JOSEPH SYTNYK

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JOSEPH SYTNYK 1918 - 2007 It is with profound sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Joseph Sytnyk, on February 18, 2007, aged 88 years, surrounded by his loving family at the Morley House Personal Care Home in Shoal Lake, MB. Leaving to cherish Joe's memory are his wife Sophie, of over 60 years; his two daughters, Adele (daughter Maya) from Vancouver, BC, Gayle (Randy Mitchell, and sons, Cameron, Alex and Jordan) from White Rock, BC; three sons, Glen (Charlotte, daughters, Sarah and Shelby) from Winnipeg, Brian (son Jordan) and Perry (Darlene, daughters, Laura, Breanne and son James) from Shoal Lake; sisters, Phyllis (Tony) Tutkaluk from Shoal Lake and Eva Hrysak from Minnedosa; sister-in-law Margaret Verbowski from Rossburn; brothers, Peter (Nellie) from Shoal Lake, and Alex (Patricia) from Newport Beach, CA. He was predeceased by his infant sister Lena; brother Mike; his twin Tom, and his brother-in-law Matt Hrysak. Joe was born in Oakburn, MB, at home on the farm, on April 11, 1918, the son of George (Hnat) and Mary Sytnyk. He attended Rogers School while working on the family farm. He loved the land and devoted much of his life to farming. In 1941, when the family farm was hailed out, Joe and his twin brother beat the freight train hobo fashion into Humboldt, SK for harvest work. Despite earning only twenty-five cents per hour, it was an exciting experience that left an indelible mark on his character. In 1944 Joe purchased his own farm, now known as Raven Point Farms, which is still in the family, seven miles south of Shoal Lake. In his lifetime he was always on the cutting edge of technology. Progress was very important to him. Quality was much more important than quantity. In 1946, Joe married Sophie Wasilka, a school teacher at King School. They were blessed with five children and were very involved in school and community activities. They provided all five children with a university education. More importantly, they encouraged each of their children to believe in themselves with the freedom to achieve to the best of their individual abilities in their careers, personal lives and travels. Joe and Sophie enjoyed many trips with their family and friends throughout Canada, United States, Mexico, and Australia. In 1991 Joe and Sophie retired from farming and moved into their newly built home in Shoal Lake where they enjoyed a more leisurely lifestyle. Joe had a very serious farm accident on August 31, 1994. It was an absolute miracle he survived, and with God's blessing he recovered. In 2002 he moved to the Morley House Personal Care Home where he received exceptional care and delighted the staff with his cheerfulness and love of singing. The epitome of the modest man, Joe went out of his way to be very friendly, courteous and compassionate especially to others in lesser circumstances. Equality among everyone was a given in his mind. By faith he was a devoted member of the St. Josephat's Ukrainian Catholic Church where he served as an elder and was very involved with church activities. Always with a song in his heart, he enjoyed singing in the church choir. To his family he was recognized as the spiritual and moral pillar for three generations. Perhaps his greatest gift was his absolute embrace of the word forgiveness . Joe was a peacemaker. He set a fine example for all who were blessed to know him. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 24 in Shoal Lake, MB at St. Josephat's Ukrainian Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. with Father Edward Evanko officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations gratefully accepted to the Shoal Lake St. Josephat Ukrainian Catholic Church or the Morley House Personal Care Home, Box 490, Shoal Lake, MB, ROJ 1Z0. Farewell, dear father, thy work is o'er, Thy willing hands will toil no more. A loving father, kind and true, No one on earth we'll find like you.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 23, 2007