Obituary of Lorne Olynyk
Lorne William Olynyk passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 7, 2026, at the Yorkton Regional Hospital at the age of 69.
Lorne was born on February 8, 1957, at Canora Hospital to Wasyl and Caroline (Kominetsky) Olynyk.
Lorne spent his childhood in Buchanan, Saskatchewan where he would eventually meet the love of his life, Debbie Karcha. They were married November 18, 1978 and together they had 4 children and welcomed another into their family years later.
Lorne lived a life centred around his family, farming and his community. He had a strong connection to the land and enjoyed farming, gardening, canning, cooking, and making his famous headcheese. He’d spend many hours explaining his cooking techniques to his children and the importance of garlic. He enjoyed playing cards, visiting, talking politics and sharing his own opinion. He loved sports; whether it was his own children or grandchildren he would bend over backwards to ensure everyone got where they needed to go.
His grandchildren brought him tremendous pride and happiness, he always had time for a story, a joke, some advice or a helping hand. One of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren play sports.
He took great pride in helping manage and organize provincial hockey teams. He was also actively involved in his community through many boards and groups. Some of his last boards included Preeceville Health and District Focus Group and the Rural Municipality of Buchanan Council.
Lorne had an incredible memory and could recall names, places and stories from decades earlier with remarkable detail. Anyone who met him quickly learned that he was unforgettable. He always had a story to tell, usually followed by another story, and he had a way of making people laugh that came naturally to him. In another life, Lorne easily could have been a comedian.
Behind his humour was an extraordinarily generous and compassionate man. He believed in helping others and rarely hesitated when someone needed support, advice or simply someone to listen.
He was a farmer, a husband, a father, a Gido, a brother and a friend. He was resourceful and endlessly entertaining. His stories, humour, wisdom and generosity will be remembered by everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
Although his family never imagined having to say goodbye so soon, they are grateful for the years, memories and laughter they shared with him.
Lorne will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Debbie Olynyk (Karcha) and by his children: Nola Besplug; Karyelen Oshynko; Wasyl and Chrystal Olynyk; Andrew and Jacquie Olynyk; and Rachel and Kelvin Lloyd, along with his 11 grandchildren: Madden & Jorja Besplug; Jake & Blake Oshynko; Toby, Yuri & Jett Olynyk; Ily, Ozzy & Jaime Olynyk; Kayce Lloyd.
Lorne was survived by his siblings: Marie Mula; Gordon and Leona Olynyk; Lila Besse; Fred and Jill Olynyk; Eileen Guimond; Sonia Buchinski; Carey-Ann and Dan Moser, in-laws Rose Karcha; Guy & Sara Karcha; Dawn & Jeff Smith; and Valerie Karcha as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Wasyl and Caroline Olynyk, and his brother, Alex Olynyk as well as in-laws Paul Karcha; Doreen Stevens and Mike Badiuk.
A Graveside Service was held on Thursday, July 30, 2026 in the Garden of Memories, Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Crystal Bailey officiating. Lorne's sons Willy and Andy shared tributes. The honorary urn bearers were Johnny Maximiuk, Shea Karcha, Toby Olynyk, Jake Oshynko, Madden Besplug, Yuri Olynyk, Blake Oshynko, Ozzy Olynyk and Kayce Lloyd.
Memorial donations may be made to the Buchanan Skating Rink as gifts of remembrance.
