Peter Malashewski

On Wednesday, July 15th, 2021, Peter Malashewski, our Dad, Grandpa, Gigi and Uncle tipped his hat for the last time.

Peter was predeceased by his wife Stephanie on August 17, 2016, and his brothers Paul Malashewski, and Joe and Alec Slobodian.

He is survived by his son Ron Malashewski, his daughter Pat and husband Doug Sargeant, granddaughter Stacey Doherty, Darryl and great grand daughters Hannah and Emma, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Peter was born on October 12th, 1921 in Bosyry, a small village in the Ukraine. His family emigrated to Canada and settled in Roblin, Manitoba. His father died when he was only 13 years old and his mother Justina, Peter and his younger brother Paul came to Kenora shortly after.

What we know about our Dad – a son, a father, a grandfather/great grandfather, uncle and friend . . .

Dad, you were the best son a mother could have asked for. You cared for Baba when Grandpa passed and while she was in Pinecrest. You cared for and protected your brothers Paul, Joe and Olie while they were younger and still living at home.

You were a great father to Ron and me. To Ron, you were the greatest man he has known. We will remember you for everything you taught us and provided for us - how to work hard, to play hard, to make the best of what comes our way, your loving and caring nature, drive to succeed, your courage, strong work ethic and generosity and how we can be better examples for everyone. We remember when you worked two jobs (Canada Post and CP Rail) trying to keep our family clothed and fed. We remember how you loved working in your garden and planting all those rows of potatoes, carrots, beets, onions and beans (we hated picking beans then, and still do now)! The yard at home and at the lake was immaculate. The grass was like carpet and the hedge around the yard was always so perfectly level! And, with all of that, he was able to take us out fishing every Wednesday while working the two jobs.

You were a loving, generous and kind Grandpa to your only grandchild Stacey. Your strong connection was wonderful to watch. You were always able to kid around and bring a smile to each other’s faces – right up until the very end. And there were the Sunday Denver sandwiches, tablespoons of honey with all medication, raw garlic and Wiser’s – your beverage of choice. And of course your “well Stace” at the beginning of any advice you were about to share (lecture)! You were the best Gigi that Hannah and Emma could have had.

You were greatly admired by your many nieces and nephews who were proud to boast of your remarkable vigour that never appeared to wane. Diane Malashewski shared that her bond with Uncle Peter was expressed not necessarily by typical words or sentiments, but rather by the strength and duration of his hugs and special embraces. Janet and Norman Hildebrand experienced many loving and fun celebrations at the lake over the years.

We thank you for our cabin at Cliff Lake. I don’t think any of us realized when you and Mom bought it, how much the lake would come to mean to us – as a second home and gathering place for family and friends. Friends quickly became family and enjoyed many special fun times and celebrations - especially in the dining room and Bistro. The upper deck is always a popular Happy Hour gathering spot. In retrospect – we should have built it twice the size.

Your Southward Villa neighbours missed you when you moved to Pinecrest in September 2020. And speaking of the condo, we think of all those parties in the common room, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries and to which many of the condo neighbours looked forward to being invited!

Even though you initially didn’t really want to live at Pinecrest, you made the very best of, and accepted your new home. Many staff cried the day you passed and expressed how they will miss your sense of humour, and the fact that you were still “so with it” almost to the very end.

This has been a very different year for us . . . especially with the many personal changes for you Dad, with leaving the condo, moving to Pinecrest, losing your ability to walk . . . we thank you for the strength you showed, and lessons learned during that time. Ron and I were so grateful that we could hold you as you passed on - a gift that not everyone receives.

A small family celebration will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 31st at the cabin at Cliff Lake. Viewing will take place at Brown’s Funeral Home on Monday, October 11th at 7:00 pm. Peter’s funeral will be held at the Notre Dame Catholic Church at 11 am Tuesday, October 12th, the date of his 100th birthday.

We wish to thank family and friends who have offered condolences and support. We especially would like to thank Mike Limerick and the nursing, personal care and administrative and support staff at Pinecrest who were so caring for maintaining your quality of life, as best they could under the circumstances.

We also wish to thank Dr Brad Kyle and Dr Jim Beveridge for their many years of looking after Dad prior to entering Pinecrest as well as the medical and support staff at Lake of the Woods Hospital during the times he was there.

We love you Dad. You will be missed.

“Bye for now”!

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

BROWN FUENRAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.