YEWCHUK – Stephan (Steve) Yewchuk of Brooks, beloved husband of Mary Yewchuk, passed away peacefully in Brooks on May 18th, 2005 at the age of 95 years. Born in Verbitsi, Ukraine on January 6th, 1910, Steve immigrated to Canada at the age 19. He settled near Patricia, Alberta where his sisters Helen and Katie lived. Steve spent his first six years in Canada working for the Eide Brothers and other ranchers before buying his own farm in 1945. Steve and Mary (Richter) were married in Calgary on March 15th, 1946 where Steve continued farming and driving the local school bus until selling the farm and moving to Brooks in 1963.
After moving to Brooks, Steve spent many happy years working for Wilson Builders and later the County of Newell until he retired in 1978. Steve loved his family, gardening, dancing, playing cards and visiting with friends. Steve will be remembered for his sense of humour, kindness and generosity. He was predeceased by his, 3 brothers (Jevodokija, Vasyl, and Michael) and 3 sisters (Helen, Maria and Katie). Steve is survived by his loving family; wife, Mary, and children, Robert (Donna) of Calgary, Ronald (Shirley) of Brooks, Kathy (Wayne) of Brooks and Myles (Nancy) of Medicine Hat; grandchildren, Nicole (Gerry), Ryan (Holly), Stephanie, Laurel (Preston), Carla, Kyle; great granddaughter Paige and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, May 21st at St. Mary’s Church. Rev. Father Vincent Tuan Ha Celebrant. Honorary Pallbearers, Les and Anne Bailey, Hans Rasmussen, Bob Burns, Marg Zawadzki, Delma Yarrow, John and Eileen Ostafichuk. Pallbearers are Joe Yarrow, Larry Seitz, Larry Richter, Dennis Zawadzki, Rick Irwin and George Neely. In memory of Steve, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either Brooks Home Care Program, Bag 300, Brooks T1R 1B3 or Brooks and District Health Foundation, Bag 300, Brooks T1R 1B3. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME. Telephone 362-4636 or (866) 362-4652.
