Obituary of Joseph Maleski

Joseph Maleski October 5,1921- January 12, 2011 Peacefully on Wednesday at St. Boniface Hospital with his family by his side Joseph passed into the loving arms of his Savior. He was pre-deceased by his parents Michael and Tekla Maleski, his brother Sidney, and his sisters Stella, Pauline, and Anne. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Mary; his daughters Sharon and Linda and his son Brian as well as 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and his sisters Jean, Helen, Irene, Emily and Olive. Joseph led an exemplary life of integrity, honesty and love of family. He was a devout Christian and used his gifts in support of his Church by building the altars for St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Sarto, MB, St. Josaphat Church, of which he was a founding member and in later years he was an active member of St Michael's Church in Transcona. Joseph was instrumental in the building of St Michaels Villa for the elderly. He was a lifelong member of The Knights of Columbus Bishop Budka Council. Joe was first and foremost a family man. His wife and children were his pride and joy and he worked tirelessly to provide the best for them. He worked for the Hudson Bay Co. as operations manager and was so highly regarded that he travelled across the country organizing and lecturing on operations protocol and policy. He was forced to retire early for health reasons. Retirement did not slow him down. Despite his doctor's advice to take it easy he was soon cutting trees and moving boulders at his cottage at Ingolf, ON. It seemed as if Joe never slept and he often commented " I'll have lots of time to sleep when I'm gone." Despite two heart attacks and the removal of a kidney Joe worked tirelessly. He could fix anything and would help anyone who asked. Even on vacation he would pull out his tools and get to work repairing or installing something for his hosts. Good enough was never good enough for Joe. Each job had to be perfect and he would not rest until perfection was achieved. Joseph and Mary loved to travel and spent many winter months at their house in The Bahamas and later in Florida. Joseph's home was always open to everyone. He loved to have family and friends visit and entertained them lavishly. He would give up his own bed to anyone who stayed overnight to see to their comfort, Joseph played with the same enthusiasm as he worked. He was always playing jokes on people, entertaining them with his accordion or piano or pulling a fast one in a game of cards. Joe adored his grandchildren and would play with them for hours teasing them and showering them with his love. He was thrilled when he became a great grandfather and all of them loved and were in awe of their Gida. The family send their thanks to Dr Rabson, Dr. Choptiany, Dr. Resterova and the staff at 5E at St Boniface Hospital whose tender care made Joseph's final days and hours comfortable and peaceful. Many thanks also to the staff at Devonshire House for their kindness and compassion. Prayers will be held on Sunday January 16 at 7:00p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday January 17 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 100 Yale Ave E. in Transcona. Interment to follow in Green Acres Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Joseph's memory to the Heart Foundation and /or The Kidney Foundation. Vichnaya Pam'yat