Nick Semeniuk

It is with deep sadness the children of Nick Semeniuk announce his passing . With the sun streaming in his window, Dad left us early in the morning on August 5, 2020. He was reunited with his soulmate, Anne, who passed away in February, shortly after they celebrated 67 years of marriage. He leaves behind three children: Linda (Allan) Colp of Daysland Debbie (Paul) Cavaliere of Edmonton and Gary (Heather) of Calgary; nine grandchildren Tracy Lodge of Wildwood, Christine Pandur (Paul) of Edmonton, Andrew Cavaliere (Krystle Shaw) of Edmonton, Sydney Cavaliere (Brad Watson-Davelaar) of Chilliwack, Nicholas Semeniuk (Ann Hewitt) of New York, and Carolyn Semeniuk (Alec Rollison) of Kelowna; step-granddaughters Susan Benateau of Beaumont and Maryanne Doucette of Barrhead. and four great-grandchildren. Nick is also survived by his sister Helen Golinowski, of Vermilion. He was predeceased by his parents Maria and Fred Semeniuk, and siblings Mike, John, Steve, Annie, Pauline and Mary.

Dad was born on the family farm just south of Myrnam, Alberta on July 24, 1932, the last of eight children of Ukrainian immigrant parents. After leaving the farm for Edmonton in 1956, he worked on a construction crew, then as a truck driver for Ogilvie flour. His love of the people transportation business began when he went to work at Diamond Bus Lines in Jasper Place, later Edmonton Transit. In 1974 he founded Bi-West Translines, providing safe school bus transportation for thousands of students, as well as tour services across the continent. He was proud that the company he started is still rolling on Alberta's highways today.

Dad contributed to his community his entire life, from involvement in the community league in the 1960s to serving three terms as an elected Councilor in the County of Parkland starting in 1994. He was happy to serve his constituents and leave his community better than he found it. He volunteered with Rural Crime Watch and his service was recognized by the Prime Minister in 2001, and by the Alberta Solicitor General in 2003 with an Annual Crime Prevention Award. Dad was a member of the Devon Lions for over 30 years and was recognized as a Melvin Jones Fellow in 2007. He was also an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 247 in Devon, including serving a term as President. He always looked forward to visiting schools for Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Above all of his accomplishments, nothing was more precious than family. Dad and Mom raised a close family and created a special bond with each of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They will forever miss them. As we start tomorrow without Dad, we know he is not far away and the spirit of his love and values will live on in us all.

The family would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Dad’s family physician, Dr. Eva Patocka, as well as the unending compassionate care provided by the nursing staff of Unit 43 at the Grey Nuns Hospital (especially Joanie, Erin, and Sabrina), and Dr. Lamoureux and Dr. Brisebois for bridging Dad through his journey.

Evening Prayer services will take place at St. Anthony's Ukrainian Orthodox Church on August 11. Funeral services will be officiated by Reverend Father Dr. Timothy Chrapko on August 12, with interment to follow at St. Michael's Cemetery. Due to COVID restrictions, attendance is limited, but the services will be livestreamed.