2017 Friday -- This is about Ski

We learned today that our neighbor three doors to the north of us here in Cayucos has recently passed away. So I've copied his obituary.

"Wilmer John Planansky "Ski" passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, with family at his side. Ski was born in Hemingford, Nebraska on September 29, 1919. He was the seventh of ten children born of immigrant parents from Czechoslovakia and was very proud of his heritage. Ski graduated from Cadron State College (CSC) in 1940 with a Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Physical Education and History. He was an outstanding athlete, lettering in three sports: football, basketball and track and field. During his senior year he was named in "Who's Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges." Ski was an officer in several organizations and was inducted into Chadron College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1983. He also earned a private pilot's license through the Civilian Pilot Program at the Chadron Airport and went to Wyoming for more flight training and airplane mechanical training. Ski married the love of his life, Roberta "Bobbie" Dale Elstun on August 29, 1940. He joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Florida as an airplane mechanic. He and Bobbie, along with their first born, Sheryl, moved to California, where Ski received a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Southern California (USC). In 1947 Ski became a Physical Education instructor for grades K through 8, with the El Monte School District. He was recognized for developing an Intramural Program that school administrators said improved discipline and raised the morale among students. His honors included, "The Golden Apple Award." In 1968, he and Bobbie bought a beach house in Cayucos and spent many holidays and summers there. After Ski's 33 years of teaching, they moved permanently to Cayucos. Ski spent his retirement giving many years of service to Saint Joseph's Catholic Church. He was in charge of training the Lectors, as he himself was a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Offertory Counter and a member of the Parish Council. He basically was at the beck and call of the different Priests assigned to Saint Joseph's. Ski was a fan of all sports. He especially loved rooting for college athletics, The Dodgers, Lakers, Raiders and Rams. He also volunteered for San Luis Obispo's Special Olympics. He golfed twice a week with the "Benskin Bunch" into his 80's and once a week into his 90's. Over the years Ski and Bobbie went back to CSC to golf in the Don Beebe Golf Classic and to visit family. Ski was a strong family man. His grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren lovingly knew him as "Papa" and "Pancake Papa," as he made the best pancakes! "Only the best Dads get promoted to Papa." Ski was preceded in death by his wife, Bobbie; grandson, Paul John Planansky; his parents; and his siblings. Ski is survived by his three children: Sheryl, now Mother Dilecta O.S.B. of Shaw Island, Wash.; William "Bill" (Theresa "Teddy") of Cayucos and Petrea Planansky White (Gerald "Jerry") of Morro Bay; five grand- children; seventeen great- grand-children; and eight great-great-grandchildren. Ski leaves us with many fond, loving memories and his never ending sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The family wishes to acknowledge his daughter-in- law, Teddy and son-in-law, Jerry for their tireless love and devotion to Dad over the years. A Celebration of Life with be held at 9:00 am, Monday, November 20, 2017, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Cayucos."

Rosie (& Mr. Fun), aka Carol