Obituary of Frank Gudz

GUDZ: Frank Andrew Gudz passed away suddenly on Saturday, November 27, 2021 in Brandon, Manitoba at the Valleyview Personal Care Home.

Frank Andrew Gudz was born April 16, 1937 in Brandon, Manitoba to Andrew and Lillian Gudz, where he lived for his 84 years. 

Frank was the youngest of three kids, his brother Herb and sister Mary. Losing his dad at the young age of 16 was a defining moment in Frank’s life, which he really only spoke of more as he aged. 

Frank was a family man and loved his wife Connie, four children (and spouses), and nine grandchildren dearly. He showed them his passion for life and sport in everything he did. He was a sun and sports lover. An adventurous and spontaneous guy who loved people.  He was never afraid of taking on a challenge or trying new things. His bright blue eyes and smile lit up the room, along with his silly jokes that he loved to tell over and over again. He was helpful to many, both his family members and many others. He loved the challenge of figuring things out.

He was a dedicated golfer and curler, a fierce competitor in both, winning championships at the Provincial and National level, plus numerous trophies and awards at the local level. He and Connie enjoyed staying in touch and travelling with many lifelong friends. His other hobbies included fishing, travelling, cars, biking, floor hockey, exercising and staying fit. He was always on the go and never really wanted to stay home- it was very rare to see him idle unless there was curling, golf or a hockey game on television. He loved playing with his grandchildren and spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed Clear Lake where he built the family cottage. This held a very special place in his heart. He loved boating, fishing and golfing and chopping down trees for firewood. Frank was always a handyman, renovating or fixing residential properties to rent.  He had a passion for buying and selling cars, the art of the deal and his happy go lucky personality made him a very successful as a salesman.

Frank is predeceased by his wife of 49 years Connie Gudz (née Gilarski), father Andrew Gudz, mother Lillian Gudz, brother Herbie Gudz, father-in-law Gus Gilarski, and mother-in-law Joey Gilarski.

He is survived by his sister Mary (Bernie) Gilarski; children: Rick (Wendy) Gudz, Wendy (Earl) McComb, Todd (Kerri Lynn) Gudz, Jill Boychuk; his grandchildren: Chelsey (Josh) Gaiser and Keaton Gudz; Carson and Bryce McComb; Jackson, Karlyn and Mitchell Gudz; Brooklyn and Blake Boychuk, and many nephews, nieces and friends around the world.

The family would like to thank the staff of Valleyview for looking after Frank with dignity and care. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

A private service was held for the family on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at St. Augustine’s Church. A lunch for extended family and friends to celebrate Frank’s life followed at The Backyard on Aberdeen, 1624-13^th Street in Brandon.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Frank may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1379 Kenaston Blvd., Winnipeg, MB, R3P 2T5.