Mr. Dan Wiwchar of Gorlitz, beloved husband of Wilma Wiwchar passed away April 28, 2013 at Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 86 years of age. Born Daniel John Wiwchar on April 3, 1927 to John & Mary Wiwchar of the Gorlitz district. He was the 4th of 6 children. He grew up on the family farm and had his education at the Ukraina School. With the help of his "Uncle Dan" they built a house in Gorlitz with an attached grocery store. On Aug. 29, 1953 he married Wilma Bilan and together they raised 3 children, Brian, Karen & Pam. In Feb. 1956 he started working for the R.M. of Good Lake, constructing roads and later operating the grader. They sold out of the grocery store business in 1984 and he continued to work for the R.M. until 1991, when he retired at the age of 64. He then had the time to enjoy all the hobbies that he loved: curling in the winter, golf during the summer. He spent many hours on his riding lawn mower, keeping a large "fairway" mowed so that his grandchildren could enjoy shooting golf balls with him when they visited. He was also known for his "diamond willow walking sticks" that he perfected and gave away to family and friends. Every fall he enjoyed hunting and never failed to "bag his limit" to put food on the table for his family. The homemade deer sausage was always a hit! His grandchildren were a special blessing and his eyes would light up whenever they came to visit. Pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo were favorite games with his great grandchildren and picking raspberries with them an enjoyable pastime. Dan was a quiet man of few words but had a big heart when it came to family & friends. He maintained the family home in Gorlitz right up until the time that he was hospitalized on Good Friday, at the age of 85. Predeceased by his parents John & Mary, sister Anna in infancy, brothers Alexander & Ernie, brother-in-law Mel and daughter-in-law Beverly. Left behind to celebrate his life and mourn his loss are his wife Wilma of 59 years, children Brian, Karen and Pam (Greg), grand-children Justin (Francine), Dylan (Tiff), Logan, Melissa, Brett (Colleen), Sean, Lyndon (Beth) and Kristen, great grand-children Penelope, Beatrix, Layla, Ben and Brody, sisters Anne and Virginia (Willie) and sister-in law Elsie as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service was held on Friday, May 3, 2013 at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre, Yorkton with Rev. Molly Kitchen of Westview United Church officiating. The organist, Amanda Buhler led in the singing of the hymns, "In The Garden" and "How Great Thou Art". The soloist, Beth Winfield sang "Amazing Grace". Special readings were given by Dylan Wiwchar and Kristen Winfield. A eulogy was shared by Willie Baron. The interment took place at St. Mary's United Parish Cemetery, Gorlitz District with Grandsons, Justin Wiwchar, Dylan Wiwchar, Logan Wiwchar, Brett Hootz, Sean Hootz and Lyndon Winfield serving as the casket bearers. Memorials honouring Dan's life may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
