Ernie Yaschuk was born in Strasbourg, SK on February 26, 1936, the son of Harry and Mary (nee Derkach) Yaschuk. Ernie grew up on the family farm in the Walkerville district, near Ituna, SK with his sister, Eva and brother, Mervin. Ernie attended Walkerville School, then moved to Toronto in 1954 and worked at Avro Arrow in Toronto, until the company (of 17,000 employees) closed in 1959. Ernie met Pauline Kitzul prior to his move to Toronto. Pauline was in Portage La Prairie, in training at the Mental Hospital in that city. Ernie made several trips to Portage La Prairie to visit and Pauline became the love of his life. He also attended her graduation at Portage in 1957, where they announced their engagement. Pauline went back to Toronto with Ernie, but they came home to Foam Lake, SK to be married at the Foam Lake Ukrainian Orthodox Church on August 9, 1958 and this year celebrated their 57th Wedding Anniversary. The couple made their home in Toronto and bought their first new home in New Market, ON. Following his lay off at Avro Arrow, Ernie and Pauline moved back to Foam Lake and purchased the Pendlebury farm. The farm was Ernie's pride and joy and was a successful farming operation and even built a brand new home on the farm. He was very proud of his new lease on life and he and Pauline welcomed their children, Beverly in 1961, Carla in 1962, Darryn (who died in infancy on July 25, 1965) and Tannis in 1968. Ernie, Pauline and their daughters, sold their farm in 1974 and moved to Yorkton where he built Yorkton New Holland. He worked as Maintenance Manager at Queen Elizabeth Court and he and Pauline lived there for 13 years until his retirement in 2001. After Ernie's retirement, he and Pauline purchased a new home on Russell Drive. Ernie enjoyed every minute there and loved the neighbourhood as everyone on the street were friends not just neighbours. Gardening was his passion and he won 1st prize for his well tended vegetable garden. He passed away peacefully, at his home, following a lovely supper and evening of playing cards with friends. Ernie was predeceased by his infant son, Darryn; his parents, Mary and Harry Yaschuk; his parents-in-law, John and Dora Kitzul; his brother-in-law, Harry Charanduk; his nephew, Nolan Kreklevich; his brother-in-law, Johnnie Kreklevich as well as numerous aunts and uncles. Ernie is survived by his loving wife, Pauline; his daughters, Bev (Brent) and their kittens that Ernie loved so much; Carla (Mick) and their sons, Tyler (Theresa) and Bradon; Tannis (Stephane) and their children, Brandon and Brielle; his sister, Eva Charanduk (and her children Sharon and Darryl); his brother, Mervin (Edna) Yaschuk (and their daughter, Robyn) as well as many other relatives, neighbours and good friends. The Prayer Service was held on Monday, November 23, 2015 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, SK with the Very Reverend Mel Slashinsky officiating. Yvonne Panchuk and members of the church choir led the responses and the reader was Ernie's grandson, Bradon Pihowich. The Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church with the Very Reverend Father Mel Slashinsky officiating. Yvonne Panchuk and members of the church choir led the responses and the Cross Bearer was Ernie's Granddaughter, Brielle Baraniuk. The Interment Service followed in the Yorkton Memorial Gardens, Garden of St. Luke, with Brent Kindratsky, Tyler Pihowich, Mick Pihowich, Bradon Pihowich, Stephane Neveu and Brandon Baraniuk serving as the casket bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
