Harry SAWCHUK

HARRY SAWCHUK Peacefully in the early morning on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2004, Harry Sawchuk passed away at the age of 86 surrounded by members of his family. Harry was born Sept. 9, 1918 in Rainy River, Ont. to Harry and Mary Sawchuk. In 1928, the family moved to a farm in Atwood Township. Here, he cultivated his love for farming, gardening, and livestock husbandry, and recreational activities. Following a stint in the Canadian Army, Harry returned to Rainy River and began a dual career as a farmer and a railroader. He was employed by the CNR for more than 30 years. During these years, he worked as a brakeman and conductor between Rainy River and Atikokan. On Oct. 29, 1944, Harry was united in marriage to Anne Oleksyn (formerly of Wakaw, Sask.) and they shared 60 years of marriage. Together, they purchased the farm land adjacent to his parents located on the banks of the Rainy River, where they presently reside. It was here they raised six loving children. Left to treasure memories of that huge smile, his twinkling eyes, and his caring, giving nature are his beloved wife of 60 years, Anne; children, Herb (Sue) of Chesterfield, Mich., Ken (Louise) of Atikokan, Ont., Bob of Sleeman, Ont., Linda (Larry) of Fort Frances, Ont., Harry Jr. (Barb) of Ear Falls, Ont., and Patti of Winnipeg, Man.; and grandchildren, Tanya (Mark) Peraino, Wendi Sawchuk, Bruce, Tyler, and Lindsey Coyle, and Jeff, Kyla, Ryan, and Kendra Sawchuk. He also is survived by his sisters, Jessie Nielsen (Norman) of Baudette, Mn. and Frances Amundsen of Dawson Township. In earlier years, Harry was active in 4-H activities and, in later years, was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. The outdoors was his theatre, whether hunting, fishing, trapping, berry picking, cutting wood, or gardening. This was his passion! Harry’s other interests included card-playing, story-telling, and travelling the back roads visiting neighbours and looking for bargains. He had an insatiable appetite for hockey, baseball, and football. Harry was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Mary Sawchuk; brother-in-law, Amund Amundsen; and a brother and sister in infancy. A funeral mass in celebration of his life was held Monday, Nov. 1, 2004 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Rainy River, Ont. Fr. Dan Debano and Fr. James Panikulam officiated, with a private interment held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Rainy River. The pallbearers were Eric Westover, Herman Krahn, Ian Johnson, Vaughn Murray, Harry Amundsen, and Jack Elliott. The honourary pallbearers were Steve Yeryk, Walter Swerbus, Fred Kocis, Fred Westover, Glen Kaus, and Ken Moore. If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Box 573, Rainy River, Ont. P0W 1L0, or Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, c/o Box 33, Pinewood, Ont., P0W 1N0. Pamyat Vischnaya