April 14, 1959 – May 20, 2012

Ben Darchuk

It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden and unexpected death of Ben Darchuk on May 20, 2012. Ben was the third of six children born to Peter and Anne Darchuk on April 14, 1959. Ben graduated from Carlton Comprehensive High School and then attended Kelsey Institute in Saskatoon for autobody and upholstery. He then opened his first glass and upholstery shop in Spiritwood during which time he obtained his pilot's license. Ben moved back to Prince Albert a couple of years later, and continued in the business, later opening Ben's Auto Glass. In l983 he married the love of his life, Leanne Snell and then they welcomed three beautiful children. Ben was very much involved in his community. He was an active member of the Kinsmen Club, he was the highest fundraiser for the annual Jail and Bail, as well as sponsoring various clubs and organizations. He was on the initial fundraising committee to bring 911 to Prince Albert. Ben's Ukrainian heritage was very important to him. He grew up Ukrainian dancing with his siblings, which his children later carried on. He ensured that his family kept up the traditional Ukrainian holiday celebrations. Ben always made time for everyone and put others' needs before his own, especially those of his family and friends. Ben lived life to the fullest, always with a positive attitude and a smile on his face. He had many hobbies and interests such as restoring mopar cars, drag racing, hunting, boating, and various sports which he encouraged his children to participate in. Ben loved to travel with his family and friends to many countries for holidays and attend all kinds of events. He always told his family to take opportunities to travel when they arose, don't let them pass you by. “Where there is a will there is a way” was the motto Ben lived by. He was a man with endless energy who always had many irons in the fire. He loved to entertain and planned many gatherings with family and friends. Ben had such zest for life and managed to fit more into 53 years than most experience in a lifetime. Ben was a very loving family man, who cherished his wife and their three children. He was always there for them and was extremely proud of all their accomplishments. Ben's generous spirit and passion for life will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Ben is survived by his loving wife Leanne of 29 years; daughters Whitney (Adam Parenteau), Julie (Brendan Tash) and son Jordan; his brothers and sisters Alex (Betty), children Kyle and Karl; Marianne (Gord) Sherwood, children Thomas, Amanda and David; Bill (Patty); Zoria (Steve) Depeel, children Laurelle (Justin) Voroschuk and Carmelle (Logan) Zimmerman and son Holden; and Steven (Lynn Blancher): his sister-in-law Penny (David) Herbert, children Matthew (Janessa), Andrew (Ashley Soron), Jeffrey. Ben was predeceased by his parents Peter and Anne Darchuk; his grandparents Alex and Elizabeth Fuchko, and his in-laws Don and Gloria Snell. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, May 28, 2012 at Art Hauser Centre Arena, 690B – 32nd Street East, Prince Albert, SK with Reverend Dr. R.M.A. Sandy Scott officiating. Private Family Interment will be held at South Hill Cemetery. In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations can be made in Ben's honour to Friday Night Lights, Postal Bag 5800, Prince Albert, SK S6V 7V6 to provide lighting for the football field at Prime Ministers Park. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray's Funeral Chapel, Drew Gray, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2012-05-20 06:00:00
• Location : Prince Albert, SK