Obituary of Eugene Donald Wiwchar

The family of Eugene Wiwchar of the Canora district and beloved husband of Helene, sadly announce his passing on Thursday, May 6, 2021. He was 86 years of age. There will be a private family interment at a later date. Eugene (Gene) Donald Wiwchar September 21, 1934 - May 6, 2021 Gene Wiwchar, of Canora District, passed away with his loving wife Helene at his side at Yorkton Regional Hospital on May 6, 2021, following a difficult battle with Parkinson's Disease exacerbated by the recent restrictions accompanying COVID-19. Given these continuing constraints, we offer more than an , this is our eulogy. Gene was born in Canora, SK during a notably unusual September snowstorm. He continued to buck the norm for the next 86 1/2 years. The fourth of Nickoly and Kateryna (Danylchuk) Wiwchar's five children, he grew up on the family homestead near Gorlitz. He attended Ukraina School and then high school in Yorkton before heading to the University of Saskatchewan, where he earned his B.E. in Civil Engineering in 1958. While in Saskatoon, he met the love of his life, Helene Seneshen. They were married on July 14, 1961 and began their married life in Calgary. Work opportunities led them to brief stints in Saskatoon and Denver before settling again in Calgary in 1968. Along the way, the couple welcomed and raised four daughters. Gene excelled professionally, rising in management in the then-booming energy industry then retiring in 1985 as CEO of Fish International (Canada) Ltd. Always active and innovative, Gene took it upon himself to design and build three beautiful homes for their family in his spare time over the years. Friends were made when recruiting other dads to help raise walls in the new houses from time to time. Always a farm-boy at heart, the family spent every holiday and long-weekend commuting for many, many, many hours across the prairie to spend as much time as possible at The Farm. Upon retirement, Gene, Helene and their youngest daughter moved back to the much-loved Farm. Continuing his tradition of out-of-the-box innovation, he led a hard-working family team to build the final "Designed by Wiwchar" house, affectionately referred to by dear neighbours as "The Ponderosa". Ahead of evolving trends, he created a multi-generational, extended-family home which included three of Gene's siblings and their respective spouses and more than enough space for visitors. He, Helene and his brother Peter operated a beef ranch on the homestead that continues to be the hub of the family, enjoying time with his daughters and their families, especially the time with his grandsons of whom he was so very proud. Gene's lifelong priority was his family, and he made sure they knew it. In addition to his wife Helene, Gene is survived by his daughters Karen Wiwchar (Brian MacDonald), Lisa (Brent) Washington, Michele Wiwchar and Nicole Wiwchar (Alexis Belluomini); grandsons Andrew Wiwchar, Tanner, Matthew and Nathan Washington and Dexter Candillo; bonus grandsons Jake and Davis MacDonald; brother Peter (Natalie Trebick); sisters-in-law Elizabeth Wiwchar, Mary Seneshen, Lucy Greene and Elizabeth Seneshen; many nieces, nephews and other extended family; and treasured friends. He was predeceased by his parents Nick and Kate, sisters Martha (Bob) Templeton and Julia Wiwchar and brother Orest Wiwchar. A natural innovator and leader, Gene continued to be very active even in ‘retirement'. Most happy pondering life while driving his tractor or feeding the livestock, he also held positions in local agencies and organizations and acted as Returning Officer for several federal elections. Many thought-provoking discussions were held while driving around the neighbourhood in the old pick-up checking fence lines or over a beer (or two, or three…) in the farm shop. He exemplified following one's own unique path and not being constrained by the expectations of others. He invited his friends and family to think and act independently, to push boundaries, take risks and get the most out of life. He was a teacher and model of harnessing the potentially unlimited power of thought. "What you can conceive and believe, you can achieve." He was always unquestioningly there for his family. He was a steadfast and deeply loving husband. For all the things he brought to the world, for the constant twinkle in his baby blues, his incredible intelligence, creativity and generosity, and for the unique and truly wonderful man that he was, we are forever grateful. Dad, you are with us always. Many kind caregivers helped to support Dad and Mom these past few years, and we thank them all. Rae Perih in particular brightened and eased Dad's days (and Mom's too) immeasurably and we thank her from the bottoms of our collective hearts for her loving care and friendship these past two years. In accordance with Gene's wishes and COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no service at this time. Cremation has occurred and a private family interment will be held later in the year. The family gratefully requests that in lieu of flowers, those who wish to do so make a donation to the cause that is meaningful to them. Memory Eternal! Service Details. Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of Eugene Wiwchar September 21, 1934 - May 6, 2021 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book