Obituary of Stephen Sliva

SLIVA - Stephen (Steve) Sliva, beloved husband of Frances Sliva of Yorkton, formerly of the Dobrowody area passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2009 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 82 years of age. Stephen (Steve) John Sliva was born on July 10, 1926 in the Dobrowody area, a son of Antonius and Pauline (Dmytriw) Sliva. He was the youngest of the five brothers and sisters. Steve was raised on the family farm and attended the Olesha School. On November 6, 1950 he was united in marriage to Frances Kwasny in the Roman Catholic Church in Rama, Saskatchewan. Following their marriage they took over the family farm and were blessed with two wonderful children, daughter Sylvia (1953) and son Dennis (1956). Steve served as chairman of the Olesha School for approximately 5 years. In 1967 they made the decision to leave the farm and move to Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Steve then started working at Morris Rod Weeder where he worked on the Assembly and Paint Line until his retirement in 1991. It was at this time that Frances became ill and Steve took on the task of caring for her. He enjoyed cooking and taking Frances on many shopping trips to the Parkland Mall without ever complaining or asking for help. Besides the love for his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, he loved to garden and plant numerous varieties of flowers for everyone to admire and enjoy. Steve's favourite flowers were Begonias, which could be seen in all of his flower pots surrounding his beloved garden. He enjoyed playing cards, going to the Terrier hockey games, having coffee and socializing with his many friends and acquaintances. Steve was predeceased by his parents, Antonius and Pauline Sliva; sisters, Caroline Diakow, Mary Ronn and Helen Pelechaty; brother-in-laws, Harry Ronn, Joe Pelechaty and Bill Diakow and son-in-law Richard Napady. Steve leaves a loving family to cherish his memory. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Frances; daughter, Sylvia Napady of Yorkton; son, Dennis (Donna) Sliva of Regina. Steve was also blessed with the love of four grandchildren; Cheryl (Pete) Buzinski and Darcy Napady of Yorkton; Marla (Tyler) and Garret Sliva of Regina and three great grandchildren, Travis, Jared and Bryan Buzinski. He will be dearly missed by all remaining family members and friends including his extended family at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home. Prayer Vigil Service was held on Monday, April 20th, at St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church, Yorkton with Mary Bybliw & Dolores Spreitzer presiding. The pianist, Katherine Flaman accompanied St. Gerard's Choir. Funeral Mass was held Tuesday, April 21th at St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church with Reverend Father Thomas Nguyen as the Celebrant. Pianist, Pam Yaremko accompanied St. Gerard's choir in the singing of the hymns, Morning Has Broken, Precious Lord Take My Hand, Seed Scattered and Sown, Alleluia Give Thanks To The Risen Lord and Song of The Angels. The cross bearer was Travis Buzinski and the candle bearers were Jared and Bryan Buzinski. The lectors were Judy Diakow & Pete Buzinski. Honourary Bearers were Cheryl Buzinski, Marla Sliva, Jared Buzinski, Bryan Buzinski and "All those who were touched by Steve's life". The interment took place in the Garden of St. Luke at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Darcy Napady, Garret Sliva, Pete Buzinski, Les Diakow, John Kwasny and Ronnie Sliva serving as the casket bearers. Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 10:30am, St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens