In Memory of Ted Kornak
by Lee Hunt
“Dad was always committed to his wife and family”, said Patrick Kornak, while his sister, Anita, added, “Dad was a generous man who always wanted to help others.” As you can imagine, both are very saddened by the March 8 death of their father, Ted Kornak.
Ted and his wife, Myrna, moved to Brentwood almost 60 years ago. It was here that they raised their five children – Patrick, Mark, Anita, Greg, and Margot.
Ted taught for the Calgary Catholic School Board for many years as an Industrial Arts teacher and as a principal. Ted’s former Grade 8 student, Rob, reminisced, “I have particularly fond memories of the boys’ volleyball team piling into Mr. Kornak’s car to go and win the City championship. Then back to his house for a rowdy pizza party celebration.”
When Ted inherited a printing press, he set up a small business in his garage in the late 70s. Eventually he renamed the business “Brentwood Printing”, but initially it was called “After 5 Printing”, apparently so called because it came after his daytime teaching job. But according to Patrick – commenting on his dad’s great sense of humour – “Dad also joked that the original company name came about because raising five kids required a second income.”
At Brentwood Printing, Ted printed bus pass cards, notepads, plus the weekly bulletin for Brentwood’s St. Luke’s Church.
Ted and Myrna were founding members of St. Luke’s. The congregation started out in Brebeuf School before the actual St. Luke’s building was erected. Ted was active on many committees at St. Luke’s as well as a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus at the church.
Ted had a real passion for golf. In fact, in his early years, he debated whether to become a teacher or a professional golfer. Though he opted for teaching (primarily because his father convinced him there was more money to be made in teaching rather than in golfing), in retirement Ted became the assistant golf pro at Pinebrook Golf Course.
Family was so important to Ted. Vacations often found Ted, Myrna, and the five children camping and visiting relatives in Saskatchewan. Back at home, Myrna volunteered at Brentwood Community bingos, while the kids participated in neighbourhood flag football, hockey, Brownies, dance, and roller skating.
Myrna and Ted greatly enjoyed being members of the Dots and Dashers Square Dance Club for many years. A special highlight was dancing at the Opening Ceremony for the Calgary 1988 Winter Olympics. Another square dancer, Jackie, recalls Ted as “a very good dancer, always willing to help… who made others feel welcome.”
Summing up his parents’ love for their children, in-laws, and grandchildren, Patrick told me, “They’ve always been there for us.”
We at The Bugle extend our condolences to Myrna and family in the loss of Ted. May you have many fond memories of a caring, hardworking man with a lively sense of humour.
We Remember Doreen Currie
by Lee Hunt
We at The Bugle extend our condolences to the family of Doreen Currie who passed away on May 4, 2023.
Doreen and her husband, Don, lived in Brentwood for many years where they raised their daughter Leeanne.
Many former customers will recall Doreen as a professional hairstylist at Serena’s Beauty Salon (now Iconic Salon) on Northmount Drive.
Doreen will be fondly remembered by Leeanne, grandsons Ian and Daniel, plus extended family.
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