Roman Bodnarchuk

Born to Dmytro and Anna Bodnarchuk at Hafford, SK, Roman was the eleventh of twelve children. The family moved to the Russelville area in 1941. Roman married Christine Pyche in 1959 and together they had a daughter, Janice, and a son, Greg. In Prince Albert, he worked for Mann Motors for 10 years and later moved to La Ronge where he was employed by Anglo-Rouyn Mines. It was on apprenticeship training in Sasktoon on 1969 that Roman was very seriously injured as a passenger in a taxi. The accident resulted in permanent disabilities affecting both his personal life and career.

Roman was fortunate to obtain work with Saskatchewan Property Management in 1981 and remained there until failing health forced his retirement in 1996. Roman was extremely happy when surrounded by friends and family. He was blessed to have his only grandchild, Elijah, arrive in 1987. There were many happy days spent with his many relatives and friends: he liked a good game of cribbage, was a great Kaiser player – never fearing to trump out his opponent, and usually making it pay off. He enjoyed watching hockey, whether it was Greg in minor hockey, Hockey Night in Canada on a Saturday night, or the PA Raiders to which he held season tickets for a number of years.

In spite of his physical disabilities, over the years Roman travelled to Niagara Falls, Hawaii and East and West in Canada to take part in wedding, anniversary and family reunion celebrations. Prior to his injuries, Roman was a local legend on the dance floor.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Herb Bassett Home for the exceptional care and affection Roman received in the years he was a resident there.

Roman’s passing will be mourned by Christine, Janice (Toronto), Greg (Victoria) and Elijah (Toronto). He is survived by two brothers, Walter (Eva) in Rosetown and Alex in Fort Saskatchewan and three sisters, Ann Ilchyshyn in Fort Saskatchewan, Olga (Fergie) Foster and Kay Hanikenne in Prince Albert. Roman was predeceased by his parents, one brother and five sisters.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at Gray’s Funeral Chapel, 575 – 28th Street West, Prince Albert, SK with Pastor Darren Woofe officiating. Interment will be held at Prince Albert Memorial Gardens. In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations can be made to Herb Bassett Home, 1229 – 25th Street West, Prince Albert, SK S6V 4N9.

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.