Obituary of STANLEY EDWARD BIDOWSKI (Sr)

With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of our dearest father, grandfather, great grandfather Stan Bidowski on September 22, 2022, at Saint Boniface Hospital.

Stan was predeceased by his parents Nicolas and Paulina Bidowski; his brother Walter; and his beloved wife Ann (Harrison) on October 10, 2000.

He is survived by son Stanley Jr., daughters Linda McKay (Neil), Patricia Caya (Claude), Anna Bidowski; grand children Ryan, Sapphire, and Eric McKay; great grandchild Bailey Burke; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours.

Stan was born in Winnipeg May 8, 1931.  His shy smile, warm hearted personality and zest for life affected everyone whose lives he touched. A mutual friend (Mary Marino), introduced the young man to the love of his life, Ann. They were wed on August 21, 1954. They lived for a while with Stan's mother who was a big help in supporting a growing family. Among other small jobs, Stan worked as a Watkin's man, a waiter, a vacuum cleaner salesman until his friend (Steve Marino) helped him into a position at CN Rail Symington Yard where he was a car man for over 35 years.                                   

Dad's life was very devoted to his children and his home. He taught some of his skills to the kids growing up including how to drive and repair vehicles. He had an appreciation of gardens (flower and vegetable), animals and the great outdoors in general. The whole family would go camping to the point where Stan built his own camper. Stan and Stanley Jr spent a lot of time together, cutting grass and keeping St. Mary's cemetery tidy. There was nothing he couldn't fix or rebuild from scratch. This all with his ongoing back pain from a serious workplace spine injury early in his CN career. 

Stan was also a strong believer of community service. He was President of his church's parish council and could always be called on to help when needed. He gave not only time and effort but financial support to those in need. In his mother's last years, Stan and Ann looked after her, repaying the love and support that Paulina had first given them. During the last decade Stan started a tradition of gathering his immediate family together on New Year's Eve. He generously bought a whole table's worth of tickets, and we had a wonderful time catching-up over dinner and then dancing the night away. 

He will always be remembered, loved and will live on through his family and children.

Mass of Resurration will be held on Saturday, August 26 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Polish National Catholic Church, 361 Burrows Ave. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Polish National cemetery, 400 McIvor Ave. After laying Stan to rest, refreshments will be served in the church hall.

Flowers graciously accepted but if friends so wish, donations to St. Mary's Polish National Catholic Church would be appreciated.