Obituary of Tom Trafananko

TRAFANANKO - Mr. Tom Trafananko of Yorkton, formerly of the Wroxton district, beloved husband of Anne Trafananko entered eternal rest on February 27, 2012 at Yorkton District Nursing Home. He was 88 years of age. Tom was born June 11, 1923 near the village of Wroxton. He was the nineth child of ten, son of Wasyl and Dora (Salahub) Trafananko. His early childhood was spent on the family farm near Wroxton where he also attended school. When Tom was 17 he enlisted in the Navy where he served in W.W. II for a good three and a half years as a sailor on a frigit ship. The war took Tom too many destinations and ports as their mission was to escort merchant supply ships where ever necessary. In 1951 Tom married Anne Makortoff, they started their own farm 1 mile south of Wroxton. They had a mixed farming operation and Tom took pride in his polled hereford cattle. Tom and Anne were blessed with 2 children, Melvin and Louise. In later years Tom sold the livestock and continued grain farming. He was the first farmer in the area to grow Canola. Tom and Anne had a large yard and Tom took great pride in keeping his grass trimmed to a tee. In 1994, Tom retired. In 1996, Tom and Anne made their home in Yorkton. Due to failing health Tom had been a resident of the Yorkton District Nursing Home for nearly three years. Tom is survived by his wife Anne, daughter Louise, son-in-law Blaine Harlow, grandson Kevin (Darris), grandson Derek (Karissa), grandaughter Koren, as well as many nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by his parents, his son Melvin in 1974, six brothers, three sisters, two brothers-in- law, five sisters-in-law, one niece and one nephew. His family, friends and everyone who came to know and respect him will sadly miss Tom. Prayers were held on Thursday, March 1st and the Funeral Service on Friday, March 2nd at Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton with Very Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky officiating. The responses were led by cantor, Gerald Yaholnitsky & Parish Choir Members. Serving as the cross bearer was Jim Ellaschuk. Members of the Order of St. Andrew participated in an honour guard. The Legion Burial Rite was conducted by members of General Alexander Ross Branch #77. The interment followed in the Garden of Crucifixion at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Kevin Harlow, Derek Harlow, Myron Trafananko, Randy Napady, Harold Trafananko and Bob Trafananko serving as the casket bearers. Memorials honouring Tom's life may be made to Yorkton District Nursing Home - Recreation Department, south wing or to Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com Vichnaya Pamyat! Memory Eternal! Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Friday, March 2nd, 2012 10:00am, Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens