Obituary of Steve Pihach

PIHACH - Mr. Steve Pihach, resident of the Yorkton and District Nursing Home, beloved husband of Barbara of Yorkton, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2008, due to complications related to PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy). He was 68 years of age. Steve Pihach was born on November 4, 1939, on the family farm in the Homefield district. He was the fourth of eight children of Nick and Nettie (nee Protz) Pihach. He received his elementary education at Beaver Hills School and then graduated from St. Joseph's College in Yorkton in 1959. After graduating, Steve worked at the City Bakery for one year before starting to farm full time. On April 27, 1963, Steve was united in marriage to Barbara Sharp of Saltcoats. They farmed for 41 years and raised their family of four children in the Homefield area. The first 10 years were spent on the family farm. In 1973, the family moved to the Britton farm which had better facilities for raising cattle. Steve often commented that he couldn't imagine a life other than farming. He enjoyed working the land and raising cattle. He found it important to stay current in the latest agricultural developments. Steve also found it important to contribute to the community in which he and Barbara raised their family. This compelled him to serve as a councillor and a reeve for the RM of Gary for 19 years. His time on council resulted in many lifelong friendships. Steve also sat on various boards such as the Ituna Pioneer Lodge, the Agriculture Extension Board and the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. Steve's intelligence, sense of fairness and way with people allowed him to succeed in these roles. Not only did Steve take an interest in local happenings, he was also tuned into national and international news. At 10:00 the TV was always tuned into The National on CBC. This allowed him to talk to anyone on coffee row about practically any subject. While on the farm, Steve's spare time was spent curling, golfing and fishing. He and Barbara also enjoyed getting together with neighbors for visiting and playing cards. In addition to these activities, he was an avid sports watcher. He attended various sporting events such as the 1995 Grey Cup in Regina, a Blue Jays game in Toronto and the Briers and other large curling events that were held in Saskatchewan. Also, it wasn't unusual for him to have a friendly wager with family members on NFL games. Travelling was something Steve also liked to do. He and Barbara made many trips to British Columbia and also visited places such as Oshawa, Niagara Falls and Las Vegas. One of their travel highlights was a recent Alaskan cruise. Another highlight for Steve was exploring his father's homeland in Ukraine and Poland with his siblings in 1994. In 2004, Steve and Barbara retired from the farm and moved to Yorkton. While in town he enjoyed going to the Terriers' games with friends. In the last few years he also became a proud Papa to grandsons Rylan and Kaden, which gave him much joy. Steve entered the Yorkton and District Nursing Home in February 2008. He appreciated the many visits with family and friends. Steve leaves to cherish his memory his wife Barbara, and their four children, Sharon of Regina, Carolyn of Regina, Craig (Joanne) and their children Rylan and Kaden of Homefield and Kelly (Duncan) of Regina. He is also survived by his sisters Evelyn Jackson of New Westminster, BC, and Maryellen Doucette of Surrey, BC, his brothers Peter (Audrey) Pihach of Delta, BC, and John of Yorkton, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Steve was predeceased by his parents, brother Orest and sisters Olga and Elizabeth. Prayers were held on Sunday evening from the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home from Rev. Doug Craig officiating. The funeral service was held on Monday, August 11, 2008 from Westview United Church in Yorkton. Rev. Doug Craig officiated with Shani Apland as the organist. Hymns sung were Morning Has Broken and How Great thou Art. Honorary bearers were Steve Smuk, Ben Smuk, John Stupak, Mike Piasta, Harold Hadewich and August Fenske. The interment followed in the Garden of Gethsemene at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Ray Sharp, Bill Prybylski, Gordon Krett, Nick Andrusyk, David Kowalchuk and Kevin Rathgeber serving as the casketbearers. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Monday, August 11th, 2008 2:00pm, Westview United Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens