With his family by his side, Robert Steven Blahut of Yorkton, SK, beloved husband of Gwen, passed away on Monday, January 7, 2013 at St. Peter's Hospital in Melville, SK following a brief battle with cancer. He was 75 years of age. Robert was born on July 15, 1937 in Ituna, SK the son of Steven and Doris (nee Krill) Blahut. Robert received his education at Yorkton, SK, graduating from Grade 12 at the Yorkton Collegiate Institute in 1957. During his education, Robert also took accordion lessons for several years. This fired his love for the music and his future wife, Gwen, who he crossed paths with while leaving the lessons. This spark was the beginning of a 52 year marriage which was blessed with the births of three children. Robert worked for the CPR from 15 years of age until he finished High School. Then he worked for the Department of Highways as a surveyor. In 1962, Robert moved the family to Regina, SK while he continued his work with Highways as a draftsman until 1972. In 1970, Robert and Gwen bought a half section of land at McKim, SK. They began farming and planted 3000 trees on their acreage. Once they were settled back in the Yorkton area, Robert gained employment with the Canadian Forces Base at Orcadia, SK. In 1974, Robert started to build a new home and develop a beautiful acreage for his family to be raised on and proudly call home. Robert was always a quiet, reserved man but very loving with his family and nature. In 2004, he was delighted to welcome his granddaughter, Makayla, in whom he helped instill a love and respect for nature, animals and music. Often you could find Makayla and one of the cats sitting on the edge of the bed, with Grandpa, in his room, listening to old time accordion music. Robert had a subtle sense of humour, but often enjoyed a hearty laugh especially when a good joke or story came his way. Robert loved every animal, from the cattle, dogs and cats to the birds that ever entered his life. He took pride in making sure that the birds had well trimmed lawn and trees in which to build their nests and raise their young. The yard at the acreage was often referred to as a park by those who drove by or pulled in. He ensured that when Gwen planted the garden, the rows were meticulously straight, otherwise the vegetables would not have grown nearly so well. For several summers, Robert took great pride and dedication in helping with the maintenance of the Otthon United Church Cemetery. This gave him the extra time to use his Gravely equipment to create the park-like effect he so loved to look back on once he was finished. As Robert got older, it was time to start doing all those things that he had always dreamed of. To celebrate their love of accordion music, Robert and Gwen finally adventured to the mountains several times to attend (and enjoy immensely), the Annual Kimberly International Old Time Accordion Competitions. They met and made so many very good friends on these trips. Robert also enjoyed collecting caterpillar toy tractors and equipment and started a train collection with hopes to someday have it run on a track. Robert was predeceased by his parents, Steven and Doris Blahut. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 52 years, Gwen (nee Molnar) Blahut; his son, David; his daughters, Deanna (Larry) Brailean and Deborah (Sidney) Matsalla; his only grandchild, Makayla Matsalla; his sister, Linda (Joe) Deak and their family and sister-in-law, Hazel (Marvin) Wagner and their family as well as numerous other relatives and friends.
Be at peace, Dad - until we meet again. Thank You!
A Service to Celebrate Robert's life was held on Friday, January 11, 2013 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK with Kathy Novak serving as the Funeral Celebrant. Special music was provided by Len Gadica who played prelude music, the processional piece, "Amazing Grace" and shared a solo, "Kimberly's Calling". Special taped music selections included, "The Way Old Friends Do" by ABBA and "Till We Meet Again" by Johnny Reid. Robert's son-in-law, Sidney Matsalla shared words of tribute and eulogy. The service was ended with the "Eternal Memory-Vichnaya Pamyat" as sung by Harry and Evelyn Kardynal and Len Niedzielski. A private family cremation committal will be held at a later date. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
