VIDAK, Thomas "Tom"
March 30, 1935 - January 17, 2013
The sudden and unexpected death of Mr. Thomas "Tom" Vidak of St. Gregor, SK, occurred at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, SK, on Thursday, January 17, 2013. He was 77 years of age. Tom was born on March 30, 1935, to Joseph and Anna (nee Pastovich) Vidak at home on their farm in the St. Gregor district. He grew up there and attended Mintern Rural School, where he completed his grade eight. Tom then enrolled in electrical and welding courses in Saskatoon. He was employed as a welder at Schulte's in Englefeld for ten years. Tom was also mechanically inclined and loved using those skills as well as doing electrical and plumbing work to be able to offer help to others at every opportunity. As a true "people person", that also provided him the chance to socialize, which he totally enjoyed. The farming lifestyle was a real passion for Tom. He loved clearing the land whether it was with his Cat or any other machinery that would do the job. On August 13, 1960, Tom married Ruth Schoenhofen in Englefeld. Their union was blessed with three children, one daughter and two sons. Music was a very big part of the Vidak family. Tom and Ruth both played accordion in the Vidak Orchestra for over 35 years, entertaining at weddings, anniversaries, dances, and many other events. Tom loved entertaining and was always the life of the party; he lit up the room when he walked in. Tom was also known as the coolest Grandpa ever by his grandchildren. He was also known for his kindness and generosity and was an avid supporter of Kinsmen Telemiracle, donating and assisting with fundraising for over 15 years as well as various other fundraisers. Tom was also a member of the Humboldt Vintage Club. His grandchildren were very important, and to them he was known as the coolest grandpa ever. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. "Tom died as he lived, everyone's friend. May the memory of him be a happy one of smiles, laughter and fun. Treasure him, God, in your garden of rest, for in our world he was one of the best." Tom will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife, Ruth (nee Schoenhofen) Vidak of Humboldt, SK; their three children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild: Vyenda (Rod) McLean of Watson and family, Christine and Kimberly of Saskatoon and Bradley of Watson; Ken (Lori) Vidak of Englefeld and family, Sarah (Ted) Sand and daughter Gracie of Grandora, Megan Vidak of Saskatoon, and Justin Vidak of Englefeld; and Norm (Tara) Vidak of Englefeld and family, Paige of Saskatoon, and Brett and Kylan of Englefeld; and by one brother, Martin Vidak of St. Gregor. He was predeceased by his mother, Anna (nee Pastovich) Vidak (1984); father, Joseph Vidak (1990); and by two sisters and three brothers: Madeline Chule (1984), Joe (1993), Mary Wilger (1998), Mark (2011), and John (in infancy). The Prayer Service for Tom was held at St. Gregory R.C. Church, St. Gregor, on Sunday, January 20, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., led by Glenn Taphorn and Della Thiemann. The organist was Suzanne Taphorn. Scripture readers were: Kim McLean and Sarah Sand and the eulogy was delivered by Carol Sommer and Gail Michel. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Gregory R.C. Church on Monday, January 21, 2013, at 10:30 a.m., concelebrated by Fr. Darryl Millette, Fr. Rudolph Novecosky, OSB, and Fr. Daniel Muyres, OSB. Others taking part were: Marissa Michel, crossbearer; Paige Vidak and Christine McLean, scripture readers; Megan Vidak and Laura Sommer, intentions; Bradley McLean and Kylan Vidak, giftbearers; Justin Vidak and Brett Vidak, memorial table attendants; and Doug Schmidt, organist. Honorary pallbearers were Alvin Olynick, Edward Nordick, Ed Trimmel, Zvonko Hren, Dave Zimmerman, Robert Altermatt, Don Sawchuk, John Seier, Ronnie Timmerman, Calvin Michel and Arnie Sommer. Active pallbearers were Johnny Michel, Evan Michel, Matthew Sommer, Cole Sommer, Terry Zimmerman, and Michael Hleck. Interment followed at St. Gregory R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to either the Heart and Stroke Foundation, St. Gregory R.C. Cemetery Fund or Kinsmen Telemiracle. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
