It is with sadness the family of Walter Rebeyka, resident of Hafford, SK, announce his passing Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at Battlefords Union Hospital, North Battleford, SK with family at his side. Prayer Service was held Monday, December 8, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. followed by the Funeral Divine Liturgy on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. – both Services from Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church at Hafford, SK with Fr. Vladimir Simunovic Celebrant. The Cross Bearer was Joel Nesseth, Cantor was Diane Woytiuk and the Altar Server was Mike Wintonyk; Pallbearers: Robyn Dishko, Brennan Dishko, Kayla Nesseth, Michael Rebeyka, Christopher Rebeyka and Brooklyn Rebeyka. Walter is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Natalie; his children and their families: Phyllis Rebeyka (Gene Motruk), Holly (John) Dishko – grandchildren: Robyn (fiancé Bob) and Brennan (Tegan), Michael (Jerrilyn) Rebeyka – grandchildren: Brooklyn, Jasmyn and Robert, Joanne (Nigel) Nesseth – grandchildren: Kayla, Joel, Dacey; daughter-in-law, Joni McNeely – grandchildren: Michael Rebeyka, Christopher Rebeyka, Jody Suggitt – great-grandchildren: Brayden and Payton; sisters-in-law, Anne & Annie; nieces, nephews and their families. Walter was predeceased by his son Robert Rebeyka; parents, Mike and Mary Rebeyka; brothers and sisters: Tom, Frank, Peter, John, Bill, Harry, Pauline (+Mike). Walter grew up in a rural community North of Hafford attending elementary school at Langley School, and high school at Bedford Road in Saskatoon. He was the youngest of eight children, and in his 85 years accomplished many things. Walter was a farmer up until age 80, and a grain buyer for 23 years in that time in the hamlet of Keatley. One of the elevators he managed is now at the museum in North Battleford. He spent many hours with hockey, and took great pride in watching and coaching his sons Robert and Michael. Aside from farming and grain buying dad had many other interests that he excelled at. He perfected the art of sausage making and loved to have friends and family, sample each new batch. When he wasn’t busy in the field he liked helping mom with the vegetable garden. At family gatherings it was always a treat to have him pick up the accordion, tap on the piano keys, and he also played the violin. He loved music and had a beautiful voice that added to many gatherings and church services. Dad mastered the art of story-telling so well that you never knew till the end if it was a true story or if there was a punch line. As he retired from farming at the age of 80 dad excelled at the computer, internet, and enjoyed hours on the laptop and in the last year, the ipad. He loved talking on the phone and stayed connected that way to many family and friends. Dad served on the Hafford Rec Board for many years. He was also a member of the Hafford Housing Committee, and at present he was secretary of the Church Council. He will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church, P.O. Box 475, Hafford, SK S0J 1A0 or to Hafford Special Care Centre and Primary Care Facility, P.O. Box 130, Hafford, SK S0J 1A0. Interment took place at Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Hafford, SK. Condolences can be forwarded to [email protected]. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service, North Battleford, SK (306)446-4200
