Joseph Peter Winik, 86, of 652 Third St. E., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 14, 1998 at La Verendrye Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born April 25, 1911 in Montreal, Que. He lived his youth in Manitoba, and worked for a short time in the Rainy River District on the Kenora highway and logging camps before beginning a mining career that would last for almost 45 years.
He worked on the tunnelling of the Toronto subway, as well as numerous mines in Northern Ontario, northern Quebec, and Northwestern Ontario.
At age 70, he retired and returned to the Rainy River District, where he enjoyed the outdoors and gardening.
On June 26, 1941, he was united in marriage to Lena Cholette.
He is survived by his wife, Lena; five sons, Jack (June) of Emo, Richard (Lorie) of Thunder Bay, Howard (Andrea) of Balmertown, Gord (Janice) of Fort Frances, and Garry (Renee Rousseau) of Fort Frances; three daughters, Fay (Robert) Stewart of Fort Frances, Terry of Kingston, and Cheryl Noga (Tim Legarie) of Fort Frances; grandchildren, Jane (Rob) Johnson, Joey (Trish) Winik, Jon-Paul (Carolyn) Winik, Dianne (Dave) Thompson, Michelle (Gerald) Cousineau, Susan (Andy) Vandenbrand, Nicole (Larry) Duffy, Paul (Charlene) Poirier, David (Cindy) Poirier, Jennifer Winik, Lee (Sharon) Winik, Kevin Winik, Peter Winik, Amber Winik, R.J. Noga, and Keith Noga; and 14 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Nellie; one sister, Ann; three brothers, Mike, Alex, and John; two sons-in-law, Victor Poirier and Jim Noga; and granddaughters, Melissa and Ashley Winik.
A private family service was held Saturday, Jan. 17, 1998 at Green Funeral Home. Pastor Chet Cooper of Victory Baptist Church officiated.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Continuing Care Unit of La Verendrye hospital, or a charity of your choice.
Dad
He dreams His plans
He struggles that we might have the best . . .
His sacrifice is quiet.
His life is love expressed.