Obituary of Francis Bobik

Francis Bobik was born on February 13, 1943 in Daysland, Alberta. He was the oldest of five children born to Mike and Josephine Bobik, and their only son. Francis grew up on the farm, working in the fields and with cattle, while looking out for his younger sisters and visiting with his cousins. He went to Quarrel School from grades one to six, Daysland School from grades seven to nine and then decided it was time to earn some money. Francis began working at the Daysland elevator, earning $1/hour shoveling grain. From there, he spent seventeen years honing his butchering skills at the Daysland Meat Market, while also moonlighting as a bartender in the evenings at the Daysland Hotel. This is where he first met the love of his life, Anne Gerun (nee Hyshka), who also happened to be his boss. When she was operating the Leland Hotel in Ponoka, she phoned Francis in 1975 to come and work for her, and in 1976, they were married. Francis and Anne, along with their son Billy, moved to the family farm in Daysland in 1977. Their daughters, Frances, Marianne and Leona, were born soon after. Francis was a quiet soul with a gentle spirit. He was a real people person, and had many close family members and friends who really loved him, and whom he really loved as well. He thrived on the farm, and enjoyed working by his animals and seeing the grain grow in the fields. He could be seen daily driving in his blue chevy to check the crops and make sure the cows were in the pasture. Often times, he'd stop at a neighbors place for a quick hello, and thoroughly enjoyed when friends did the same; between Francis and Anne, company never left their home hungry or thirsty. As active members in the Polska Church Community, Francis and Anne helped to establish Polska into the vibrant faith community it was. Both worked tirelessly at the country church and hall and assisted with events that occurred over the years. Francis was also active on the cemetery society, assisting family members who laid their loved ones to rest at Polska. Francis had a mischievous sense of humor and was known for a good prank. He was always laughing and shared his love of music by playing in a group with two of his friends. He had a loving heart, was generous with his time and had a home that was open to all. Francis passed away peacefully on January 11, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family. He will be lovingly remembered by his four children, Bill (Roxanne) Gerun, Frances (Jason) Bobik-Cordel, Marianne Bobik and Leona Bobik; three grandchildren, Devin, Courtney and Frances Carlene; three sisters, Esther (Ken) Malick, Janice (Bill) Dayton, Cecilia (Richard) Gabruck; two brothers-in-law, Dale Selin and Bob Sakowsky; one sister-in-law, Jenny Lebaduk; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Francis was predeceased by his wife Anne; his parents Mike and Josephine; sister Gloria Selin; 4 brothers-in-law; three sisters-in-law; and other relatives and friends. A prayer vigil was held on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 7:00pm., from Our Lady of The Prairies Roman Catholic Church Daysland. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 10:30 am., from Our Lady of The Prairies Roman Catholic Church in Daysland with Rev. Leon Kler as celebrant. Interment followed in the Glenwood Memorial Gardens (Sherwood Park). If friends so desire memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to The Daysland Hospital Foundation, The U of A Hospital Foundation or to a charity of your choice. A special thank you for the compassion and care shown to Francis by the palliative and home care teams from Sedgewick and Camrose; and by the doctors, nurses and medical staff in Daysland and at the U of A Hospital.