In Memory

Last week was a difficult week. On Monday, October 1, my biological father passed away. He had been in ICU at University Hospital a few days prior with bleeding of the stomach and esophagus. From what we know, he was doing better and was just waiting for a bed to open up. However, early Monday morning, Uncle Walter got a call form the hospital saying that the bleeding was no longer under control and that his organs were shutting down. The hospital staff suggested that family gather as soon as possible. That morning I received an e-mail from Auntie Vicki saying that they were leaving Red Deer for Saskatoon. I only received the e-mail as I was leaving for work with the kids. I then talked to my cousin Crystal who let me know how serious the situation was. When I was at work, my cousin Chad called me to allow me the opportunity to talk to Don as he said it wasn't looking good and that he wouldn't make it much longer. Reality really set in and that was a difficult moment for me. I left work right after that phone call so that I could make arrangements to travel to Saskatoon. Then at about 10:30 that morning I called Crystal who told me the news that Don had just passed away. I then decided that rather than flying out on my own, I would drive with the kids to Saskatoon. I left with the kids later in the day, after Jaret was done school. It was a long trip but I was thankful that both kids traveled well and that we were safe on the road, after narrowly missing a couple deer families. The week was busy with making arrangements for the funeral, beginning to take care of Don's estate, and spending time with family. I was so grateful for my friend Ruth and her family. We stayed with the during the week and many times they watched the kids as I was busy. Terry's parents were also a huge help with the kids and I was so grateful for the time they had the kids. And Kirra and Jaret loved the time spent with them as well, especially when it meant lots of playtime at The Fun Factory (indoor playground). Viewing was held on Thursday afternoon. Terry flew in just shortly after that to make it for Prayers in the evening. The Funeral was then held on Friday morning. Park Funeral Chapel did a wonderful job of helping with all the arrangements. James Werezak in particular was very helpful and compassionate. The week was emotional. However, during the week, it was good to be surrounded by family and friends. The end of the week brought the Thanksgiving long weekend which we then spent with Terry's brother and family in Humboldt. I love Thanksgiving and the reflection it allows for all the blessings in my life. And I think I felt that even moreso this Thanksgiving weekend coming from the week past. A reminder of how brief our life is and to live it with gratitude to it's fullest. Grateful as well for a God who is my strength, my cornerstone, my help in times of trouble. DONALD DAVID SERVETNYK July 18, 1956 - October 1, 2012 It is with immense sadness the family of Donald Servetnyk announces his sudden passing on Monday, October 1, 2012. Left to cherish his memory are his children: Jennifer (Terry) Lockhart of Calgary, Alberta and their children Jaret and Kirra; Lisa (Trevor McFadden) Servetnyk of Regina, Saskatchewan and their children Justine and Ayden. He is also survived by his sisters Elizabeth (Edward) Werbicki, Stella (Orest) Zulinick, Victoria (Dennis) Salewich; and brother Walter (Leota) Servetnyk; sisters in law Adele Servetnyk and Vera Servetnyk; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Phyllis Servetnyk; his sister Alice and her husband Lawrence Hounjet; his brothers Orest Servetnyk and Edward Servetnyk. Don was born in Saskatoon on July 18, 1956. He attended Holy Cross High School and after graduation began his career with the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan (PCS) as a millwright until his retirement in 2011. Don's happiest moments were spent at Waskesiu in Northern Saskatchewan. He enjoyed spending quiet times sitting at the river's edge and at South Bay listening to the cry of the loon; watching the eagles fly overhead and witnessing the incredible sunsets over his beloved northern lakes. One of his favourite enjoyments was jigging for pickerel at the Heart Lakes. His love of nature was very evident in all that he did. Don enjoyed the times he could be with his nephews and nieces and their many activities. Even the second generation of nieces and nephews were included in the merriment and he made them all feel so special. He loved being in the company of his Dad (Pops) and would often stop in after work to spend time with him and watch "Wheel of Fortune". Kaiser was a popular pastime with the whole family and Don enjoyed nothing better than to beat the competition. He was very enthusiastic about his NFL - National Football League and spent many Sunday afternoons with his football cronies cheering for his favourite team, the Washington Redskins. There are so many exceptional things we can say about Don. He was a cherished brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many. Don, you will be so dearly missed and we will remember you always.