STEVE ANAKA

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STEVE ANAKA Stephen Fred Anaka was born Sunday, May 30, 1926 near Canora, SK. He lived in Canora, SK and Brantford, ON until the early 50s when he moved to The Pas. Steve was united in marriage with Therese Dumas, Saturday, October 29, 1955 at Flin Flon, MB. Steve started working for CN at Canora in 1951, then Sherridon, then The Pas where he retired in 1984. He had many hobbies which relaxed him and kept him enthused; Steve enjoyed fishing a lot when he was younger. He really enjoyed gardening. During the summer months, you would always see Steve outside tinkering with something, whether he was sharpening hoes or shovels, he was always busy outside. Steve also read a lot. It was amazing how many books he would complete in a week. When he was younger, Steve played in bands in Saskatchewan and in The Pas. Music was soothing for him. Steve was also very involved in the Farmers Market. He looked forward very much to every Saturday morning so he could see and accommodate the people who required fresh garden vegetables. Watching major league baseball was another favourite pastime. He would always remark how he enjoyed watching Jimmy Key pitch for the Toronto Blue Jays. He also enjoyed watching Deter Jeter play shortstop for the New York Yankees. Steve was a lifetime member of The Pas B.P.O. Elks, and also served on Town Council for nine years. Steve enjoyed his friends very much. For a number of years he would faithfully play pool with Maurice Hagon and Zollie Jozsa, among others. He also enjoyed the coffee "gang" at Fat Boys. It was his opportunity to get his ribbings out. Steve really liked the children that lived in the neighbourhood. They were always seen laughing and talking with each other. Taking daily rides around the town was also a regular routine. His minivan could be seen in the valley, south of The Pas and north to the airport where he enjoyed watching the airplanes. Steve passed away suddenly, Sunday, November 18, 2001 at St. Anthonys Hospital, The Pas, aged 75 years. He is survived by his wife Terry; son Paul; daughter Stephanie; granddaughter Ashley; sister Marg Ratushniak, Canora; sister-in-law Olga Anaka, Canora; brothers, Bill (Jean) Anaka, Port Alberni, BC, Alex (Liz) Anaka, Courtenay, BC; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Steve was predeceased by his father Fred Anaka; mother Kate Anaka; brother Peter Anaka; two sisters in infancy; brother-in-law Paul Ratushniak; as well as numerous other relatives. A service of remembrance was held Friday, November 23 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, The Pas, with Rev. James Ravenscroft presiding. Music Ministry was Sr. Betty Lackenbauer, Teresa Pidskalny, organist, Rita Hayward, guitarist, Frank Saskowski, Sacred Heart Choir and members of The Pas Community Choir. Memories of the heart were given by longtime friend Harry Kowalyk. A scripture reading was given by Paul Anaka. Immediately following the service everyone was invited to join Steves family at the Guy Hall for a time of sharing and fellowship. Honorary pallbearers were Mike and Mary Perchaluk, Harry and Nettie Kowalyk, Al and Earlene Vesey, Elymer and Grace Young, John St. Godard, Don Playford, and John Yaworski. Honour Guard were The Pas Elks Lodge and Order of the Royal Purple. If friends so desire, donations in Steves memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 301 - 352 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3B 2H8. Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas in care of arrangements. 623-3261.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 04, 2001