Eugene Oscar Thera

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Eugene Oscar Thera, our father, grandfather, great-grandfather and beloved spouse. Eugene is survived by his spouse, Lillian, children: Valerie (Tom) Paterson, David (Lynn), Patrick (Delmarie), all of Saskatoon, Leanne (Jeff) of Regina, and Darrin (Noreen) of Battleford.

He is also survived by twelve grandchildren: Stephanie, Meagan, Benjamin, Rachel, Deagan, Chanice, Nicholette, Krestin, Lindsay, Rebecca, Anthony and Theresa and seven great- grandchildren: Emma, William, Aiden, Sebastien, Simon, Abigail, and Theodore.

Eugene was predeceased by son, Bobby, great-grandson, Joshua Volk, parents: Dominic and Ethel, and siblings: Richard (Maxine), Arlene (Fred) Richter and John (Josie).

Born on the family farm in the Spalding area on February 24, 1935, Eugene was the third of four children. He attended a one room school at Champlain School District and High school at St. Peter’s College in Muenster where he excelled at math and hockey. Eugene attended Normal School (Teachers College) and began teaching at Krist School near Leipzig, SK, at the age of 18. There he met Lillian Bauml, his future bride of 67 years and they were married on September 24, 1957.

His teaching career took him back to Champlain School near Spalding, then to St. Joseph’s School in Rosetown for 5 years, before becoming principal of St. Vital School in Battleford in 1964. The family moved to Saskatoon in 1967 to allow him to complete his Bachelor of Education degree. Eugene taught at Little Pine First Nation before returning to St. Vital School and in 1970 he became principal of Battleford Junior High School. He obtained his Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Administration in 1976. He became eligible to superannuate in 1984 but continued to work part-time in the education system until 1998. He worked as Executive Secretary for the Catholic Section of the Saskatchewan School Trustees Association, then Director of Education for the Unity, Wilkie and Payton School Divisions.

Eugene was a gifted musician from a young age. He played saxophone in community and high school groups and later with brother-in-law, Paul Kobelsky, for many years in the “Five Stars” who quickly rose to local fame as a highly sought after weekend dance band. After his retirement, Eugene continued to play the saxophone at seniors’ care homes and at family gatherings.

Eugene was an avid fishing enthusiast, but even more so, enjoyed connecting with family and friends around a boat, cabin or campfire. His love of fishing lead him to become owner and part time outfitter at Canoe Lake West Resort from 1976 to 1987 where every customer became a loyal friend.

Eugene was a proud and dedicated member of Knights of Columbus for 70 years, and a 4th degree member for over 40 years. He served in most positions at a council, district and state level including State Deputy from 1978 to 1980. Eugene also served in various capacities on the Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation.

After his retirement in 1998, Eugene enjoyed landscaping and gardening with Lillian in their large backyard overlooking the Saskatchewan River valley in Battleford. Other projects included volunteer work for St. Vital Parish and Catholic Family Services, work on the Battlefords Mental Health Review Panel, and a short stint as town councillor. After relocating to Saskatoon in 2014, Eugene continued to enjoy long walks in the neighborhood park, visiting family and friends (especially grandchildren and great grandchildren) and keeping his mind sharp with a voracious appetite for newspapers, books, crossword puzzles, sudoku, and competing at world class computer solitaire.

Eugene’s dedication to his family and community was an example for all of us to emulate. He will be fondly remembered by his many students, colleagues and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Cathedral of the Holy Family (123 Nelson Road) in Saskatoon, on July 15, 2025, at 2 p.m. with Fr. Gerard Cooper as Celebrant.

Donations in Eugene’s memory may be made to Diabetes Canada, Canadian Mental Health Association, Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation or a charity of your choice.