Sam Konkin

KONKIN, Samuel William - May 26, 1926 – January 18, 2016 entered eternal rest at the Kamsack and District Nursing Home at the age of 89 years. Sam was born on the family farm west of Kamsack to Wasyl and Helen Konkin.  He attended school in Kamsack until Grade 8 then helped his father on the farm.  In later years Sam took over the farm where he continued to raise cattle, pigs, chickens, turkeys, horses, sheep, cats and dogs.  Sam and his father also milked cows and delivered cream to the restaurants in Kamsack.  Sam was so very proud of his farm.  Sam always tried his best from cutting hay, hauling bails, seeding and combining.  There was always something for him to keep busy.  Once he retired, he missed farming so much that he would go to Nykolaishen’s bin site and talk farming with the boys.  He would also go boss son-in-law Larry, around to make sure harvest was going the way he thought it should.

            Sam met the love of his life Helen Kapitski, at a dance in the Community Hall in Kamsack.  They danced the night away cheek to cheek.  Anytime there was a dance, they would be there.  Sam’s favorite dance move was the Jitterbug.  They were married on January 25, 1948 and were blessed with two children, Allan and Dianne.

            Sam was a tough, yet kind and soft hearted man who would do anything for you (as long as you didn’t get him angry!).  His famous sayings like “Holy Catfish” and “What a Meathead” will be remembered by all who knew him well.  Also along with a few other curses that everyone knows he liked to say.  His hardworking hands are also something about him that will be remembered – the largest hands on a man you have ever seen!  He would love to go for coffee to Lam’s then make his way to Country Service for more coffee and gossip.  He was notorious for leaving his walker on top of the trunk of the car, instead of inside the trunk! 

            Sam loved curling, broomball, Pool, and went to every hockey game when he could.  He also loved watching all sports on t.v. especially wrestling.  Sam was also a lifetime member of the Elks Club and Saskatchewan Charlois Association.

            Sam’s other pride and joy were his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He enjoyed watching them play and grow.  They always brought him the biggest smile to his face.  Going to feed the cattle with Grandpa Sam was the best experience.  He taught us how to yell at the cows “Come Boss!”  He was so strong.  He would go down to the river to chop a hole for the cattle to have water.  I would watch him in awe thinking he was the strongest man ever. 

            When Steven and Brett would come to visit, they would tie him up to his recliner and sing “Me and Grandpa Go Fishing in the Dark”. We would all take turns combing his hair while he relaxed in his chair.  He loved that!

            Sam was predeceased by his parents, Wasyl and Helen (nee Konkin) brothers, Steve, Bill, Pete, Walter sister, Laura and grandson, Steven Konkin.  He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen son; Allan (Vera), daughter Dianne (Larry) Zbeetnoff grandchildren, Terri LaBelle, Leanne (Martin) Hoehn and Brett Konkin great grandchildren, Hayley, Holden, Ethan, Marlee, Arya and Dashiel.

            Rest well Big Papa.  You will forever and always be in our hearts.  We Love you.

Funeral Service was held on February 6, 2016 at Westminster Memorial United Church, Kamsack, SK. with Rev. Kevin Sprong officiating. Those who so desire memorial donations may be made to Kamsack Nursing Home Auxiliary as tokens of remembrance. To leave a note of condolence for the family please visit Wolkowski.ca