Robert Statchuk passed away at the Foam Lake Jubilee Care Home on March 19, 2015 at the age of 85 years. Robert was born on the family homestead in the Buchanan District on December 13, 1929, the second child of five born to John and Anne (Rudnitski) Statchuk. He received his education from Monastyr School. Throughout his schooling, he continued to assist his family on the farm. Eventually, he ventured to Ontario where he gained employment in various jobs. Mainly concentrating in the Auto Body Industry, Robert worked at May's Auto Body in Toronto for a number of years. On May 24, 1958, Robert married the love of his life, Anne Kucy. While still in Toronto, the couple were blessed with two children, Rosanne and Tracy. In 1962, drawn by his love for farm life, Robert relocated his family back to the Buchanan area. As a family, they met the many challenges of grain farming operations and raising cattle. While they spent the winter of 1965 living in Saskatoon, where Robert worked with his brother-in-law Archie at an auto body shop, when spring came, they moved back to the farm in Buchanan. Robert and Anne were blessed with two more children, Curt and Jeremy and together they worked to maintain the farm and raise their four children. Additionally, Robert operated an auto body shop on the farm called "Bob's Auto Body" which he worked part time as a supplement to agriculture. Robert also spent many summers setting up steel buildings. Although he had many hobbies, farming and auto body remained his passion. He loved to curl in the winter and golf in the summer; the story of his 'hole-in-one' was an obvious favourite to tell. He was a very hard working, diligent and reliable man who kept his family a priority. Sundays were always 'family time' - a day for gathering at church, going for drives, crop checking and meals enjoyed together with family and friends. Robert upheld a strong, evident faith which was depicted through his active involvement in the church. A devoted Catholic, Robert never missed Mass. Over the years, he assisted the Priests as well as facilitated many church activities. Robert was also a valued member of the Knights of Columbus. In 2007, Robert and Anne decided to sell the farm and move to Canora. They resided in Canora for three years, at which time Robert's health began to fail, thus prompting their relocation to Victoria Court in Yorkton. After three more years, Robert moved to the Foam Lake Jubilee Home, where he received loving, compassionate, dignified care and resided there until his passing. Robert fought a long battle with Alzheimer's and heart complications. However, he never complained through his illness. His resounding final words of advice to his children were, "Life's too short - live it well!". Robert will be remembered as a loving, kind, caring man who would help anyone in need. He always shared his smile and happy disposition and every child and grandchild were 'his favourite'. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Robert was predeceased by his parents, John and Annie; brother, Walter; nephew, Cory Statchuk in infancy; brothers-in-law: Archie Hearn and Alex Kucy and his sister-in-law, Phyllis Statchuk. He leaves to mourn his passing, his loving wife, Anne; his children: Rosanne (Don) Brezinski, Tracy, Curt (Adele) and Jeremy; five grandchildren: Jesse, Rylan (Toni), Haley (Dan), Brandyn and Reid; sisters: Mary Hearn and Lorraine (Claude) Slogoski and brother, Maurice; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A Prayer Service was held on Monday, March 23, 2015 at 7:00 pm from the Chapel of Leson's Funeral Home, Canora. Funeral Liturgy was celebrated on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at 11:00 am from the Descent of the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church, Buchanan with Very Rev. Fr. Joakim Rac, as Celebrant. Rite of Committal followed in the Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Buchanan. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan or to the Descent of the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church as tokens of remembrance in memory of Robert Statchuk. Family and friends unable to attend may sign an on-line guest book for Robert at www.lesonsfuneralhome.ca. Arrangements were entrusted to LESON'S FUNERAL HOME, Canora.
