Adolph Wolkowski

  Wolkowski, Adolph Joseph – March 5, 1934 – April 4, 2017, aged 83 years, entered eternal rest at the Wascana Grace Hospice, Regina, with his loving family at his side.

  “Don’t cry. Please don’t cry. I have lived for 83 years. I’ve had a good life.” We heard these words repeatedly from Dad in the last week.

   A good life indeed. Adolph was born to Vincent and Helen Wolkowski. A little brother to Jean and Elsie and big brother to Florence, Delores and Charles. Strong and stubborn, it is not a surprise that he was delivered by a midwife on the same farm originally homesteaded by his grandparents, Lawrence and Frances, in 1908. He vividly remembered, how at age 9 he assisted his father in building a new house where Dad would go on to live his entire life. This became the perfect foundation for a legacy where he would marry, raise children and enjoy his hobbies.

   After dating for 3 years, Dad married our Mom, Victoria Homich, in Canora on October 29, 1955. They spent their first winter living with Dad’s parents in Canora before permanently moving to the Wolkowski farm in Dobrowody. Dad attended technical school in Moose Jaw and received his diploma in welding. For the next 21 years Dad was employed as a heavy equipment operator in the R.M’s of Invermay & Buchanan. Then for 7 years he operated a buggy for road construction. In 1983, Dad and our brother Randy bought a caterpillar and started their own contracting business. Dad returned to working on large equipment until he retired. That lasted a few years until our cousin Randy Nieckar bought a caterpillar and Dad somehow weaseled his way back into the operator seat where he dictated Randy’s 5 am start to the day. Working on heavy equipment wasn’t a job to Dad - it was a passion.

   And passion he had, as he and Mom would go on to have 8 children. Rosa, who died at birth, Greg, Randy, Gordon, Cynthia, Olivia, Linda and Delila. It must have been quite a sight when they would arrive at St. Peter and Paul’s church in Dobrowody - gaggle in tow. Dad & Mom shared 62 years of marriage, 8 children, 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

   Predeceased by his parents, younger brother Charles, infant daughter Rosa and granddaughter Courtney, Dad leaves behind his loving wife, children, daughter-in-laws and son-in laws Venetia, Anya, Laura, Tim, Dale, Darcy and John. As well, grandchildren Alicia (Nathan), Arlen (Kristin), Jared, Jolene (Jeremey), Katherine, Desirae, Cole (Ines), Brian, Lauren, Jordan, Tatyana and Daniel and special adopted Mexican grand children Ana-So, Ricardo and Paloma. Great-grandchildren who spit out his name as “G-G Pa” are Ava, Emily, Isla, Abel, Odin, Caleb, Harper and Harlow.  

   Dad loved to fish. You were always welcome to join as long as you sat still, didn’t rock the boat and kept quiet. On numerous occasions, his grandchildren would inform him that fish have no ears. Only to hear the response “Shhhh - be quiet. You’re scaring the fish away.” Any slight movement in the boat would illicit a quick fear induced reaction from Dad. One would think that he was protecting all of his precious fishing gear. Not so. Dad was actually terrified of water. Despite his parents owning a cabin at Good Spirit Lake, Dad had never learnt how to swim. He tried to learn once, said he sunk like a rock and decided that was enough of swimming. Yet, every time that he got into the boat he chose to use his life jacket as a cushion rather than a safety device.

   Commenting, “The law says you don’t have to wear it - you just have to have it in the boat.” Dad loved to spend quiet time in his shop as an avid woodworker, puzzle builder, accordion player, mechanic, feline lover and baseball fan. He loved to pick and dry hazel nuts and mushrooms that he would pack away like a squirrel for the the winter and lovingly gift to all of us. Dad enjoyed hunting, playing murder, kaiser, shuffleboard and pool, calling bingo, listening to old-time music, visiting friends and neighbors, the regular Wednesday trip to town for coffee at the C-store and dancing with Mom. He was an active member of the R.C. church, Rama Golden Jets and PALS - helping out in any way possible. He could be found anywhere with his tool belt and hammer of preference in hand ready to help out. Inadvertently he became the community go to guy if someone needed mechanical repairs, welding or an engine overhauled.

   Dad never minced words and always spoke his mind. Dad was never, until the past couple of weeks, a mushy lovey-dovey character. We would always get a returned hug and kiss, but as a reply to “I love you Dad” we could get a “..yauhhh me too” or “ummph”. For some reason, that sentence was almost impossible for him to say. As children, we never heard “I am proud of you” or “great job”.

   Maybe he thought that words were cheap. So instead his actions always displayed his love and pride. From fixing things in everyone’s homes and vehicles, handcrafting exquisite furniture, driving kids to hockey and helping out trying to make our lives easier in any and every area. Okay - maybe not housework but he would jump in with a grunt and a straight face.

   Up until a few weeks ago, he could still be found putting long hours on the cat, covered in grease fixing “that lemon” as he referred to it. A month ago he and Mom made an impromptu drive to Red Deer, Alberta for a quick visit with family. Dad reflected on how quickly things can change. From hard work and independence to preparing to die in just 2 short weeks. This week, we his children surrounded him in his hospice room while he explained to Mom “Vicky, we had a good life. We have been married for 62 years. We’ve had our problems and disagreements, but then who hasn’t. We've had a good life.” This quiet reserved man melted into a reflective open book. He constantly wanted family and friends there reminiscing, touching, snuggling and comforting him in one way or another. He openly and passionately shared hugs and kisses and repeatedly told us he loved us, was proud of us and apologized for anything he may have ever done to hurt us. Up to his last hours, he displayed an unending humor, strength and spirit. He was calm and very ready to go home. He wasn't fearful of death. His only expressed worry to us was “Look after Mom and all of you will be okay.”
   Dad, may you be reuniting with lost loved-ones, enjoying fishing, hunting, playing cards, building something with your ever-so talented hands or just snuggling with your cats in a shop enjoying some quiet alone time. Maybe you are planting cabbage or some prize garlic? Definitely not any of those “waste of time” flowers. Rest peacefully Dad.

   Mass of Christian Burial was held April 8, 2017 from St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church – Rama, Sk., with Father Marcin Mironiuk O.M.I. officiating. Interment followed at the parish cemetery. Those who so desire, may make memorial donations to Regina Wascana Grace Hospice, 50 Angus Road, Regina, SK., S4R 8P6 in memory of Adolph. To leave a note of condolence for the family, visit Wolkowski.ca