Obituary for
Mr. William Verdenik
VERDENIK
Mr. William Dennis (Denny) Verdenik, age 75, passed away peacefully on October 22nd, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Hospice with his family by his side.
Denny was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba on January 11th, 1943. While working with E&P plumbing wholesale he was transferred to Fort William with his young family in early 1970 during the transition to the City of Thunder Bay. After a short while he tried his hand at Mechanical contracting with Lakehead Acadia then spent the balance of his career with EMCO Ltd until his retirement.
Denny was a family man. He spent much of the late 1970s and early 1980s coaching young bowlers at Galaxy Lanes in the Youth Bowling Council (YBC) program. Denny believed that inclusion was the most important thing and made sure that all children had equal opportunities to contribute. He inspired his kids to bowl competitively and to later share their coaching talents.
Denny was an avid musician. He loved to spend time sharing his musical talents on the “Perogi Circuit” with several bands in Winnipeg and in Thunder Bay. Entertaining was one of his favourite things, whether it was with the many country and western bands over the years in legions and bars or the Elks Clown Band where he loved to entertain family friendly crowds.
Denny had the biggest heart and was affectionately known as the animal whisperer. Animals of all varieties loved him and most knew that his pockets were always loaded with treats, sometimes to his detriment. There was more than one occasion when an over zealous pup bowled Papa over for that cookie in his pocket. He also had a special soft spot for animals without homes. His backyard was a haven for street cats (and also squirrels, skunks, raccoons and the occasional bear). He provided food and shelter for many cats over the years with the help of Superior Street Cats. He had a big heart and animals were just drawn to him. He was an active member of Holy Cross Church. He had been on Parish Council, had been the Maintenance Coordinator, a collection counter, a Reader and a funeral greeter.
Denny is survived by his sister Marcia (Edward) Jowett, his brother David Verdenik, his children Keith Verdenik (Lynda), Michele Tanguay (Steve), Jeannine Verdenik (Lorne Clifford), and Len Verdenik (Anita), and the loves of his life, his grandchildren, Jonelle Armitage (Andy), Christopher Verdenik, Kevin Verdenik (Dakota Ranttalo), Kate-Lyn Gatto (David), Chelsea Elizabeth Sanders (Dan Robidoux), Chelsea Victoria Nagy(Andrew Carr), Mickey Nagy (Gyllean Ricci), Teyla Verdenik and Ronon Verdenik, and his beautiful great grandchildren James and Zenon Armitage. He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Jean Verdenik.
The family would like to thank all the staff at TBRHSC 1A, and the staff at St. Joseph’s Hospice particularly Riley and Lily who provided amazing and professional care in his last hours of life.
As per Denny’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018, when family and friends will gather for Funeral Mass at 10:00am, at Church of the Holy Cross (415 W. Victoria Ave). Visitation will be held on Friday, October 26, 2018 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, with Panachyda (Prayers) being offered at 7:30pm in the Church of the Holy Cross.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society, Superior Street Cats (c/o City of Thunder Bay Animal Services) or your favourite pet related charity.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 332 North May Street, Thunder Bay.
Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger Generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life. ~Albert Einstein
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de William Dennis Denny
Verdenik 1943 2018.
Décès pour la Ville: Thunder Bay, Province: Ontario