Opaski, Bruce

Mr. Bruce 'Gooner' Opaski, age 51 years, resident of Athabasca Street, passed away unexpectedly in the Toronto General Hospital due to complications from surgery, on Tuesday, November 23, 2004.Born in Port Arthur in 1953, Bruce grew up in Fort William and attended Northwood High School. After graduating, he apprenticed with The Canadian Pacific Railway as a Carmen and Welder after which he worked there for the last 32 years. Bruce truly enjoyed his job and loved going to work every day. He considered his co-workers as his second family and was in turn, very well liked and respected by everyone there. In his spare time, Bruce enjoyed traveling, playing golf, and took pride in his home, constantly doing projects and tinkering in his back yard with his brother Peter. Every year he looked forward to his annual fishing trips with his friends. Bruce loved life and people, always talking to everyone and making new friends wherever he went.Bruce will be lovingly remembered by his common-law wife Krystyna; children: Randy and Joey (Eryn); step-daughters: Lisa and Tricia; his special granddaughter Raylene; brothers: Peter and Michael; sister Leona (Rod) Oliver of BC; nieces and nephews: Tyler, Ashley, Jamie, Sara, Crystal, Gary, Scott Banton and Sharon Banton. He will also be sadly missed by 'Sandman' his dog and companion for over 15 years. Numerous other relatives also survive as well as his former wife Colleen. He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Sara Opaske.Cremation has taken place and Funeral Services for the late Bruce Opaski will be held on Saturday, November 27th at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street, presided by Rev. Dan Lapolla of St. Dominic's Roman Catholic Church. Interment of the Ashes will take place at a later date. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to time of Service. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Bruce's memory to the Hospital for Sick Children Foundation, or to the Canadian Liver Foundation-Thunder Bay Chapter.