CLARENCE OLINYK

Clarence Olinyk, 96, of Rainy River, Ont., passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at the Rainy River Health Centre after a courageous battle with cancer.
Clarence was born Sept. 14, 1912 to the late John and Effie Olinyk in Rainy River and was raised there.
He was united in marriage to Bernice Rattigan on Oct. 10, 1949. They lived in Rainy River, raising their five children.
Clarence served his country, his community, and his church throughout his entire life. He served in the RCAF during the war, was a member of the Rainy River Royal Canadian Legion Br. #54, past mayor and councillor for the Town of Rainy River, past member of the Municipal Advisory Committee, and a executive member of the Northern Ontario Municipal Association.
He also was a life member of Knights of Columbus and Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, past trustee of the Northwest Catholic District School Board, and member of the Rainycrest board of management.
Clarence also was a custom officer for Canada Customs for nearly 30 years.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Bernice, of almost 60 years; and children, Cheryl Fraser of Winnipeg, Man., Dennis Olinyk of Rainy River, Ont, Teresa (Dr. Bob) Manness of Morris, Man., Mary (Tom) Homer of Winnipeg, Man., and Bill (Mary Anne) Olinyk of Kenora, Ont.
He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Dr. Ryan Fraser, Dr. Holly Fraser, Phaedra and Cassandra Olinyk, and Nicole, Bobbie, and Jeffrey Homer; and great-grandchildren, Anna-Michele, Calvin, Joel, and Janine Halverson.
He was the dear brother of Mary Marmus and Blanche Bernier, and also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Clarence was predeceased by his parent,s John and Effie; and brothers, Adam Olinyk, Charles O’Laney, Stanley O’Laney, and Michael Olinyk.
Family and friends were received Tuesday, May 19, 2009 from 7:30-9 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Rainy River, where the funeral mass was held Wednesday May 20, 2009 at 11 a.m. with Fr. Alan Albao celebrant, assisted by Fr. James Panikulam and Deacon George Chojko-Bolec.
Interment took place in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Rainy River.
The pallbearers were Dennis Olinyk, Bill Olinyk, Bob Manness, Tom Homer, Ryan Fraser, and Bob Homer.
The honourary pallbearers were Lawrence Miniely, Bud Hannam, Bill Marmus, Don Bernier, Art Solomonian, and Jack Rattigan.
The Rainy River Royal Canadian Legion Br. #54 and the Knights of Columbus provided an honour guard.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel Building Fund or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com