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George TOPOLNISKY
George TOPOLNISKY
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George TOPOLNISKY Obituary
On Monday, March 19, 2012 George Topolnisky, formerly of Andrew, AB passed away peacefully in Edmonton at the age of 95 years.
His life was long, varied and meaningful; a farmer, a teacher, a Member of the Alberta Legislature, and above all, a devoted family man. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was born in the Sniatyn district near Andrew. After graduating from the University of Alberta he taught at country schools, and began teaching at Andrew High School in 1942 where he remained for 30 years as a math and business education teacher, coach of several sports teams, and commanding officer of the air cadet squadron. In 1943 he married Verna Tokaruk, and together they raised three children. One of the many interests George and Verna shared was their keen devotion to community service. George served as mayor of Andrew for several years until 1971, when he was elected as part of the Lougheed Team to the Alberta Legislative Assembly and served as a cabinet minister. He was re-elected as MLA in 1975, 1979, and 1982. During his more than 30 years of teaching and his 25 years of public life, George continued to farm his grandfather's homestead north of Andrew. Throughout his careers, he remained a steadfast and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Left to cherish his memories are his son Randy Topolnisky; daughter Hilda (Ken) Moholitny, daughter Edie (Rod) MacFarlane; five grandchildren, Kendall (Tony), Heather (Jon), Sonya (Tony), Graham and Ian; two great-grandchildren, Cleo and Nico. He is also survived by his brother Metro Topolnisky of Andrew and his brother-in-law Steve Tokaruk of London, England. George was predeceased by his beloved Verna in 2001; his parents, John and Sophia; his sisters, Kate, Anne, Mary, Lynn and Helen.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 23, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Evergreen Funeral Chapel, 16204 Fort Road, Edmonton, with Reverend Stuart Jackson officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation, 11227 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5K 0L5.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
21 Entries
Steven White
June 2, 2012
My condolences to Edi and Ken Rod and family. I remeber George for his kindness and openess.
With deep respect.
Geri Elchuk
April 3, 2012
To all the Topolnisky family,
Geri and I have only just learned of George's passing (April 3). My heart is so heavy at the thought of your family grieving his loss. Our thoughts are with you all.
Love
Geri & Geneviève
March 27, 2012
Dear Edie, My sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your beloved father.
I so enjoyed your delightful anecdotes of your father's wisdom and strength of character,.
You have many wonderful memories to treasure.
Miriam Sheckter
March 23, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Our deepest sympathies. Doreen, Melanie and Daryl Goroniuk
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Lucille (Lastiwka) Hildebrandt
March 23, 2012
Hilda & Ken, Randy, Edie
So sorry for your loss. Your father's teachings have touched many. May you find comfort in joyful memories.
Alex and Vickie Bochanesky
March 23, 2012
Dear Family,
We are saddened to hear about your loss of a father, grandfather, and brother. He was a great man, teacher, and legend. We hope that your will treasure those memories forever.
John Hickey
March 22, 2012
Dear Randy, Edie, Hilda & Ken
In learning of your dad's passing away thoughts of our boys salmon fishing trip to the Queen Charlottes in 1989 came to mind. We sure had some fun even though we didnt' catch a single fish. Only prairie boys wouldn't catch a fish in Haida Gwai! Your dad was a very nice man. He was always soft spoken and had a quiet sense of humour. My condolences to you all.
Sincerely, John Hickey
Judy Babiuk
March 22, 2012
Dear Randy, Hilda, Edie & families;
I will treasure the memories of a wonderful man and teacher. His warmth and kindness was well-recognized. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
With regrets,
Judy (Ostafichuk) & Ron Babiuk
Alvin George
March 22, 2012
You have our deepfelt prayers and condolences Edie and family on your loss. May you always remember the good times and smiles and may His strength support you in this time of loss.
Alvin, Sheeba & Kiran George
March 22, 2012
I would like to send my deepest condolences to the entire Topolnisky family who mourn the loss of a truly great man. His influence as a teacher, coach, community leader, and mentor of youth will not be forgotten by all those he touched. Sincerely, Al & Donna Blashko
Margaret Veis
March 22, 2012
Dear Hilda and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you cherish the many memories and times with this wonderful man that led such a full life.
Margaret Veis and Family
Sophie, Raymond & Kathy Shandro
March 21, 2012
We are sorry to hear of your father's passing. We remember him fondly.
Graham MacFarlane
March 21, 2012
I am proud to say this man was my grandfather. I will always keep his memory in my heart and mind.
Michael Marianicz
March 21, 2012
Randy, Hilda and Edie, your dad was a truly special person. I was so saddened to hear of his passing. He was a great influence on my life. I will treasure all the great talks we had and will miss him greatly.
David King
March 21, 2012
George was a gentleman, and I am glad to have known and learned from him. He was a good representative of his community, in caucus and in the Legislative Assembly. Randy, Hilda, and Edie -- and all his family -- are in my prayers. Peace.
Jim and Sylvia Ostapowich
March 21, 2012
Our sympathy in the loss the your father, grandfather and greatgrandfather. Cherish the many memories you shared with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of grief.
Judy (Knysh) and Norman Radomsky
March 21, 2012
Dear Randy, Hilda, and Edie; Your Dad really did live a full life. How wonderful that he left behind a treasury of memories for all that knew him. Our condolences to you and your families.
Jerry, Melanie Topolnitsky
March 21, 2012
Our deepest sympathies for your loss
Bernie Klita
March 21, 2012
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Betty Slawuta
March 21, 2012
Rest in peace MR. Topolnisky..a good teacher.
Maurice Beaudoin
March 21, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
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16102 Fort Road NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 6A2
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