TARNAVA, Valentine “Ducky”

VALENTINE “DUCKY” TARNAVA 1933 – 2023 After months of dreaming about fishing with his long-past soulmate (Laurette), Ducky stepped into those dreams. He is now reunited with the love of his life on that never-ending fishing trip.
Ducky was born in Lethbridge and grew up on the Northside (old #3). He attended St. Basil’s school. He was able to reside in his home on the Northside until his passing, which was important to him. A “Northsider” his entire life.
As for many of that generation, work came at an early age. As a young man, Ducky worked various jobs including his father’s taxi business and the CPR. In 1954, Ducky started his very rewarding, lifelong career at Canadian Western Natural Gas (ATCO). In 1990, after 36 years with C.W.N.G (ATCO), Ducky retired to spend more time with Laur ette, his yard and of course, fishing!
As a young man, Ducky was a hunter, curler, skier and fisherman. The fishing part became a lifelong passion. He became a master at tying flys. He taught fly tying at the college for many years. In his later years, he could be found at the Nordbridge Seniors Centre, teaching fly tying to whoever wanted to learn. Fly tying was his pastime during the COVID lockdown.
Christmas was a special time at the Tarnava house. His yard decorations received many compliments and awards from the bus tour and the steady stream of cars in the neighbourhood throughout the Christmas season.
Every Christmas Eve (for 35 years) Ducky would don the suit, beard and bells of the big jolly guy and visit the homes of many friends and families, often until the early hours of Christmas morning. His reward was the surprise, excitement and smiles on the kids faces and their belief in Santa Claus.
One of his other passions was his yard. He was an excellent tree grafter, greenhouser and gardener. Laurette and Ducky always grew more than they needed so they could provide fruit, flowers and vegetables to friends and family.
Through his life, Ducky was a member of many organizations: The Lethbridge Fish and Game, The Miners Library, The Army and Navy, The Legion and the Nordbridge Seniors Centre.
Ducky is survived by his son Paul (Edie); daughter-in-law Connie; granddaughters Carmen (Nick) Geigle, Laura (Eddy) Goalen; grandson Jesse; great-grandkids Alexandra Geigle, Griffin Geigle, Aurora Goalen and Luna Goalen.
Ducky was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife Laurette; son Greg (Tracks); his mother and father Anne and Alex; brother Jocko; sister and brother-in-law Laurie and John Stahr.
So many people helped Ducky out these last few years, a heartfelt thank you to all of you. A special thanks to Doug and Muriel, Debbie, Brenda and Randy. Extended thanks to Dr. Burton and Amber. Lethbridge Homecare and the Thriftway Pharmacy Staff. A VERY big hug and thank you to the nurses and support staff on 5A at the Chinook Regional Hospital.
Ducky was a good man who touched many lives in many different circles, the largest being the fishing community. His legacy lives on in many fishing stories and tackleboxes. If you are out fishing, put on one of his flies. He would “guarantee” you would catch something!
The “Ducky and Laurette gone fishing” sign has gone up and sadly for us it will not be coming down.
A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 pm, on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am, on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at ST. BASIL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604, 13 STREET NORTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Flowers are gratefully declined. If you so wish, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.