NICK PIHULAK

Nickoli “Nick” Pihulak, 82, of Rainycrest Home for the Aged, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away at his residence Wednesday, Oct. 13, 1999.
He was born Oct. 3, 1917 in Gonor, Man. to the late George and Mary Pihulak.
Mr. Pihulak moved to Fort Frances in 1938 and has lived here since. He had worked on construction with Paul Lawrence and later was employed as a stationary engineer at the O&M paper mill, which later became Boise Cascade. He retired after 44 years of service with the company.
Nick was a veteran of World War II, having served overseas with the Royal Canadian Navy. He was a Stoker Petty Officer on the mine sweepers during the invasion of France.
He also was a past member of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 29 in Fort Frances.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and yard work. He also spent many hours in his workshop making barrel stoves for numerous camps in the area.
Nick also was very musically inclined and he enjoyed dancing. He loved to entertain and whenever there was a party or event going on, Nick would be playing his violin or harmonica.
He was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it, and was a dedicated family man who loved spending time with his family.
Nick was united in marriage June 17, 1945 to the former Lil DePiero, who survives along with their five children, Sandra and husband, Jim McKinnon, of Alberton Township, Ont., Larry and wife, Donna, of Dryden, Ont., Dwayne and wife, Charlaine, of Alberton Township, Ont., Robert and wife, Debbie, of Dryden, Ont., and Debbie and husband, Lew Kempf, of Fort Frances, Ont.
Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Chris McKinnon, Craig McKinnon, Heather (Jason) Kasprik, Jeff (Shantelle) Pihulak, Brad Pihulak, Jessica Pihulak, Melissa Sovereign, Michael Sovereign, Nathan Kempf, and Tyler Kempf; four great-grandchildren, James Pihulak-Seely, Riley Pihulak, Mackenzie Sovereign, and Addyson Kasprik; one brother, John Pihulak of Gonor, Man.; one sister, Anne Robak of Edmonton, Alta.; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his son, Michael on May 4, 1983; grandson, Matthew Sovereign; his parents, George and Mary; and three brothers, Tom, Michael, and Steve Pihulak.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Oct. 16, 1999 at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. Father Eugene Whyte O.M.I. officiated, with interment in Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Frances.
Friends visited Friday evening, Oct. 15, 1999 from 6:30 until 8 p.m. at Green Funeral Home. Brother Henry Arruda offered vigil prayers at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Pallbearers were Chris McKinnon, Craig McKinnon, Jeff Pihulak, Brad Pihulak, Michael Sovereign, Nathan Kempf, Heather Kasprik, Melissa Sovereign, and Jessica Pihulak.
Honourary pallbearers were Edward Grabowski, Norris Langtry, John Hazel, Claude DeBenedet, Brian McKinnon, Keith McKinnon, David Chambers, Thomas Grinsell, Sandy Haney, and Bob Katona.
In memoriam donations may be made to Rainycrest Home for the Aged, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3T2, or to the charity of your choice.