It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a gentle soul, Nicholas Katamay, on November 30th in Burnaby B.C. at the age of 88.

He was predeceased by his parents, Anna and Wasyl Katamay, his sister Mary Hall, his brother in law Art Hall, brother in law Earl Newbery, and recently, his sister Anne Newberry.

Nick was born June 16, in Steep Creek, Saskatchewan, where his parents had purchased a farm. Nick was a man defined by hard work and dedication. He attended Fanford School but after finishing Grade 8, he started farming full time and learned the value of perseverance. In April 1952 the family sold that farm and purchased one in Colleston, along with another small parcel close by. Nick and the farming community had close relationships with one another and Nick could often be found helping others when times required. He made many friends who continued to be important to him throughout his lifetime.

Soon after, his sister Anne, niece Colleen, and nephew Andy moved there as well. Nick was like an older brother to both Andy and Colleen, creating many special memories for each of them.

During the 60’s, Nick had a life threatening accident while working in the fields which hospitalized him for several months. Strength and determination helped him recover to do what he loved most: care for the animals he loved, and work the fields to provide for them. And later in the 80’s he fought a battle with cancer which he was able to conquer.

Nick was quiet, dependable, honest, hardworking and strong. Never did he complain or utter a bad word about anyone, or anything. His soft-spoken, gentle spirit, and kind heart could be felt by anyone he came in contact with. His niece and nephew, Andy and Colleen, and their children and grandchildren loved spending time with him on the farm. Rides on the tractor, or sessions in the barns with the animals, trips out to take lunch to him while he was working the fields, have never been forgotten. His quiet, unassuming, but capable manner will always remain an inspiration to us.

Our quiet Uncle was also a leader. While growing up, he became active in 4-H clubs where he won many individual trophies in both the grain and cattle clubs. His niece and nephew followed in his footsteps, joining the 4-H beef club, and because of the quality of the animals on the farm, also ended up with trophies of their own. In later life, Nick became an active mentor and leader in the clubs. He received 4-H leadership awards in 1963 and 1968, a Lifetime membership in the P.A. Exhibition Association in 1991, and an Outstanding Service Award from the P.A. Exhibition Association.

It was in 2000 that Nick moved to Prince Albert to live with his sister, Anne and his brother in law, Earl. But there was no time for Nick to sit idle as his strong work ethic shone through. Instead, he found a job at Walmart, preferring the camaraderie of shelf stocking at night over the front greeter role. Loved and respected by all there, he continued in this job until his 75th birthday.

Nicholas was also a member of St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Prince Albert and later of St. Pius X in North Vancouver.

An avid reader, Nick loved both fiction and non-fiction, as well as any newspaper that was put in front of him, read from front to back, possibly multiple times. He was a keeper of facts and had an incredible memory his entire life. Need a name, a date, a place, an event…no problem, just ask Nick. He was sure to remember and add a story or two to add some interest. We marvelled at his ability to provide such details, right up until he died.

In 2017, Nick moved with his sister, Anne Newberry, to North Vancouver to live with his nephew Andy and wife Debbie. We were all so very fortunate and blessed to have him so close by for the last 7 years where he joined in all our celebrations: birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, cousin visits, Christmas and Easter dinners. He and Anne enjoyed their afternoon strolls through Cates Park and the streets of Deep Cove, before ending with an hour or two sitting and relaxing in the sunshine, and visiting with anyone who stopped by. Due to failing health, he was admitted to Chenchentsway Care Home in Burnaby in June at the same time as his sister.

His relationship with his sister, Anne, was like no other. They shared an unbreakable bond. We must all find solace in knowing he has been reunited with his beloved sisters, Anne and Mary.

Nick is survived by his niece, Colleen (Larry) Sunderland, nephew Andy (Debbie) Riekert, their children and grand-children, step nieces and nephews, and many favourite cousins.

We will all miss you, Uncle Nick, more than words can ever express. You are in our hearts forever.

The family would like to thank the staff at Chenchentsway Care Home for their kindness and care of our dear Uncle.

Donations can be made in Nick’s name to St. Georges Ukrainian Catholic Church in Prince Albert Sk., Chenchentsway Care Home through the St. Paul’s Foundation in Vancouver, or a charity of your choice.

There will be a family viewing at Boal Chapel, followed by a small family service.