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Bernard Anthony Domarotsky
12/16/1928 — 08/02/2008
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Shenandoah, PA
Bernard Anthony Domarotsky
Bernard "Ski" Domarotsky
Bernard "Ski" Domarotsky, age 79, peacefully slipped away at home to a better place on the 2nd of August while under the care of his loving wife and family.
He was born the oldest of three children on December 16, 1928, to Pauline and Anthony Domarotsky in the coal mining town of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania. It was in Shenandoah that Ski would woo and eventually marry his wife of nearly 59 years, Catherine "Kay" Domarotsky. His service in the Army Air Corps led the newlyweds to the Tri-Cities in 1950, always with the intention of returning east when Ski's enlistment ended. But a job at the Hanford Works would result in Ski and Kay firmly placing roots in Richland, a place they would raise their four children and build a wonderful life for themselves.
In 1969, and after eighteen years of Hanford work, Ski embarked on a new challenge and started "Ski's Electric", an electrical contracting business. His incredible work ethic and natural charm proved enough of a combination to provide him a career that spanned nearly thirty-two years until failing health forced Ski to finally retire in 2001.
Ski loved to travel with his wife, family and friends, and his voyages took him to places such as Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, China, Germany, Austria and the family homeland of Poland. He was also blessed with the opportunity to spend some special times with family and friends in Mexico and a seven-week driving trip to Alaska.
Undoubtedly the most precious and valued times of his life were spent at the family cabin, a retreat on the headwaters of the Yakima River near Easton. Ski and Kay put their heart, souls and sweat into the property built in 1982. It would become the second "love of his life", and a place where family and friends would gather for countless holidays and weekends. Everyone was welcome, and Ski and Kay's generous and hospitable nature would always plant the seeds of hope for a return trip.
His mother, Pauline, his father, Anthony, and his sister, Polly Ann Clifford, preceded Bernard in death. He is survived by his wife, Kay; daughters, Cheryl Billings; Barbara Finley Jon; Karen Funk Dan; and son Mark Janelle. He is also survived by his brother, William Beverly of Kent, Washington. Ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren also survive "Grandpa Ski".
Bernard "Ski" Domarotsky was a remarkable and unique individual, and one who has touched the lives and tickled the funny bone of pretty much everyone blessed enough to cross his path. Ski may be gone, but if he were to request any one thing of all the people in his life, it would be an encouragement to tell those you care about that you love them. Whether at the end of a telephone conversation or walk out the door, rare was the time one would not hear those familiar words, "love ya".
We "love ya" too, husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. You will be greatly missed by your family and others who knew and loved you dearly.
A Rosary will take place at Einan's Funeral Home on Wednesday August 6, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. Viewing will be held prior to the Rosary from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at Einan's Funeral Home on Thursday August 7, 2008 at 1:00 PM. There will be viewing held prior to the funeral from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Interment will follow the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Richland, WA.
Barb and Mark Just thinking of you two. Your Dad was one of a kind. Made this community a better place.
Hold tight to memories for comfort, lean on your friends for strength,
and always remember how much you are cared about. May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time.
Kay, Cheryl, Tara, Jon and Barb, we are so sorry for your loss. “Ski” was always such a bigger than life sort of guy. I remember him from some of the first times I met him….the rough, grough exterior, that I soon saw through. He had a kind streak that was bigger than some might have ever seen, but I suspect it was really pretty transparent, for those who got to know him. And yet he seemed to always “told it how he saw it”.
I know how much he was admired and respected by his son in law, Chuck Billings, who was a dear friend of mine before his passing.
Feeling sort of guilty about not staying closer in touch. Although I have seen Tara not too long ago.
We hope for the best for all of you.
Mike and KC Clements
Mark,Kay etc I am so sorry for your loss. When I was still working I saw Ski often as Safeway often had “problems”and he never failed to greet me and tell me a Mark and Brad story. There were many. Brad is in Alaska and I am at his house this week or we would be at the services. He will be missed by all who knew him. God Bless you all! Dukie Upton
Kay, Mark and the rest of the family my thoughts go out to you. Ski was one of the greatest men I had ever met. Whenever he would come to Stoneway and visit for parts or the copier. He would never leave without everyone of us having a smile on our face. Whether it was a joke or just another of his great stories. Thank you very much for sharing him with us.
K.C. Zwicker
Stoneway Electric
Kay and Family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I have many fond memories of the times spent with you and Ski.
The hi-Lite of them all would be the road trip to Alaska.
Good by to a great friend i will miss YOU.
Kay and Family.
My thoughts are with you and your family. Ski was so funny, he would light up the room with his smile. Whatta good guy, It is a true pleasure to know such an awsome family. Sincerely Terri
To Mark, Janelle and the Domarotsky family,
I’d like to send heartfelt condolences on the passing of Ski.
Some of the best times of my life have been spent listening to Ski’s stories – and listening to Mark try and top them.
I’ll be headed up to the Domarotsky cabin for a football and golf weekend later this month. What a great place — it’s a testament to Ski’s hard work, love of family, and generosity.
I’m blessed to have had Ski as a part of my life.
With love,
Mike Cook – and the Cook family Ozzie, Chandler, and Amy
Dear Aunt Kay & Family,
We are thinking of you during this very difficult time. We all loved Uncle Bernie very much and will truly miss his extraordinary sense of humor – he was one of a kind. God bless you and the family.
Love always,
Chris, Wendy, Hailey, Jordan & Lindsay Pollyann
Many fond memories of Ski’s trips to the lumberyard to visit w/Barb and share jokes and stories with myself and others. I’m sure Ski will be sharing them all with his friends of the past he now joins in the afterlife.
It was an honor to have known you; goodbye my Polish friend, I will miss your visits-
Jason Moore
Lumbermens / Copeland Lumber
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We have fond memories of Uncle Bernie, he was always so much fun to be around. We wish we could have been around him, and everyone else more often. We will cherish our memories of our family reunions. Our family sends much love, and our sympathys to all.
To Aunt Kay and all of my west coast cousins,
I am so sorry about Uncle Bernie. He was such a great guy and probably the funniest person I have ever met. I always remember him telling stories and you could hear a pin drop in the room full of people listening to him. But when he was done…nothing but laughter! There are many miles between us but always the fond memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Love you,
Julie, Doug & Hannah Hamric
I will miss Bernie and his stories but love that he enjoyed life and shared his Pine Glen slice of heaven with so many while he was here. My thoughts are with all of the Domarotsky clan. May God Bless.
Dear Domarotski Family:
I was sorry to here of Ski Passing on, the world lost a colorful character. Ski was a good guy that was one of a kind. When I was living out there ski seemed to have more energy than a twenty year old. He was working installing electrical stuff and rebuilding prefabs always some iron in the fire but He always seemed to have time to be around and in touch with his kids.
I enjoyed the times I was invited to the family stuff at Ski and Kayâs house and cabin as it was a relaxed atmosphere. I was always made to feel like I belonged there and that meant a lot for someone so far from my own family. Maybe it was the all the polka records.I have to confess that most of Ski’s Polish jokes turned to Finlander jokes in Minnesota.
I will always have Ski in my memories.
Sincerely
Paul Makynen
My memories of Ski are of a generous, self-assured man who loved life. Our friendship began with his help on a speech I had to give in a college class. His knowledge and time were greatly appreciated. But the friendship grew as he visited with me when I worked at Rosauer’s grocery. Try as I might, I could never keep up with him as a joke-teller. Even when the store closed, I would see him around town and he would always have a huge smile and a few jokes to brighten up my day.
I would like to tell his family that my prayers are with you. I will miss him too.
Dear kay and Family,
Sending our prayers and our love to you all from North Idaho. Jon told me the boys got to visit with their Grand Dad befor he passed, what a wonderful memory that will be. Take care of yourselves.
Maureen
Dear Kay and family,
I worked at Lincare in Richland. Ski would come into the office to pick up his oxygen. He always had a joke for me and would teach me how to say “good day” and “have a good day” in the Polish language. It was a joy to see him come into the office, making me laugh and brighten my day. He was one man who will forever be in my good thoughts. God Bless you in your time of mourning.
To the Domarotsky Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Ski’s passing. When we bought our house in 2000 our first and only Ski did some electrical work for us. I will remember him always and fondly as a part of that very special experience in our lives. Please accept our condolences.
Barbara and Eric Bylaska
August 5, 2008
Aunt Kay & Unk Bill, and family members – My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time — to lose a loved one — a husband — a brother — a father — a GREAT man…. He’s my uncle and I’m proud to be part of the Domarotsky family close nit, caring, supportive. Aunt Kay, you have LOTS of love around you! You’re a strong woman ….. and you needed to be…. to be Mrs. “Ski” smile. I’ll always remember my first visit reunion — up at the cabin; so peaceful, so beautiful – such an amazing place — an amazing time — with amazing people – my family! Thank for Unk Bernie and all for those precious memories!
And even though he’s no longer here with us in body — he’ll ALWAYS be with us in spirit!
If there’s anything I can do, please call me! Love & Miss you all — God Bless! Bonnie, Vince, Brad, Cody & Bryce
Guestbook for
Bernard Anthony Domarotsky