For Posterity's Sake Genealogy 

The Canora Courier

13 December 2007

KRAWETZ  WASYLOWICH

Canora Courier, December 13, 2006 Page 13

WASYLOWICH: In loving memory of our parents: mom, Mary, passed away September 5, 1975 and dad, Tom, passed away January 28, 1991 and brother, Steve, passed away November 27, 2004.

When evening shades are falling,

And we sit in quiet alone;

To our hearts there comes a longing,

If they only could come home.

Friends may think we have forgotten,

When at times they see us smile;

But they little know the heartache,

Our smiles hide all the while.

-The Wasylowich family.

Canora Courier, December 13, 2006 Page 14

Peter Krawetz beloved husband of Sophie Krawetz of Invermay, SK passed away peacefully on December 6th, 2006 at the Regina Pasqua Hospital at the age of 89 years. Peter was born on November 1st, 1917 to John & Mary (nee Bodnar) Krawetz. He was the 5th child in a family of 8. The family resided on a farm in the Buchanan district where Peter attended school. Typical of the time, he completed only his grade 8 before venturing out on his own. However, Peter was self-taught man who gained much knowledge from reading and life's experiences. He began his life-long career of farming by working for various farmers in the area.

On March 1st, 1941, Peter married Annie Okrainetz and they settled in the Invermay area where they operated a mixed farm. In January 1942 Peter was called to serve in the armed forces during World War II, and was discharged in 1945 when the war ended. When Peter returned home to his family, he worked for a neighbour to make some money. This job consisted of cutting brush by hand for 10 hours a day for the wage of $1.25 a day. They also found that a good source of income was milking cows and shipping cream. Peter enjoyed working with livestock, as well as working the field. The fall harvest was his favourite time of the year, even if it meant freezing late at night on an open­air combine. The couple were blessed with six children, three boys and three girls: Betty, Sally, Ernie, Ken, David, and Mariann. All of the children worked hard along side their parents to make the farm a success. However, Peter was adamant that their schooling came first, and he always encouraged and expected them to do their best. Peter and Annie continued to farm until 1979 when they semi-retired and moved into their newly-constructed home in Invermay. Peter continued to farm with help from his son Ken, but gradually he learned to make more leisure time for himself.

On June 2, 1985, he lost his wife Annie who passed away after an 8 year battle with cancer. After spending a few years on his own, he was fortunate to find a new partner in life. He married Sophie McKetsy and they spent 18 happy years together. They enjoyed their time together, especially travelling, attending Ukrainian cultural events, participating in church activities, helping with community functions, and belonging to seniors' clubs.

Peter was a community-minded individual who served in many public offices. He was a school trustee member for the Boxmoor School district, served as a councillor for the R.M. of Invermay as well as reeve for the R.M. for 12 years, and councillor for the village of Invermay. He was president of the Invermay Agricultural Society and chairman of the Sask Wheat Pool committee. Peter was very active in the health field where he served on the Hospital Board and was instrumental in getting new 10 bed hospital constructed in 1958, a second phase completed in 1968, and then a nursing home in 1981. He volunteered to served on the New Arena building committee as well as providing many hours of labour to bring the plan in fruition. He also acted as president of the local curling club for 5 years. The church was a very integral part of Peter's life, and he was a dedicated member of the St. Michael's parish in Rama and later in the Holy Trinity Church in Canora where he joined the Order of St. Andrew. Over the years, he served in the capacities of vice-president, secretary, and president for the Rama parish. For 60 years he served as the cantor and just retired last year. He was dedicated to his role as cantor and would plan his calendar around church services.

Peter always enjoyed sports, both as a participant and a spectator. As a young man, he was an avid ball player and he also enjoyed curling. He loved hockey, even though he never played the game. Every Saturday night he would tune into Hockey Night in Canada where he followed the games with great interest and enthusiasm, often questioning the calls made by the referee. But more than this, he loved to watch his sons and grandchildren play the game. He was thrilled last year when Invermay re-entered the Fishing Lake Hockey League. He could just walk across the street to catch a game and he got to watch his grandson play as well. Peter also loved to dance, especially the old­time Ukrainian tunes and he was still getting out on the dance floor until very recently. Card-playing was another great favourite of his, especially Crib and Kaiser. He was a keen player and a formidable opponent who knew all the right moves. Another enjoyable activity for him was calling bingo at the seniors' centre. And, of course, he loved to sing, especially church music and Christmas carols. But above all else, Peter enjoyed family get-togethers, whether it was spending Christmas with all of Sophie's family or attending the fun-filled Krawetz reunions. He loved to have family come to visit, especially at Ukrainian Christmas and Easter.

Left to mourn his passing and cherish his memory are his wife Sophie; his children: Sally (Glen) Braithwaite of Winnipeg, MB, Ken (Gail) Krawetz of Invermay, David (Marlene) Krawetz of Big River, SK, and Mariann (Larry) Skaggs of Kentucky, USA; his stepdaughter Yvonne (Ron) Mackie of Regina, SK and his sister Pauline Shimko of Canora, SK; 23 grandchildren and 15 great- grandchildren plus many other extended family members and friends. Peter was predeceased by his parents: John & Mary; his wife Annie; his brothers: Steve, Mike, Wasyl and Jack, his sisters: Annie Romaniuk and Helen Boychuk; his daughter, Elizabeth; his son Ernie and his stepson, Ronald. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will remember and miss his gentle teasing and his loving ways. His children will always cherish his support and look to his life as a role model for their own lives.