Date of Birth: August 22, 1924
Date of Death: April 13, 2017
Edward Sawchyn of Melville, Sask., and formerly of the Fenwood district, beloved husband of Helen Sawchyn, went home into the arms of our Lord, Thursday, April 13, 2017.
Edward was born on Aug. 22, 1924 on the family farm near Fenwood, Sask., to Michael Sawchyn and Effamia Sawchyn (Rygus) of Ulychno, Ukraine. He attended Dawn School and later completed high school courses by correspondence. As a young man, he was an excellent athlete in baseball and sports in general.
Edward and Helen were united in marriage on May 17, 1953 at Holy Ghost Ukraine Orthodox Church in Goodeve and were blessed with three children.
He was a proud Ukrainian Orthodox Christian who taught us how to live by example. The church was the most important part of his life. He read the Bible thoroughly and instilled the importance of this life in his family. Edward was a lead singer in the choir; assisted the cantor; enjoyed carolling during the Christmas season and did many repairs on the church until his health no longer permitted.
World events, history and geography were all important and he always had good conversations with those who were up on their news and history. Edward was eager to explain how the present was affected by the past. He also loved his music. He played in a band from the age of 17 to 75 at many weddings, anniversaries and in later years, the nursing homes.
He loved to work on the farm from sun-up to sundown, and he purchased his father’s 1914 homestead. He believed that farming was the best way of life.
He received his senior auto mechanics license from Musker Engineering Institute in Winnipeg and there was nothing on the farm he couldn’t fix, and in later years, the kids’ vehicles which were brought home from time to time.
There wasn’t much he couldn’t do. “I can make that,” was what he would say, and then do.
The couple moved into Melville in 1999, but Edward and Helen continued to farm from town for a few more years.
He was an excellent carpenter. Edward built the family’s first five piece bedroom furniture set which still stands as strong and bright as his faith. The kitchen cabinets and vanities in their first new home were all designed and built by Edward.
For several years, Edward and Helen were both in a music band called “The Parkland Pals” which they enjoyed so very much.
Edward’s wife and family were important to him. He was a good father and husband who always provided the family with what was needed. Edward and Helen were inseparable, in sickness and in health. Helen was always by his side.
Predeceased by his parents, Michael and Effamia; son, Erryle; brothers, Peter, William, Nicholas, Alex (Ann), John (Katie) and Russell; sisters, Ann (Joe) and Olga (John).
Edward will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Helen, of 64 years; son, Garry (Lorena); daughter, Debbie (Jelle); and grandchildren, Scott (Krista), Ryan, Jody, Shelly, Cory; great-granchildren, Brenden, Taleana, Taylor and Hayley; brother, Ernest; sisters-in-law, Katie Sawchyn, Sophie Kozakavich and Marie Stecyk; brother-in-law, Mike (Sophie) Kozakavich; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Prayer services were held on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 7 p.m. from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton.
Funeral service were held Friday, April 21, 2017 at 10 a.m. from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church with Very Rev. Mel Slashinsky officiating.
Arrangements were by Bailey’s Funeral Home, Melville.
