Anthony KOMENDA

KOMENDA, Anthony (Tony), 2008-08-20 The Komenda family sadly announces the passing of their father Anthony (Tony) Komenda on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at the age of 91 years. Tony is survived by his sons Brian, Don (Lynda), Ken (Suzanne), Rob (Myra), Allan (Lily) and Clinton (Laurie) as well his grandchildren Amy (Trevor) and Adam. Dad was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Mary, in October of 2006. He was the last surviving member of his family, having been predeceased by his father Joseph and mother Barbara as well as his brothers John and Louis and sisters Francis Cheredaryk, Mary Golecki, Ann Hacio and Rose Andrychuk and numerous nieces and nephews. Tony was born June 7, 1917 in Fort William, Ontario. He grew up on McLaughlin Street in the East End and married, Mary Hrymnak, on November 8, 1941. He played many sports growing up, particularly hockey, but it was his early interest in radio technology that would be his lifelong passion. While still in his early teens, Tony completed a correspondence course in radio technology, which led him to more advanced radio training while a member of the RCAF before going overseas to Britain during WWII. On his return from service Tony rejoined Chapples Department store in the radio department after which he set off on his own to start up Tel-Ra-Sound installing and servicing audio/visual systems to numerous hospitals, schools and other institutions throughout northern Ontario. It was through his company he got involved in many community events including the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition Grandstand Show, the Sportsman Show and the Chapples Santa Claus Show, including the Christmas music played on Victoria Avenue prior to the Victoriaville Mall construction. He was a previous member of many clubs and was proud of his association with the Slovak Legion having been a past Vice-President. To him family came first and when asked about his life he said, "I loved my wife, I loved my children and I loved my work, what more could a man ask for?" Visitation for Tony will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 in the Blake Funeral Chapel 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Casmir’s Church, celebrated by Father Mark Malik and Father Francis Blazek. Internment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Quality or to a charity of your choice. A tree will be planted in memory of Anthony Komenda in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 28, 2009.