Wasylena (Wasylyna)(Lena) Romashenko

Wasylena married George (Yurko) Martyniuk on 16 Jul 1906 in St. Phillips Mission, Keys Reserve. George (son of Andriej (Andrew) Martyniuk and Wasylyna (Wasalina) Sapach (Sewchuk)) was born on 17 Apr 1886 in Babynsti, Borshchiv(county), Ternopil Oblast(province), Western Ukraine; died on 19 Sep 1964 in Norquay, Saskatchewan, Canada; was buried in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Norquay, Saskatchewan, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Maria married Jaroslaw (Harvey) Furmaniuk on 11 Nov 1934 in St. Phillips Mission, Saskatchewan, Canada. Jaroslaw (son of John Furmaniuk and Antonia Bilenski) was born on 30 Mar 1902 in Hadenkivtsi, Ternopil, Western Ukraine; died on 26 Jul 1997 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada; was buried on 31 Jul 1997 in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Norquay, Saskatchewan, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Pearl (Paraskevia) Gurski on 18 Nov 1934 in Norquay, Saskatchewan, Canada. Pearl (daughter of Peter Gurski and Annie (Anna) Popik) was born on 12 Nov 1909; died on 1 Dec 1995 in Norguay, Saskatchewan, Canada ; was buried in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Norquay, Saskatchewan, Canada . [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

MARTYNIUK, Michael In loving memory of my husband, our father, our grandfather and our great-grandfather. Silent memories keep you near As time unfolds another year; No longer in our life to share But in our hearts, you're always there. Not forgotten, wife Pat, children Hope, Charlotte, Josephine, grandchildren Robin (Jody), Jamie, Ryan and great-grandchildren Madicen and Ethan.

Mike married Pat (Patricia) Musey on 13 Nov 1949 in Norquay, Saskatchewan, Canada. Pat (daughter of John (Ivan) Musey and Wasylina (Baleva) Lukey) was born on 5 Jul 1927 in Norquay, Saskatchewan, Canada; died on 20 Jan 2013 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; was buried on 28 Jan 2013 in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Nell married Joseph Nahachewsky on 12 Jul 1953. Joseph (son of Nickola Nahachewsky and Kowch Maria) was born on 9 May 1924 in Swan Plain, Saskatchewan, Canada; died on 14 Apr 2007 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; was buried on 18 Apr 2007 in Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada 103-AL007SH. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sonia married B.J. McLeod [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Dmytro married Florence Margaret Warden on 29 Jan 1947 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Florence was born on 11 Sep 1926 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; died on 25 Mar 2020 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; was buried on 24 Sep 2021 in St. Martin de Tours Cemetery, Whitney, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

William (Bill) Martyniuk of the Norquay Health Centre passed away peacefully on October 24th, 2012, at the age of 90 years. Bill was born on November 28th, 1921, to George and Lena (Romashenko) Martyniuk on the family farm, four miles south of Norquay, SK. As a young boy, he attended the North Willow Grove School and helped on the family farm with his parents and brothers. Bill loved the farm and was always very interested in grain farming, caring for his animals and riding his horse Bobby. He enjoyed family gatherings and he hosted many family events, reunions and barbeques at the farm. Anyone who visited the farm was usually recruited to help the days work whether it be repairs, haying or field work. Bill trained many a nephew in the chores of the farm. When the work was done, the trip to town on Saturday night to pick up supplies and socialize, was an event to look forward to. In the summer, Bill would announce that after church a trip to Crystal Lake was in order and as nieces and nephews we loved to hear that! Bill had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh and joke. A highlight of his day was Coffee Time , where a full lunch was enjoyed by whoever stopped by the farm. In January 1966, Bill married Ann Stecyk in Saskatoon, SK, and welcomed her and her son John into his life where they enjoyed many happy years on the farm. John was the focus of his life and learned many skills from his dad as they farmed together. Retirement was spent in Norquay where he enjoyed the visits from friends and family who stopped in. Bill moved to the Norquay Lodge, where he remained until his passing. His love of his faith and his church were always the center of his life. Bill was predeceased by his parents, George and Lena; his wife, Anne; his eight brothers: Paul, Andrew, John, Mike, Fr. Ron, Monty, Tony and Emil and his four sisters: Anne, Mary Furmaniuk, Nell Nahachewsky and Sonia Mcleod. He is lovingly remembered by his son, John Martyniuk of Norquay, SK; his brother, Ted (Ollie) Martyniuk of Parksville, B.C.; his sister, Bernadette Sorochuk of Norquay, SK and numerous nieces and nephews. The Prayer Service was held on Sunday, October 28th, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. The Funeral Liturgy was celebrated on Monday, October 29th, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., both from the Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church, Norquay, with Rev. Fr. Basil Malownay, Celebrant. Interment followed in the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, southwest of Norquay. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Norquay Health Centre or to the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery fund as tokens of remembrance.

Bill married Anne Teslak in Jan 1966 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Anne (daughter of John Teslak and Annie Wuschenny) was born on 24 Apr 1922 in Homefield, Saskatchewan, Canada; died on 14 Jun 2002 in Norquay, Saskatchewan, Canada; was buried in Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church Cemetery, Norquay, Saskatchewan Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Ordained: 7 Jul 1957, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada; Ordained

Notes:

Obituary

MARTYNIUK - Father Roman 'Ron' Martyniuk died in his sleep on Saturday,
May 22, 1999 in Winnipeg MB at the age of 69 years. He was born on Decem-
ber 16, 1929 at Norquay SK. He attended Redemptorist Father College at
Roblin, MB and completed his major seminary studies at St. Mary's Seminary
at Waterford and Meadowvale, ON. He also attended St. Thomas Aquinas in Grand Rapids, MI, where he received an STL Degree. Metropolitain Maxim Hermaniuk ordained him to the priesthood at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton, SK on July 7, 1957. During his 40 years of Priesthood he did pastoral work in Canada, Australia and United States. In Canada he provided pastoral care in Yorkton and Saskatoon, Sk; Cranbrook, BC, in Winnipeg, Thompson, Shoal Lake and Fisher Branch, MB; in Kenora, ON; in Flint, MI; Chicago, IL; Philadelphia, Palmerton and Lansdale, PA; and Lorain, OH. For the last few years he has been in retirement, residing in Winnipeg, MB and helping out in the Winnipeg Archeparchy. Fr. Ron is survived by five brothers, Athan (Laura) of Fraserwood, MB, Monty (Florence) of Whitney, ON, William (Anne) of Norquay, SK, Emil of Hamilton, ON and Ted (Ollie} of Parkesville, BC; two sisters, Anastasia (Joseph) Nahachewsky of Saskatoon, SK and Bernadette (Ernie) Sorochuk of Norquay SK; brother-in-law, Bill McLeod of Saskatoon, SK; many nieces and nephews ; and many former parishioners. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Lena(Romeshka) Martyniuk; brothers, Michael and John; and sisters, Mary Furmaniuk and Sonia McLeod. A Priestly Parastas was held on Wednesday, May 26, 1999 at Saints Vladimir and Olga Cathedral, Winnipeg, MB at 8:00 p.m., conducted by Archbishop Michael, Bishop Stefan and the Manitoba Clergy. The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated from Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 10th Street and Munroe Avenue, Saskatoon, SK on Friday, May 28, 1999 at 10:00 a.m. Celebrants will be Archbishop Michael, Fr.John Pazak, C.Ss.R. and the Eparchy of saskatoon Clergy. Interment will take place in the Priest's Section of Woodlawn Catholic Cemetery Saskatoon, SK. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cropo Funeral Chapel, Winnipeg, MB and James Werezak and Greg Lalachof Park funeral Chapel, Saskatoon, SK - 244 2103. May the memory of the servant of God, Father Ron, prayerfully remain with us forever.
Vichnaya Pamiat
Beloved Fr. Ron

T



Father Ron Martyniuk's Siver Jubilee, 1957 - 1982, Memory Book by Connie Sernowski.
Link: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s419/sh/795422d4-43f6-df31-1ce6-505ce97b6c06/29928f9aa458febaac7894b328817296

Tony married L.T. Bulger [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Bernadette's Obituary
Bernadette Sorochuk passed away at the Norquay Health Centre, Norquay, SK, on October 17, 2022, at the age of 88 years.Bernadette Rose Martynuik was born June 5, 1934, to George and Lena (Romashenko) Martynuik at her family home south of Norquay. She was the youngest daughter in a family of eight sons and four daughters. Bernadette attended North Willow Grove school and she finished her high school years at Sacred Heart Academy in Yorkton and Sion Academy in Saskatoon. Bernadette worked in Saskatoon. She met Ernie Sorochuk and they were married at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church south of Norquay on July 23, 1955. For the next several years, Ernie and Bernadette lived in many places, from British Columbia to Quebec. In time, they were blessed with four children: Debora, Loretta, Bruce, and Neil.Bernadette was kept busy with her “million dollar” family as she and her husband settled into rural living on a farm north of Norquay. She loved her garden, flowers, and yard. When the children grew up, Bernadette worked at the Norquay Post Office, and she enjoyed the public service.Bernadette took pride in her children’s accomplishments and especially enjoyed what she called “the greatest blessing of all” - her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.Bernadette is predeceased by her husband, Ernie and son, Bruce; and she is the last member of her family of origin to pass from this world. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Debora (Leonard) Grywacheski of Burgis Beach, SK and Loretta (Kerry) Huska of Lethbridge, AB; son, Neil (Lynn) Sorochuk of Saskatoon SK; grandchildren: Megan (Theo) Anastasopoulos, Eric (Natalie) Grywacheski, Geoffrey Grywacheski, Sarah (Mike) Shearlaw, Jordan (Laurie) Huska, Sonny (Rebecca) Huska, Vanessa (Colin) Clarke, Kristin (Nate) Catto, Andria (Mason) Adams, Kaitlin Sorochuk, Angela (Kent) England, Abby Sorochuk, Eric (Kylie) Johnson, Allan Johnson, and Carly (Lincoln) Beaudry; and her great-grandchildren: Christian Fantillo, Brecken Clarke, Petra and Wilder Catto, Grace, Oliver and Everett Huska, Jane and Tannis Huska, Ginger and Bailey Shearlaw, Eve and Gabriel Anastasopoulos, Alexander and Victoria Grywacheski, Kaerys, Aeden and Preston England, Baylor and Finn Beaudry, and Jack and Addison Johnson.A prayerful life well lived. Vichnaya Pamyat!In Bernadette’s honour, a Private Funeral Service was celebrated from the Chapel of Leson’s Funeral Home, Canora, SK, with Very Rev. Fr. Joakim Rac as Celebrant. Rite of Committal followed in the Canora Cemetery, Canora, SK. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital or to St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Camp, Madge Lake, SK, as tokens of remembrance, in memory of Bernadette Sorochuk.

Bernadette married Ernie (Orest) Sorochuk on 23 Jul 1955 in Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, Norquay, Saskatchewan, Canada. Ernie was born on 23 Jan 1934 in Swan Plain, Saskatchewan, Canada; died on 22 Apr 2009 in Norquay, Saskatchewan, Canada; was buried on 27 Apr 2009 in Canora Cemetery, Canora, Saskatchewan, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Ted married O. Ginetz [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: John Derkach. John died in 1978 in Indian Head, Saskatchewan,Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obituary for Jullian Raphael Furmaniuk


FURMANIUK - Mr. Jullian Furmaniuk of Yorkton, formerly of the Norquay district, entered eternal life on July 25, 2016, at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, at the age of 73 years. Jullian Raphael Furmaniuk was born at the family farm, near Norquay Saskatchewan, on the winter solstice, December 21st, 1942, the middle child, of the three children of Jaroslaw and Mary (Martyniuk) Furmaniuk. During his younger years, after attending Swan School for his elementary grades, and later Norquay School, he chose to work on the farm with his father. As his father neared retirement, Jullian gradually took over the running of the farm operation.
After his father retired in 1986, Jullian moved to Yorkton, giving up the farm, in order to look after his parents in their retirement years. He stayed with them, faithfully being their support, until their passing. All his life he practiced, and cherished, his Greek Catholic faith, first at the Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Norquay, and later at St. Mary's Church in Yorkton. Jullian was predeceased by his mother, Mary (Martyniuk) Furmaniuk (d.1995), and his father, Jaroslaw Furmaniuk (d.1997), and by his sister, Marilyn Derkach (d.2013), his nephew , Joseph Derkach (d.1992), and his brother-in-law, John Derkach (d.1978).
He leaves to cherish his memory, and to mourn his absence, brother: Terry (and Terry's wife Darlene), nieces: Linda Derkach, Elaine Mitchell, Juliana Babchuk; nephews: Robert Derkach, Stephen Furmaniuk, and Gregory Furmaniuk; as well as our dear Aunt Bernadette Sorochuk of Norquay, and her family. He was a quiet man, with a gentle voice, and a big generous heart.
The Funeral Liturgy was celebrated on Wednesday, August 31st, 2016 from St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Ray Lukie, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. Ed. Pindus assisted by parish choir members sang the responses. The cross bearer was Linda Derkach and the epistle reader was Terry Furmaniuk. The interment took place in the family plot at Holy Trinity Parish Cemetery - Norquay District with Terry Furmaniuk serving as the urn bearer. Vichnaya Pamyat! - Eternal Memory
Thank-you to Father Bohdan and Father Ray for their visits and prayers, and to the nurses and doctors at the ICU for caring.Memorials in memory of Jullian may be made to St. Mary's Church or a Charity of Choice as gifts of remembrance.

T.J. married D. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Dennis spelled his surname Martynuik.

Dennis married Louise Teresa Stawnicky on 3 May 1958. Louise (daughter of Frank Stawnicky and Rose) was born on 9 Dec 1938; died on 31 Mar 2002 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Paul married Margaret Joyce Woloshyn on 5 Oct 1968 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada. Margaret (daughter of J. Woloshyn and A. Woloshyn) was born on 1 May 1948 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada; died on 9 Jun 2019 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada; was buried on 20 Jun 2019 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obituary

Obituary
On April 16th, 2020, Constance Marie Sernowski of Pelly, Saskatchewan, peacefully passed away after having celebrated her 80th birthday. Connie Martynuik was born on April 14th, 1940 on her parent’s farm in Norquay, Saskatchewan where she attended Westerlund Elementary School, Poelcapelle School, and then graduated from Norquay High School. Connie went on to pursue her Teacher’s College diploma in Saskatoon then taught in the Stenen district at Liverpool School. During her career she met her husband, Bill Sernowski and married him on May 22, 1960. Together they moved to Bill’s family farm in Pelly and started milking cows for cream to be shipped to Norquay. Later on they expanded to a small mixed farm and grew the operation into a large fluid milk and grain farm. Connie was a well known Holstein dairy farmer who was proud of her achievements winning many awards for her milk quality.

Connie was kind, compassionate and would often drive those who needed a way to attend Sunday Mass. She was devoted to her faith, and played an active role in the Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church in Norquay, led the rosary and partook in the Parish Council. She was also known for providing a helping hand in decorating and cleaning the church for special occasions.

Connie had many pastimes such as, breadmaking, canning, gardening and collecting recipes to share with the family. She was very proud of her heritage and her farming history and she never truly never retired from this love. Connie was a dedicated, proud Baba and Grammie to her seven Grandchildren. She was adored by her godson, Dwayne Martynuik and the many nieces and nephews would often visit Auntie Connie’s farm, call or text her. Extended family members were always embraced with plenty of comforting Ukrainian food.

She will be laid to rest next to her husband Bill Sernowski at the Pelly Ukrainian Catholic cemetery. She is predeceased by her parents, John and Pearl Martynuik , brother Dennis (Louise) Paul ( Joyce) Martynuik and sister Joanne (Bob) Bourdages. She is survived by her sisters Deona ( Andy ) Serna , Theresa (Ian- deceased) Massey, her children Ron (Bonnie) , Robert ( Dina), Loretta, Loreen, and Benita (Don) Gurski as well as grandchildren Zoey, Mackenzie, Kennedy, Ryan, Hannah, Mila and Sasha.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Chrystos Voskres!

Connie married William (Bill) Sernowski in 22 May1960 in Pelly, Saskatchewan, Canada. William was born on 11 Jun 1937 in Kamsack, Saskatchewan, Canada; died on 11 Nov 2003 in Pelly, Saskatchewan, Canada; was buried on 15 Nov 2003 in Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Pelly, Saskatchewan, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

D.D. married A. Serna [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Leona married Robert Bourdage on 3 Sep 1967. Robert was born in 1943; died on 10 Nov 2007 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

T.A. married W.L. Prive [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

T.A. married I.M. Massey [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

J.L. married J. Dawson [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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

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

R.K. married J. Roth [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: G. Hubbard. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

B.E. married I.P. Manning [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

G.S. married N.L. Paul [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Richard married C.J. Zarb [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

L.M. married G.L. McCurdy [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

John Stecyk-Martyniuk of Norquay, SK passed away at the Kamsack Hospital on January 24, 2017, at the age of 60 years.
John William Stecyk was born on November 23, 1956, to Metro and Annie (Teslak) Stecyk in Saskatoon, SK. In 1966, he relocated with his mother and step-father, Bill Martyniuk, to farm in the Norquay District.
John loved the farm and all aspects of the farm life. He helped his parents and took on many responsibilities around the yard. He cared for the animals, milked cows, and helped with the grain farming operations.
For a time, John worked as a long-haul truck driver, which took him throughout Canada and the USA. John also enjoyed working on heavy construction equipment.
Recently, John purchased a little house on Main Street in Norquay, where he continued to reside until his passing. He enjoyed socializing with friends over coffee across the street at Corner Gas or Coop and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
John was predeceased by his father, Metro; mother, Annie and his step-father, Bill. Left to cherish his memory are his aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and extended family members.
The Vigil of Prayer was held on Monday, January 30, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. with Funeral Liturgy celebrated on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., both from Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church, Norquay, with Rev. Fr. Ivan Derkach, as Celebrant. Rite of Committal followed in the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, southwest of Norquay, SK.
Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, St. Michael’s Camp, or in the form of Mass Offerings, as tokens of remembrance, in memory of John Stecyk-Martyniuk.

D.L. married L.A. Grywachewski [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

L.A. married K. Huska [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obituary of Bruce Sorochuk

It is with our deepest sadness, we announce the untimely death of our patriarch, Bruce Ernie Sorochuk, on Saturday November 25, 2017 at the age of 56.

Bruce was born to Ernie and Bernadette Sorochuk on January 28,1961 in Saskatoon. He grew up on the family farm outside of Norquay Saskatchewan, where he developed into a hard-working young man. He attended school in Norquay and at Saint Vladimir College in Roblin. Starting at a young age and continuing throughout his life Bruce had a curiosity for knowledge and for how things work. As a result of this natural curiosity, Bruce became an expedition leader for a great many adventures.

Bruce found love and completion with Gaylene. Over their 16 years, of marriage they created a life filled with love that radiated through those fortunate enough to be graced by their hospitality. Their passion for laughter and life has been a glowing example of partnership and love.

At the age of 46, and with the support of his wife, Bruce accomplished a diploma in Mechanical Engineering. Most recently, he worked as the Construction Manager for Cameco at the Cigar Lake mine. Like many things in his life, he was passionate about the work he did and was an inspiration to many.

Bruce loved to spend time with family and brought people together with both food and conversation. These gatherings took place in so many locations over the years: at the farm in Norquay, in Outlook or Saskatoon, and recently most often at the cabin - or on the pontoon boat - at Christopher Lake.

Bruce had a clever mind, a sharp wit, a tender personality and he was an expert at providing advice when asked. He was a treasured mentor to so many, advising through decisions both big and small. He was proud of his Ukrainian heritage, sharing it with others and honoring tradition.

Bruce is survived by his mother Bernadette Sorochuk and he was the loving father of 5 daughters: Vanessa Fantillo (Collin), Kristin Catto (Nate), Andria Adams (Mason), from his marriage with Karen; and Kaitlin Sorochuk and Angela England (Kent) from his marriage with Gaylene. Bruce was an incredible Grandpa to Christian Fantillo, Petra Catto, Wilder Catto, Aeden England, Karys England and Preston England. He was a brother to Debora Grywacheski (Len), Loretta Huska (Kerry) and Neil Sorochuk (Lynn) and had numerous nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his father, Ernie Sorochuk and we take comfort in the fact that Bruce will be greeted by his dad. Although we have lost a remarkable man, he will live on in the lessons and wisdom imparted to those fortunate enough to have shared life with him.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Bruce may be made to St.Michael’s Camp at Box 128, Kamsack, Saskatchewan, SOA 1S0.

WORDS OF REMEMBRANCE FROM ANGELA ENGLAND
Hello. My name is Angela England. I am one of Bruce’s daughter’s with Gaylene, my mom. Technically, one might say I’m Bruce’s stepdaughter, but he and I never saw it that way. I’m lucky to have 2 dads.

Bruce came into my life when I was an adult. He met my mom in 2000. They had an arranged date through a dating service, and I remember my mom being so nervous about meeting him. On that first date, the connection between them was obvious. Even in so much as both of them confessing to each other that they had lied on their dating profiles about being non-smokers, which they chuckled about as they shared a cigarette outside the restaurant. Mom came home that night and informed me and my gramma that “This is the man I am going to marry”. Bruce’s feelings were mutual. Within 3 months they were talking marriage, but they decided to wait until after he introduced my mom to his 3 daughters. So, they managed to wait and were married on August 18, 2001. From the moment Bruce entered my mom’s life, he embraced all of her family with loving, open arms…myself, my little sister Kaitlin, and all the rest of the Lapetsky clan. Along with that, Kaitlin and I gained 3 sisters and a new family was born that has grown in number and closeness over time.

Since joining our family, Bruce showed us he was larger than life in so many ways. I’d like to share and acknowledge some of the beautiful gifts he has given us.

Food. Anyone who knows Bruce, knows how he loved food. My husband Kent and I knew we were in for some great food and great times with this man, when on our very first camping trip with him and mom, instead of hotdogs, we ate homemade lamb shishliki by the fire. Kent worried about wild animals attacking us all night after the shishliki marinade had been spilt around the campsite. He grew his own food, building a beautiful raised garden outside their home that flourished each year full of bounty which he turned into homemade horseradish, borsch, and dills. I will treasure his last batch of borsch, some of which I have in my freezer. He also brewed homemade tea from home-grown herb sprigs, with some still hanging to dry beneath their deck at home. He love to go on wild mushroom picking excursions. Bruce enjoyed using his smoker..smoking meats of all kinds that many of us were lucky enough to enjoy. He loved nice kitchen tools and gadgets and made great use of them, even including his dad Ernie’s antique pasta maker, and would share recipe ideas and cooking tips via texts almost daily. This past Thanksgiving with Collin and Vanessa, he brought home walnuts from Ontario and was excited to show us how to hull them. Some of these walnuts are in his arrangement here at the front of the church. A few years ago, he came home from Fort Mac after visiting Kristin and Nate, so excited to try to replicate some African food they had introduced him to. His latest project he had just started within the last few weeks was curing the meat for a charcuterie platter for Christmas Eve. Kaitlin and Claude, his colleague and friend from Cigar lake, have been carrying on this batch for him. I know I’ll miss his advise and be shedding more than a few tears making cabbage rolls this Christmas.

Adventure. Pretty much everyone who knows Bruce has had an adventure with him. He would try anything and find things to do anywhere. He honoured life with his curiosity and savoured opportunities to grow and learn.
Kent, myself, and our children were so blessed to share a cabin with Bruce and mom for several years, and Andria and Mason in recent years also made Christopher Lake their recreation destination. Vanessa and Christian, Kristin and Petra…I’m sure all have wonderful memories at Christopher Lake with Bruce. It is a terrible loss for all the grandchildren that time with him at the lake has ended, especially for little Wilder who never had a chance to be there with his grandpa. I know our kids are especially going to miss playing board games with grandpa, time by the fire, and cruising around on the pontoon boat. He loved exploring the north with trips to Crean at Waskesiu with the boats cruising the big beautiful lake, fishing, and ending in beach side hotdog roasts. Some of the drift wood from one of those Crean trips is part of the arrangement here. He and I loved planning food and snacks for those trips and would giggle at mom when she got aggravated with the food prep. Bruce found adventure in knowledge and loved learning about new things and planning …his phone or tablet was never far from reach so he could look up some piece of information that someone was wondering about. His electric bicycle was a great source of adventure for him bike riding and touring around the city … for example, last spring he rode his electric bike downtown and took in an air guitar competition .. just because…which we joined him for and had a lot of laughs. We were lucky enough to live 5 houses down from Bruce, mom and Kaitlin…and in summer months would often see him cruising by our back path on his bike (very fast I might add)….it is heart wrenching to know that we will never see that again. These days I can barely look out our back window, because I used to look out and know he might be seeing the trees and sunset as well, and right now nothing feels the same knowing he is not sharing the view.

Family. For Bruce, if you were family he was, as my husband put it, “all in” and he would help you in any way he could. When my husband’s father passed away Bruce stepped up and became such an amazing support for him and our family.
He’s been a wonderful son-in-law to my gramma, including her on various excursions, helping her with anything she needed, and showing her patience and kindness. If he was able, he was a cheering fan at many of our kids’ hockey and football games and swim meets. He was the organizer and planner of many family reunions, loved relations and generations of people sharing time together, and simply bringing people together. Everyone felt that they had a special relationship with him..he had a way relating to people with his kind and accepting nature and quietly showered people with love.

Spirit and faith. Over the years, I’ve come to regard our patriarch, Bruce, as my family’s spiritual leader. Bruce enriched my and my children’s life with much spirituality and grace. When we were recently moving, I believe he helped us sell our home, by giving us a St. Joseph statue to pray and place in our yard. It sold in 3 days. Then, when we moved into our new home, Bruce led us all around the house blessing it with Holy Water. It was so special and meaningful to me and I’ll never forget it. Thanksgiving wasn’t just for eating turkey with Bruce…he led us in sitting and sharing with each other what we were thankful for…always being sure the true meaning of celebrations were recognized. We were blessed to celebrate several traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve dinners with him…he would work for days on food preparation, get hay for the table and always set an empty place for those who had passed before us, following tradition. I experienced my first blessing of the Easter food basket at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church with him. He had a reverence for ceremony and many dinners were started by his saying grace and making a toasts . My kids are careful to follow his rule of always making eye contact with people you are toasting with. His thought and care he put into everything infused life with meaning and enrichment. To me, Bruce was angel on earth, doing God’s work here.

On Nov 19th, at about 2pm, there was an accident. From that point on, for many of us, our world has been spinning and spiralling in what seems out of control. Then started days upon days spent in the ICU waiting room with my mom and the girls, Kaitlin, Vanessa, Kristin, Andria, Bruce’s siblings, Deb and Loretta, and Neil, our partners, his mother Bernadette, and my Aunt Sheree. We found ourselves anchored there, to him and to each other. I had never spent so much time with so many of Bruce’s relatives together in one place and will be forever moved and comforted by how much we were brought together and were very much connected through that time. I know that Bruce wanted us together, supporting him and each other. And as we sat there day after day, I was struck by the goodness of these people. Bruce’s people..all influenced and grown in Bruce’s love.

And now, the pain is deep and the loss is far reaching. Despite our desperate prayers and pleading for our Angel Bruce to remain with us here, he is no longer. We struggle and ask why he can’t be here with us doing God’s work…why he had to leave us now and how we will go on without him. But, like the bible verse his mother, Bernadette, carefully chose for his remembrance card says , God took him to protect his tender heart from something…and I find comfort in this. We have to let you go so God can protect you.

So reluctantly saying goodbye for now, I promise to try my best to carry on things you’ve taught us, and to honour your devotion to family and God.

I thank God for the time we were blessed with you in our lives, and hold on and wait for the day that I will see you again.

Bruce married Karen Marie Shuya on 11 Nov 1978 in St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada. Karen (daughter of John Shuya and Luba Huska) was born on 17 Feb 1961; died on 11 Jun 2018. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Bruce married Gaylene Lapetsky on 18 Aug 2001 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

N.G. married L. Johnson [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

B.L.A. married B. Wright [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

W.B. married C. McDowall [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

B.T. married R. Scarpino [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: U.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: U.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: U.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: D. McNally. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

D.D. married Pamela Ann Froh on 30 Jun 1990 in Norquay, Saskatchewan, Canada. Pamela was born on 4 Nov 1970 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada; died on 3 Nov 2008 in Drumheller, Alberta, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

D.D. married D.J. Ward [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

R.J. married C.M. Antosh [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

L.N. married L.M. Klemetski [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

J.P. married E.M. Cheverie [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

R.W. married R. McCormack [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

L.M. married R.L. Hughes [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

L.P. married K.M. Keddy [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

B.J. married D. Gurski [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

R.A. married L.J. Sokil [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

C.J. married R.M. Tweddle [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: U. Goudreau. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: H.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

M.W. married D. Snyder [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: E. Klym. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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

L.A.P. married D.R. Hayes [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

M.J. married T. Anastasopoulos [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

E.P. married N.K. Marshall-Prain [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

S.N. married M.B. Shearlaw [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

J.K. married L.A. Mills [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

S.J. married R.J. Reiger [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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

V.A. married B. Fantillo [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

K.G. married N.J. Catto [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

A.D. married M. Adams [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]