Obituary of Jacob Bodnarik

BODNARIK - Mr. Jacob Bodnarik of the Stornoway district, beloved husband of Nettie Bodnarik passed away on March 29, 2010 at Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 91 years of age. Jacob was born April 10, 1918 and raised on the family farm six miles north of Stornoway, SK. He was the youngest child of Harry and Katherine (Gnyp) Bodnarik, Ukrainian pioneers that settled in Saskatchewan in 1902. Jacob received his education at New Canadian School and helped out on the farm. In 1937 Jacob's father passed away, so Jacob and his older brother Mike were left to take over the family farm while taking care of their elderly mother. Jacob was a hard worker. He was always looking into ways to better his farming. For the winter months he took employment at the nickel and gold mines in Ontario. In the late 40's, early 50's Jacob and his brother Mike went in to the land clearing business. They opened many acres of farm land for themselves and their neighbours. Jacob was on the Stornoway Co-op board, the Wheat Pool Committee, and secretary for the North West Snow Plow Club. Jacob married Nettie Zawada on March 5th, 1951. They were blessed with three children, Howard, Patrice and Sidney. In 1973 it was a dream come true for Jacob to have his oldest son Howard and wife Cheryl return to the farm to help and begin their own farm as Jacob's brother Mike, was wanting to retire. A few years later Sidney returned to try his hand at farming as well. By then, Jacob was ready to take second place, but in the meantime continue to help as he could. Patsy was not to be left out, and has been coming back to the farm every summer for the holidays to help with harvest and other work. With the help of his children and his wife by his side, he's been able to stay on his beloved farm until the end. Even last year, Jacob was able to drive out to the field in his little red pickup truck to watch the harvest progress. Jacob was a kind hearted man always willing to help where it was needed. He was always happy when his grandchildren came to visit. He was always ready to beat them at a game of cards. Jacob was predeceased by his parents Harry and Katherine, brothers John and Mike, sister's Mary Zazwlenchuk, Martha Davidouski, Annie Bodnarik, Lena Achtemichuk, Annie Achtemichuk, Violet Bilokreli, Pauline Naherney, daughter-in-law, Cheryl Bodnarik. Jacob is survived by his wife, Nettie, of 59 years of marriage, his children Howard, Patrice Despins (granddaughter, Robyn, her father Don), Sidney (grandchildren, Mitchell, Holly, Tanner, Scott and their mother Sonya). His sisters-in-law; Kay Saplywy, Thunder Bay, Stella (Bob) Kush, Hyas, Irene (George) Babinchuk, Kamsack, brothers-in-law; Stan (Janet) Zawada Fraser Lake, BC, Norman (Leslie) Zawada Agassiz, BC and numerous nieces and nephews. A prayer service was held on Friday, April 2nd and the funeral service on Saturday, April 3rd at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Daphne Bender of Christ Lutheran Church, Rhein officiating. The organist, Kathleen Gibson led in the singing of the hymns, "Softly and Tenderly", "Just As I Am" and "Amazing Grace". Jacob's history was shared by grandchildren, Robyn Despins and Tanner Bodnarik. Reflections of Jacob's life were shared by son Howard. The interment followed in the Garden of St. Luke at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Lorne Naherney, Wendal Gnyp, Mitchell Bodnarik, Keith Rauckman, Howard Rauckman and Robert Engel serving as the casket bearers. Memorials in memory of Jacob may be made to the Health Foundation or Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences to the family may be emailed to baileysfuneralhome@sasktel.net Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens