Date of Birth: September 22, 1948
Date of Death: June 14, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Don Halyk on Friday, June 14, 2024 with his family by his side.
Donald William Halyk was born on Sept. 22, 1948 to Steve and Nellie Halyk in Melville, SK. He was the youngest of six children. Don attended grade school in Fenwood and high school in Melville. He took great pride in growing up in the small town of Fenwood where all the kids did everything together, including getting into their fair share of mischief. He entered the workforce at a young age with his first job at PFRA. He then worked for Kleysens for a short while. As luck would have it, he needed to have his tonsils out which kept him out of certain “establishments” and had him hanging out at LB’s Drive-In Restaurant instead. This is where he met the love of his life, Doretta Babyak.
Their relationship continued when he moved to Whitewood in January of 1973 to work at the Texaco Bulk Station. This allowed him to pursue his love for hockey as he played for the Whitewood Orioles; he also found an extended family with Don and Doreen McPhail. An unbreakable bond was formed.
Don and Doretta were married on May 19, 1973 and began their life in Whitewood, SK. Don also happened to have some skills in the game of fastball so he joined the St. Hubert Colts. In July of 1974 they welcomed their first child, Tracy. Tricia joined the team in November of 1976 and Aimee completed the hat trick in January 1980. During this time in Whitewood, many life-long friendships were formed through his involvement in the community and sports.
In 1983, Don was hired at IMC Canada to work underground as a Warehouseman until his retirement in February of 2011. While underground, item and bin numbers were memorized, tickets were sold and friendships were formed.
Don, Doretta and the girls moved to Esterhazy in 1986. He continued to play hockey and ball for numerous teams whether he was a regular on the roster or a pickup for a weekend tournament. A highlight was playing with the Regina Carlings in the Western Fastball League with his brother Jerry in 1975. As time went on, he added coaching to his resume. Through this passion for sports, he influenced many players. Whether you were on his team, or the opposition, there was a respect for his leadership, commitment, knowledge and skill. Don had a life-long passion for sports. He played well into his 60’s and was particularly proud of his weekly trips to Yorkton to play Ol’ Timer hockey with his oldest brother Gordon.
As exciting as this all was, the most precious times were just arriving. Don and Doretta welcomed five grandchildren into their lives: Aidan, Kieran, Bree, Cori and Bridger. These five quickly became the pride and joy enriching his life to a new level. The energy, pride and commitment he had in supporting his children and grandchildren was ever steady. This meant Donnie expanded his circle of activities. He now loved band, choir, dance, gymnastics, soccer, basketball, guitar, piano, track, cross-country running, musicals and volleyball. Don and Doretta now channeled their time, energy and gas money into strengthening family bonds. The house was always filled with laughs from Grandpa’s goofy antics, card tricks, jokes and endless adventures.
Don’s extended family held great importance to him as well. Time spent with brothers, sisters, in-laws, nephews and nieces was valued. This was also true for the countless friends, teammates, and players who felt like they were important to him, because they truly were.
Don was predeceased by his mother Nellie, father Steve; father-in-law Albert Babyak, mother-in-law Aimee Babyak; sister Evangeline Turton and husband Duncan; sister Shirley Richmond and husband Richie; sisters-in law Sandra Halyk, Shirley Halyk, Linda Babyak; brothers-in-law David Babyak, Michael Babyak; and nephew Samson Babyak.
Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Doretta; children: Tracy and her husband Ryan Maksymchuk, Tricia and her husband Gord Davies, Aimee and her husband Scott Unchulenko; his grandchildren, Aidan, Kieran, Bree, Cori and Bridger; brothers Gordon Halyk and Jerry Halyk; sister Mavis and Dale Gustafson; brothers-in-law Dan and Charlotte Babyak, Jerome and Caryn Babyak, Chris Babyak,
Ken and Linda Babyak; sisters-in-law Jan and Rudy Krueger, Rita Cooper, Dianne Babyak and Terry Boulet; as well as many nieces and nephews.
We thank you Don for everything you were and all that you gave. May you forever rest in peace with the certain knowledge that you will always be dearly loved and terribly missed.
Arrangements by Peter Carscadden Funeral Service, Esterhazy, SK 306-745-3304.
