Date of Birth: June 16, 1931
Date of Death: February 7, 2017
With love and sadness we announce the passing of Harry Parachoniak, husband of loving wife, Christine. He passed away peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospital with his wife by his side on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017 at the age of 85 years.
Harry was born to Nick and Mary (nee Boyarski) Parachoniak on June 16, 1931 in Hubbard, Sask. He lived on the family farm all his young life and attended school in Hubbard. With a family of 10 boys and one girl, he learned how to work hard.
At the age of 19, Harry started working for the CNR, beginning as a fireman and ending as an engineer, retiring in 1986.
While living in Melville, Harry made many friends. He loved camping, fishing, hunting and golfing and spent a lot of time at the Legion playing cribbage. The Saturday before his passing was the first cribbage tournament he was unable to make. Harry was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, but had to give up his position due to health reasons.
Harry was a 53-year member of the Melville Elks Lodge #407. He held every position in the lodge twice, maybe even three times in those years. Over his 53 years of service, some of the most notable positions Harry held were National Curling chairman, publicity chairman for the Provincial Curling, publicity chairman for the walk-a-thon and liaison for the Lodge with Minor Ball Association, and was most recently the Exalted Ruler. He served as District Deputy for District #7 five times.
Harry also served the Saskatchewan Elks Association in various positions. Some of the positions that Harry held with dedication for the Saskatchewan Elks Association included: trustee in the late 1970s, member of the Investigating Committee 1998-2003 and chairman for Provincial Golf 2003-2006.
Harry attended 50 provincial conferences and numerous Grand Lodge conventions held all across Canada. He even made a trip to Havre, Mont. to attend the Montana State convention where he was given an American Elks pin by the American Grand Exalted Ruler, a pin he was very proud to wear and tell the story of when and where he received it.
Harry will be missed by all the brother and sister Elks who knew him and will always be applauded. “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”
Harry will be missed by all his family and friends dearly. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 35 years, Christine; and her son, Murray (Wendy Chapmen; his three children, daughter Marlene (Dave) Kisser and children: son, Dave (Pauline) and their children, Nolan and Mira, daughter, Nicole (John) Lelie and their daughter, Teri; daughter, Debbie (Dave) Murray and children: daughter, Melissa (Ryan) and their children, Vaughan and Ryder and son, Kristopher; son, Norm (Mavis) Parachoniak and children: sons, Colby and Logan; sister, Gloria; brothers, Ted (Yolanda), Joe (Verna) and Elmer (Joanne); and a sister-in-law, Marie Parachoniak.
He was predeceased by his parents, Nick and Mary Parachoniak; his first wife, Kathleen; his son, Wayne; and brothers, Rudy, Stan, Ray, Edward, Walter and John.
We would like to thank Dr. Eshawesh and the nurses and staff of St. Peter’s Hospital for the wonderful care they gave Harry.
Mass of Christian burial was celebrated for Harry on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 at St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church, Melville with the Rev. Fr. Mitch Burdzy, OMI, celebrating. The music was led by Len Gadica and Rosalie Woloschuk was the eucharistic minister. Scripture was read by Melissa Murray, Colby Parachoniak and Logan Parachoniak.
An honour guard was formed by members of the B.P.O. Elks and Royal Canadian Legion.
Interment followed in St. Henry’s Parish Cemetery with Colby Parachoniak, Darwin Waldbauer, Logan Parachoniak, Kevin Waldbauer, Kristopher Murray and Patrick Parachoniak acting as pallbearers.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville
