Ferdinand Hack

Presented by Walter and Carol Streelasky

January 21, 2022

Good afternoon everyone,

I would like to thank Doreen for allowing Carol and I the opportunity to speak on our dear friend – Ferdie

Many years ago, when we first moved to Melville, we had the privilege of living directly across from the Hacks. We knew so few people but, it wasn’t long before the Hack’s extended a hand of friendship that grew and grew and lasted to this present day. There were so many wonderful neighbourly events that involved the Hacks, but also the Puhls. Together we celebrated birthdays, graduations, weddings and anniversaries. A Hack celebration always included many family members as well as numerous phone calls from those not able to be present. We danced together…and then there were oh so many Canasta Challenges. Those were happy times! Today we mourn the loss of a wonderful man who will be truly missed by family, friends and his community.

Long before terms like Uber and Doordash were coined, Ferdie operated his own volunteer DoorDash service – Mostly to neighborhood widows and other shut-ins. Ferdie could be seen at the Post Office picking up mail or paying bills at the local bank. On many occasions he would be stationed at the Bus Depot patiently waiting for someone who needed a ride home. His payment – the knowledge that he could make another person’s life just a little bit better.

For many years Ferdie was employed by the City of Melville. He was never one to shy from hard work. Down in the deep pit filled with water he patiently and with great skill placed those flanges on the pipe so that one knew, that it was repaired correctly. This was how Ferdie did things whether at home or at work. He worked with cement, with paint, with clippers, with pick and shovel but, always with care and great effort. On his watch he always did things as they should be done. He was a Volunteer firefighter for many years realizing that community fire support was so important. He was a devoted supporter of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church serving on church council and for many years as the Bell-Ringer as the occasion required.

Over many years Ferdie was a visible Icon on the corner of 8th and King. Early in the morning he began his yard-work – tending to his garden which he so generously shared with the neighbors. There were trees to trim, lawn to cut and, almost on a daily basis, a hedge that needed to be trimmed to perfection. The kids said they attempted to help with the trimming, but it never quite met his standard. Situated on that corner Ferdie was able to interact with many a young person headed to school at the Comp, Junior High, or St. Henry’s. He was known to impart just a little advice often tempered with small treat or two.

Ferdie always cared deeply for his family and for his fellow human being …. Always sharing his gentle wisdom…Lending a hand, making that phone call to a friend, listening to the grief of one in need. Ferdie was one that truly left his mark on his family and his community. His was a life well lived! May he rest in peace.

* * * * * * * * * *

Ferdinand Hack passed away peacefully in his sleep at St. Paul Lutheran Home in Melville, SK, on Friday, January 14, 2022, at the age of 91 years.

Ferd was born to Katherina (nee Temple) and Mattias Hack on August 23, 1930, at the family farm by Duff, SK. He was educated at Lake Mona School and worked on the farm until he married Doreen (nee Graff) on March 31, 1964. Ferd worked for Swift’s Canadian for three years before becoming employed with the City of Melville Public Works in 1966, where he remained until his early retirement in 1983.

Ferd was actively involved in the community, serving for eight years as a volunteer firefighter with the Melville Fire Brigade. He was also an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, being on various committees, including church council, as a deacon and as the bell ringer until his health deteriorated.

Ferd loved the outdoors, spending hours in his garden and maintaining his yard. He was loved and adored by all his grandchildren, as well as by the children in the neighbourhood. He was a great neighbour who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Ferd spent many an evening playing cards and Aggravation with family and friends. He will be fondly remembered for his pleasant nature and his welcoming smile.

Ferd will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Doreen; daughters Noreen (Brent) Stauber, Cheryl (Brad) Churko and Denise Giannakakos; son Brent Hack; special nephew and niece, Garth and Donna Hack; son-in-law Rob (Dixie) Taylor; twelve grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brother, Vern, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and close family friends.

Ferd was predeceased by his daughter, Gloria Taylor; his brothers, Albert, Alfred and Joseph; and sisters Elizabeth, Dorathea, Katherine and Christine.

A Visitation & Prayer Service was held at Matthews Funeral Home, 750 – 6 Avenue West, Melville, SK, on Thursday, January 20, 2022 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service was held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 238 – 3 Avenue East, Melville, SK, on Friday, January 21, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Kim Sherwin officiating. Ferd was laid to rest at Melville City Cemetery.