Obituary of Nick Matechuk

MATECHUK - Nick Matechuk of Rhein, SK passed away on Sunday, August 16th 2009 at the Regina General Hospital at 77 years of age. Nick was born December 12, 1931 on his grandmother's homestead in the Stornoway district. He was the eldest son of William and Lena Matechuk (nee Achtymichuk). Nick was an avid outdoorsman. Hunting was his passion, a tradition that he passed on to his family. He looked forward to his annual fall migration to the woods with his close friends and family. He loved "ski- dooing", quadding, driving his Argo, canoeing and in recent years ice fishing. Another established tradition he passed on to his children and grandchildren was his colourful vocabulary. Although he was a mechanic by trade, farming was always in his blood. His recent years were spent farming with Barry Elchuk. Dad worked hard all of his life and did it all for his children. He was fortunate that in the last several years, he didn't have to work as hard and could enjoy spending time with his family, friends and the most special people in his life, his grandchildren. He was very proud of his children and their accomplishments and always helped encourage them to achieve their goals. He loved and treated each of his children equally. Grandpa 'Fat Cat' never missed a birthday, concert, baptism, graduation or event. He attended everything that he could that involved his grandchildren; from hockey games in Saskatoon to swimming and skating in Canora, from crossing the Confederation Bridge to having lunch at the Rhein Hotel (a much enjoyed tradition with all of his family). Nick was predeceased by his parents William and Lena. He is survived by his children: Nelson (Deb), Sherry (Len Magnusson), Neal (Lana), Kim (Gerald Shymko), Shannon (Lara), and Travis; his 'Fat Cat' grandchildren: Morgan, Tyler, Deanna, Dustin (Lindsay), Kelsey (Brad), Christie, Amber, Nathan, Logan, Stacey, Warren, Kyra and Erika; and his 'Fat Cat' great grandchildren: Jayden and Brasen. Also a brother Brent (Terry) Matechuk and their children Wendy (Gord Vigfussion), Trudy (Waylan Zelenitsky), Brenleigh (Patrick Voucher) and Alexander. Nick had a huge extended family that were very close and dear to him. Although he will be truly missed, we are comforted to know that he did not have to suffer in pain. He would like us to celebrate his life, not to mourn. So, in his words "keep your chin up". Nick had many close friends and family that are comforted to know that he is now in his eternal happy hunting ground. The funeral service was held on Thursday evening, August 20, 2009 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Daphne Bender of Christ Lutheran Church in Rhein officiating. Daughter Kim Shymko gave a tribute to Nick on behalf of the family. The interment took place on Friday, August 21, 2009. Cremation & funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Thursday, August 20th, 2009 7:30pm, Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre Interment Details