Obituary of Peter Hnatiuk

HNATIUK - Mr. Peter Hnatiuk of Yorkton, beloved husband of Marion entered eternal rest on October 16, 2011 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 78 years of age. Peter was born on July 7, 1933 on a farm near Fishing River, Manitoba. He was the fourth of seven children born to John and Mary (Hladish) Hnatiuk. His early childhood was spent on the family farm, where he also attended school. Peter trained in telegraphy at Fork River, Manitoba. He worked at Canadian National (CN) Railway as a Station Agent in several locations, including Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. While working in Kamsack, he met the love of his life Marion Berlinski. They were united in marriage on August 5, 1963 in Dauphin, Manitoba. They made their home in Flin Flon, Manitoba where they were blessed with two children. Keith Michael was born on December 25, 1971 and Kerri Lynn was born on June 26, 1974. After 25 years, the Flin Flon agency closed and Peter bid on a transfer to Melville, Saskatchewan but they made their home in Yorkton. Peter retired from C.N. after 37 years of service. Peter's favorite past times were fishing, camping, and travelling with his family. He loved the outdoors and was also known to spend many hours picking berries and mushrooms. Keith and Peter enjoyed many hours fishing in the summer, as well as ice fishing in the winter. While in Flin Flon, Peter was a proud member of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood, where he also served as the Treasurer for the parish. Throughout his retirement, Peter could always be found tinkering in his garage. He was a jack of all trades and took pride in the things that he created and fixed. Those that knew him well, knew that if they couldn't find him in his own garage, he was out bargaining at other garage sales. Kerri was united in marriage to Kevin Manovich and as a result of this union, Peter met the second love of his life, his granddaughter Kayla. Kayla was born on June 7, 1993 and instantly became Papa's little girl. They were always together -going for bike rides, just hanging out fixing things in the garage, or doing arts and crafts. Papa and Kayla had a unique and special bond that most people don't have in a lifetime. Everyone that met Peter was touched by his generosity, kindness and sincerity. Many have said you could see it in his eyes. He was always willing to offer a helping hand and lived life to the fullest. Peter saw life as being wonderful and he thought that no matter what, you should never give up on yourself or anyone else. He had survived several illnesses, but still saw life as being great. Through those difficult times, he never gave up on himself and continued to be a support to his family. Dad was a loving husband to Mom and together they accomplished many great things. They raised us with encouragement, love and never-ending support. They trusted us to make our own decisions and gave us the freedom to discover our own dreams. For this we are eternally grateful and will love him always. Peter was predeceased by: his father John in 1995 and his mother Mary in 1963; brother-in-law Walter Gawaluch; brother-in- law Paul Jachniw; brother-in-law Earl Pergande; sister-in-law Diane Hnatiuk; and mother-in-law Mary Genik. Peter is survived by his loving wife and companion of 47 years, Marion, son Keith (Vanessa Lazaruk) of Yorkton, daughter Kerri (Kevin) Manovich of Yorkton and their daughter Kayla of Saskatoon. He also leaves to mourn his passing: his brother Albert (Lois) Natick of Chicago, his sister Olga Gawaluch of Chicago, his sister Jean Jachniw of Chicago, his sister Margaret Pergande of Chicago, his brother Walter of Mara BC and sister Shirley (Wayne) Peterson of Nashville. He also leaves to mourn his passing numerous nieces, nephews, family members and friends. His family, friends, and everyone who came to know and respect him will sadly miss Peter. Prayers were held on Thursday, October 20th and the Requiem Divine Liturgy was held on Friday, October 21st at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Very Rev. Father Peter Pidskalny, C.Ss.R as the as the Celebrant. The responses were led by Ed Pindus, Colette Karapita and parish choir members. Serving as cross and candle bearer were Brayden and Colby Gabriel. The epistle reader was Rae Perih. The interment followed in the Garden of St. Luke at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Mike Ozirney, Wally Swerbus, Greg Berlinski, Brian Perih, Kurtis Manovich, Terry Blazeiko serving as the casket bearers. A poem tribute was conveyed by Lynn Pinder. Reflections of Peter's life were shared by Kerri and Kayla Manovich. Memorials honouring Peter's life may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Palliative Care or St. Mary's Church Building Fund. Condolences to the family can be posted by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory! Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Friday, October 21st, 2011 10:00am, St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens