Mr. Ernie Heshka, beloved husband of Pat of Yorkton passed away suddenly on Monday, June 10, 2013 at the age of 65 years. Ernest Peter Heshka was born on June 24, 1947 in Canora Hospital; the second of four children born to George & Helen (nee Kitchen) Heshka. He started his education at Anak School where he attended from grades one to three. Then he went to West Wexford for grades four to eight and finally to Canora High School from grades nine to twelve. Aspiring to get a law degree, he tired of University following his B.Ed. & B.A. and he took his first teaching job in Fort Frances, Ontario. Ernie bought his '69 Camaro on Valentine's Day about seven months before he received his first paycheck. Moving to Yorkton, Ernie joined the Christian Brothers' staff at St. Joseph's College in 1971. In 1973 he began teaching with the Sisters at Sacred Heart High School, where he remained until his "tour of duty" was complete in 1999-2000. Ernie was a dedicated and devoted teacher, taking great pride in whatever position he held. Many an evening and weekends were spent correcting student essays. He also enjoyed computers and spent the last 20 years teaching a variety of computer classes from programming to various applications. On August 3rd, 1973 Ernie was united in marriage to Pat Owen, and the couple have shared a wonderful 'almost' 40 years together. Beginning in 1985 he offered some of his spare time assisting Pat doing the database and pricing inventory for Joy Frocks. He dreaded compiling GST totals following its introduction in 1990. Ernie joined his dad in the farming operation which he was beginning to enjoy after facing the trauma of learning a whole new business. He took special interest in the science of crops, trying to convert a hoe drill into a Ukrainian air seeder. Soon becoming bored with oats, canola and wheat and with the enterprising spirit of his dad, he diversified into spices like dill, coriander and caraway. He and his father took home several awards from Harvest Showdown. Ernie never did work with new implements, but became quite comfortable with the two cylinder tractor, the 55/95/105 combine, and the 800 swather until he recently purchased his John Deere 9500 combine. As his mom and dad's health failed he took on the role of caregiver, enabling his dad to stay on the farm that Ernie, like his dad, loved so much. Following his own illness in 2005, Ernie reluctantly gave up the many things he cherished and loved to do - the fields got worked only once a summer, but they did get worked while Pat, Chopper, and Lucky supervised from the old Ford ½ ton. Ernie especially enjoyed fishing and many leisure hours were spent at nearby lakes with either Pat or his dad, many times taking Pat's mom and dad along as well. He also looked forward to a coffee visit with former students and acquaintances. Ernie was predeceased by his father George in 2005, his mother Helen in 2012, and an infant brother Gordon. He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife Pat; brothers Gene (Iris) and Terry; nieces: Sheana (Geoff) Green and their children Colton & Brodin; and Michelle. Nephews: Scott (Donna) and their son Sasha; and Mark (Dana) and their daughter Sierra. Also aunt Jean (Tony) Yaremko and aunt Nellie Kitchen, numerous other relatives and his many friends, including his four-legged companions Lucky, Stripes, Grey, Simon, & Peco. Prayer services were held on Friday evening, June 14th and the funeral service was held on Saturday morning, June 15th 2013, all from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre. Rev. Walter Farquharson of the United Church officiated. Organist, Amanda Buhler led members of the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'Just As I Am', 'In the Garden', and 'Amazing Grace'. The interment followed in the Garden of St. John with Sam Mysko, Greg Chorney, Richard Senchuk, Gary Loutitt, Harry Stevens and Murray Bialobzyski serving as the casket bearers. Condolences can be e-mailed to baileysfuneralhome.com. Memorials were to the Kidney or Heart & Stroke Foundations. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home.
