Clarence Olinyk, 96

Peacefully at the Rainy River Hospital on Thursday, May 14, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer, Clarence Olinyk of Rainy River, Ont passed away at the age of 96 with his family by his side.
Clarence was born and raised in Rainy River, Ont on September 14, 1912 to the late John and Effie Olinyk. He was united in marriage to Bernice Rattigan on October 10, 1949. They lived in Rainy River raising their five children.
Clarence served his country, his community and his church throughout his entire life. He served in the RCAF during the war, a member of the Rainy River Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 54, past mayor and council member for the Town of Rainy River, past member of the Municipal Advisory Committee and a executive member of the Northern Ontario Municipal Association, life member of Knights of Columbus and Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, past trustee member of the Northwest Catholic District School Board, and Rainy Crest board of management. Clarence was also a custom officer for Canada Customs for nearly 30 years.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Bernice of almost sixty years, children Cheryl Fraser of Winnipeg, MB, Dennis Olinyk of Rainy River, Ont, Teresa (Dr. Bob) Manness of Morris, MB, Mary (Tom) Homer of Winnipeg, MB, and Bill (Mary Anne) Olinyk of Kenora, Ont.
He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Dr. Ryan Fraser, Dr. Holly Fraser, Phaedra and Cassandra Olinyk, Nicole, Bobbie, and Jeffrey Homer, great grandchildren Anna-Michele, Calvin, Joel and Janine Halverson. Dear brother of Mary Marmus, Blanche Bernier, and also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Clarence was predeceased by his parents John and Effie, brothers Adam Olinyk, Charles O’Laney, Stanley O’Laney and Michael Olinyk.
Family and friends were received at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Rainy River, Ont on Tuesday May 19, 2009 from 7:30 – 9 p.m. where funeral mass was held on Wednesday May 20, 2009 at 11 a.m. with Fr. Alan Albao Celebrant assisted by Fr. James Panikulam and Deacon George Chojko -Bolec.
Interment took place in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Rainy River, Ont.
Pall Bearers were Dennis Olinyk, Bill Olinyk, Bob Manness, Tom Homer, Ryan Fraser, and Bob Homer.
Honourary Pall Bearers were Lawrence Miniely, Bud Hannam, Bill Marmus, Don Bernier, Art Solomonian, and Jack Rattigan. The Rainy River Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 54 and the Knights of Columbus provided an honour guard.
If desired memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel Building Fund or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com