Obituary of Steve Perzan

PERZAN - Mr. Steve Perzan, resident of Springside, passed away peacefully with family by his side early Saturday, March 26th, 2011 at the Yorkton Regional Hospital at the age of 91. Steve was born January 16th, 1920 and grew up on the family farm near Insinger, Sk where he took his schooling and carried on the family tradition of grain farming, as did his brothers, laboring especially hard at harvest time with the "threshing crews". Early on he developed a passion for music and learned to play several instruments. His favorites were the dulcimer (cymbala in Ukrainian) which he later spent countless hours designing and building, and the accordion. One of his early bands was the Insinger Nighthawks. Over the years he enjoyed playing with "guitar and violin friends" at many dances, wedding socials, and other events. He married Olga Sackney (of the Buchanan area, who predeceased Steve in 1989). They started a family in 1947. Son Ronald was born and several years later, son Roger. Around 1954, Steve moved his family to Yorkton and began working at the Co-op Creamery, delivering milk and other dairy products to peoples' homes using a horse-drawn buggy. Steve remained a loyal dependable employee of the Creamery his entire career, retiring in 1985. In the early 1980's, Irene Yawney became a big part of Steve's life. He devoted time to his main interests-- music & gardening. When family visited, he delighted in watching young grandsons dance wildly around the room as he squeezed out a lively polka or hammered out a waltz on his home-made dulcimer. In 1990 Steve & Irene moved to Springside where they were able to fulfill the dream to plant more vegetables in a larger garden. Of course, he always gave special attention to that crop of potatoes. To the very end, he took great pride in keeping his home clean, tidy and organized. We were amazed that into his 80's he was still "Mr. Fixit", repairing the roof, mowing his nice green lawn, picking crab-apples off his tree, or shovelling snow in the winter. His main rest came when he would tune his radio to that certain station at that certain time to listen to an hour of "Old Time Music". He will be fondly remembered not only for musical talent but for his hospitality. No sooner did one sit down, he would be at the fridge and the cupboards, bringing out garlic sausage, cheese, pickles and other goodies. His sons admire greatly the example that he set for them, such as how he valued hard work and honesty. He attributed his long and healthy life to God and faithful Church attendance. He always ended phone conversations with his sons with reminders to say prayers and thank God for blessings. There is no doubt a place in Heaven had been prepared for him. He was predeceased by: his parents; brothers John, Bill and Mike; and daughter in-law Yvonne Perzan. He leaves to cherish his memory: his closest companion of many years, Irene Yawney of Springside; son Ronald Perzan of Okotoks, AB; son Roger Perzan (& Verity Willway) of Regina; sister-in-law, Victoria Perzan of Kelowna; brother-in-law Oni (Etta) Sackney of Candle Lake; sister In-Law Vicki Sackney of Saskatoon; and grandchildren Kris (Amber) Perzan (great granddaughter McKenzie) of Calgary, AB; Jeremy (Carmelle) Perzan of Brandon, MB; Jamie (Kristin) Perzan of Regina; Tara (Todd) Leurer of Regina; and Jodie Perzan of Calgary. The funeral service was held on Thursday, March 31, 2011 from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton with Very Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky as celebrant. Cantor, Gerald Yaholnitsky, assisted by members of the Parish Choir, led in the singing of the responses. The crossberarer was Tara Leurer. The interment took place at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Roger Perzan, Jamie Perzan, Richard Haacke and Ed Lemko serving as the casketbearers. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Thursday, March 31st, 2011 10:00am, Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens