Obituary of George Kitzan

KITZAN - George Kitzan, beloved husband of Olga of Theodore, passed away February 15, 2017 at the Yorkton Regional Health Center at the age of 93 years. George was born May 1, 1923 to Nick and Mary (Forstey) Kitzan at Goldenvale District north of Theodore. George was the oldest of 13 children. He attended Czernowetz School till Grade 7, where he then worked at the family farm and farmers in the area. He worked in bush camps in the north in the winter. In 1943, he enlisted into the Canadian Armed Forces during World War Two where he was deployed to England, Holland, Belgium, France, and Germany. He came back to Canada in 1946. He purchased his farm North of Theodore in 1948. George married Olga (Kominetsky) on March 1, 1952. They both worked on the family farm and were blessed with three children: Mervin, Dwayne, and Karen. Besides running the farm, he drove the school bus from 1962-1980. No matter how cold or stormy a morning, George rarely didn't go. George served as a School Trustee from 1948-1962, and President of the Mamornitz Church Board from 1980 to the time of his death. He was also an active member of the Theodore Legion Branch. He enjoyed all sports, but was an avid fan and goal judge for the Theodore Buffalos Senior hockey team. He never did fully retire from farming and was seen at the farm frequently cutting wood and continued doing this till 91 years of age. He said he did it for the "exercise." He always made time and enjoyed going to his grandchildren's events. He enjoyed going to the local coffee shop and visiting with friends. He was predeceased by his parents, sisters Sophie Tuchiwsky and Anne Ozimko, brothers Mike, Alex, John, Andrew, and Steve. He is survived by his wife, Olga who they would be celebrating 65 years of marriage March 1, 2017. He is survived by sisters Bessie Prok and Vicky Clausen, brothers Matt, Bill (Mary), and Daniel (Nancy). He is also survived by his daughter Karen Smith (Marty Antonini) of Calgary, sons Mervin (Christine Pederson) of Lloydminster, and Dwayne (Deb) of Theodore. Papa George is also survived by six grandchildren, Keaghan Smith and Danielle Kitzan (Darin Kardash), Krista, Karla Kitzan and their mother Glenda Kitzan, Colton, and Kaitlyn Kitzan. George was a very proud man as head of his family and will be truly missed. Prayers were held on Sunday, Feb. 19th 2017 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre. The funeral service was held on Monday, Feb. 20th 2017 from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton. Very Rev. Mel Slashinsky officiated. Cantor, Yvonne Panchuk, assisted by members of the Parish Choir, led in the singing of the responses. The crossbearer was Richard Onslow. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion attended the service and performed the Legion Tribute Rite. The interment took place in the Theodore Town Cemetery with Keaghan Smith, Danielle, Karla, Krista, Colton & Kaitlyn Kitzan serving as the casketbearers. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com. Memorials were to the Theodore Rec Centre, Mamornitz Orthodox Church, or to one's charity of choice. Service Information Sunday, February 19th, 2017 7:00pm, Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre Monday, February 20th, 2017 9:30am, Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church Interment Details Theodore Cemetery