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STEVE DEREWIANCHUK
Born: May 05, 1935
Date of Passing: Mar 18, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemorySTEVE DEREWIANCHUK
It is with sadness that we announce the death of Steve Derewianchuk on March 18, 2026.
Steve, a first generation Canadian, was born, in Vita, Manitoba on May 5, 1935. His parents, Alexander and Anastasia Derewianchuk immigrated from Ukraine. He was the third youngest of 14 children and the bonds they formed persist to this day.
Steve is survived by his sisters, Anne, Genia, Nellie; and his brothers, Peter and Alex. He was predeceased by his brothers, Walter, Roland, Jarvis, Matt, Boris; his sisters, Mary, Stella, and Elsie.
Following High School, he tried his hand at a variety of jobs which included a year of school teaching. He found his true calling with Manitoba Hydro where he remained for 37 years.
His first Hydro posting took him to Pipestone, MB where he won the hearts of the community with his baseball prowess. It is also where he met his first wife, Pat McRae, with whom he shares their daughter, Ruby-Ann (Raymond), their three grandsons, Eric (Laura), Marc (Morgan), Robert (Chantelle); and their great-grandchildren, Orre, Axelle, Gabriel and Emma.
Steve jumped at the chance to return to Vita as District Supervisor in 1969 following a stretch in Selkirk which he greatly enjoyed. He became a pillar of the community; serving on boards (Credit Union, Hospital, School), fundraising for the construction of the Vita Arena, and serving as a councillor and Reeve for the L.G.D. of Stuartburn. In 1973 he was elected to the Manitoba Legislature and remains the only N.D.P candidate to win a seat in Southern Manitoba. He worked tirelessly to pave roads, build Personal Care Homes and improve health services in the area. Steve served one term in Government and returned to Hydro in 1978.
Steve retired from Manitoba Hydro in 1993, giving him time to pursue his first love, baseball. He played for numerous teams in the Seniors Slo-Pitch league. Many years his team won or was runner up in the league. There are many highlights but, representing Manitoba in Kansas City in 1995 and playing with his brother, Peter, in Las Vegas in 2000 stand out. He was inducted into the Manitoba Baseball of Fame in 2007 for his individual contributions and incredible talent. In 2008 he was honoured to share a Team induction with family and friends who played for the Vita Cubs from 1955 -1960.
On June 3, 1995 Steve and Iris Ewanchevich married. They travelled throughout Manitoba, Minnesota, Oregon, and Nevada for baseball. Steve’s family grew as he welcomed Iris’s children: Rick (Karen), Robert (Judy), Roseanne (Tim) Yaremchuk; and their children, Trista (Issac) Friesen, Eric (Suzanne) Ewanchevich, Kylie (Lonnie) Gillis, Allysa Ewanchevich, Dylan and Robyn Yaremchuk, Brayden Ewanchevich; and grandchildren Ireland, Georgia, Boston, Charlotte, Greyor, Tenley, Rogan, Nyla, and Bennet.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 10:30 am, with Viewing commencing at 10:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach, MB.
A heartfelt thank you to ALL the staff at the Vita Hospital who provided the most compassionate and professional care.
In Memory of Steve, make a difference in your community, welcome a stranger, make a friend, and consider a donation to the Vita Arena or a sports complex in your community.
Rest in Peace Steve –
You made a difference!
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 21, 2026
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
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When we first met in 1978, Steve had that special talent of kindness and caring. He truly loved his community area and would lend his helping hand to many. He loved discussing current events and took great interest in "your happenings." Rest in peace Steve and our condolences and prayers to your family. - Posted by: Jack & Christine Kowalchuk (Friends) on: Mar 21, 2026