Roman Babiak

BABIAK, Roman February 21, 1939 in Volin area of Peace Country – January 19, 2016 Edmonton, AB On January 19, 2016 my beloved very best friend found peace in death. Myself, our two sons, and their wives were blessed to be at Roman’s nursing home bedside to be witness to the peace that settled onto his face and body as he was released from his earthly chains of physical pain and the anxiety and confusion caused by dementia. Due to advanced medicine Roman survived his initial “non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma” diagnosis of 1995. He has faced several challenges these past 21 years. Roman had the opportunity to live long enough to enjoy his three grandsons of 16, 14, and 3 years. To quote a friend, “He is a warrior “. Roman is survived by myself [Ruth], our two sons Rob (Julie) and Ed (Amanda); three grandsons Nicholas, Cameron, and Zane; sister Anna (Cliff); nieces and cousins. Roman is predeceased by his father Nick, mother Nellie, and brother Michael. Roman and I met in Peace River, where I was working as a nurse, in 1967 on a blind date (thanks to Louise). We married in 1968 and called Peace River home for 44 years. Roman is the best thing that has happened in my life followed by the birth of our two sons, the addition of two daughter-in-law, and finally three grandsons. After being introduced to skiing by his sons during their junior high school years, Roman became an avid supporter and participant of the Peace River Ski Club, and the Canadian Ski Patrol. Roman was active in Scouts Canada for many years as Scout Leader, Venturer Adviser and Leader Training Instructor. Roman and I spent many enjoyable summers RVing the many campgrounds of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. Our retirement dream of travelling across Canada was taken away from us as Roman’s medical problems increased. Roman worked for Alberta Transportation until his health challenges forced him into early retirement. All our family will agree with me that a lively discussion could be had regarding politics and world history. His interests over the years included private pilot, photography, gardening, woodworking, camping, computers, and teaching the boys and I skills that allow us to maintain our houses and cars. I am certainly grateful for his patience over the years as I learned to how to use carpentry tools etc in a safe manner thus keeping all my fingers intact. Early on he made sure that I understood the necessity to make a budget and how to reconcile a bank statement. On reflection it is as if Roman had a deep feeling that he would have to leave us sooner than we wished and he wanted to make sure that I could go on in my senior years without him at my side since we had always been a team. Roman was not a hugger, or voiced his love, but he did love us with all his soul. It was his unfailing support and actions for his boys as they grew into fine young men, husbands, and fathers that said it all. Even as dementia was robbing him of emotions, and ability to speak, he absolutely adored his grandsons as his eyes lit up whenever they visited. Christmas Day (2015) was bittersweet as we brought in a small taste of homemade turkey (dark meat of course), stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Following that the sons, and older grandsons, built a 3D dinosaur (foam puzzle like pieces) for Zane at the dining table. During this past, very difficult week, I spent long nights at Roman’s bedside assuring him repeatedly that our kids will lovingly watch over me as I adjust to living on my own. Roman will be missed by all but it was time for him to be free to take his last solo flight. Till we meet again my love ….. Ruth ---------- The family will be holding an informal open house on Saturday February 6th from 2 pm to 5 pm at Greenfield Community Church 3712-114 Street NW Edmonton, AB T6J 1M1 Donations in memory of Roman may be made directly to any of the following charities - Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta and NWT – http://www.heartandstroke.ab.ca/ - Cross Cancer Institute - http://albertacancer.ca/cross-cancer-institute - Alzheimer Society of Alberta & NWT - http://www.alzheimer.ca/ab The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Touchmark at Wedgewood Long Term Care, especially those on Willow Wing. Your care and respect shown to Roman as he struggled his last few months is deeply appreciated.

Roman Babiak

February 22, 1939 - January 19, 2016