Obituary of Larry Serdachny
Larry, a loved, boisterous, friendly, walking, talking personality was born on February 1st, 1947, to Nick and Pauline (Bellous) Serdachny at Canora, SK. He grew up on a farm north of Hyas, SK and in 1950 moved to the present family farm north of Stenen, SK where Larry attended elementary school. He completed high school at Sturgis, SK before obtaining a Bachelor of Education, major Physical Education, at the University of SK, Regina Campus.
Larry excelled in elementary, high school and university athletics, as noted by his many ribbons, etc. He was on the wrestling and volleyball teams at the U of R. A highlight was being on the university volleyball team and attending the Winter Games in Quebec City. Larry went on to coach school teams to success.
Larry began his first 5 years of his 30-year teaching career in Quill Lake, SK. Larry met Linda Walker in Quill Lake and they were married July 12, 1975. They settled in Yorkton and taught within the Yorkton Public School Division for the remainder of their careers. Both Larry and Linda formed many friendships with their fellow educators that continue through the rest of their lives.
In the 1950’s Larry attended Crystal Lake Bible Camp – it was a whole week of holidays for him because he didn’t have to milk cows, or feed pigs or chickens. Taking ownership of a cabin at Crystal Lake in 1977 created “our happy place” for summer holidays and balanced the hard work of the family farm with swimming, boating, golfing, and barbecuing shishliki. Their children Dean, Sheryl, and Derek were blessed to experience city, cottage, and farm life.
Larry continued being involved in sports – mentoring and coaching his students, building outdoor rinks at school and in the backyard. Larry supported Dean and Derek in their hockey careers with the Yorkton Terriers, Swift Current Broncos, Charlotte Checkers, and Manhattanville Valiants. Larry supported Sheryl and the YRHS band on an enjoyable journey to the Rose Bowl Parade and the Rose Bowl Game. Larry and Linda still maintain season tickets for the Yorkton Terriers. They enjoyed attending the hockey games, ball games, and lacrosse games of their grandchildren together.
Larry retired in 2000 and became a full-time farmer. He enjoyed gardening and delighted in teaching his grandchildren how to plant and harvest potatoes, etc. Larry worked hard to build the farm to its status of existence today – acquiring more land, bigger equipment, and raising big sons to carry on his legacy. If Sheryl lived closer, she could buy their grain products for G3 elevator where she is employed in Saskatoon.
Larry added another sport to his skills by joining the Superannuated Teachers bowling team. He loved cheering on the Yorkton Terriers, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Edmonton Oilers, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and the Toronto Blue Jays.
Larry was very passionate about his family, farm, and teaching. He loved being a grandfather! A friendly giant – massive in stature, personality, humor, and HEART. He will take his motto to the grave – “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
Larry leaves his beloved wife of 48 years, Linda of Yorkton, SK; his three children, Dean (Lisa Wagar), grandsons Darian, Dillon and Dawson of Stenen, SK; Sheryl Serdachny of Saskatoon, SK; Derek (Brittany Ferguson), grandchildren Bria, Bowie and Cade of Yorkton, SK; his sisters Alvera (Joe) Zolkavich Calgary, AB; Lovett Quattrucci Calgary, AB; Darlene (Eiko) Ohori Prince George, BC; Karen (Ross) Wilkinson Regina, SK; and brother Nat (Dolores) Serdachny Edmonton, AB; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Larry was predeceased by his parents, Nick, on March 6th, 1996, and Pauline (Bellous) on July 14th, 2011 and brother-in-law Joe Zolkavich, April of 2024.
The family wishes to extend appreciation for the support, kindness, andcompassion shown to them during this difficult time.
The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, June 8th, 2024 from St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Cultural Centre, Yorkton, SK., with Rev. Dr. Ken Bellous of Canadian Baptists of Western Canada officiating. The pianist was Valdene Belous. Wayne Belous read scripture. The eulogy was presented by Dean & Derek Serdachny. The urn bearers were Wayne Belous, Randy Bellows, Dale Lisoway and Wayne Omelchuk. The honorary urn bearers were Roger Bellows, Derrick Bellows, Jeff Bellows, Don Kachman, Don Ostapak, Ed Serdachny and everyone that shared in Larry’s life. The interment followed in the Stoney Creek Cemetery.
Memorials in memory of Larry may be made to the Stoney Creek Cemetery Fund c/o Box 232 Hyas, SK S0A 0K0, Kinsmen Telemiracle 2217C Hanselman Court Saskatoon SK S7L 6A8, Allan Blair Patient Lodge Renewal Fund 4101 Dewdney Avenue Regina, Saskatchewan S4T 7T1 or to the Brayden Ottenbreit Close Cuts for Cancer C/O 200 – 4545 Parliament Avenue Regina, SK S4W 0G3 as gifts of remembrance.
