Orest Cranks Buchko

Our Dad, Orest passed away peacefully, with his family by his side on Wednesday, November 6th at the age of 83. He was called Home and was greeted by Family, relatives and friends, but especially by his loving daughter Cindy Sirup who passed away 4 months ago, who he missed dearly.

Dad was predeceased by his mother and father, Mary and Theodore Buchko, brothers John (Helen), Nick, Joseph, Peter, Paul (Sophie), William, Michael, and sisters Nellie (Peter), Pearl, and Olga; sister in law Ann and many other relatives. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Gloria; son Brent (Ginny), children, Jordan (Jennifer) and their daughter Gabriella (great grand-daughter), Cassidy (Curtis) Olson, Taylor; son-in-law Blair Sirup, children, Karissa (Tony) Rolheiser and their daughter Emma (great grand-daughter), Brendon (Marissa Livingstone); and daughter, Michele (Jim) Braun, children Tara Yano (Stan Van Sichem); sisters Ann Buchko and Mary Smycniuk; brothers, Fred and Joe; sisters in law Ann, Olga, Lillian, and Marge and numerous nieces and nephews.

From humble beginnings and raised in a family of 15 children, our Dad demonstrated a commitment to his Faith at a very young age by attending Mass on a daily basis and even in difficult times his Faith never waned. His Family, his Faith, a strong work ethic, honesty and integrity, and the enjoyment of the simple things in life were important and what mattered the most to Dad. Never one to complain and even when he became ill, Dad would never express the amount of pain he was experiencing or complain about the challenges he was encountering; he faced those challenges with dignity and courage.

Dad’s strength of character was developed and shaped by his Faith, his Family, and his involvement in the Family business, “Buchko Construction”, where he would put in many long days of hard work and contributed to the fabric of the Saskatchewan landscape by constructing numerous businesses, homes, farm buildings and Churches. One of the Buchko Family’s significant accomplishments was the construction of Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church, which was completed in 1963; a building long before it’s time and a beautiful and peaceful sanctuary of Worship. Sacred Heart Church is an important landmark in the town of Ituna, as well as within the Ukrainian Catholic Church Community in our Province.

Dad began his education and attended school at St Anne’s Childrens’ Home in Ituna, and was taught by the Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate, who also were in charge of the facility and attended to the needs of those children who lived there. He then attended school at Ituna High School, where he received his high school education.

An accomplished athlete, Dad participated in many sporting activities, notably hockey, curling, and baseball, of which Dad was an important member of the Ituna Cubs, the senior mens’ baseball team who represented Ituna at numerous Sports Days throughout rural Saskatchewan. Being a member of a Team was important to our Dad, as he understood the value of the collective contribution to the Team’s success and the friendships that would develop. Forging meaningful friendships was far more important than wins – being in good company was what mattered.

Mom and Dad celebrated 60 years of Marriage on November 1st and are a shining example of Love, Commitment, and Faithfulness. We Thank You Mom and Dad for being a witness to all of us about the importance of commitment, sacrifice, and the Love of Family. Find comfort in knowing that the lessons are learned.

Dad’s grandchildren and his great grand-daughters were a great source of pride for our Dad. Your visits, regular phone calls, Easter and Christmas with Family, and the visits and pictures of Emma Marie and Gabriella Grace brought a huge smile to his face and warmed his heart. FAMILY IS IMPORTANT – Our Dad taught us that. Our Dad will forever live in our hearts and we love him dearly.

“No one who has been loved is ever lost, for memories live on forever in the heart”

* * * * * * * * * *

Orest passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on Wednesday, November 6th at the age of 83. He was called Home and was greeted by his many relatives, but especially his loving daughter Cindy Sirup who passed away 4 months ago who he missed dearly. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Mary and Theodore Buchko as well as, many siblings and relatives. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Gloria; son Brent (Ginny), children, Jordan (Jennifer) and their daughter Gabriella (great grandchild), Cassidy (Curtis) Olson, Taylor; son-in-law Blair Sirup, children, Karissa (Tony) Rolheiser and their daugher Emma (great grandchild), Brendon (Marissa Livingstone); and daughter, Michele (Jim) Braun, children Tara Yano (Stan Van Sichem); sisters Mary Smycniuk, Ann Buchko; brothers, Fred and Joe and numerous nieces and nephews. To celebrate Orest's life a Funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Parish, 3239 Garnet Street, Regina on Monday, November 11th at 2:00 p.m. The family wishes to acknowledge the nursing staff of Unit – Main 6 at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre for the love and compassion shown to Orest during his illness and final days. Flowers are most gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Unit 6 to help support their on-going needs at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, 2180-23rd Avenue, Regina, Sk. S4S 0A5. Interment to follow on Saturday, November 16th at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Ituna, Saskatchewan.