the love of his life Kathleen at his friends wedding, and they were married on September 8, 1956.  In 1957, Dad joined the Winnipeg Fire Department and enjoyed many years as a fire fighter, until an untimely back injury on the job forced his early retirement in 1991. He had also enjoyed farming land in Fisher Branch Manitoba, where many of his wife’s family had made their homes. 

Dad was a very loving father and Papa, and his family was everything to him. He loved to spend time with all his children and grandchildren, our furry and feathered family, and his special backyard animals.  He was a gentleman by nature, very proud and loyal, and always committed to his family.  Dad was respected by his peers, lived his life with integrity and grace, and was adored by very many people.  Our special times together will be lovingly remembered and be greatly missed by all of us who he loved dearly.  Dad always liked to joke and tease, and he would always have a little saying or comment for many of life’s trials and tribulations.  

One of Dad’s greatest interests was in hunting and fishing. He loved to go out into nature and bring home a nice moose or deer, and we spent many lovely family times together fishing and picking blueberries. Dad really enjoyed listening to his music and there are many songs he loved that we will always cherish. Dad was stubborn to a fault and always a perfectionist. He was an accomplished carpenter and very creative and artistic. He could craft almost anything from wood or leather with patience and accuracy, such as his custom leather creations which included purses and wallets, and the special belts he made for so many people. He painted beautiful pictures, and he could fix almost anything with his knowledge in so many areas. 

We would like to thank the doctors and staff at the St. Boniface Hospital Emergency Room for the care and comfort they provided for our Dad, and the Fire/Paramedic Emergency Response Team for their quick and active response.  We would also like to thank Dr. F. Sikora and Michelle for their continued support and compassion for our family. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Dad’s endearing neighbors’ Jake and Cathy and family, for always helping Dad out. You were like family to him and he loved you all very much. And lastly, a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have reached out to our families with love and support and offers of condolence, baking & meals, snacks & baskets, flowers, cards and more. 

In keeping with Dads wishes, cremation has taken place. Due to Covid restrictions a small family celebration will take place at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Dad’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or to the Fire Fighters Burn Fund in Winnipeg. 

“Like I Say”..we love you so very much Dad. You were our best friend and we will miss you every day. You will always live in our hearts and our precious memories. Until we meet again. 

This obituary and additional photos may be viewed at www.cropo.com

VICHNAYA PAMYAT