It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bohdan Wasyl Stephen Markowsky on May 25, 2024, in Kamloops, British Columbia. The beloved first born to John and Katherine Markowsky from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
Bohdan is predeceased by his brothers Orest and Zenon and his sister Iris. He is survived by his devoted wife Sylvia, his sister Joanne and her husband Robert, his sister in law Jean (Zenon), his sister in law Carol (Orest), brother in law Richard (Iris) and his son Todd (and his wife Rhonda), his son Jeffrey, his son Christopher (and his partner Jennifer), as well as cherished grandchildren John, Brynn, Hugh, and Max, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Growing up in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Bohdan pursued a career in education, earning his initial teaching qualifications at the age of 19 from The Normal School followed by a full degree from the University of Saskatchewan. He dedicated his professional life to teaching in the Prince Albert school system, with the majority of his career spent at Connaught and Prince Charles Elementary Schools. His forward thinking, alternative education techniques were a result of a teacher exchange program to Wales that he took his young family on for a year in 1974. Bohdie believed that a child’s work was to play. Bohdie was anything but normal.
Bohdan was a man of many talents and passions and never missed an opportunity to tell you about a fishing trip to a secret lake or a duck hunt on a prairie marsh with his trusted dog companion at his side. Together with his family as a source of labour, he built a log cabin at Weyakwin Lake, Saskatchewan that led to the construction of a dream log house near Spruce Home, north of Prince Albert. He retired at the age of 49 like a boss, but his commitment to education continued as he enthusiastically took Sylvia on an adventure inside the Arctic Circle to Old Crow, Yukon to teach. One more stop in the journey to Pelly Crossing, Yukon, before they settled in Camrose, Alberta in 1997 to be closer to their grandchildren.
A passionate advocate for Ducks Unlimited, Bohdan found that a perfect place for his love of education and the outdoors. His interest in stone masonry led to a second career and he made a mark with several fireplaces, feature walls and cairns throughout the prairies that will outlast us all. His craftsmanship in creating willow furniture was admired and he enjoyed sharing this skill with his many proteges. An avid fisherman and fly-tier, Bohdan’s love for the outdoors was evident in his hobbies. He was a steadfast sports enthusiast, enjoying baseball, hockey, and later in life, curling, a sport he took up following in the footsteps of his father.
In 2013, Bohdan and Sylvia moved to Kamloops to be closer to friends and family. Bohdie was deeply involved in his church community and held to his faith, instilled by his loving mother Kitty, until his last breath. His unique willow tables, created with joy and skill, were donated to his church for fundraising efforts and continued into his final week.
Bohdan’s legacy of teaching, his passion for the outdoors and his craftsmanship will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Bohdan’s life will take place on Wednesday, May 29th, at 11:00 AM PST at Kamloops United Church, 421 St. Paul Street. Livestream available https://kamloopsunited.ca/
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bohdan’s memory can be made to Kamloops Hospice Association, or the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com