Obituary of Fred Fofonoff

FOFONOFF - Fredrick (Fred) Fofonoff of Buchanan, SK and later of Yorkton beloved partner of Mary Shuparsky passed away on Thursday, March 11, 2021. He was 89 years of age. Fred was born on December 22, 1931 as the son of Wasyl and Katherine (Katie) Fofonoff (nee Kowalchuk). After emigrating to Canada from Russia with several children from his first marriage, Fred's father Wasyl re-married to Katie following the passing of his first wife. From this relationship, two children were born - Polly (Leniuk) in 1930, then Fred in 1931. Fred was very proud of the fact that his father was known to be the "oldest living man in Canada" as published in the Canora Courier in the mid-sixties, and he spoke of this often in his stories with many people along the way. Pre-deceased by both of his parents many years ago, and then his sister Polly in 2019, Fred farmed in the Buchanan area directly south of the Buchanan Townsite. As a lifelong Farmer and descendent of prairie Pioneers, Fred worked and lived with his parents until their passing, and then continued farming activities until he eventually retired from Farming and moved to Yorkton to live with his partner, companion, and common-law spouse Mary Shuparsky. Fred met Mary around 1980 and this led to a long term relationship that included her children. Over these years, Mary and her children (Donald, Cathy, Donna, David, Dolores, and Dennis) welcomed Fred into the family and a long-term family relationship resulted. Fred was actively involved with all aspects of his new family including celebrations of events such as weddings, family gatherings, graduations, births of grandchildren, birthdays, and other special events. Memorable moments include the annual Christmas and Easter gatherings that were celebrated in a traditional manner, with Mary preparing the home, kitchen, and dinner table with plenty to eat and enjoy. Fred was a sociable man, with a strong sense of humour. He was quick to offer a smile, a witty remark, or a joke to lighten the moment. He also really enjoyed a lively debate and interesting conversation with anyone who had the pleasure of his company. In his younger years, Fred was active in Curling and had many trophies and curling awards to show for his efforts. Overall, he spent the majority of his time in full-time farming operations demonstrating his hard-working Pioneer work ethic and determination. In his later years and with declining health, Fred slowed down to the point where he eventually resided in Morris House at the Yorkton Village over the past 2 years. Fred was a hard-working farmer and a good friend to those who had the pleasure of getting to know him well over the course of his 89 years. Sadly missed but not forgotten - may his soul now rest in peace after years of failing health. May God bless him eternally. Predeceased by his father Wasyl and mother Katie, along with his sister Polly and her husband Adam (Leniuk), Fred leaves to mourn his immediate family including spouse Mary Shuparsky and her children - Donald, Cathy (Ernie and their children Jacquie and Janis), Donna (Leonard and their children Brandon and Tyler), David (Lorie and David's son David Junior), Dolores (Gordon), and Dennis. He also leaves to mourn Polly's children - his nieces and nephews including Ron (Pat) Leniuk, Don (Lois) Leniuk, Sonia (Dave) Starling, and Carol (Russ) Madarash. In a spirit of peace, joy, and everlasting love Fred will be missed by many. Vichnaya Pamyat! - Eternal Memory! Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 from St. Mark's Orthodox Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Rodion Luciuk officiating. The responses were sung by Bob Rohr. Interment followed in the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Donald, Cathy, Donna, David, Dolores and Dennis serving as casketbearers. Memorial tributes in Fred's memory may be made to St. Mark's Orthodox Church as gifts of remembrance. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Details. Visitation When: Tuesday, March 16th, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm Location: Bailey's Funeral Home, Yorkton Address: 45 5th Ave. N. YORKTON, SK S3N 0Y9 Second Visitation When: Tuesday, March 16th, 2021 7:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Bailey's Funeral Home, Yorkton Address: 45 5th Ave. N. YORKTON, SK S3N 0Y9 Service When: Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 10:00am Location: St. Mark's Orthodox Church Address: 160 Betts Ave. YORKTON, SK S3N 1M5 Interment Location: Yorkton Memorial Gardens Address: Highway #10 East YORKTON, SK Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of Fred Fofonoff December 22, 1931 - March 11, 2021 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book