Edward Bespalko

Edward William Bespalko, born August 30, 1948 in Fort Qu’Appelle, SK, passed away peacefully at the family farm on Sunday, March 6th, 2022 with his wife Helene by his side and family in his presence. Edward was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in July 2021. He battled through a difficult recovery that resulted in a miraculous five month remission but, sadly, a recurrence in early February could not be overcome.

Ed was predeceased by his parents, William and Mary Bespalko; parents-in-law, Nick and Edith Bolen; brother-in-law, Bill Tyman; and sisters-in-law, Joanne Linford and Marg Palfy.

He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Helene, five children and nine grandchildren; Jeremy and Robin Bespalko of St. Louis, MO with daughter Avery and son Jackson; Nicky and Trevor Seright of Calgary, AB with daughters Lauren and Grace, Jared and Candace Bespalko of Okotoks, AB with sons Braedan, Deagan, Rylan & Layton; Joel Bespalko and Christine Bachinsky of Regina, SK with son Henry; and the youngest of the family, Justin of Cupar, SK. Ed is also survived by his brother Dennis and wife Bernice Bespalko; brother Lawrence Bespalko; sister Carolyn and husband Rick Gulaga; in-laws Marlene and Bob Waldegger, Lionel and Helen Bolen, Adele and Mel Rusteika, Court Linford and Gloria Tyman along with many nieces, nephews and countless friends.

After growing up on the family farm along Pasqua Lake, Edward began his apprenticeship as a mechanic in 1966. In 1970, Ed met his wife Helene in Fort Qu’Appelle. They were married in 1971 and started their life together in Wishart, SK. After the birth of their first son in 1973, they purchased the family farm in 1975 where they continued to grow their family. This was the beginning of the legacy created by Ed and Helene where they continued to be an example of wonderful love and support to their family and friends for over fifty years. In addition to being a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, he was also a leader and helpful to so many. Over many years, he served others through countless volunteer hours dedicated to Catholic Council of Bishops, Development and Peace, Farmland Legacies, Parish Council as well as the building committee for the current Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church in Fort Qu’Appelle. And, above all else, he worked tirelessly to manage the family farm along with his brother Lawrence and son Joel and used his mechanical skills to repair countless pieces of equipment for neighbours and friends from near and far. His legacy of family, farming and selfless willingness to help anyone in need will be deeply missed.

The funeral mass was concelebrated in Our Lady of Sorrows R.C. Church, Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan on Friday, March 11, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. by Rev. Adelberto Lillo, Rev. Glenn Zimmer, OMI and Archbishop Emeritus James Weisgerber. Interment followed in Lakeview Cemetery Columbarium, Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan. Livestreaming of the mass will be available with the link that is posted below.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Edward’s several organizations that he dedicated his time and effort to over many years such as Development and Peace (www.devp.org) or Farmland Legacies (www.farmlandlegacies.org/donate).