Obituary of John Keller

KELLER - John W. Keller of Melville, Saskatchewan entered his eternal rest on Saturday, August 28, 2010 at St. Peter's Hospital in Melville after a protracted battle with cancer since 2005. He was 82 years of age. John was born on March 26, 1928 in the Elbow district of Saskatchewan, a son to Bill and Mary (nee Bilous) Keller. John received his education at Elbow Lake country school with his brother Peter. As a young boy he developed a sense of community which carried on into his adult life. On August 9, 1953 John was united in marriage to Faye Chursinoff at Canora, Saskatchewan. The couple resided in Kamsack, Canora and then moved to Melville. John started his employment with the C.N.R. in 1956 retiring as Locomotive Engineer in 1988. John and Faye were blessed with two daughters Louise and Bonnie. As a family man, his devotion to his wife, Faye and his daughters is dearly remembered. John's generosity, spirit and his ability to express deeply felt emotions is held close by his grandchildren. Be it a sporting triumph or academic achievement. John's granddaughters knew simply by looking into his eyes that "Grandpa" was proud of them and loved them. John enjoyed traveling, with his motorhome to the southern U.S., enjoying the company of his friends and above all his family. He was a member of the Melville Lions Club and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Predeceased by his wife Faye May 31, 2010; his parents Bill and Mary; brothers Peter, Henry and Albin; sisters-in-law Elsie Keller and Ardith Todd. John leaves behind to hold in their hearts his, daughters Louise (Scott) Steele, Bonnie (Terry) Sherban his grandchildren, Aryn Steele (Chris Mitchell), Lauren Steele (James Cooper), Whitney Sherban and Alicia Sherban; brother Harry (Anne) Keller; sisters Helen (Vince) Dingwall, Pauline (Dennis) Bellows and Sylvia (Steve) Cherewyk as well as nieces, nephews and friends. Prayer Services were held on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home in Melville. Funeral Service was held on Friday, September 3, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. from St. Mary The Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Melville with Very Rev. Archpriest Peter Wasylenko Officiating. Members of the church choir and cantor William Kozey led the responses. The crossbearer was Mike Molnar and bannerbearers were Bunny Halyk and Mike Pankiw. Mike Kozakevich served as the elder. Members of the Lions Club formed an honor guard. Honorary bearers were Ed Oystreck, Ted Starchuk, Mike Kozakevich, Alicia Sherban, Whitney Sherban, Steve Matechuk as well as everyone who knew and loved John. The interment took place at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens, Garden of St. Luke with Scott Steele, Aryn Steele, Lauren Steele, Terry Sherban, Christopher Mitchell and James Cooper as the casketbearers. Arrangements were by Bailey's Funeral Home, Melville. Service Information Wednesday, August 4th, 2010, St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens