Obituary of Michael Achtemichuk

ACHTEMICHUK - Michael Achtemichuk of Yorkton, beloved husband of Nellie, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2009 in the Yorkton Regional Hospital. He was 89 years old. Michael was born on October 16, 1919 to Nicolai and Paraska (Kosmenko) Achtemichuk. He grew up on the family farm near Rhein, Saskatchewan, attending Kitzman School, the Yorkton Collegiate and the Regina Normal School. He began teaching at Cedric School in 1940. In 1942 he was united in marriage to Nellie Kushnir. He later taught at Vionne and New Canadian Schools and attended classes to upgrade his teaching certification. Michael and Nellie raised three sons during this time. The family moved to Yorkton in 1956 and he taught at Phonehill School. A year later, Michael was appointed Principal and Farm Manager on the Allary Government Aided School south of Yorkton, and 10 years later became the principal of the school at the White Spruce Canadian Forces Base just west of Yorkton. After 35 years of teaching, he retired and then enjoyed working for 6 years as a bookkeeper at two local businesses. As a younger man, Michael enjoyed playing ball, and later organizing sports days and tournaments for school children. He enjoyed golf and bowling in his retirement years, until asthma and back issues interfered. Michael will be remembered as a quiet, generous and kind person, who valued family, friends and hard work. His many students saw an encouraging teacher who had high standards for himself and for them. In addition to the required curriculum, he read novels to his classes, encouraged art, put on plays and concerts, had students build birdhouses and many things that his students still remember and appreciate. He helped his neighbours and relatives, and with Nellie, was active as a volunteer and participant, centered around the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton and the Superannuated Teachers. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nellie of Yorkton, son Larry (Lawrence), his wife Joan (Parmenter) of West Vancouver and their two sons, Thomas and his wife Natalie Feher of Brooklyn, NY and David of North Vancouver; son Dennis of Kamloops; son Zachariah (Allan) and his wife Eleanor Kallio of Victoria: and brother Fred (Nellie Zaharia) of Yorkton. He was predeceased by his siblings John, Mary (Mendro), Bessie (Ketemer), Anne (Achtemichuk), Metro, Wasyl, Martha (Oystreck) and George. Prayer services were held on Monday evening, January 12, 2009 from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The funeral service was held on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 from Holy Transfiguration Church with Very Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky officiating. Cantor, Gerald Yaholnitsky, assisted by members of the Parish Choir led in the singing of the responses. The crossbearer was Edward Achtemichuk. The interment took place in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Larry Achtemichuk, Zachariah Crow, David Achtemichuk, Dennis Lloyd, David Achtemichuk and Thomas Achtemichuk serving as the casketbearers. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery