Obituary of Lucas Puchala

PUCHALA - The Puchala and Cross families, the community, and the church have suffered a great loss in the sudden death of Lucas Puchala who was tragically taken from us on Friday June 12, 2009, in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Lucas William Puchala was born on November 10, 1992 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Lucas attended St. Alphonsus School from Kindergarten to Grade 8 and was presently in Grade eleven at the Yorkton Regional High School. Though his life was short, Lucas enjoyed and embraced every moment of every day. Never one to back down from a challenge, Lucas showed his fearlessness through every scratch, bruise and many smiles. In addition to his outgoing and adventurous character, Lucas had many talents and abilities ranging across many different areas. Whether it was solving a math equation, painting a picture, or engaging in anything that caught his interest (which apparently wasn't English class), he always did so with great determination and success. Although he excelled in many areas, Lucas' greatest passion was hockey which was evident from the first time he put on a pair of skates at age four. Once he let go of his parents' hands, the ice became his second home in the backyard. Shortly after, Lucas enrolled in hockey which he continued throughout his entire life. He played on numerous AA travelling teams, as well as provincial Zone teams where he consistently demonstrated his tremendous abilities. He was a natural athlete in all sports that he attempted from baseball, to soccer, and, to his most recent passion, golfing. When the skates came off in the winter, the clubs came out in the spring. He could give Happy Gilmore a run for his money when on the golf course. Perhaps one of Lucas' greatest qualities was his loving and caring nature. A testament to Lucas's good heart was his many and diverse friends who were very important to him. Lucas was a true friend whether it be giving a ride, offering an ear to listen, or sharing a good laugh. Lucas touched the lives of so many. He will remain with all who cared about him and whom he shared his life. Lucas's life and memories were shared by two families. His parents: Leonard Puchala and Leanne Cross; his step-parents: Cindy Smith and Dan Cross; his siblings: Chassidy (Dawson), Britney (Cale), Chelsey, Jordyn, and Cody; his grandparents: Victor and Vickie Puchala, Doreen Pohorelic (Bernie), Marie and Joe Taschuk, Hilda Walsh (Stan) and Ella Smith; godparents: Karen and Pat Wyonzek; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Lucas was predeceased by his grandfathers George Pohorelic and Jim Smith. Prayers were held on The Puchala and Cross families, the community, and the church have suffered a great loss in the sudden death of Lucas Puchala who was tragically taken from us on Friday June 12, 2009, in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Lucas William Puchala was born on November 10, 1992 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Lucas attended St. Alphonsus School from Kindergarten to Grade 8 and was presently in Grade eleven at the Yorkton Regional High School. Though his life was short, Lucas enjoyed and embraced every moment of every day. Never one to back down from a challenge, Lucas showed his fearlessness through every scratch, bruise and many smiles. In addition to his outgoing and adventurous character, Lucas had many talents and abilities ranging across many different areas. Whether it was solving a math equation, painting a picture, or engaging in anything that caught his interest (which apparently wasn't English class), he always did so with great determination and success. Although he excelled in many areas, Lucas' greatest passion was hockey which was evident from the first time he put on a pair of skates at age four. Once he let go of his parents' hands, the ice became his second home in the backyard. Shortly after, Lucas enrolled in hockey which he continued throughout his entire life. He played on numerous AA travelling teams, as well as provincial Zone teams where he consistently demonstrated his tremendous abilities. He was a natural athlete in all sports that he attempted from baseball, to soccer, and, to his most recent passion, golfing. When the skates came off in the winter, the clubs came out in the spring. He could give Happy Gilmore a run for his money when on the golf course. Perhaps one of Lucas' greatest qualities was his loving and caring nature. A testament to Lucas's good heart was his many and diverse friends who were very important to him. Lucas was a true friend whether it be giving a ride, offering an ear to listen, or sharing a good laugh. Lucas touched the lives of so many. He will remain with all who cared about him and whom he shared his life. Lucas's life and memories were shared by two families. His parents: Leonard Puchala and Leanne Cross; his step-parents: Cindy Smith and Dan Cross; his siblings: Chassidy (Dawson), Britney (Cale), Chelsey, Jordyn, and Cody; his grandparents: Victor and Vickie Puchala, Doreen Pohorelic (Bernie), Marie and Joe Taschuk, Hilda Walsh (Stan) and Ella Smith; godparents: Karen and Pat Wyonzek; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Lucas was predeceased by his grandfathers George Pohorelic and Jim Smith. Prayers were held on Wednesday, June 17th at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Yorkton. The Holy Rosary led by members of the Knights of Columbus preceded. Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Thursday, June 18th at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church with Rev. Father Ray Lukie, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. The cross bearer was Tannum Wyonzek and the epistle reader was Cindy Smith. The responses were led by Ed Pindus, Colette Karapita and members of St. Mary's Parish Choir. Members of Yorkton Midget AA Terriers Hockey Team served as honorary casket Bearers. Tarrington Wyonzek, Dawson Carruthers, Cale Wegner, Leyden Ruf, Todd Thorsness and Chad Krochak served as the casket bearers. Reflections of Lucas' life were conveyed by Dan Cross. Chassidy Puchala shared words of tribute and Cindy Smith extended words of appreciation on behalf of the families. The interment took place in the Garden of Memories at Yorkton Memorial Gardens. Eternal Memory! Vichnaya Pamyat! Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Thursday, June 18th, 2015, St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens