Fred Bodnaryk of Yorkton, formerly of the Hamton district, beloved husband of the late Elsie Bodnaryk passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in his home on September 28, 2017. He was 96 years of age. Fred was born on the family homestead in the Hamton District on August 27, 1921 to Mike and Katie Bodnaryk. He attended Olesko School, completing grade eight and then had to help with the family farm. He did a lot of custom trucking with his new Diamond "T" Truck. He also worked in Claybank, Sask. at the brick factory, making bricks used for buildings and for the fire boxes of locomotives and steam boats. On January 1, 1943 he enrolled and trained with the Canadian Army until his discharge due to health reasons. He worked for Sawyer Massey in Hamilton,Ont., building naval guns. He then went back to the farm and worked part-time for Sask. Wheat Pool as a grain buyer. Fred married Elsie Mozelisky, July 21, 1946 and they both worked at Tranquille T.B. Hospital in B.C. for 2 years. Eventually, he took over the family farm and became very active in the community. He served as Secretary for the Farmers Union, was an active member of Sask. Wheat Pool, councillor for many years of the RM of Sliding Hills, board member for the Yorkton Union Hospital and Kamsack Eaglestone Lodge for ten years and school board member of Olesko School #540. Fred and family moved to Yorkton in 1961, he continued to grain farm until he sold the farm in 1975. Fred worked at the Sask. Liquor Board for 20 years until 1985. He also worked at the Yorkton Co-op, Beaver Lumber and also drove for York Taxi. He worked at the Senior Terrier hockey games at the old arena and at the Yorkton Agriplex for many years. Fred was known as a person willing to give a helping hand or as they say "Would give the shirt off his back". He was a great volunteer and philanthropist in the community. In our eyes he was a true ambassador for raising funds towards the Alzheimer's Society; he believed that every dollar raised would be one step closer for awareness and cure, it was truly his heartfelt passion.He visited shut in's on a weekly basis and drove them to their appointments. Also, delivered the church bulletins faithfully every Sunday to nursing homes. Woodworking projects, various crafts, gardening and preserving were his favorite past times. Fred was an active member of St. Mary's Church, St. Mary's U.C.B., Royal Canadian Legion Branch #77, Yorkton Antique Car Club, Claybank historical (Brick Factory) Society and most recently, Yorkton Brick Mill Society. Attending Yorkton Terrier Hockey games was his passion and that is where he developed new lasting beautiful friendships. He was known to be very lucky at these games by winning many draws. Fred was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Elsie (Mozelisky) Bodnaryk, two sisters: Lorraine Schrauwen and Pearl Budnaryk, three brothers; Dan, Ernie and John Bodnaryk.
Fred is survived by his brother, Peter Bodnaryk of Winnipeg, MB, children; Beverly (Russ) Holowatuk; Barry (Sharon) Bodnaryk, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Chad (Sarah Fotheringham) Holowatuk; Todd Holowatuk; Mark and Jillian Holowatuk; Brittany (Scott) Johnson; Jan (Denis) Gallant, Taylor, Caleb and Alivia Gallant and Racquel Bodnaryk.
Prayers were held on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton led by Very Rev. Bohdan Lukie, C.Ss.R., Rev. Ray Lukie, C.Ss.R. and Rev. Methodius Kushko, C.Ss.R. The Holy Rosary led by members of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood preceded. The Funeral Liturgy was held on Friday, October 6, 2017 with Very Rev. Father Bohdan Lukie, C.Ss.R. as the main Celebrant, assisted by Rev. Methodius Kushko, C.Ss.R. The response were led by Lorne Stechyshyn and members of the parish choir. The cross bearers were Brittany Johnson and Jan Gallant and the epistle readers were Mark & Jillian Holowatuk. The Legion Tribute was conducted by members of the Royal Canadian Legion, General Alexander Ross Branch #77. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Russell Holowatuk, Todd Holowatuk, Chad Holowatuk, Caleb Gallant, Denis Gallant and Scott Johnson serving as the casket bearers. A reception followed with Chad Holowatuk sharing reflections of his grandfather's life. Memorials honouring Fred's life may be made to the Alzheimer's Society, St. Mary's Church or the Royal Canadian Legion. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com Eternal Memory!

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