It is with profound sadness that the family of Brian Saretsky of Humboldt, SK, announces his sudden and unexpected death on Friday, February 17, 2012, at Humboldt District Hospital. He was 61 years of age. Brian was born on June 25, 1950, to Alfred and Clara (nee Merkosky) Saretsky in Humboldt. He was raised on the family farm near Burr and attended elementary school at Willow Ridge and his secondary education in Humboldt. After completing high school, Brian enrolled in the U. of S. Arts and Sciences program at St. Peter's College in Muenster for one year. He then worked on the oil rigs, and also mix-farmed with his brother Gerald. In 1991, a very special lady came into Brian's life. His friendship with Celine, who was a widow with three children, grew into marriage on December 28, 1996. Through that union, Brian instantly gained a ready-made family. He was a wonderful father to Lindsay, Jeremy and Brett and, eventually, an equally wonderful grandfather to Cierra. Brian cherished his role as a husband, father, grandfather and friend to them, and took that role seriously, providing practical life lessons, guidance in all areas (always trying to get them to look at the positive side of life), and on-going support. He would travel anywhere they needed to go, and nothing was too much trouble for him. Three years ago, Brian retired from farming and took on the occupation of a gravel truck driver. He was a hard worker and always strove to do his very best at whatever job he was involved in. A man with a zest for living, throughout the years, Brian pursued a variety of hobbies and interests. He was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman, and especially loved gardening - making sure there was a bountiful harvest of potatoes; hunting, fishing (complete with his skillful deboning and filleting), golfing, bowling, curling, broomball, and fastball. He was a natural at delivering a windmill pitch. The Chicago Blackhawks was his favorite hockey team, and he loved to watch all the games. Anyone who knew Brian could attest to the fact that he was a very generous, caring person and a good listener who offered wise advice. They also knew the fun-loving part of him; he had a great sense of humor, and loved to tease, play practical jokes and, often, stretch the truth! His numerous friends meant a lot to him, and the coffee was always on bright and early for visitors. No matter how busy he was, Brian was always available to help anyone in any way, never missed listening to the news, faithfully kept up-to-date with politics, and always allowed time for his daily nap. Brian will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Celine (nee Schlosser) Saretsky of Humboldt; three children and one grandchild: Lindsay Worobec of Saskatoon, SK, Jeremy Worobec (Amanda) daughter Cierra, and Brett Worobec, all of Humboldt; his mother, Clara Saretsky of Humboldt; three brothers and two sisters: Gerald (Marie) Saretsky of Burr, SK; Trudy (Roger) Langenhoff of Martensville, SK; Grant (Bev) Saretsky of Cochrane Lake, AB; Sandra (Vince) Pasemco of Rossland, BC; and Warren (Dana) Saretsky of Kelowna, BC; mother-in-law, Geraldine (nee Parker) Schlosser of Humboldt; other relatives of the Saretsky and Schlosser families; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Kim (in infancy); his father, Alfred Saretsky; and by his father-in-law, Herb Schlosser. The Prayer Service for Brian was held at St. Augustine R.C. Church on Monday, February 20, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., led by Jenny Irwin. Scripture readers were Lanny Saretsky and Chanda Hetzel, and the eulogy was delivered by Corie Hetzel. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Augustine R.C. Church on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Emile April. Others taking part were: Ryan Bernhard, crossbearer; Kayla Schlosser and Mike Saretsky, scripture readers; Mike Saretsky, intentions; Cameron Hetzel and Brad Langenhoff, giftbearers; Jeremy Worobec and Brett Worobec, urnbearers. Interment will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to either the St. Mary's Villa Foundation or the Humboldt District Hospital Equipment Fund. Condolences may be emailed to the family at [email protected]. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
