It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Edward Shepanski announces his passing, with his children by his side, on Friday, Dec. 23, 2016 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Ed was born on June 12, 1924 in Kitsman, Bukovina to Nicoli and Ann Shepanski. At the age of 12, he bravely took the long voyage to Canada on his own and met up with his father, settling in Winnipeg Man. and then later Fort Frances.
He began working as a barber in 1947 and his hairstyling tools were never far away.
Ed’s personal appearance was of great importance to him. His attire always included a pressed white shirt with a black tie to project an impeccable, professional image while barbering. He was well-known for his skills, friendly demeanour, and warm smile.
He respected all races and cultures, and was a friend and mentor to many.
It was July 1st when Edward met the love of his life and on Sept. 25, 1948, Edward was united in marriage to Mary Patricia Baliant. They enjoyed 53 years of marriage together and raised their seven children, Barbara, George, Joanne, Nick, Andrew, Josie, and John.
Edward enjoyed a long, healthy, active life and often could be seen riding his bike or walking to join the “early-morning” coffee crowd. He was very generous and appreciative of any of the servers, workers, and cashiers who were lucky enough to meet him.
When we think of Edward, we remember that he was not afraid of hard work and was an excellent provider for his family. He was an astute businessman and owner/operator of the Border Barber Shop and Empire Billiards.
Together with Mary, they had many wonderful flower gardens and enough vegetables to supply the neighbourhood. Their love of gardening and yard work was passed down to their children and grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife, Mary, on May 30, 2002; son, John, on July 20, 1983; and parents, Nicoli and Ann.
When Mom passed, Dad took on the tradition of weekly Sunday dinners, creating special Ukrainian dishes of borscht, sauerkraut, and homemade chicken soup. He truly loved having his family around him and watching his grandchildren grow.
Edward was a great story-teller, but also just as importantly knew how to be a good listener. He was humble, selfless, and very proud of his heritage and his Ukrainian roots, although he was so happy to become a Canadian citizen.
Dedo will be fondly remembered and forever missed by his daughters, Barbara (Chuck) Hadley of Anoka, Mn., and Joanne (Richard) Bliss and Josie (Darryl) McLeod of Fort Frances, Ont.; sons, George of Calgary, Alta., Nick of Fort Frances, Ont., and Andrew of Mine Centre, Ont.; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Chad (Dawn) Hadley and children, Katelyn and Nathan, Todd Bliss (Javier Espino), Nicole (Jeff) Clapp and children, Jax and Jordyn, Tanis (Vaughn) Klingsiek and daughter, Vienna, Stacia Hadley (Rick Talbot), Tiffany (Josh) Wetterlind and sons, Rowan and Reed, Nina Shepanski, Derek McLeod, and Chantel McLeod; sister-in-law, Ann Rosolowich; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The pallbearers will be Edward’s sons-in-law, Chuck Hadley, Richard Bliss, and Darryl McLeod, and grandsons, Chad Hadley, Todd Bliss, and Derek McLeod.
The honourary pallbearers are all of his children and grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 30, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Pastor Brian Keffer will officiate, with interment in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Frances.
The family invites and welcomes you to join them in celebrating Edward’s life. A luncheon and expression of memories will follow the service at the Royal Canadian Legion in Fort Frances.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Riverside Foundation for Health Care–La Verendrye Hospital, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
EDWARD SHEPANSKI
