Obituary of Eugene Skakun

SKAKUN: On July 12, 2018, Eugene was peacefully called home in Brandon, MB surrounded by loved ones following a short illness. Eugene was born June 5, 1929 in Smuts, SK and was one of seven children of Mary and Wasyl Skakun. He was married to Stella Ewanishin from 1951 until her passing in 2001. Eugene was proud of his 37-year career with Canadian National Railway where he progressed in track maintenance to the position of Roadmaster. The railway took his family to a number of small towns in SK including, Dalmeny and Prince Albert, Thunder Bay, ON and Brandon, MB where he retired. They had three children: Wesley (d. 2006), Cheryl, and Cynthia. The family enjoyed fishing, camping and gardening as the children grew up. He took great pride in his yard as evidenced by its immaculate condition. He put his carpentry skills to good use by renovating bread vans into campers and building a backyard gazebo. In later life, Eugene was one of a group of seniors involved in the Manitoba Seniors' Cooperative, where he lived until his passing. Eugene liked to stay active and enjoyed spending time with friends at Seniors for Seniors and the Canadian Ukrainian Men's Club at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church. Eugene was so fortunate to find friendship and affection with Enid Lochhead. They spent many hours together doing puzzles, word-search games and sharing conversation. Her special friendship meant so much to Eugene and the family is grateful for this. Eugene is survived by his brother Alex, daughters Cheryl van der Raadt of Brandon and Cynthia (Glenn) Hildebrand of Winnipeg, grandchildren Andrew, Jamie and Jonathon. He was predeceased by his wife Stella; son Wesley; his parents and five siblings. Prayers will be held at Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Monday, July 16, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy will be held at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 927 Assiniboine Ave., on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Michael Tkachuk as celebrant. Tony Yuriy as Cantor. Interment and a graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon, SK on Friday, July 20, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Donations in Eugene's honour may be made to Seniors for Seniors Co-op, St Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church or to a charity of your choice.