Mr. Ernest Stefanyshyn, beloved husband of Eileen of Yorkton, formerly of the Springside district passed away on November 30, 2014. He was 78 years of age. Ernest was born on August 26, 1936 to John and Lena (nee Stuporik) Stefanyshyn on the homestead nine miles from Springside, where he lived, farmed, and raised his family. The second youngest of 11 children, he went to the Beblow one room school before graduating from Springside High school. He studied a year of engineering at the University of Saskatchewan, spent some time on the oil rigs and worked in Churchill, MB before returning to take over the family farm. In 1963 he married his sweetheart, Eileen Hupka, from the Burgis Beach district of Good Spirit Lake. He was blessed with three children and nine wonderful grandchildren: Barb (John Cote - Josh, Erin, Morgan, Lyndon), Darren (Terri Garland - Laine, Reece) and Vern (Anne Petrinic - Rayna, Kinley, Brielle). While he enjoyed seeding and harvest, Ernie's passion was cattle. Always looking to progress, he and Eileen successfully transitioned their crossbred herd to purebred Simmental cattle; the first to do so in the Whitesand River area. Double E Farms cattle were sold across Saskatchewan, into several parts of Canada and even into former Czechoslovakia. Ernie took great pride in providing excellent quality care for his animals. Ernie found pleasure in being a part of the community. As a youngster he played baseball and hockey and continued to play hockey with the Springside Oldtimers. Not just a player, Ernest gave back by coaching minor and senior hockey. As well, he was an assistant leader of the Springside 4-H Beef Club and dedicated 33 years to the RM of Good Lake as a councillor. Ernie enjoyed both listening to and playing music, mostly country. He had a very nice singing voice, and it was always a good time when he pulled out the guitar. As well as the guitar, he played the accordion, harmonica, cymbale and violin. Predeceased by his parents, John and Lena, his sisters Anne, Betty, Joan, Shirleen and Pauline and his brothers Bill, Ted and Paul, Ernie is survived by his sisters Jeannette and Dorcean. A visitation for family and friends was held on Thursday, December 4, 2014 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre. The funeral service was held on Friday, December 5 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Crystal Bailey B.Th., Certified Celebrant officiating. Tributes and words of remembrance were given by Ernie's children, Barb, Darren and Vern. The interment followed in the Garden of Gethsemane at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Laine Stefanyshyn, Reece Stefanyshyn, John Cote, Joshua Cote, Erin Cote and Lyndon Cote serving as the casket bearers. Honourary bearers were Morgan Cote, Rayna Stefanyshyn, Kinley Stefanyshyn and Brielle Stefanyshyn. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com. Memorials were to the Saskatchewan 4-H Council or to the Kidney Foundation.
