Victor Frederik Pidhirny

Victor Frederik Pidhirny

Following a day at the game he loved best, Vic passed away on June 17th at the age of 82 years.

Vic was predeceased by both parents, his brother Joe, two grandchildren Stephanie and Geoffrey Sharp. He leaves to treasure his memory his daughter Robin (Faron) Sharp of Portage, Michele Kane of Winnipeg, grandchildren Victor (Joanne) Sharp of Portage, Sarah Jones of Toronto, Marlo (Cam) Oswald of Winnipeg, great granddaughters Amber and Jasmine Sharp, and great-great granddaughter Abigale Sharp. He also leaves other extended family.

Vic was born in Dauphin, MB on September 22nd, 1934 to Steven and Olive Pidhirny. He spent his childhood years on the family farm where his love for farming flourished. As a young teen he served a brief time at the Manitoba Home for Boys where he apprenticed as a powerhouse engineer. After completing his time, he stayed at the Home as an engineer and then moved on to the Portage Women’s Jail, where he jokingly referred to his job as “keeping the women hot” until his retirement. Dad was never afraid of hard work, and never worked less than three jobs. During his time at the Women’s Jail, he could also be found at Tony Chiponski’s during potato harvest, driving for Arrow Taxi, and working for the sheriff’s department. After his retirement, he continued to contract with the City of Portage la Prairie as an engineer and enjoyed working for Verwey Farms in his John Deere combine, good old #4.

Vic was heavily involved in all aspects of sports from training the Portage Terriers and coaching the Army & Navy Scarlets, the Portage Hotel Canadians, and the Village Inn Canadians women’s softball teams. He was an avid curler and umpire. Dad served many years with the Manitoba Softball Association in many capacities including multiple terms as President and Commissionaire and was inducted into the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame. He was also a proud member of The Order of United Commercial Travellers for many years. He served as the Portage Chair for the World Junior Hockey Championships and was instrumental in bringing the games to Portage. His greatest achievement was receiving the Manitoba Order of the Buffalo Hunt from Premier Gary Doer for provincial recognition of noteworthy achievements in sports and other public endeavours.

Visitation will be held in the chapel of Omega Funeral Home on Thursday June 22nd from 7- 8pm. Memorial service will be held in the chapel of Omega Funeral Home on Friday June 23rd at 1:30pm with Reverend  Father Gerald Langevin officiating.

Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Vic Pidhirny to Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame & Museum, ℅ Softball Manitoba, 321-145 Pacific Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2Z6.

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