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A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
Served 04 Sep 1963 - 03 Jan 1997
WONDGA, Arthur Frank - of Victoria, BC, passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side March 18, 2012; only two months after being diagnosed with cancer. Arthur was born in Saskatoon, Sask. January 15, 1945, the only child of the late Joseph and Mary (Becvar) Wondga. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patricia Wondga; his children, Tasha (Michael) Vilio, Jordan (Sherry) Wondga, Tracy (Darryl) Lewis; and beloved grandchildren, Daniella and Adam Vilio, Rylan and Taryn Wondga and Brenden Lewis. He will be lovingly remembered by his family by marriage to Trish and his relatives from the Becvar and Wondga families. Art and his wife Pat/Trish met in high school and were married in Saskatoon in 1968, where they lived before moving to Victoria in 1969 at which time Art joined the Royal Canadian Navy. Art loved the navy: beginning with Sea Cadets and Reserves in HMCS Unicorn (Saskatoon) and until his retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces in 1997 after accumulating 36 years of service. Upon retirement from the CAF, he worked for the BC Legislature Sessional Staff under the Sergeant-at Arms Office until 2010. Art enjoyed and was dedicated to the sport of water skiing; joining the Victoria Aqua Ski Club and its provincial/national affiliates in 1985 and continuing to be an involved member until his passing. He enjoyed and lived for the summers spent with friends and family at the cabin at Shawnigan Lake, creating many lasting memories that will live on through his wife, children and grandchildren. In all the endeavours of Art's life he had many good friends, shipmates, co-workers and acquaintances; he gave and received respect, inspiration and love. He will be greatly missed by all those who were a part of his life. A man is like a sailing ship with weather beaten rails, And when its hull has given way it sinks beneath the gales. Still we have memory of when he used to soar. The storms he fought, the peaceful times he made way to shore, He's sailed his course, served his time, touched many hearts, so when in need just close your eyes and see him sail again. A celebration of Art's life will be held Saturday, May 26, 2012 1:30 pm at the family home, 766 Lorimer Road Victoria, BC V9B 6G3. Donations in his memory may be made to the Canadian Red Cross, Health Equipment Program, 909 Fairfield Rd, Victoria, BC, V8V 3A3 or Chief & Petty Officer's Association, Veteran's Assistance Society, 618 Admiral Road, Victoria, BC, V9A 2N7. (The Saskatoon StarPhoenix 21 Apr 2012)
Ships served in: HMCS PROVIDER - Served in Provider approx 1972-76 as a LSBN
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For Posterity's Sake 
