Obituary of Nicholas George Duch

DUCH - Nicholas Duch of the Verigin district, beloved husband of Zennovia Duch entered eternal rest on June 4, 2018 at the age of 69 years. Nicholas George Duch, fondly known as Nick, Nicholai, Nicki, Dear, Dad, and Dido, was a good, honest, hardworking, down-to-earth man with a sense of humour. He was slow to anger, generous with his time and knowledge, and would help anyone that needed it. Born on Dec. 16, 1948 in Prince Albert, SK., he was the youngest of five children, born to Nick and Rosie (nee Lozinski). He grew up on a farm and went to school in Erwood, SK, later transferring to Hudson Bay, SK. After high-school, he attended Normal School (for teachers) and taught grades 1-8 on a Hutterite colony for one year. Being mechanically inclined, however, he later attended SIAST (Saskatchewan Institute for Applied Science and Technology) and became a journeyman autobody mechanic; practicing within that industry for over 30 years in various locations. During his time at SIAST he started courting the love of his life, Zennovia Semenuik. For their first date, she accompanied him to his work Christmas party, where she was immediately assumed to be his wife. They sealed the deal on June 8, 1974 in Yorkton, SK., lived in Saskatoon for one year, and then settled on a farm south of Verigin for the next 43 years. Here they raised four children and added farming to their livelihood. His career eventually transitioned to that of a grain plant operator for local businesses. Business aside, over the years he enjoyed playing the accordion, Christmas caroling, and eventually got brave enough to join Zennovia in the church choir. Nick and Zennovia's love of music was engrained into their family life; and served as a comfort in his final days. He passed away on June 4th, 2018. In addition to his parents, Nick was predeceased by his sister Patsy, brother Russell, father-in-law William Semenuik, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He leaves to mourn his passing: his wife Zennovia of 44 years, daughter Laura Drinkwater (Kevin) and grandchildren Cara and Katie, daughter Oksana (Graham Pendray), son Steven (Bronwynn) and grandchildren Connor and Lily-Rose, son George, sister Dorothy Korol (Taras) and nephew Taras Jr. (Diana) and children Larissa and Alicia, niece Rose-Marie Priddle (Todd) and children Tayllor and Hunter, nephew Evan, brother John (Eldena), nephew Nathan and his daughter Emilaya, niece Heidi Pankratz (Joel) and children David and Hannah, mother-in-law Pauline Semenuik, brothers-in-law Wayne Semenuik (Wendy), Emanuel Semenuik (Leslie), Eugene Semenuik (Judith) and their families' many children and grandchildren, sisters-in-law Nadia Semenuik and Fialka Semenuik, and a large extended family. Nick has blessed us with so many colourful memories. He'd help change a tire in his best suit without a second thought. He'd willingly share his intuitive knowledge to solve any mechanical problem. He thoroughly enjoyed two family trips to Mexico. He was always up for a dance, a visit, or a really good bonfire. One of his favourite past times was to enjoy the sun in a lawn chair taking in the beautiful sounds that God has given us through nature. Here for a good time, and unfortunately not a long time, Nick gave us a lot of stories, a lot of laughs, a lot to think about, a lot to be grateful for, and a lot of Love. He will be sorely missed and remembered always. Prayers were held on Thursday, June 7, 2018 and the Funeral Service on Friday, June 8, 2018 at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canora with Rev. Fr. Michael Faryna officiating. The responses were led by Adeline Zawislak. Serving as the crossbearer was Eugene Semenuik. The casket bearers were Laura Drinkwater, Oksana Porteous, Steven Duch, George Duch, Kevin Drinkwater, Bill Lozinski (Funeral), Matthew Smeretsky (Prayers). The interment followed the reception in the Garden of St. Matthew at Yorkton Memorial Gardens. Memorial tributes in Nick's memory may be made to All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Kamsack, Ukrainian Orthodox Church Camp, Crystal Lake or Camp Easter Seal in lieu of flowers. Eternal Memory Service Information Thursday, June 7th, 2018 7:00pm, Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church Friday, June 8th, 2018 10:00am, Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens