Obituary of Don Pospiech
In true Don Pospiech style, he quickly and quietly passed away on June 10, 2022 at the age of 81. Adoring husband to the love of his life Mary Pospiech (nee Alexander) whom he has kept alive in his heart since she passed 10 years ago. Together, for the last 5 years, Don and his eldest daughter Karen Pulla (Mike Pulla deceased) have mourned the passing of his youngest daughter Jodi Pereira (Tom Pereira). Big Brother-in-Law to Karen O’Charchin (nee Alexander; Patrick O’Charchin) and wonderful uncle to Robynn and Brad Jukosky. You hear stories of Fathers that were friends, and in this case, our Dad was our best friend and had a unique way of keeping things in perspective. We were lucky in so many ways.
Family, friends and sports played a huge part in Don’s life. You will not find a more proud Grandfather to Alyssa, Grace, Josh and Zack. Whether it was attending dance competitions, sporting events, school milestones, golfing adventures or inquisitions about the latest love interest, Don was one cool Gramps. Time spent with his grandchildren at the cottage hold incredible special memories for our family.
His Father Sandy Pospiech (deceased) emigrated from the Ukraine to meet his wife Lily Kupecki (deceased) in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan where Don was born. Many family members moved west to BC while Don’s family moved to St. Catharines. The family BBQs out on the Pospiech farms are so memorable and although Don had no siblings, the bond with his cousins was just like they are his sisters and brothers.
There was one other love, true brotherly love with his best friend Stas Pawlik. Since grade 5 this dynamic duo has done some crazy things, it is hard to believe that Don ended up being an RCMP Mountie. From hockey tournaments worldwide to most recent weekly Jr B Falcon games, this pair has had a lifetime of adventures. The stories are endless, priceless and wildly entertaining.
Don’s passion for sports is massive and covers 7 decades! From playing, coaching and even a spot in the Oshawa Memorial Hockey Hall of Fame, to say that sports were his occupation is an understatement. Now we cannot dismiss his occupation in the RCMP, 25 years of service, and his colleagues have shared “Potts was a bit of a legend and one of the good ones”. He played his last hockey game before the pandemic in his 80th year and got out to play golf with the gang this spring… Potsie living life large to the very last day.
We cannot express enough gratitude to the staff at the Niagara Regional Hospital, from the Nurses and Cardiologists in emerg to the outstanding care provided in the CCU department. You know who you are as you took the time to truly connect with Don and really offer care that was impactful above and beyond. Dr. Kim, you are one of a kind, just like my Dad. Thank you.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Garden City Minor Hockey Association. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home between 1PM and 4PM on Thursday, June 23, 2022. Prayers will be offered at the funeral home at 4PM. Family and friends are invited back to Coppola’s Restaurant at 4:30PM for a Celebration of Don’s Life.