Harry Ukrainetz

Harry was born to Ephim and Julia Ukrainetz on March 3rd, 1930  on the home farm near the town of Erwood in north-eastern Saskatchewan. The oldest living son of eight children, he seemed to be a natural leader right from the start, and family always meant so much to him. Harry and his brothers and sisters shared a very special bond and had such good times together growing up. They can recount many adventures of their youth that were filled with joy and laughter. Harry began his academic career with a bachelor degree in Agronomy at the University of Saskatchewan. He continued on to obtain his Masters at Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1951, he started his career as an Agronomist working for Agriculture Canada at their research farm located in Scott, Saskatchewan. He then transferred to Saskatoon where he continued to work for Agriculture Canada at the Saskatoon Research Centre on the university campus. Harry loved to sing and his family could hear his beautiful voice at home and as a soloist, in duets, quartets and choirs at church functions. He participated as a leader, board member and worship leader for many church youth events and it was through these youth events that he met the love of his life, Rena Rode. Soon the solos became a duet and they were married in 1960. Harry and Rena had five children – one girl and four boys. Harry held fast to his belief in God, placing him first in his life and in his home. Family was extremely important to him. He worked very hard to provide for his family, and though there was always more work to do, he made sure there was time for playing with the kids, visiting with relatives and friends, camping, canoeing and wonderful family holidays. He especially loved to travel to northern Saskatchewan with his brothers and sons on fishing and canoeing trips. Harry had many other areas of interest and loved to learn. Harry managed to make time to teach himself electronics, engine mechanics, photography, carpentry, woodworking and even how to make canoes. His natural athletic ability and energy amazed his family and even into his 70s he was slalom water skiing! He was always up to a challenge or adventure. After 41 years with Agriculture Canada, he retired in 1993. In retirement he enjoyed having time to do woodworking, work on his vehicles, and spend time with his children and grandchildren. He had such a positive attitude in life, and even when he encountered health problems in his later years, he seldom complained. Harry lived a life of high integrity and high standards with much faithfulness to God, his family, the church and in all he committed to. Harry is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Rena Ukrainetz; daughter Lynna (Trevor) Snider; sons Darren (Katherine) Ukrainetz, Barry (Judy) Ukrainetz, Nathan (Laurie) Ukrainetz, Ryan (Julia) Ukrainetz; 15 wonderful grandchildren; and brothers Jack, Paul, Joe (Phyllis) and John (Cathy) Ukrainetz and sister Pauline (Dave) Beshara. Harry is predeceased by his father and mother, Ephim and Julia Ukrainetz; his brother, Daniel Ukrainetz;, and his sister, Sonia Ukrainetz. The Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 28th at Riverbend Church of God (306 Saguenay Dr), In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Greenwater Church of God Bible Camp. Arrangements in care of Wally Markewich - MOURNING GLORY FUNERAL SERVICES (306-978-5200)