Obituary of Glen Ostapovitch
It is with heavy hearts the family of Glen Ostapovitch mourn his passing on November 21, 2023. Glen passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in his home at the age of 53.
Glen was born on January 12, 1970 in Yorkton to parents Fred and Diana Ostapovitch of Theodore. Growing up he had a wide variety of interests: Beavers and Cubs, piano lessons, Junior Church Choir, Ukrainian dance, hockey and ball. As he grew older, he played trombone in the school band, participated in the annual High School “Open Lit” and continued playing on a variety of school and community sports teams. Hockey and curling continued to be his favourites as the years passed.
From a very young age, Glen dreamed of farming with his Dad and Uncles Matt and Mike, and becoming part of the Ostapovitch Bros. After graduating from Theodore High School in 1988, he explored many opportunities that would ultimately support him on his journey of joining the family business. While completing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan, he spent two summers employed at the crop development center at the U of S. After convocating in 1993, he spent his first two summers working as a crop inspector. Following that, he immersed himself fully into farming and his Dad, Uncle Matt and Mike became his mentors. After the passing of Matt, and as Mike aged, Glen’s role on the farm continued to grow. Eventually Todd joined the farming operation and now with two generations, the Ostapovitch Bros. developed a new meaning
Glen followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle and pursued his interest in becoming a registered seed grower. In 1989 Glen became a pedigreed seed grower. He grew his first probationary plot in 1997 and became a select seed grower in 2000. Glen continued to help grow the business with his father for the next 23 years.
As an adult, his enjoyment for theatre inspired him to act in the community dinner theatres. Glen was an avid reader, with an interest in history, enjoyed playing “retro” strategy computer games along with curling and hockey. To this day, he continued to look forward to socializing with friends through playing Rec hockey and impromptu roadside visits.
Glen was surrounded by family and enjoyed visits from uncles, aunts and cousins at the farm. He experienced joy watching his brother’s children explore the farm in similar ways he had as a child.
Although he loved the travel and adventure family holidays brought, his greatest adventures were to follow the seasons - till the soil, sow the seed, nurture the crop, reap the harvest and enjoy the life of his rural community. He looked forward to taking his Dad on drives to read the signs of spring and monitor the crops throughout the growing season.
He leaves to cherish his memories: his parents Fred and Diana, sisters Loretta and Brenda (Stephen), brother Todd (Andrea), niece Kaitlynn, nephew Jared, surviving aunts, uncles and many cousins.
Glen was humble…he was proud….he lived a peaceful bachelor life. His spirit will always and forever remain on the family farm.
A private family service was held on Monday, November 27, 2023 at the Yorkton Memorial Family Centre with Rev. Karen Kuzek officiating. Internment will follow at a later date.
Gifts of remembrance in memory of Glen can be made to the Theodore Rec Centre through the Village of Theodore. (Cheques payable to Village of Theodore. Memo: Memorial for Glen Ostapovitch).
