Frank Miazga

Frank Frederick Miazga

Peacefully with his wife and three daughters by his side, Frank Frederick Miazga passed away at the age of 82 years.

Frank was the 10th of 13 children, born on the family farm in a one room house in rural Gronlid, Saskatchewan on October 6, 1928.

Educated at the small Gronlid school, Frank loved learning. His life- long passion for knowledge was first fostered in these humble surroundings. He later attended the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. Frank completed his education with a diploma in Physical Education, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Law, PhD in Educational Physiology (Hons) as well as several professional certificates. Frank love to pass on his knowledge and excelled as a high school science teacher. He taught at several small rural schools in Saskatchewan before moving to Kamsack to teach a new chemistry course in grades XI and XII. Upon moving to Portage he took a job at Arthur Meighen High where he taught grade XI & XII Physics and Math. Ill health forced him to retire in 1978. Many of his former students have often told stories about how strict but fair Frank was as a teacher.

Frank is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Mary Elizabeth (Mary-Liz), daughters Elizabeth, Jane (Christopher) and Susan (Owen), his grandchildren, Keira and Teryn Penner, Ntalia and Russell Odnokon, Kyla and Emily Miazga; his sisters Mary Grosh, Kay Plohr; brothers Steve (Lena) and Nick. He is also survived by sisters in law Elsie (Ted) Slusarchuk, Millie, Mary and Rose, as well as brother in law Dave Hargrave, numerous nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his parents Johanna and Joseph, parents in law Wilbert and Annie Corden; siblings: an infant sister, Peter, Mike, Rose Zalusky, Anne Wolkowski, Jake, John and Helen Mateyko. Brothers in law John Wolkowski, Bill Plohr, John Mateyko, Eli Zalusky and Alex Grosh. Sisters in law Irene Miazga and Marjorie Hargrave.

After their marriage in August of 1969, Frank & Mary-Liz moved to Portage la Prairie. They bought a house in Koko Platz and Frank has continued to have various renovation projects on the go for over 40 years!

Frank served several years on the Portage Handi-Van board. When he became board Treasurer they were in financial difficulty, but under his watch they turned it around and were able to buy a new van. Frank was also a long time board member of the Portage Co-op. He really enjoyed being involved with helping others and trying to make a difference in whatever role he was fulfilling. Beginning in 1995 Frank served as a community magistrate for nine years. A job he thoroughly enjoyed and a chance to finally put into practice his law degree, which had been collecting dust for many years! Dad had a great respect for the law as well as for the RCMP and was honoured to be a part of that community. In later years he kept himself busy with renovations and fix-it jobs at his rental properties in Winnipeg.

Frank was extremely excited to become a grandfather and loved to spoil all 6 of his grandchildren. His first five grandchildren are all girls... he had given up hope of ever having another male around until his sixth grandchild was born, finally a boy! Grandpa loved all of them so much.

Frank, Dad, Grandpa your family all love you and will think about you with a smile in our hearts. You are greatly missed.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, January 10, 2011 at 10:30 am at Trinity United Church, Rev. Beth Kerr officiating.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, friends may make a donation to the Trinity United Church Memorial Fund, 15 Tupper Street S., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1W7, Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524 Fifth St.SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3A8 or to a charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com