Gary Ernest Ostafichuk was born April 15, 1969 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Ernest and Marian (Kotyk) Ostafichuk. He passed away on May 15, 2023 at the age of 54 years and one month. Gary attended public school in Assiniboia and Davidson before completing his high school in Prince Albert in 1987. Afterwards, he moved to Edmonton to study music for three years at Grant McEwan Community College. Gary then returned to Prince Albert to teach music at Prince Albert Music Center where he really enjoyed his role and fostered many lifelong friendships. During this time, Gary was also fully involved with the family farm at Wakaw. He learned the meaning of hard work, but made time for fun by waterskiing at the lake on weekends with his brother, Terry. Gary met Holly Rivet and her daughter, Hannah, then married in 2005. They were blessed with a son, Ethan Gary in 2008. Gary was a proud father. Prince Albert was their home and the community where his music career flourished. Gary’s songwriting lyrics reflected a passionate, kind -hearted, caring personality, which touched countless lives. He was well known for his generous hospitality, as everyone was welcome to taste his cooking, cheer on the “Leafs” and have a good loud laugh together. Gary unexpectedly left us all too soon, devastating family, friends and the music world alike.
The Funeral Service will be held at the St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church in Wakaw, SK, on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 11:00 am with Rev. Fr. Tuyen Vu officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, Wakaw, SK. Donations in memory of Gary can be made online at https://www.saskmusic.org/news/the-latest/view,article/7372/gary-ostafichuk-memorial-fund . Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Marc Blondeau of Kushneryk Funeral Service, Wakaw, SK, 306-233-4403.

• Date : 2023-05-15
• Location : Prince Albert