Steve George Gazdewich

Notes:

Obituary

Obituary for Steve George Gazdewich
Steve Gazdewich
1943 - 2017

Steve George Gazdewich of Benito, Manitoba passed away at Health Sciences Centre on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at the age of 74.
Dad was born on January 9, 1943, on the family farm to Tom and Mary Gazdewich of Norquay, Saskatchewan. He was the third oldest of five brothers and one sister – Edward, Stanley (Bev), Paul (Phyllis), Valerie (Garry Surcon), Randy (Debbie).
Dad attended and graduated from school in Norquay. After high school he travelled to Winnipeg to attend Teachers’ College. His first teaching job brought him to Birch River, Manitoba.
After a short stay there, he was transferred to Benito in September of 1965, where he met his beloved Darlene Abigail. It all started with flirting over the Post Office counter. Dad swept Mom off her feet in a whirlwind romance. They were married on April 2, 1966. Four daughters soon followed.
Dad’s teaching career spanned 36 years in Birch River, Benito and Heyes School. Upon retirement, he worked for Agricore and served as a Councillor for Ward 5.
Throughout his life Dad worked his own hobby farm and assisted his dad with his mixed farm operation. This made for many weekends, and an eventual move to Norquay to try farming full time. But Dad and Mom had their own dream and in 1984 purchased “Rainbow Acres” near Thunderhill. There, not only did their farm flourish, but their four “boys” were raised, and nine grandchildren spoiled.
While Dad’s days were spent in a classroom he very much enjoyed the outdoors. He loved spending time with his cattle and horses, hauling bales, cutting wood, hunting, taking photos, and going for quad rides. A good week was capped off with a game of cards, food and friends. Dad was a long-standing member of the Benito Elks Club BPOE 458, a Benito Bruiser hockey club member, supporter of the Benito Recreation Centre and coach for many school and community teams.
Dad will be sadly missed by his sweetheart Ruth Kastrukoff; daughters Bonnie, Wendy (Trevor LeBlanc), Melonee (Jamie Dowdall), Tammy (Chad Badowski); son in law, Rob Watson; grandchildren Chelsea, Zacharey, Gabby, Ryan, Lauryn, Josh, Anika, Jackson and Marci; many in-laws and out-laws; family, friends, former students and co-workers.
Dad was predeceased by his parents, his brother Edward and his beloved wife Darlene.
Should friends so desire donations in Dad’s name can be made to: Benito Recreation Centre, c/o RM of Swan Valley West, Box 610, Swan River, MB, R0L 1Z0
A time of visitation was held from the Chapel of Swan Valley Funeral Services, Swan River, Manitoba on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. The graveside service took place at Riverview-Harlington Cemetery in the Harlington District on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.
Swan Valley Funeral Services
363 Kelsey Trail
Swan River, Manitoba R0L 1Z0
204-734-5775 www.swanvalleyfuneralservices.com

Steve married D. Abigail [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

B.L. married R. Watson [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: T. LeBlanc. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: J. Dowdall. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: C. Badowski. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]