Henry Bzdel

Henry Bzdel of Wynyard, SK passed away peacefully at the age of 71 years on Thursday, June 23, 2016 with family at his side. A divine liturgy will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church, Wynyard on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. by Father Jeffery Stephaniuk. Interment to follow in Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery. Prayers will be held in the Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church, Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Henry was born in Wadena, Saskatchewan on February 5, 1945. He was the fifth child born to John K. and Annie Bzdel. Henry grew up on the family farm in the Rushville area. For his schooling, he obtained grades one to eight from Rushville School, then attended St. Vladimir’s College in Roblin, Manitoba for grades nine and ten. At the end of grade ten, he came back home to Wynyard to complete his high school education and graduated in June 1963.

After high school Henry played for the Regina Rams as a left end for one year. From 1963 to 1969, Henry held various jobs: labourer for Wappel Construction in Regina; labourer for Manix Construction at the Potash Mine by Belle Plain; driving cat for Wilbur Webb; operating a cat and scraper to build roads for the R.M. of Big Quill; mechanic at Walt’s Service in Wynyard; mechanic at Brook’s Motors in Wynyard during which time he attended Mechanics School at SIAST in Moose Jaw; mechanic and road builder for the R.M. of Elfros and became foreman. In May of 1969, Henry purchased the home quarter from Mike Leshcyshyn allowing him to start farming. In 1974, he quit working for the R.M. and bought his parents’ farm and began farming full time. In 1994, Henry became a councillor for the R.M. of Elfros and then held the position of Reeve from 2004 to 2011.

On October 16, 1965 Henry married Beverley Ann Fewster and they began to build their life together in Elfros, SK before beginning to farm which became his true passion. Henry and Bev were blessed with four children: Shelley, Gerald, Scott and Lorie and five grandchildren: Kyle, Taylor, Landon, Keaton and Ava. Family and friends were always very important to Henry. He loved his grandchildren and the many hours spent building things together, watching hockey games, dance competitions and attending many other activities. Henry worked hard but found time to snowmobile, play hockey and socialize with friends. Throughout the years, he was never too busy to help out a friend.

Henry was predeceased by his parents John K. and Annie Bzdel; brothers Wilfred and Sylvester Bzdel and sister-in-law Helen Bzdel. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Bev Bzdel; children: Shelley (Dean) Sargent of Carlyle, SK, Gerald (Gloria) Bzdel of Saskatoon, SK, Scott (Shauna) Bzdel of Emerald Park, SK and Lorie (David) Rithaler of Grenfell, SK; grandchildren: Kyle and Taylor Sargent, Landon and Keaton Bzdel and Ava Rithaler; siblings: Jim Bzdel, Christine Elaine (Ray) Clark and Len (Lois) Bzdel; sisters-in-law: Cathy Bzdel, Darlene (Ernie) Welta, Linda (Wayne) Timmerman and Lorna (Gerry) Onyskevitch and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Henry was loved by many and will be missed by all.

In memory of Henry, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church, Box 728, Wynyard, SK S0A 4T0.

Eulogy as given by Merle Wasylynka

It is not easy to say goodbye to a dear friend. We have seen our children grow, graduate, start their careers, marry and give us grandchildren. We have many great memories of our time together.

Henry was first and foremost a family man and was so proud of their many accomplishments. They travelled many miles to watch their sons and later their grandsons play hockey. They flew to Montreal when Gerald was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques. That was a proud moment for Henry because he, too, had been drafted years earlier by the Elfros Eagles of the Fishing Lake Hockey League. Taylor's dance recitals were on their spring agenda. Unfortunately, baby Ava will only know her Grandpa through pictures and stories.

Henry loved cars, trucks, snowmobiles, tractors, his International bulldozer - pretty much anything with an engine and the faster it went, the better he liked it. He spent many hours in the shop manufacturing, repairing and tweaking and when parts were needed, he'd head to town and always found time for coffee with the boys at Maple. He would say, "I hate to repeat myself, but" - and then he'd go on at length relating a story or an experience that he'd had recently. He always made time for conversation. He devoted many years to the RM of Elfros, first as a grader operator, then a foreman and eventually a councillor and later the Reeve.

Henry was a proud member of this parish and served a term as President. He and Gerald put in stainless steel laser markers on the new cemetery. He was adamant about using a quality product on any of his projects. His work ethic and stamina were second to none.

Bev worked alongside Henry tirelessly in their farming operation. He always looked forward to dinner and to supper - well pretty much to any meal. And Bev's baking - yummy! Freezing the cake would sort of guarantee that there would be some left when company came. However, a trip to the city was not complete without a stop at Tim Horton's to pick up 2 dozen caramel apple fritters. The fresh dills, the headcheese - there were so many favorites! Henry particularly enjoyed Easter and Christmas with all its traditions.

He enjoyed a good game of 3 spot - well there never was just one game and he enjoyed a drink of vodka after a hard day's work. His friends and his children's friends always had a standing invitation of: "If you're around, stop by for a drink."

Henry became a techy and if you wondered what the weather would be like tomorrow, he would quickly take his phone out of his pocket and check it out. He may have been contemplating switching careers because when his new dentures were giving him some pain, he went to the shop and ground them down till they fit better. Scott has pictures to prove this!

I could go on and on, but we all have our own thoughts and memories. He would often say, "The good Lord willing, I will" ---and he'd mention something he wanted to do. Well, the good Lord had other plans for him. I will end by saying what Henry often said about others --- "He was a good guy." He will be missed and lovingly remembered.

For Grandpa by Taylor Sargent

The day the angels came, to take my Grandpa away

I thought not of the happy things, but only of the pain

The pain of losing someone that meant so much to me

The pain of no longer having him as tears stroll down my cheeks

But now I do remember and know I always will

The happiness you brought me and the memories that we cherish

I love you more than anything and know that I always will

You're forever in my heart Grandpa

My new guardian angel