Edward Stanley RODZEN (1933-2022)
Edward was born in the North End of Winnipeg on 05 November 1933. He was the son of Walenty “Valentine” Rodzen (c1906-1991) and Mary ? (c1910-1993). He loved the North End and was known to say ‘The North End is what I am’.
Edward married Louise Rolski in Winnipeg on 26 September 1959.
He went to St. John High School. He did not continue his education after graduating from St. John as ‘he felt school did not teach him what he wanted to learn quick enough’. He educated himself in architectural and mechanical drawings. Ed did many of his own drawings for his buildings as well as for others.
Contractor, Entrepreneur, Legend
Ed started Rodzen Construction, a construction and property management business in 1953, offering both the design and construction of buildings. The business became a huge success. Some of his more well-known projects include Princess Auto, the Disraeli Bridge, the Museum Building in Lower Fort Garry, synagogues, churches, the Fort Garry Hotel renovations, the Sokol Hall, the bear cages at the Assiniboine Zoo and numerous other buildings in Winnipeg.
Ed had a great talent of building and fixing things. He would even fix Louise’s broken jewelry. Ed would “just figure out how to make it work”.
Ed was very dedicated to his work. He loved his work and never stayed away, but always had time for people, giving them advice and help. He worked right to the end, just as he wanted it to be. His intellect and curiosity created a great love for travel and seeing new places and buildings. He also loved eating out; so much so, that he designed, built and operated his own well-known restaurant, called the Samovar at 1199 Fife Street, with Louise and it was a great success.
Ed passed away on 25 May 2022.
Sources:
- Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 04 June 2022, page C12.
- “Social and Personal Interest”, Winnipeg Free Press, 21 September 1959, page 16.
- Obituary [Walenty Rodzen], Winnipeg Free Press, 06 March 1991, page 31.
- Obituary [Mary Rodzen], Winnipeg Free Press, 16 January 1993, page D6.
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