POPIEL, Eugene (Gene) Walter Popiel -
November 9th, 1947 - Thursday, March 21st, 2024
ike a star he will be twinking at us from God's arms.
Rest in Peace Dear Gene!
After a year-long struggle with cancer, Gene passed away peacefully on March 21, 2024, at his home in Markham.
He leaves behind his beloved partner of 19 years, Cheryl Hammell; his children, Elizabeth (Brandon), Jack (Nancy) and Anika (Kurtis); his sisters, Rosemary, Judith and Sylvia; his granddaughters, Violet and Zita; his devoted cousins, Tim and Cathy Bobbie and many dear relatives and friends in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Michigan and California.
Son of the late Mary and Julien Popiel, Gene was born and grew up in Windsor, Ont. and also in Nipawin, Sask. where from his grandparents, Dora and William, he learned more about his Ukrainian heritage and where his grandfather presented young Gene with a pair of ice skates.
On the farm ice rink, Uncle Roman and Hank taught seven-year-old Gene to skate and play hockey both of which became an important part of Gene's life.
In adulthood, he coached young hockey players including Wayne Gretsky, Michael Gartner and George Kotsopoulos just prior to each of their hockey careers.
After high school, Gene was accepted to Ohio State University in Columbus where he played hockey. Upon graduating from OSU, he accepted a high school teaching position with the Scarborough Board of Education.
A decade later, Gene left teaching and over the next 25 years, he established other careers, initially with Service Master, then with International Television Productions, and lastly with Homewatch Caregivers.
In retirement Gene supply taught for the York Region District School Board and spent happy weekends at his cottage in Washago building a beautiful garage to pursue his love of woodworking. However, these plans were cut short because of illness, Gene's cancer treatment was a challenge.
For their kind and caring medical attention, the family would like to thank the nursing staff at Toronto Western, Dr. Jeff Watson at Mt. Sinai and Dr. Harold Yuen at Markham Stouffville.
Gene's remains have been cremated, A celebration of Gene's life will be held at a later date.
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