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George Spelay
George Spelay, a resident of the Anderson Lodge in Yorkton passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2000 at the Lodge. He was 86 years of age. George Spelay was born in the Whitesand district of Saskatchewan on April 5, 1914 one of twelve children of Wasyl and Pearl (nee Shumay) Spelay, Ukrainian pioneers. He attended Beblow School and as a young man worked firstly on the farm and then moved to Sudbury, Ontario where he was employed with International Nickel Corporation. He returned to Yorkton in 1955 and began employment as a warehouseman at M MacDonald's Consolidated retiring in 1979. In 1982 George began to make his home at Anderson Lodge where he lived and enjoyed the company of other residents and staff.
George will be remembered as an individual who was always kept everything neat and tidy. His hobbies included fishing and carpentry. He especially enjoyed visiting with his family and his nieces and nephews always knew uncle George had a treat for them. Although failing in health his passing was unexpected.
George was the last of his family and was predeceased by five brothers: John, Peter, Metro, Mike and Fred; six sisters: Anna Byblow, Margaret Spelay in infancy, Donna Shumay, Pauline Kolisnek, Catherine Demchuk and Mary Spelay. He leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory seventeen nieces and fourteen nephews.
The prayer service was held on Tuesday evening, November 14, 2000 from the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home in Yorkton. The Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Wednesday, November 15, 2000 from St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Bryan Bayda C.Ss.R. as the celebrant. Members of St. Mary's Funeral Choir led in the singing of the responses. The crossbearer was Randy Shumay. The Interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Darin, Andy and George Spelay, Bill and Danny Shumay and Joe Lackmanec serving as the casketbearers. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home.
Irene Spelay
Mrs. Irene Spelay of Regina and formerly of Yorkton went into the arms of the Lord on Tuesday, December 24, 2001 at her residence. She was 88 years of age. Irene was born on July 20, 1913 in the Drobot district of Saskatchewan; a daughter of Mike and Katherine ( Nee Skwarchuk ) Chalus. She was raised on the family farm and received her education at Chornowetz School. Irene then was united in marriage to John Spelay and the couple farmed in the Springside district until they retired. Following John's death in 1966 Irene continued to reside in Yorkton until she made the Extendicare in Regina her home. During her life Irene was a quiet and private person who enjoyed gardening and cooking and would always help at community events especially weddings.
Predeceased by her husband John, five brothers: Bill in infancy, Alex, Nick, Mike, Bill and a sister Annie Koytzan; Irene leaves to cherish her memory and to celebrate her life her son Lawrence and his wife Marlene of Fort Quappelle. A granddaughter Candice of Edmonton; grandson Travis of Calgary; a brother Steve and his wife Edna of Yorkton and a sister Mary Wytowich of St. Catherines.
Funeral services were held on Monday morning, December 31, 2001 from Bailey's Funeral Home Yorkton with Mervin Dubnyk of the Yorkton Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses officiating. The Interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Peter Achtemichuk, Glen Bradshaw, Garry Delesoy, Lorne Klimchuk, Eugene Mellish and Robert Purich serving as Casket Bearers. Services directed by Bailey's Funeral Home Yorkton.
John Spelay
John G. Spelay passed away quietly in his sleep at the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Home in Lloydminster, AB, on January 28, 2001 at the age of 83. He was born on December 6, 1917 to Anna and George Spelay in the Whitesand district, Saskatchewan. He attended the Byblow School for a short time before helping his parents fulltime with farming. He eventually took over the homestead. He did most of the blacksmith work in the surrounding area, still finding the time to be a school trustee for 21 years at Byblow School and a councillor for 5 years for the RM of Good Lake. John loved to dance, and could be found many times doing the polka and being the life of the party. Then he decided it was time for a change of scenery. He moved to Revelstoke, BC, and began work in a sawmill. However, Saskatchewan beckoned for him to return. John went to work for Coca-Cola in Yorkton. Then he met and married Mary Pawliw on November 22, 1965 and decided to try his hand at road construction with Merriman Brothers Construction of Springside. After a couple of seasons he went back to Coca-Cola. Years later, when Coke downsized, John decided to go to work at Morris Rod-Weeder. After nine years, he retired in 1982. He was much busier after retirement. He helped his nephews with farming. While doing his hobby--wood crafts and carpentry--John's biggest accomplishment was renovating the parish hall at Whitesand, SK. All his life, John was involved with St. Mary s Parish Church at Whitesand. He helped the priests during masses, he drove the priest to bless houses, was in the choir and was a secretary and trustee for the church. He also did church and Cemetery maintenance. He replaced old crosses outdoors with a new white cross that he donated. He was an active member of the parish until his health prevented him from continuing. His step-grandchildren were his pride and joy. He accepted them as his own and welcomed the grandchildren s spouses into the family...it was always "Gido this" and "Gido that". John and his wife Mary of 35 years had a cabin at Sunnyside Beach, and spent many days renovating it, and entertaining. Many Saturday nights were spent working the door at the famous dances. He also enjoyed playing cards with the many friends he had. He even took the time several times a year to go look for mushrooms. He travelled many time to BC to visit his step-daughter Rosemarie and Bill Diakow and family, stopping to visit with his sisters and their families, sometimes picking up fruit and even making a trip to Ontario by train. Due to failing health, John and Mary moved to Lloydminster to have help from their children. Declining health caused John to move into the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Home in Lloydminster until his quiet passing. Many times John went with Mary and children and/or grandchildren to the lake for a barbecue or picnic. He enjoyed many outings from the Nursing Home, going to the fair, parade or museum or just to the family home for a good old home cooked meal.
John is survived by his loving wife of 35 years Mary; two step-daughters, Rosemarie Diakow of Edmonton and Lorraine (Ed) Torgerson of Lloydminster; four grandchildren, Triton (Taunia) Diakow of Salmon Arm, BC, Treva Diakow (Mike Dee) of Canmore, AB, Lynn (Dave) Kielniak of Winnipeg, and Laurie (Doug) Jordan of Lloydminster; one sister, Mary Popowich of Vernon, BC, and numerous nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his parents, Anna and George Spelay; three sisters, Dona Spelay, Pauline Koban and Katie Shykora; one step-sister, Pearl Spilchen; and two brothers, Bill Spelay and Nick Spelay.
Prayer services were held on Thursday, February 1, 2001 from the Chapel of Bailey s Funeral Home. The Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Friday, February 2, 2001 from St. Mary s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Very Rev. Dmytro Dnistrian C.ss.R. as celebrant. The responses were led by members of St. Mary s Funeral Choir. Geraldine Koban was the epistle-reader, the crossbearer was Mike Koban. The Interment followed at St. Mary s Parish Cemetery, Whitesand with Triton Diakow, dave Kielniak, Doug Jordan, John Koban, David Spelay and Matt Shumay serving as the casketbearers. Arrangements were in care of Bailey s Funeral Home.
John Spelay
John of Yorkton, husband of Mildred, passed away peacefully July 7, 2003 on the feast of St. John at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina at the age of 63 years following a three-year courageous battle with cancer. John Edward Spelay was born October 10, 1939 in the Whitesand district of Saskatchewan, son of Nicholas and Pauline (nee Lackmanec) Spelay. John attended elementary school in the Whitesand district, and later attended Saint Joseph's High School in Yorkton, graduating in 1959. After graduation, John began working at Morris Rodweeder in Yorkton as a welder and painter. He later entered into his true calling of automobile mechanics. He began working at Katernach's Service, and then moved on to Ray's Texaco. Eventually, he opened his own service station, John's Texaco Service. He moved on to Northern Motors for the next 14 years, where he became an expert on Chrysler vehicles. John's basement workshop walls are filled with his beloved Gold Tool Awards, awarded by Chrysler to their Master Technicians. Following the closure of Northern Motors, he moved on to Key Chevrolet, then Canadian Tire. Needing a change in his career, he spent the last five years of his working life as a machinist and assistant manager of SLS Manufacturing in Yorkton. Throughout his entire life John has always been considered a 'John' of all trades knowing a lot about mechanics, electrical, carpentry and plumbing. When John wasn't working he spent a lot of time cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs, Blue Jays and the Saskatchewan Roughriders. It was through the service industry that John met Mildred, his loving wife of 31 years. John often joked that Millie had purposely packed snow in her wiper blades so she would have a reason to come and woo him. They soon had two children, Tracey and Kevin. He loved his children and took great pride in their activities and accomplishments, whether it was dancing, music, sports or schooling. As well, his grandchildren were of the utmost importance in his life. He cherished the time spent with Kasia who he referred to as his, 'little sweetie' and Tiana his, 'little pumpkin.' His eyes would light up when they were in his presence.
John leaves to celebrate his life: his wife Mildred, his son Kevin, his daughter Tracey, and son in law Greg Swintak and their two children, Kasia and Tiana, his mother, Pauline Spelay, his brothers, Dennis (Rozella), Michael (Joyce), David (Faye), and his sister, Trudy Spelay, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. John is predeceased by his father, Nicholas, and his grandparents. John will be dearly missed and loved. Our memories will always be with him. John is now our guardian angel looking down upon the family that he helped to build. We love you Daddy!
Prayer services were held on Thursday, July 10, 2003 following the rosary led by members of the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Delaere Council. Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Friday, July 12, 2003 at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Mark Gnutel as the Main Celebrant. He was assisted by Very Rev. Bryan Bayda, C.Ss.R. The responses were led by St. Mary's Funeral Choir. The epistle reader was Gred Swintak and the cross bearer was John Koban. An honour guard of Knights of Columbus participated in the funeral. 'All those that were special in John's life' were considered honourary bearers. Violinist, Peter Kobylka played the hymns during the farewell procession. The Interment followed in the Garden of St. Luke at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Randy Halliday, Kenneth Wanner, Joe Lachmanec, Darren Spelay, Murray Spelay and Jerry Kobylka serving as the casket bearers. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home.
Bill Spilchen
Mr. Bill Spilchen, beloved husband of Elizabeth of Yorkton passed away on Friday, March 29, 2002 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 79 years, 1 month and 20 days of age. William 'Bill' Nick Spilchen was born on February 9, 1923 on the home farm in the Whitesand district of Saskatchewan; a son of Nick and Magda (nee Spelay) Spilchen. He was raised on the family farm and attended the Whitesand School. Upon leaving school, Bill worked at various jobs such as driving a bread delivery truck and hauling sand and gravel. Later, he purchased a half section of land in the Orcadia district and grain farmed for a number of years. On June 12, 1971 Bill was united in marriage to Elizabeth Ellis (nee Takach) of Yorkton and continued to farm while living in Yorkton until about the age of 65 years, when he sold his farm and retired. Bill was very active in horseshoes, golfing, curling, bowling and fishing. He also never lost his love and interest in the land. He took many drives in the country during summer, looking at all the various crops and livestock. He was a king and generous man who took great pleasure in playing and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Predeceased by his parents, his brothers Metro, Steve, Peter & Fred and by sisters Mary Chornanky and Pauline Kowalyk. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 30 years, Elizabeth; step-daughter Elizabeth (John) Kobitz of the Saltcoats district and their children, Jennifer (Charles) Strutynski & Wyatt & Cody of Wroxton & Jeffrey of Saltcoats district; step-son Albert Ellis of Fisher Branch, Manitoba; brothers, Mike (Pauline) of Yorkton, Paul of Orcadia, Henry (Shirley) of Orcadia, George of Springside, John of Vancouver; sisters, Anne Multon of Moose Jaw, Katie (Steve) Skwarchuk of Moose Jaw, and Madeline (Henry) Yaremko of Yorkton, numerous nieces, nephews and his many other relatives and friends.
The funeral service was held on Wednesday, April 3, 2002 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Faye Greer of Westview United Church officiating. The organist, Sharon Litvanyi led the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'Amazing Grace', 'The Lord's My Shepherd' and 'How Great Thou Art'. Honorary bearers were Henry Yaremko, Elwin Takach, Steve Skwarchuk and Louis Takach. The Interment followed in the Garden of St. Mark with George and Bill Yaremko, Darcy and Brian Spilchen, Henry Takach and Jim Nagy serving as the casketbearers. Arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
Fred Spilchen
Mr. Fred Spilchen of Yorkton entered eternal rest on Monday, March 4, 2002 at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home. He was 78 years of age. Fred Theodore Spilchen was born on February 29, 1924 in the Whitsand district, a son of Nick and Magda (nee Spelay) Spilchen. He attended Whitesand School and helped his parents and neighbors in the district. In 1941 he moved to Vernon, BC where worked in a logging camp. Later he moved back to Saskatchewan and operated a Pool Hall in Springside. In 1947 he was united in marriage to Patricia Soboloski. A year later they moved to Vancouver where he worked as a commercial fisherman for 6 years before obtaining a job at a paint manufacturing plant. He retired in 1989 after 33 years of employment. That same year Fred moved to make his home in Yorkton. Fred enjoyed motorcycling, snowmobiling, camping and travelling. During his later years in life he tried his hand at gardening.
He was predeceased by his parents; wife Patricia in 1955; son Gary in 1964; brothers Metro, Steve and Peter, and sisters Mary Chornanky and Pauline Kowalyk. Fred is survived by his daughter Karen Spilchen of Naniamo, BC; brothers Bill (Betty) of Yorkton, Mike (Pauline) of Yorkton, Paul of Orcadia, Henry (Shirley) of Orcadia, George of Springside and John of Vancouver; and sisters Anne Multon of Moose Jaw, Katie (Steve) Skwarchuk of Moose Jaw and Madeline (Henry) Yaremko of Yorkton, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
The funeral service was held on Thursday, March 7th from the Family Centre at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Pastor Peter Hay of Yorkton Alliance Church officiating. The organist, Vange Shipowick, led in the singing of the hymns How Great Thou Art, He Lives and My Jesus I Love Thee. The Interment followed in the Garden of St. Mark, Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Terry Spilchen, Darcy Spilchen , Brian Spilchen, Gerald Muzyka, Lorne Chabot and Bill Yaremko serving as the casket bearers. Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
Pete Stadnyk
Mr. Pete Stadnyk of the Parkerview district passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2003 at the Foam Lake Health Centre. He was 68 years of age. Petro Stadnyk, the sixth son and tenth child in a family of twelve children was born to John and Mary (nee Paley) Stadnyk on June 25, 1934 on the family farm in the Parkerview district. He attended Chiselhurst School until he had to stay at home and help with farming. At the age of twenty-one he went to Ontario and worked in a Gold Mine until 1961; all the while continuing to help with spring and fall work at the farm. He decided to take over farming full time following the passing of his father. He built a new home on the farm in 1967 and looked after his mother until her passing in 1976. Pete could be described as a people person and a perfectionist. His home, yard, garden, vehicle and crops were true examples. He enjoyed entertaining guests at his home and was an excellent cook. His guests never left his home without a coffee or even a meal. Pete's gentleness, sensitivity, sincerity and jovial disposition gained him the respect of many friends. Pete was also community-minded; serving as councilor in the Ituna RM; Treasurer for the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Church (also known as the Stadnyk Church for the family donated the land and helped build the Church). He would spend countless hours looking after the maintenance of the Church and yard. Pete also enjoyed hunting and fishing; being an avid marksman frequently hunting season for him was over before getting hardly started. Fishing was not the same; he would spend many hours on the lake and just couldn't land the big one. His love for nature slowly kept getting over taken by his failing health. His illness depressed him many times since he no longer could manage to do the things he loved to do.
He was predeceased by his father (1958); mother (1976); brothers, Matt (1977); Alex (1984); John (1984); Steve (1998) and Mike (1995). Peter leaves to cherish his memory four sisters, Dora Parawinchuk of Gravenhurst, ON; Katie Kwasnitza and Anne Serray of Yorkton, and Effie Yurkowski of Winnipeg,; two brothers, Bill (Jeanette) of Kelowna, BC and George (Lena) of Regina,; three sisters-in-law, Doris Stadnyk of Foam Lake, Theresa Stadnyk of USA and Dora Stadnyk of Niagra Falls; along with many nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends.
Prayer services were held on Sunday, March 9, 2003 at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre. Funeral services were held on Monday, March 10, 2003 at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthoodox Church, Sheho Town with Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky officiating. The cantor, Gerlad Yaholnitsky assisted by choir members led in the singing of the responses. The cross bearer was Christopher Kwasnitza and the banner bearers were David Fink and Bradley Kirstuik. The Interment followed in the Holy Ghost (Stadnyk) Parish Cemetery with Peter Kwasnitza, Ted Stadnyk, Dennis Kuzek, Danny Serray, Alex Baranesky and Johnnie Yurkowski serving as the casket bearers. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home.
Allan Steffenson
Mr. Allan Steffenson of Yorkton passed away peacefully at the Regina General Hospital on Saturday April 14, 2001 after a month long illness. He was 78 years of age. Allan Henry Steffenson was born on May 3, 1922 on his parents' farm south of Leroy, Saskatchewan to Chris and Hulda Steffenson. He received his education at Spring Grove School. While a teenager he helped on the farm, or worked for neighbors. In 1941 he and his brother Hardy were drafted into the army and received their basic training at Maple Creek and were later posted from one end of the country to the other. Allan served overseas with the Regina Rifles 3rd Division and was in action in Holland, Belgium, France and Germany. He received several medals for his bravery. He returned home to LeRoy in 1946 and soon bought his own land. On October 4, 1949 he married Alma Ostig and resided in Leroy. In 1961 Allan and Alma moved to the Buchanan area where they farmed until 1973 when they moved into Yorkton. Allan worked at the Corona Motor Hotel for several years. He retired in 1982 but would often help farmers in the Springside area. When he was younger he enjoyed hockey and curling, throughout his life he loved hunting, fishing, playing cards and later gardening and jigsaw puzzles. Above all Allan enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved children and they adored him.
Allan was predeceased by his father Christian Steffenson in 1959, his mother Hulda (Neilsen) Steffenson in 1972, his sister Lily Hanson in 1997, as well as his brother-in-law Les Hanson. He leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory his four children: daughter Barbara (Walter) Rusnak and family, Lionel, Stephanie, Gladys, Roseanne and Michael Dutchak all of the Buchanan and Canora area; son Donovan (Lorraine) and family, Rebecca and Evan of Regina; son, Allan (Karen) and family, Brandon and Kalsey of Yorkton; daughter Krista of Yorkton; his wife Alma Steffenson of Yorkton; two brothers Ernest (Lorraine) of Regina and Hardy (Margaret) of Yorkton; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Prayers were held on Tuesday, April 17th at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 18th at the Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Faye Greer of Westview United Church officiating. Words of tribute and remembrance were given by his children, Barbara Rusnak and Don Steffenson; niece Lucille Hanson, and grandchildren Gladys and Roseanne Dutchak. The organist, Sharon Litvanyi, led in the singing of the hymns Battle Hymn of The Republic and Rock of Ages. Piper Ferne Katzberg played Amazing Grace as the recessional. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion, General Alexander Ross Branch #77 conducted the Legion Rites. The Padre was Rev. Don Milne; Sergeant-at-Arms was Mike Bidnock; and the color party consisted of Wally Austman, Art Alstad, Fred Fenske and John Zaretski. The Interment followed in the Veteran's Section of the Leroy Town Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home.
