Harry Sawchuk

Age 86
Peacefully in the early morning on Thursday October 28, 2004, Harry passed away at the age of 86 years, surrounded by members of his family.
Harry was born on September 9, 1918 in Rainy River, Ontario to Harry and Mary Sawchuk. In 1928, the family moved to a farm in Atwood Township. Here he cultivated his love for farming, gardening and livestock husbandry and recreational activities. Following a stint in the Canadian Army, Harry returned to Rainy River and began a dual career as a farmer and a railroader. He was employed by the CNR for over 30 years. During these years he worked as a brakeman and conductor between Rainy River and Atikokan.
On October 29, 1944 Harry was united in marriage to Anne Oleksyn (formerly of Wakaw, Saskatchewan). They shared 60 years of marriage. Together, they purchased the farm land adjacent to his parents located on the banks of the Rainy River where they presently reside. It was here they raised 6 loving children.
Left to treasure memories of that huge smile, his twinkling eyes and his caring giving nature are his beloved wife of 60 years, Anne; children Herb (Sue) of Chesterfield, Michigan, Ken (Louise) of Atikokan, ON, Bob of Sleeman, ON, Linda (Larry) of Fort Frances, ON, Harry Jr. (Barb) of Ear Falls, ON and Patti of Winnipeg, MB; grandchildren Tanya (Mark) Peraino, Wendi Sawchuk, Bryce, Tyler and Lindsey Coyle, Jeff, Kyla, Ryan and Kendra Sawchuk. He is also survived by sisters Jessie Nielsen (Norman) of Baudette, MN and Frances Amundsen of Dawson Township.
In earlier years he was active in 4H activities and in later years was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. The outdoors was his theater, whether hunting, fishing, trapping, berry picking, cutting wood or gardening. This was his passion! Harry's other interests included card playing, story telling, traveling the back roads visiting neighbors and looking for bargains. He had an insatiable appetite for hockey, baseball and football.
Harry was predeceased by his parents Harry and Mary Sawchuk; brother-in-law Amund Amundsen and a brother and a sister in their infancy.
A funeral mass in celebration of his life was held on Monday November 1, 2004 at 10 am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Rainy River, ON. Father Dan Debano and Father James Panikulam officiated with a private interment held at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Rainy River, ON.
The active pallbearers were Eric Westover, Herman Krahn, Ian Johnson, Vaughn Murray, Harry Amundsen and Jack Elliott.
The honourary pallbearers were Steve Yeryk, Walter Swerbus, Fred Kocis, Fred Westover, Glen Kaus and Ken Moore.
If friends so desire in memoriam donations may to be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Box 573, Rainy River, ON, P0W 1L0 or Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, c/o Box 33, Pinewood, ON, P0W 1N0.
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