PHILIP REHALUK

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PHILIP REHALUK Thank God for the life of our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Philip Rehaluk who passed away on Saturday, June 26, 2004 at the St. Norbert Nursing Home at the age of 97 years. Dad will be reunited with his dear and loving wife Mary who passed away on Saturday, March 24, 2002. Two beautiful voices, Dads deep Alto/Bass, and Moms soprano will blend in harmony to enhance the choir of Gods angels. Together they have sung Gods praises at many Masses in many locations. Once spotted in the congregation, both would be invited to join the local choir. Dad and Mom were thrilled to have sung Masses in the Ukraine. Dad was very involved in the building of two new Churches. When weather was inclement, and harvest ripe, a Church holiday was observed, regardless. Religion for Dad was foremost. Besides his loving wife Mary, Philip was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Amelia; brothers, Bill (Eva), Steve (Ann) sisters, Stephany (Mike Pachkowski), Eileen (Peter Dudar) great-granddaughters, Chelsea and Riley Breckman; and brother-in-law Bill Bodnar. Memories of his life will be shared by his daughters, Sylvia (Walter Bohonos), Elaine (Mario Perreault) grandchildren, Dawn (Doug Breckman), Kerry (Roger Gagne), Blayze (Adrienne) great-grandchildren, Noah and Jeremy Gagne and Danielle Breckman; brothers, Paul (Ilene), Dan (Ann), Peter (Ann) sisters, Kate (John Hawryluk), Mary (Matt Kolsinski), Ann Bodnar; sisters-in-law, Ann (Steve Rehaluk) and Stephanie (Mike Mudray). Born in Preeceville, SK, in 1906, Dad moved with his family to Manitoba. At the tender age of 13 Dad had to pick up the "reins" and sow the family crop. Dad was a zealous and proud farmer. He was fond of his profession, and enjoyed pioneering all the new technology as it advanced. Dad was particularly fond of horses to the point of showcasing them at the fairs. Dads brief diversion from farming was working at building the railway to Churchill. While at the nursing Home, Dad would be enthused by dreams on which he broke new land, and bought new machinery. (He told us that was why he slept often. Marriage endowed Dad with an instant family - a grandfather-in-law, and three sisters-in-law. When they left the nest, Dad and Mom sponsored two families to Canada, one from the Ukraine and one from Germany. Our house was never empty. At meal time, anyone who was around was always welcomed. Hospitality was foremost with both parents. Sports figured prominently in Dads life, hockey, baseball, wrestling, horseshoes, curling and football. Dad built a hockey rink in the yard where neighbours gathered to play hockey, and have lunch. Dad followed the baseball circuit as far afield as Neepawa and Brandon. Dad loved hunting and trapping. Venison was provided at many tables during the thirties. Dad was a "people person". He loved music, dancing and singing. A car radio was not necessary. We sang the entire trip, even songs Dad taught us. Travel suited Dads character, a short skip over the border, or his visit to Russia, Poland, and the Ukraine - all received enthusiastic reviews. After a life that was full and varied, Dad deserves to rest. We will miss him dearly, but the precious memories created during those 97 years will provide us with roses in December. Panakhyda will be sung on Tuesday, June 29 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Basils Ukrainian Catholic Church, 202 Harcourt St. with Divine Liturgy to follow also at St. Basils with Rev. Fr. Isidore Dziadyk O.S.B.M., officiating. Interment will take place on Wednesday, June 30 at 1:00 p.m. at Dauphins Riverside Cemetery, Dauphin, MB, with Rt. Rev. Mitrat Michael Buyachok officiating. "VICHNAYA PAMYAT" KNYSH FUNERAL CHAPEL 1020 MAIN STREET WINNIPEG, MANITOBA 582-0973

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 28, 2004