Obituary of George Prokopchuk

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program'. PROKOPCHUK - It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of George Prokopchuk. George passed away peacefully on October 24th, 2014, with his loving wife, Lillian, at his side. He was 88 years of age. George was born on September 10th, 1926 on the family farm in the Rhein area, and attended Kitzman school. Born the second son of Andrew and Lena (nee Oystryk) Prokopchuk. George grew up on the farm and married Lillian (nee Hykaway) in 1952. He farmed in the Rhein district for 43 years and was a Wheat Pool member. With Lillian, he raised a family of five children. David Andrew now in Saskatoon having four children, stepdaughters Larisa Makuch (Taras Pawluk) Toronto, Tania Donahoe (Mark) Airdrie, Sons Tymko (Kailynn) great-grandson Nathan Airdrie, Andriy, Saskatoon. Orest George with four children Daniel (Michelle), Joshua, Adam and Rebecca, all in Saskatoon, MaryAnn Singer with husband Glenn and two children Zakary and Mackenzie also living in Saskatoon, Martha Lynn Cinch with partner Shawn Tymchak living in Winnipeg with her two sons Andrew, Steven and two stepsons Darien, Kade. George always had a very strong faith and it showed in his involvement with St. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church as President and treasurer for 46 years. He was also a member of the All Saints Orthodox Church in Rhein for 31 years and at Holy Transfiguration Church in Yorkton for 31 years. He was involved in community groups and other church organizations, such as a school trustee for the Kitzman School District, president of the parish council in Yorkton for 2 years and TYC (UOMA) Men's Association for 3 years, as well as 43 years as a church elder and 14 years as a Hospodor (Head of the Church Community) in Yorkton as well as in Rhein for a number of years. George possessed a hard work ethic, from breaking new land to part time winter welding jobs with Morris Mfg., to home construction with Fort Qu'Appelle construction. He did whatever it took to provide for his family. His leisure time was spent enjoying family visits, world traveling, and fishing. In 1981 they moved to a newly built home in Yorkton and became very involved there in the community but continued to farm. In later years the farm operation and land, except for their home quarter, was sold. George's retirement years were spent helping his children with their families, further traveling, and gardening with Lillian. Pastimes included videoing grandchildren, fishing, card-playing, and taking in community events such as weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays. Many retirement hours where enjoyed, pinching perogies, crocheting, and being mister fix-it. George and Lillian moved to Saskatoon Ilarion Residence in June of this year after being diagnosed with a brain tumor in March. George is survived by two brothers, Mike (Jessie) of Winnipeg and Ted (Mary) of Yorkton; two sisters, Martha (Ervin) Stricker of Rhein and Ann (George) Rurak of Yorkton and numerous nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his daughter Margaret Rose, in 1969, his father Andrew in 1977, his mother, Lena in 1999. Also his brothers Bill in 1980 and John in 1994, his father-in-law Walter Hykaway in 1981 and mother-in-law Mary Hykaway in 2005. As well as two brother-in-laws, Les Landen in 2004 and Ken Craddock in 2006. A Prayer Service was held on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 and the Funeral Service on Thursday, October 30, 2014, both from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton with Very Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky officiating. The responses were led by Gerald Yaholnitsky & Parish Choir Members. The cross bearers were Rebecca Prokopchuk & Mackenzie Singer and the banner bearers were Adam Prokopchuk & Steven Cinch. The honourary bearers were Nick Heshka, Eugene Heshka, Victor Yacyshyn, Jim Bilan, Henry Wasylyshen, Gerald Kaban and Anatolii Kolesov, Vicki Stenka, Pauline Yaschuk, Wilma Kirstuik, Shirley Prokopetz, Olga Surkan and Virgina Wereschuk. The Interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Daniel Prokopchuk, Tymko Prokopchuk, Andrew Cinch, Andriy Prokopchuk, Joshua Prokopchuk and Zakary Singer serving as the casket bearers. Memorials, honouring George's life may be made to Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Cemetery Fund, Box 59, Rhein, SK S0A 3Z0 Condolences may be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com Vichnaya Pamyat! Memory Eternal! Service Information Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 7:00pm, Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church Thursday, October 30th, 2014 10:00am, Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery