OLCHOWSKI: Gary
Ìý
October 9, 1955 – August 15, 2016
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During the early morning hours of Monday, August 15, 2016, Gary lost his battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). He fought AML the same way he lived his life – with patience, courage, and a smile on his face. He loved his family and friends, deeply, and they him. That love carried him especially during the past 14 months as he battled AML. Gary will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 40 years, Dianne (nee Tarnowski) Olchowski; sisters and brothers: Carol Olchowski; Elaine (Richard) DuWors; Ron (Gloria) Olchowski and their daughters Janelle and Jaimie; Patrick Olchowski and his son Michael; Colette (Larry) Schwark and their son Darryl (Michelle) Schwark and daughter Eleanor; Brianne (Trent) Hamilton and children, Jeffrey, Robert and Natalie; Dan (Donna) Olchowski and their three sons Colin (Michelle) Olchowski and children Drew and Owen, Adam Olchowski, and Ward Olchowski; and Brent Olchowski. Gary was predeceased by his parents Frank and Mary; a sister, Dianne Wright; and his parents-in-law, Mat and Frances Tarnowski. Gary was born October 9, 1955. He attended school in Bruno and after graduating worked for Sask. Wheat Pool. In 1974, he moved to Saskatoon where he became the parts man for Ens Toyota. Gary and Dianne resided in Saskatoon for five years before returning home to Bruno in 1979. Gary spent 35 years working and managing the family business, Bruno Lumber Supply. He loved the business and the people he got to meet. Gary always had a good piece of advice or story to share and went out of his way to make sure his customers had what they needed. He was also very active in his community as a volunteer firefighter, a member of Bruno Credit Union board, and was always willing to lend a hand for every community event. Gary never needed to be asked twice to help; he was always willing because he was extremely proud of his community and loved to contribute. While Gary enjoyed fishing, golf and baseball, he especially loved his yard and spent countless hours each year making sure every blade of grass was in its place. When he had that taken care of he would relax on the deck with family and friends as well as a beer or two. He also loved to travel and he and Dianne would vacation two or three times each year. The family wishes to thank the staff at Saskatoon Cancer Centre and Royal University Hospital as well as Dr. Caroline Hart for their wonderful care, kind words and respect shown to Gary. A Memorial Service to celebrate Gary’s life was held on Saturday, August 20, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. The Mass was offered at St. Bruno R.C. Church, Bruno, celebrated by Fr. Cosmas Epifano, OSB, and concelebratedÌý by Fr. Joseph Ackerman, OSB. Others taking part were: Adam Olchowski and Ward Olchowski, crossbearers; Kennedy White and Tory White, altar servers; Ron Olchowski and Elaine DuWors, scripture readers; Janelle Olchowski, intentions; Colette and Larry Schwark, giftbearers; Barry Dagenais, communion minister; Larry and Karen Bender, memorial table attendants; Dan Olchowski and Colin Olchowski, eulogists. The urnbearer was Dianne Olchowski. Music ministry was provided by the St. Bruno Parish Choir. Interment followed at St. Bruno R.C. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Gary’s memory to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada – . Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
