Andrew Kolodka

It is with shocking realization, we announce the passing of our dear son, brother and uncle, Andrew Michael Patrick Kolodka. Andrew passed away at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, at 11:00 A.M. on Sunday November 26, 2023. After a three-week period of compassionate, intense involvement by the dedicated medical staff at HSC, Andrew could no longer hold onto his physical existence. Andrew left us, aged 67 years old. Andrew (Andy) was born in Winnipeg at Saint Boniface Hospital on June 15, 1956. At the time of his birth, he was number seven in a brood that was to reach twelve children. Andrew attended Springfield Heights Elementary School, Chief Peguis Junior High School and finished his formal education at River East Collegiate High School. Andy was a gangly, athletic fellow. He excelled most at baseball (as a pitcher), golf and 5-pin bowling. His junior baseball opportunities dried up when he was committed to working summers on his Uncle Bernie's "Rocking G Ranch". Andrew routinely broke 80 on most golf courses. Andrew was a champion 5-pin bowler, winning numerous awards, including National Championships and City High Average (Winnipeg). Andrew later followed up on his love of 5-pin bowling, by coaching multiple Youth Bowling Council teams to National Championships. Andrew had a 15-year career with Revenue Canada, which culminated with him working as a PM-5 in Ottawa. In 1996 Andrew took a one-year LOA from Revenue Canada and moved back to Winnipeg, where he lived in his childhood home with his mother, up until the time of his death. Andrew kept his mother Jean company and helped in her care. Andrew is undoubtedly responsible for our mom being able to stay in her own home, up to now, at age 96. Andrew was also deeply involved in the aftercare of his brother Anthony (Tony), following Tony's tragic accident in 1979. We are thankful, as Andrew's involvement with Tony is the main reason Tony is still with us today. Andrew was a dedicated blood donor; he was honored by the Red Cross for having donated blood more than 200 times. Andrew had a deeply analytical mind. He was advanced in his statistical musings, while posturing a robust opinion towards government waste and taxes. Andrew enjoyed composting and gardening. He was always ready to show off and individually name all of the flowers growing in the yard. Andrew's departure from the family's combined shared energy is palpable. He is survived by his immediate family: mother Jean; sisters Ruth, Jenny, Judy, and Felicia; brothers Ken (Alex), Peter (Gisèle), Tony, Stephen (Michelle), and Marty (Andrea). Andrew is predeceased by his father Joseph, brother Thomas (Ramona), sister Frances (James), and brother-in-law John (Ruth). Andrew will also be missed by many nieces and nephews, plus grand nieces and nephews. There will be a private family celebration of life, after cremation. If any memorial in Andrew's name might be considered, please direct charitable donations to the Health Sciences Centre.