Obituary of Steve Babiuk

BABIUK - Mr. Steve Babiuk, beloved husband of Rosie of the Bentley Manor in Yorkton, passed away suddenly at his residence on Wednesday, May 27, 2009. He was 91 years of age. Steve Babiuk was born on August 15, 1917 on the family farm in the Rhein district of Saskatchewan, to Nick and Aksenia (nee Andrychuk) Babiuk. His parents immigrated to Canada from the Ukraine at the turn of the century. Steve received his education at Kitzman School. As a youngster, he enjoyed trapping weasels, muskrats, and rabbits. In 1941 Steve married Rosie Wlasichuk and they went on to farm their own land in 1943. In 1960 they left the farm to move into Rhein. While living in Rhein, Steve was an active community member, from cutting neighbour's hair to driving friends into Yorkton. Being a member of the Rhein All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Steve maintained the grounds of the church and Grand Hall. After 40 years of living in Rhein, Steve and Rosie moved to Yorkton in 1999. The last five years residing at the Bentley Retirement Home. Steve and Rosie were blessed with four wonderful sons: Lawrence, Mervin, Harold and Kelvin. Steve enjoyed music, playing cards, and playing his harmonica. When Steve was a young man he was the first on the dance floor encouraging others to join in, especially the Kolomayka. Right up until the end, he enthusiastically played his many harmonicas in the Bentley Band. Predeceased by his parents; a brother Nick; and by sisters Agnes Bodnaryk and Mary Tysowski. He leaves to mourn his passing and to cherish his memory his wife of 67 years, Rosie; sons: Lawrence (Lillian) of Edmonton; Mervin (Marian) of Kelowna; Harold (Carolyn) of Medicine Hat; and Kelvin (Marlene) of Calgary. Seven grandchildren: Leonard of Orlando, Florida, Howard and David of Edmonton, Shaun of Cairo, Egypt, Brent of Calgary, and Lauren and Kristin of Calgary. Also one great grandson, Sean of Edmonton, a sister, Ann Feniuk of Yorkton, and numerous nieces, nephews, and his many other relatives and friends. Prayer services were held on Sunday, May 31, 2009 from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton. The funeral service was held on Monday, June 1, 2009 from Holy Transfiguration Church with Very Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky officiating. Cantor, Gerald Yaholnitsky, assisted by Parish Choir members, led in the singing of the responses. The crossbearer was Lauren Babiuk. The interment followed in the Garden fo Crucifixion at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with sons Lawrence,, Mervin, Harold and Kelvin serving as the casketbearers. Arrangements were entrustd to Bailey's Funeral Home. Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens