Obituary of Metro Matt "Matt" Karcha

KARCHA - The family of Metro (Matt) Karcha announce his passing peacefully on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre at the age of 82 years. Matt Karcha was born on November 14, 1926 in the Lady Lake district of Saskatchewan; the second youngest child of Harry and Dora (nee Predy) Karcha. He attended Sunny Brae, the districts local public school. His high school was taken in Preeceville and in Sturgis. Upon completion of his high school he attended the Saskatoon Normal School and in 1944 at the age of 17 he accepted an offer to teach at the Round Hills School located south of Wynyard. In 1956 Matt was united in marriage with Jona Bernice Freed of the Freedhome District south of Dubuc. This union lasted for 46 years until Bernices' untimely passing in 2002. In 1959 their only child Elaina Linda - Rae was born. Elaina and her daughter Rachel Dareichuk were Matt's pride and joy; his only reason for living after the passing of his beloved Bernice. The trauma of Bernice's passing was severely compounded when the untimely and unexpected passing of Elaina occurred in 2007. Thereafter, the focus of Matt's being was centred on his granddaughter Rachel Dareichuk. Over the years through many summer school sessions, correspondence courses and a year on campus; Matt earned his B.Ed and B.A degrees majoring in mathematics with a minor in science (biology). He taught mainly mathematics (from 1961 until his retirement in 1981) in Melville, The Yorkton Collegiate and the Yorkton Regional High School. His teaching career spanned 36 years as teacher, vice - principal and principal in various communities including: Bangor, Balcarres, Goodeve, Melville and Yorkton. Matt was a person of exceptional integrity. He was a hard - working, dedicated and a tireless worker - unconditionally dedicated to improving the welfare of his colleagues in the teaching profession. He had very little patience for those who put their own self - interest above the interests of the profession. Matt served as a Sask. Teachers Federation Councillor for 18 years; in five of those years he was elected to the STF provincial executive. During his tenure as councillor and executive member he served on many professional and economic welfare committees. He served on the area bargaining committee for four years and latterly he served on the provincial bargaining committee. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Bernice; his cherished daughter Elaina; his parents Harry and Dora Karcha; his father - in - law Ernest Freed, mother - in - law Lena Freed; his brothers: Paul, John, Gordon and by his sister Anne as well as several aunts and uncles. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving granddaughter Rachel Dareichuk; his sisters: Irene Gogal, Mary Hertes and Tina Romanchuk ; brother George and brothers - in - law Ed and Kenneth Freed. The Funeral service was held on Saturday afternoon, April 25, 2009 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Pastor Fred Schneider of ST. Paul Lutheran Church officiaiting. Carla Laycock was the organist leading the congregation in the Hymns: "Rock Of Ages", "Amazing Grace", and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee". The Hymns: "Beyond The Sunset" and "Fill My Cup" were sung by Marge Toth. Matt's granddaughter had written reflections of her grandfather which were read by Pastor Schneider. The interment followed in the Garden of ST. Luke Yorkton Memorial Gardens with: Glenn, Greg Freed, Ken Hertes, Wade Karcha, Bradley and Alvin Romanchuk serving as Casket Bearers. services directed by Bailey's Funeral Home Yorkton Time TO Go The time has come, for me to go, God has called my name. It's my time to leave this earth I've lived a long, great life since birth. Memories, I leave behind… I must go with him now. Time for me, to meet again, My family in heaven. For right now, I may be gone, We won't be apart for long. Because some day, somehow, some way We will meet again Rachel's words in memory of her grandfather: Strong - willed, outspoken, stood up for family, particular and precise,. Loyal, husband, father and grandfather, generous, hardworking, determined and intelligent Service Information Saturday, April 25th, 2009 2:00pm, Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens