Obituary of Kazimer Churko

CHURKO - Kazimer Michael Churko, son of Mikolaj and Marija (n Klypak) Churko, was born at home with the help of a midwife on April 28, 1917 at Plain View SK. He attended Plain View School until he completed Grade 8. He then began working at the family farm; "work that was done with a pitch fork and a team of horses". This hard work became harder, when at around thirty years of age, Kazimer suffered from polio. This affected his back, but, he never complained, simply working through his daily back exercises and carrying on with difficult tasks such as shoveling grain, cutting down trees, and lifting and throwing sheaves and bales. On July 19, 1942 Kazimer married Pauline Mary Widaiko, daughter of Joseph and Anne (n Kravich). The couple began their life together at Kazimer's parents' farm. A short while later they moved to a house on land that belonged to Kazimer's brother. Two years later they built their own house, but it burnt down before it was completed. As was his determined way, he simply accepted this tragedy as a challenge to be overcome and immediately erected another house on the same foundation. There were many difficult years but Kazimer was a successful farmer and was able to provide for his family due to his mixed-farming operation, which included grain, cattle, horses and a huge vegetable garden that he and Pauline grew. Kazimer was curious and liked to experiment, so on occasion he became involved with crop research which was conducted by the University of Saskatchewan. Electricity was not available in the farm district, so Kazimer found a way to get power to supply lighting and other essential needs by installing special batteries in the house basement and a gas generator outside as a backup. The work that Kazimer and Pauline put into the farm while raising a family of ten children would be considered nearly impossible by today's standards. They believed that children were blessings from God and for that reason devoted their lives towards their successful development. Kazimer worked hard at teaching the children values such as honesty, hard work, being responsible for one's own behavior, being kind to strangers and being obedient to God. He also modeled how to succeed despite difficult times and to accept one's lot in life without complaint. He didn't wear his heart on his sleeve but showed his deep love for his wife and children by providing help and support in their pursuits. Education was important to Kazimer and he modeled this importance by serving as school trustee and secretary-treasurer of the Plain View School District, completing his Grade XII (GED) at the age of sixty five, and continuing thereafter in Religious Studies at the University of Regina. He learned to read and write in the Ukrainian and Slavonic language and trained to become a choir director and cantor. Kazimer loved music and a day did not go by in which he was either singing, whistling or playing a musical instrument. He served as choir director and cantor at the Plain View Ukrainian Church and in other communities such as Beaverdale, Birmingham, and Willowbrook until he was 80 years of age. He loved the harmonies that were sung in the choirs and with his children at home, and when the music was perfect, he was so moved that tears would come to his eyes. Because his beautiful singing voice was well known throughout the community, he was often asked to sing at masses and at special events such as funerals and graveside services. Interest in music did not stop with the church. Kazimer learned to play the violin and together with his brother Joseph he would play at family home gatherings and community dances. Also, for ten years he played the trombone in the Melville City Band. He learned to play the piano a bit, but purchased it mainly so that his children could have the opportunity to appreciate music as well. Family and neighbors heard his whistling from near and far, in the house, in the yard, and on the farm machinery while working out in the field or driving down the road. Kazimer believed in community service and in the service of God. He served the church in all of the positions on council, working hands on in all aspects of church events from planning to implementation and wrap up. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight. His devoted service was a vocation that lasted for more than sixty years. He had a keen interest in politics and worked as a volunteer during provincial, federal and municipal elections. He also worked as the local representative with Statistics Canada and was on the board of directors of the Success Rural Telephone Company. Well into his eighties, he was an active member of the Melville Horticultural Society serving on the executive, and together with Pauline, winning many awards for the yard and garden. During this time, he also delivered Meals on Wheels to seniors. When Kazimer retired from farming and moved into Melville, he, together with Pauline, kept busy by bowling in the winter, golfing in the summer, taking care of their yard and a large garden, playing cards with family and friends, and singing in the St. Mary's Ukrainian Church Choir in Yorkton SK. In 2006 Kazimer, suffering from dementia, left his home to live in St. Paul's Lutheran Home in Melville. On February 14, 2011 Kazimer's soul left this earth. We expect he is now singing with the angels. Kazimer was predeceased by his mother and father, Mikolaj and Marija Churko; his loving wife, Pauline; his children, Ambrose and Victor; his brothers Joseph (Pauline), and Anton (Mary); his sisters Rose, Katherine (John) Chopik, Frances (Tony) Bogdasavich, Helen (Walter) Mushka, his sister-in-law, Marion, brother-in-law, Emil Polegi, and his step-grandson, Bohdan. Kazimer will be forever remembered by his children Roman (Melanie), Morris, David (Kathy), Mary Ann, Mark (Valerie), Ted (Susan), Reg (Joanne) and Delphine (Tim) Arnason; daughter-in-law Loraine (Dennis); grandchildren Dana, Christine (Mark), Scott (Deborah), Kim (Mike), Kevin (Kemnay), Cory (Jody), Kelly, Casey, Joshua (Jodi), Kylie (Jay), Tyrel (Lisa), Jon, Jared, Jocelyn, Kayla (Trevor), Kurtis, Jasmin, Justin, Alena and Brady; step grandchildren Katherine (Ryan), Neesh (Kaori), Kody (Jenny); great grandchildren Ryan, Megan, Allison, Lauren, Kane, Khloe, Tréal, Alethia, Blaze and Easton; and step-great grandchildren Abigail, Hazel and Syver; brother Emil; sisters Emily, Angeline Polegi, Lucille (John) Caines, and Antoinette (Terry) Wassell; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Arrangements were by Bailey's Funeral Home, Melville. Service Information Friday, February 18th, 2011 10:00am, St. Henry's Roman Catholic Church Interment Details St. Henry's Roman Catholic Parish Cemetery