And perhaps that was the experience of a young couple from the tiny rural town of Hyas with a love story that originated back in the 1940s.
Cecelia caught John’s eye when she was working in a Norquay restaurant. The young Hyas chap wanted to get to know her, but he did not have a car and she lived on a farm nine miles south of Norquay. With the help of some barn dances and trips to visit with a horse and wagon or sleigh, a spectacular romance began to bloom. John said he knew right away that he had found the love of his life.
John and Cecelia were married November 3, 1946. This year marks the 75th anniversary of that partnership - a formidable milestone. In fact, The Kamsack Times was set to interview the couple this fall from their Yorkton Crossing Retirement Community. Sadly, John passed away on September 15 – just 49 days away from celebrating their 75th anniversary and hours before he was to turn 97 years-old.
Although the incredibly rare wedding anniversary wasn’t quite reached, it is the opinion of this writer that the enduring love story of John and Cecelia Dernisky deserves to be witnessed and celebrated.
Early years
In the beginning of their adventure together, the young Cecelia packed up and moved nine miles north to join her new husband on the Dernisky farm – just south of Hyas. John & Cecelia both came from large families. John was the seventh of nine children and Cecelia was the ninth of thirteen. Losing their parents at a young age, they stepped up to work as a team in the running of both family farm homesteads.
The young newlyweds had a lot to learn.
John had his work cut out for him on the farm and Cecelia was determined to become a good cook and keep the home running smoothly. The pair would go on to welcome three children into the world – Brian, Rick, and Sharon – each born seven years apart.
They kept a plentiful garden and a beautiful home and yard, becoming the perfect team – complimenting and supporting each other through the highs and lows of life. Faith and community were a big part of their routine, and they regularly attended the St. Thomas Roman Catholic Church in Norquay. Life in rural Saskatchewan was rich and beautiful, filled with friends and family.
Struggles
Like many of us, the couple had their fair share of challenges. At one point, a fire took their home and all of its contents. With the help from family, neighbours and friends, they got back on their feet and started over again. They took what life threw at them and battled many storms. They explained to their children and grandchildren that it was their faith and prayers that helped them get through.
“They were inseparable – rarely ever apart,” shared their son, Rick, on a phone interview from his home in Alberta. “They were always respectful of one another, loyal and true to each other and also friends. They had the habit of discussing everything and always made important decisions together. They set such a great example for us all.”
John and Cecelia’s daughter-in-law, Leslie, said there was something very special about the way they treated people.
“They adored friends and family more than anything. They had this way of truly listening – and you just sensed they sincerely cared about you and what was going on in your life. Celebrating special occasions was their all-time favourite. They were so generous and loving. A number of our children’s friends used to say, “I wish I had grandparents like that.”
When retirement approached, John and Cecelia sold the two farmsteads and made Yorkton their new home. It was there that they enjoyed coffee time, walks to the Parkland mall, casino trips, functions at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church, and time shared with many good friends.
The values John and Cecelia held - hard work, commitment, love, faith, and determination have been passed down to their children, seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
For many, the idea of growing old with one's soulmate is the epitome of a life well lived. Cecelia says that she is still missing John and wishes he was here. She has the feeling that he is out working in the yard and will be walking through the door any minute. For now, her memories keep John close…until they meet again.
