Violet Kulchiski

Violet, known to everyone as Vi, or Auntie Vi, was born to Alex and Ruby Kulchiski on April 30th, 1937. She lived with her parents, brother Mike and sister Minnie on the farm in the Ibstone district. She attended Eagle Hills School until she moved to North Battleford in 1953 to attend the commercial course at NBCI. In 1956 Vi moved in with her parents and sister Jo-Ann when they moved from the farm to North Battleford. She lived in the family home until she moved to Ricer Heights Lodge in 2010.

It was while living on the farm that she grew to love animals, especially dogs and horses. One of her favorite memories was how she trained her dog Spot to wear a harness to pull a sleigh to carry her books to school, or, when tired, to pull her so she didn’t have to walk to school. She had Spot trained so well that he waited at the school till she got out to carry her or her books back home. Over the years whenever her family would bring dogs with them to visit, it always put a smile on her face. Her love for horses eventually led her to purchase 3 thoroughbreds (race horses). Prior to a race she would visit the horse that was scheduled to race and speak with the horse to find out if the horse was going to go out and win that day.

Also while growing up on the farm she learned to love music and taught herself to play the violin (fiddle as she called it). She played the fiddle in a band with her brother Mike. The band provided the music for the dance every Saturday night at the Ukrainian Hall in North Battleford as well as other functions in the area.

Another love that Vi had was for sports, especially softball. During the 60’s she played ball with the Saskatchewan Hospital Aces. She was the back catcher. There were numerous times that she would come home with a black eye or other bruises. If you played ball, Vi always shared her wisdom, just ask any of us that played ball, especially her nephews Michael and Chris who also were catchers. Not only did she play softball but she bowled and golfed as well. She was also a fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Vi started working for Imperial Optical as soon as she graduated from NBCI. She started as the receptionist and secretary, but over the years she learned every aspect of the business. She eventually opened VK Optical in North Battleford which she operated until she retired in 1992.

Vi had lots of opportunities to get married but chose not to because she wanted to live life to the fullest which she did. There was never a dull moment when you were with her. Any of us who travelled with her over the years never knew what we were getting ourselves into.

Vi always joked with her sister Minnie that if she made it to heaven before her, that she better have the tea kettle on for tea and the tea ready when she got there. Will Vi, I hope the kettle was boiled and your tea was waiting for you.

Vi we will miss your advice, stories, laughter, and colorful language.

Rest in peace and don’t cause too much havoc wherever you are.