STEVE (NICK) BEJZYK

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STEVE (NICK) BEJZYK Steve (Nick) Bejzyk of Komarno, MB passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2002 at Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital at age 83 and one-half years as a result of a stroke. Steve was the first born of Maria and Nykola Bejzyk on November 16, 1918 in Zalukwa, Ivano Frankivski, Ukraine. Nykola and Maria came with their four children to live in Canada before the Second World War. The family settled on a farm in the Komarno District. As the oldest of the children, Steve helped the parents to establish a home for the family on the farm property which, at the time, didnt have a single building on it and just 11 acres of cleared land. However, through hard work and perseverance the family rooted in Canada and eventually prospered. Those pioneering days were difficult for Steve and the rest of the Bejzyk family with endless hours spent clearing land, picking stones, building and fencing, raising livestock, hay and other crops. Steve was drafted for service in the Canadian Army during the Second World War. He was discharged from service due to a medical condition, much to the familys relief. Throughout the war years Steve worked on the farm and at Canada Packers in Winnipeg both occupations considered essential war industries. In his 60s and 70s Steve ran a successful cow-calf operation from his own farm with help from his brother Taras. To Steve the most satisfying leisure activity was playing a game of chess against a powerful opponent. Steve was especially gifted in this intricate game. He also liked learning, as his brother, I was particularly impressed at the breadth and depth of his knowledge for livestock husbandry and veterinary medicine. For a person with grade 8 education, his knowledge was amazing! Like most human beings, Steve experienced failures and set backs not the least of which was the onset of Alzheimers disease which was difficult and frustrating for him and burdensome to his sister, Slawka who took care of him during his trials and tribulations. Steve is survived by his sister Slawka Bejzyk of Komarno, MB; a brother Ole Bejzyk and wife Sonja of Winnipeg; as well as a niece Melanie Bejzyk, presently a student at U.B.C.; and a nephew David Bejzyk and Tanya of Calgary, AB. Steve was predeceased in September 1951 by his father Nykola; on December 2, 1991 by his mother Maria Bejzyk; and his brother Taras Bejzyk on October 4, 1997. A private funeral service for immediate family and friends will be conducted by the Very Rev. Fr. Harry Oliynek, on Friday, July 5 in the MacKenzie Funeral Chapel, Teulon followed by graveside services and burial in St. Georges Cemetery. The family wishes to thank Maureen Maskow of Home Care Services for exemplary professional care and compassionate services for Steve. We also want to thank the doctor, nurses and all other staff of Teulon Hospital who attended upon our brother Steve in the last days of his life. Thank you all. VICHNAYA PAMYAT MacKenzie Funeral Home, Teulon in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 03, 2002