Bronie Antonishyn

ANTONISHYN - On October 6, 2019 Bronie Antonishyn of Ituna, beloved husband of Zita started a new journey with the Lord in Heaven at the age of 89. Bronie Steve Antonishyn was born July 5, 1930 at the family farm in the Tullymet district; the fourth child born to Steve and Mary (Wingerak) Antonishyn. He attended the File Hills country school until the age of 16 and then found employment on Ontario farms where he learned to harvest tobacco. Two years later he returned to the family farm, and in 1952 planted his first crop of wheat. In 1953 he married his next door neighbor, Zita Schmidt and together they started years of farming, trucking and raising a family. He was a good steward of the land and was already for the next season. In spite of all his hard work, he always made time for a two week break for a family vacation. He also enjoyed his trucking business as it gave him the opportunity to see new country and meet new people. He was well known in the auction circle. He was proud of his community, especially his hometown Ituna where he invited many to come and visit. Bronie was always ready to help a neighbor and his community in any way he could. Bronie served as trustee and secretary for the File Hills School Division and councillor for the RM of Tullymet for 8 years. He was on the first board of directors for the Credit Union. He was the second Vice President on the first board at the Ituna Pioneer Lodge. Bronie was a loyal charter member of the Knights of Columbus, also served as Grand Knight for two years and becoming a life member. In 1989 he retired and moved to Ituna where he enjoyed new neighbors and especially coffee row. In 2014 the Ituna Pioneer Lodge became his new home where professional and kind staff attended to his needs. Here he enjoyed new company and especially entertainment time. Bronie leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 65 years, Zita; son Steven (Lori); daughter Anna Marie (Lyle) Bohay; grandchildren Ryan (Bailey), Amanda, Samantha, Daylen and Kylee; great granddaughter Murphy; sister Helen (Ian); sisters-in-law, Olga and Lillian and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; sister Rose; brothers Joe & Walter; brothers-in-law Matt & Bob; sister-in-law Rose and nephew Rick. The Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church in Ituna with Rev. Fr. Albert Schmitz as the Celebrant. The Holy Rosary led by Knights of Columbus preceded. The organist, Paulette van der Helm led members of the choir in the singing of the hymns. The cross bearer was JoAnne Antonishyn and the readers were Amanda Antonishyn and Ryan Antonishyn. Prayers of the Faithful were led by Samantha Bohay and the Gift Bearers were Daylen Bohay and Kylee Bohay. Knights of Columbus members served in an Honour Guard. A tribute was given by the grandchildren. The interment took place in the R.C. Cemetery. Memorials in honour of Bronie may be made to Operation Smile, Canada as gifts of remembrance. Condolences to the family can be posted at www.baileysfuneralhome.com