Emil Anthony Plonka passed away on August 15, 2014 at the Radville Marian Health Centre at the age of 81 years. He was born on section 24-11-14 near Cedoux, to Karol and Anna Plonka on January 3, 1933. Emil or "Uncle Emil" to most of us here (related or not) was raised on a farm two miles east of Cedoux with seven siblings. He attended grade school at Cedoux and later took over the farm from his parents when they moved to Weyburn in 1958. There he raised livestock for several years and farmed the land until 1996. Early in his life Emil farmed, trapped and cut ice with his brothers. He would also build bridges for the RM and later would get his chauffeur's license to drive truck for Johnny Mus Moving Company. His final winter job in the early 90's was working for his friend Emil Ogieglo at the McLeods Hardware Store assembling stock. Uncle Emil was a jack-of-all-trades handyman and grew up in an era of wasting nothing and believing in the idea that it could always be built better and stronger than bought new. Emil enjoyed helping everyone he knew and routinely would stop in to assist friends and family on their projects, all the while leaving his behind. We all remember working alongside him and hearing his famous sayings, like "gee whiz" or starting a sentence with "like I say." When things went wrong he could be heard uttering the occasional swear word in Polish. Uncle Emil left behind a lot of memories with all of us, whether it was fixing a piece of equipment, cutting meat, learning to farm alongside him or maybe just visiting with him over a cup of coffee. Most Monday mornings would see Uncle Emil arrive in his green (his favourite color) pick-up truck, have coffee then bring in his toolbox and fix anything in the house that required fixing. We would watch over his shoulder and ask a hundred questions and he would patiently answer each and every one. His handy work was admired by everyone because he could build or fix anything. He was emulated by young people in the family who wanted nothing more than to grow up to be like "Uncle Emil." He was a kind and gentle man who had a generous nature and the ability to connect with people of all ages. His memory will be respected and cherished forever. The world would be a far better place if we had more men like Uncle Emil. Emil was predeceased by his parents, Karol and Anna Plonka; sisters, Stella Kopec, Anatazia Orlicka, Janice Plonka; and brothers, Cles Plonka, John Plonka. Emil is survived by a brother, Matt (Betty) Plonka and a sister, Rose (Leo) Kopec as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Prayers were said on Wednesday, August 20 at 7:00 pm at Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, and a Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, August 21 at 10:30 am from St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, Weyburn with Father Gerry Bauche celebrating both. Interment took place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. Pallbearers were Nathan Vogel, John Vogel, Jory Ashworth, Jim Kopec, Dan Kopec and Barry Kopec. Donations in memory of Emil may be made to the Radville & District Health Centre at Box 310 Radville, Saskatchewan S0C 2G0.Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, 306-842-5432
