Obit - THEODORE (TED) ROBERT BOLLENBACH
THEODORE (TED) ROBERT BOLLENBACH It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Theodore (Ted) Robert Bollenbach on Saturday, June 6th, 2009 at the age of 60 after a short but very courageous battle with cancer. We are thankful to Ted for maintaining his wonderful sense of humour throughout this very difficult time. At the time of his death Ted was at home surrounded by his wife, sisters-in-law and his beloved pets Rufus, Cashew, Tango, Kumba and Toby. Outside his window the air was alive with beautiful Orioles, Goldfinches, Hummingbirds, and Rose Breasted Grosbeaks that had provided him with so much enjoyment. Left to mourn his passing are his beloved wife Nancy, his sister Susan Law (George), his sisters-in-law Cheryl Alexander (Fred), Judy Gierys (Terry), Cindy Nickart (Merv), his brother-in-law John Smiley (Nancy), stepmother-in-law Helen Smiley, his nephews Robert, Steven, Terren, Ryan, Jake, Trevor and Michael, his nieces Caitlin, Breanne, and Tayler and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Ted was predeceased by his parents, Ted and Mary Bollenbach and by his in-laws, Jake and Anita Smiley, and his niece Ashley Nickart. Ted was born in Stonewall, Manitoba on February 27th, 1949 and started school in a remote area just north of Stonewall where in Grade 1 his school bus was a horse and wagon. Ted later moved with his family into Winnipeg where he graduated from Elmwood High School. Ted went on to teach with the Winnipeg School Division for 34 years starting as a band teacher at Andrew Mynarski School and then as an elementary teacher at Ashland School, John M. King School, Principal Sparling School and retiring from Prairie Rose School. In his early years Ted was an accomplished trumpet player and played at many weddings and social events. During his teaching career Ted would often play Taps at his school Remembrance Day services. Ted met Nancy while working at Principal Sparling School and they were married on August 6th, 1988. Together they took a 16 acre treed parcel of land in East Selkirk and carved out a beautiful yard and home surrounded by the wildlife and the birds, which they loved to watch. Ted was a master craftsman who took great pleasure in the finishing of their home, building beautiful oak cupboards for their kitchen, patio decks, garden boxes, summer kitchen and two greenhouses for Nancy. Ted was also a well known and respected Canadian Knifemaker who crafted many beautiful collectors and hunting knifes. In his retirement Ted took up painting and enjoyed many hours with his friends Teresa, Kathy and Clive oil painting and he was just starting to adventure into watercolours. The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kinsley, Dr. Wong, Dr. Demsas and to the incredible Palliative Home Care staff of Kris, Arlene, Susan, Elaine and Nona. A special thank you to Deborah Vitt and Chris at Selkirk United Church. Further thanks to all of our families and friends for the love and compassion you have shared with us during this very difficult time. A special thanks to Ted's very good friends Erl, Laird, Teresa and Kathy who called and visited often. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held for Ted on Thursday, June 11th at 7:00 p.m. at Selkirk United Church (202 McLean Avenue, Selkirk, MB.) with Rev. Deborah Vitt presiding. Interment will follow at a later date