Tony Bodnar beloved husband of Audrey Bodnar of Yorkton passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2013. Anton 'Tony' Bodnar was born on July 23, 1940, in the Jedburgh district in SK, to George and Pauline Bodnar. During his younger years, he lived on the family farm near Jedburgh, but later moved to Birmingham, SK. with his mother and siblings due to the early passing of his dad George. Tony received his education at Jedburgh School, Birmingham School, and Melville High School where he graduated in 1959. Fresh out of high school, in July of 59, he began his career with SaskTel. He started as a Lineman, and then advanced to a Cable man, then a District man, and finally a District man II for the Melville area, a position he held till his retirement in 1993. Most of his career with SaskTel involved climbing poles and installing insulators and wire so that rural Saskatchewan could have telephone service. Tony was very proud of his skill of climbing poles. He never hesitated to put on his climbing spikes and help a friend put up a yard light, or anything else that would require climbing a pole. After retiring at age 53, Tony worked part time for Ochs at Melville, transporting vehicles. He also worked full time as a bookkeeper and repairman and also a Chauffer for clients for Danello Beauty Center, from which he finally retired from in 2012. He was united in marriage to Audrey Temple on September 27, 1969. They decided to make Yorkton their home, so after renting several places, they decided to purchase their first home on Bailey Drive, where they still reside. They spent a lot of time together traveling to places such as Hawaii, Vegas, Jamaica, and BC. Tony spent many Sundays taking Audrey for long drives in the country showing her the different colors of insulators on the telephone poles. It amazed him how the oxidization changes there color from white to blues, greens, and purples. They purchased a camper and spent many years camping at Katepwa Beach. Later, they purchased property at Katepwa and set up permanent residents there as their second home. Tony and Audrey loved spending time at the lake fixing up the place, entertaining friends and family when they would stop by, taking walks along the beach and having breakfast or coffee with friends at the local Hotel. Tony was always on the go. When not at work, he enjoyed helping friends and family. He spent many hours on the farm helping his step dad and brothers, especially during harvest. If anything needed doing, you know that Tony was there to help. He was very good at giving advice. He liked Ice fishing, and would often go with his step dad and mom. Spending time with them was very important to Tony. His Father in Law, Pete, was a very important person in Tony's life. If they weren't just having coffee, they were at cemeteries erecting monuments. Tony commented that some of the best times in his life were spent at the cemeteries. He had many nieces and nephews and enjoyed spending time with them. There was something about Tony that kids were drawn to. They loved being around him and he was an influence to each of them during some part of their lives. He was chosen as Godfather for many of them. Tony liked to play pool in his spare time. He won many Awards and trophies at Matty's Pool Hall, which just happened to be across the street from Audrey's Beauty Center. He would meet up with his buddies; have a game of pool, then go for coffee. Tony liked to tell stories in detail, so when he began, you knew you may as well sit, because it may take a while. Whenever Tony took an interest in anything, he would do a lot of research about it, so it was not a surprise when he purchased a computer and took classes on how to use it. He was proud of the fact that he could google and send emails. It took up plenty of his time while he was in the back room at Audrey's shop. Tony passed away at home with Audrey at his side. He touched the lives of everyone he knew. Tony will be sadly missed. He is predeceased by his parents; His mother-in-law Christine Temple; George Bodnar, Ann & Alex Sawchyn, Lil Dzuba, Mary & Joe Malo, Anne Pilipow, Alex Pilipow, Steve & Leanna Pilipow, Pete & Sophie Pilipow; and nephew Dean Sawchyn. He is survived by his loving wife Audrey of 44 years; His father-in law Pete Temple; Nestor (Cathy) Bodnar, Steve Dzuba, Edward (Dolores) Pilipow, Marilyn Bodnar, Mary Pilipow, Loretta (Louis) Pirio, Sharon (John) Maksymew, Wayne Temple (Donna Langlois); and many nieces and nephews. A visitation and Service of Comfort for family and friends was held on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre in Yorkton. Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Crystal Bailey, B.Th. Certified Celebrant officiating. Special musical selections were "His Eye Is On the Sparrow" "On Eagles Wings" and "Just As I Am". Interment followed in the Melville Municipal Cemetery with Dennis Pillipow, Michael Stelmacovich, Cody Pillipow, Mike Pillipow, Ken Somogyi and Allan Dzuba serving as the casket bearers. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com Memorials in memory of Tony may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Society of Canada Box 326 Kirkland, QC H9H 0A4 as gifts of remembrance. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home.
