It is great sadness that we announce the death of Roy Molnar on October 22, 2012. He was born on October 15, 1933 and had just celebrated his 79 birthday with his family days before his death. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Wendy (Robert Hornford) and Allan (Robin Clarke). His three beloved grandchildren, Cale, Tate and Lane Hornford, will miss him dearly. He will be thought of with much love by his older sister, Agnes Nagy; sisters-in-law, Margaret Molnar, Pearl Molnar, Mary Molnar and Gladys Molnar of Yorkton, Jean (Glenn) Zacher and Evelyn Boychuk; brothers-in-law, Gerald Loster of Saskatoon and Vince Chillog of Yorkton, Nick Boychuk of Foam Lake and Bill Bonsal of Yorkton; many nieces, nephews and good friends, especially Laurie and Sandy Labelle and Anne Bisschop. Roy was predeceased by his wife, Irene; parents, Vendel and Mary Molnar; brothers Alex, Anton, Andrew, Vendel, Alfred, August and sisters Judy Wheeler-Dzuba, Anne Chillog and Olga Loster. As the youngest of eleven children growing up in on the Molnar Farmstead, Roy was always the centre of attention. Born with a generous sense of humor and quick wit, his older sisters often told how hard it was to stay mad while they were watching out for him - despite the trouble he often got into. Blessed with an abundance of Molnar cousins and neighbourhood friends, Roy forged strong and loving friendships that have lasted his lifetime. He attended West Otthon School and proved to be an excellent student and scholar. Although he often dreamed of attending University, he ended his formal education after Grade 8 to help his parents on the farm. But his love of learning continued until his recent illness and he was a prolific reader of any subject - from politics, history, and astronomy to cowboy westerns. He loved to sing, making music an everyday occurrence on the farm. He was especially proud of Allans musical career and his grandchildrens ventures into musical theater. He attended as many concerts and productions as he was able. Roy loved sports of all kinds and excelled at curling, hockey and horseshoes. But he especially enjoyed playing baseball and, as a young man, played for several teams at once. He once had the opportunity to pursue a career in baseball but the farm beckoned. He continued to play baseball every chance he had and spent each evening after his chores trying to teach Allan and Wendy his skills - to no avail. His sporting genes skipped a generation and he was delighted that his grandchildren all have athletic ability. In the days before his death, Roy spent many hours watching the World Series from his hospital bed. He met Irene Korzenowski and the couple were married on October 6, 1956. Together they farmed the original Molnar Homestead until Irenes death in 1997. Nothing pleased them more than being with family and friends - hours were spent playing cards, telling stories and sharing a good time. Many an elaborate practical joke was played and special outings planned. Family was important to Roy and he loved to have his brothers and sisters and their families visit the family farm - often for days or weeks at a time. Many of his nieces and nephews spent summers on the farm and he enjoyed every minute of the time he spent with them all and was more than happy to "induct" newly married in-laws into the family by forcing them to work during harvest. Roy was heartbroken when Irene passed away in 1997. They had moved off the farm to Yorkton just months before and although he was comfortable in town, he never felt quite as content as he had been on the farm. As his health faltered, it was difficult for him to live alone and he moved to Winnipeg to be closer to Wendy and her family. His children and grandchildren gathered around him during the last days of his life and they were able to share, one last time, the sly sparkle in his eye and his easy laughter. Roy will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by all who had the pleasure of sharing his life. The Prayer Vigil was held on Monday, October 29, 2012 from St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton, SK with Father Francis Hengen officiating. The pianist, Lorraine Lysak, led the congregation and members of St. Gerard's Music Ministry in the singing of the hymns, "Here I Am Lord", "Psalm 119" and "A Living Faith". The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 from St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton, SK with Father Francis Hengen serving as the Celebrant. The pianist, Pam Yaremko led the congregation and members of St. Gerard's Music Ministry in the singing of the hymns, "Holy, Holy, Holy", "Psalm 138", "Amazing Grace", "On Eagle's Wings", "Song of the Angels" and "How Great Thou Art". The Interment Service followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Tate Hornford, Laurie Labelle, Alex Molnar, Ron Hudy, Tom Loster and Gerry Loster serving as the casket bearers. Friends so wishing may make donations in Roy's name to the ALS Society (90 C Cavendish Street, Regina, SK, S4N 5G7) as tokens of remembrance. Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, SK.
