ALLAN, JOSEPH ARTHUR "JOE" (GDANSKI) – Peacefully, at noon, on Friday, August 13, 2010 at St. Joseph’s at Fleming Nursing Home, Peterborough, ON. Son of John Gdanski 1889-1958 & Mary Frycz 1896-1918. Stepson of Appolonia “Pauline” Maicher 1902-1972. Ancestors documented at www.ogs.on.ca/ogspi. Born in Candiac Sask May 2 1913. The family moved to Fillmore Sask 1926.
Eldest of twelve:
(2) Sophie 1915-2004 (Bill Ciasnocha 1915-1980),
(3) Agnes 1917- (Mike Lawryk 1913-1984),
(4) Mary 1919-2002 (Lawrence Ludwig 1917-2008),
(5) Stanley 1921-1992 (Mina Firth 1925-1980),
(6) Helen 1923- (Ted Engel 1922-1987),
(7) Alan 1930-1973 (Margaret Maloney -1987),
(8) Rosella 1932 (Dominic Zyla),
(9) Victor 1934- (Ivy Stanners),
(10) Henry 1937- (Dolores Vertefeule),
(11) Ronald 1939- (Jacqueline Beaudoin),
(12) Adeline 1942-2008 (Wayne McKeown 1940-2003).
Siblings 2, 3, 4, 8 raised families in Sask; 5, 6, 7, 12 London ON; 9 Oklahoma, 10 Woodstock ON, 11 Grimsby ON. Hiring discrimination during the Great Depression prompted the surname change from Gdanski to Allan. Married Dec 29 1941 in Regina to his beloved wife Grace Mary Hambly (daughter of William Henry Hambly 1857-1936 & second wife Christina Bell 1879-1970). Loving father of John (Lynda Ann Marie Barrett) of Sudbury and the late William Joseph “Billy”. Dear grandfather of Brian (Lori Bedard) of Barrie, Karen (Mike Biggar) of Toronto, Joseph (Natalie Sasseville) of Ottawa and Gord (Luc) of Ottawa. Great grandfather of Justin of Sudbury, Joshua of Barrie, James & Marissa of Smith’s Falls ON.
Retired Tool & Die Maker at Canadian General Electric Peterborough 1942-1976. Director of Saint Peter’s Parish Credit Union 1960’s & 1970’s. Catcher in Seniors’ Slow Pitch Baseball, 1980’s & 1990’s. Music volunteer, Canadian General Electric Social & Athletic events, and Seniors skating at Memorial Center and Evinrude. Joe & Grace were also active volunteers at Activity haven, Peterborough.
Joe was always at his best when leading by quiet example and sharing his skills and experience to help and encourage others. Fondly remembered by many machinists and toolmakers who apprenticed “under his wing”. Special thanks from the entire Allan family to Joe’s friendly and supportive caregivers at Saint Joseph at Fleming Nursing Home, Peterborough. Arrangements for cremation entrusted to the COMSTOCK FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 356 Rubidge Street. No visitation. No flowers please. Interment in Allan family plot at Saint Peter’s Cemetery, Peterborough at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockfuneralhome.com.
“To live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy”
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