Obituary of William Shuya

SHUYA - Mr. William Shuya of Yorkton, formerly of Kelvington, beloved husband of the late Eleanor Shuya entered eternal rest on May 8, 2012 at Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 90 years of age. William (Bill) Shuya was born on November 29, 1921 on a farm south of Preeceville, SK in the Mitchelview Post Office District to parents Michael and Julia (nee Prystay) Shuya. At the age of two years he moved with his parents who homesteaded in the High Tor Post Office District. Bill attended Pee Wee School to grade four then had to remain on the farm to help his family with farming. Bill became an expert in handling horses, cutting cord wood, clearing land, trapping and hunting wild game for survival. On July 30, 1941 at the age of 19 years Bill joined the Army in Saskatoon. He served with the 8th Reconnaissance Regiment (8th Reece) as an Anti Tank Gunner. He served overseas in many locations in Europe, among them Normandy and saw action to war's end in Germany, followed by one year Occupation in Germany until 1946. On November 27, 1945 Bill married Eleanor Ruth Allen at London, England. On June 26, 1946 Bill returned to Canada to help his family on the farm near Kelvington, SK. In July, 1947 his wife arrived with eight month old twins, Elizabeth and William. The young family was blessed with 6 more children. Throughou t Bill's years of farming, he supplemented his income. He cut cord wood, sold Fuller Brush, worked at Kelvington Hardware Store & Beaton's Funeral Home and managed Co-op Stores at Weldon & Lintlaw. He retired to Sturgis. Throughout his life time Bill volunteered for many organizations. He helped organize many community fundraisers through bingos, ski-doo rallies, golf tournament, and hockey drafts. He was active in the Farmer's Union and CCF. He sat on the Community College Board, Yorkton and the Parkland Recreation Board, Yorkton for 10 years; Secretary-Treasurer for Lintlaw Legion, Lintlaw Lions, and Lintlaw Community Bingo; President Hazel Dell Recreation Board, Sturgis R.E.A.D. Club; Sturgis Museum Board, served two - four year terms as Zone Commander for the Legion in the Preeceville District and as Zone Chairman for the Lions Club in Kelvington. Bill loved his dog "Sandy". He loved bowling, playing bingo, crib, pool, golfing, curling, fishing and visiting with his family and relatives. He will be forever remembered by his family for his delicious "Chinese Meals". Bill has been awarded the Legion Meritorious Service Medal, Centennial Medal and received the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal. After Bill was diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease, he retired to the Bentley Retirement Home with his wife for two years then spent 4 years living at his daughter, Elizabeth's home. After the death of his wife in 2010 he was admitted into the Nursing Home where he resided until his passing at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. Bill was predeceased by his wife Eleanor (2010); parents Michael (1946) and Julia (1982); grandsons: Neil Zahayko (1971); Loran Woytas (1985); Kevin Woytas (1996); granddaughter Gloria Chapman (1996) and great grandson Christopher Chapman (2000), as well as his sisters: Pauline, Helen, Mary and Sylvia and Brother Sam. Bill is survived by his 8 children: Elizabeth (Orest) Zahayko, Yorkton; William (Bernice), Delisle; Shirley (Charles) Woytas, Sturgis; Gerald (Lynn), Little Bear Lake; Brian (Margaret), Greenwater Lake; Miles (Christine), Yorkton; Melinda (Dick) Carter, Regina; Brenda (Dale) Bernard, Codette; 16 grandchildren: Michelle, David, Cameron, Emanual (Tara), Christine, Ryan (Wendy), Amy, Melissa (Jesse), Matthew, Kathleen, Shawn (Kim), Tracy, Dayne, Jeremy, Craig (Preetika) and Chantelle; 17 great grandchildren: Annika, Beth, Ashley, Kurtis, Brandy, Jennifer, Laura, Andrew, Katherine, Jillian, Angel, Darian, Khendon, Erin, Tylor, Ryder and new baby boy born May 8th. Survived by Sisters:Tina Rieger, Stephanie (Rudy) Karakochuk, Emily Shuya, Jeanne (Jim) Horban, and Sister-in-law: Freda Shuya and Brothers: Joe (Emily), Harry (Ann) & John (Darlene) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A family gathering and prayer service was held on Thursday, May 10th at the chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home with Rev. Father Ray Lukie, C.Ss.R. officiating. Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Friday, May 11th at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Very Rev. Peter Pidskalny C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. The responses were led by Ed Pindus, Colette Karapita and parish choir members. The cross bearer was Cameron Zahayko and the epistle readers were Michelle Zahayko & Kathleen Shuya. The Legion Burial Rite was conducted by members of the General Alexander Ross Branch #77. The honourary bearers were granddaughters and great grandchildren. The interment took place in the Kelvington Town Cemetery with the Grandsons, David Zahayko, Emanuel Shuya, Ryan Shuya, Matthew Shuya, Shawn Johnson, Dayne Johnson, Jeremy Ausland and Craig Ausland serving as the casket bearers. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Kelvington Branch held an honour guard at the gravesite. Memorials honouring William's life may be made to the Alzheimer's Society or St. Mary's Church Building Fund. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com Xpuctoc Bockpec! Christ Is Risen! Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Friday, May 11th, 2012 10:00am, St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church Interment Details