MICHAEL MASLANKA
With courage and
dignity, Michael Maslanka, of Winnipeg, passed on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at
the age of 93.
Michael’s memory
will be held dearly by his loving wife of 68 years Leokadia (Lodzia); sister
Maria; sons Dan (Debra), Richard (Susan); and grandchildren Ben, Nick, Kerri,
and Evan. He was predeceased by his brothers Kazimierz, Ignacy, and John.
On December 28,
1920 Michael was born in Trembowla, Poland, to Wojciech and Agnieszka Maslanka.
He was the second eldest of five children. The stability of life abruptly
ended, when at 19 years of age, Michael and his family were separated from one
another. He was forcibly taken to a northern labour camp in the Soviet Union at
the inception of World War II. Following his internment, he made his way
through Iran, Iraq, and Africa, to the safety of Great Britain, where he
enlisted in the Polish Air Force, a contingent of the R.A.F. Given the rank of
flight sergeant and role of radio navigator, Michael proudly served, notably in
the Battle of the Atlantic, and was decorated. In 1946, he met and married
Lodzia, who served in the Polish Auxiliary Air Force, and shared the same
R.A.F. station of Hucknall in Nottingham. Following their emigration to Canada,
Michael and Lodzia began their new family in Winnipeg. Here in the early
1950’s, Michael applied his acquired skills as a tailor, working first with the
Manitoba Clothing Co., and then finally as a much admired head designer and
manager with the Freed & Freed Co., until well past the age of 65. During his tenure, Michael was well known
within the Canadian Department of Supply and Services for the precise fitment
of military tunics, which he designed. He was also known for producing quality
outer wear under the London Fog label. Michael was well liked by his co-workers
and respected as a mentor. He earned many friends in his other pursuits as a
golfer, a curler, and a fisher. He also served on the executive as Vice
President of the Polish Combatants Association Branch #13 Winnipeg. Michael never failed nor refused to provide
for his family. He always extended his help or his advice to others when he
could.
Mass of Christian
Burial will be Celebrated on Friday, August 1, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. in St. John
Brebeuf Roman Catholic Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Place with Rev. Fr. Mark
Tarrant, presiding. Interment will follow in Assumption Roman Catholic
Cemetery, 3990 Portage Avenue.
The family is
grateful and appreciative for the compassionate care provided to Michael at
Riverview Health Centre.
In lieu of flowers,
donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB
R3E 0V9.
Richard Wojcik’s
Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665, in care of
arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com
Wojcik’s
FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM
2157 PORTAGE AVENUE
204 - 897 - 4665
www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
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