Rick Chernoff

Chernoff, Richard Leslie – December 16, 1953 – May 30, 2019, aged 65 years, fondly known to most as Rick.  He was the first of four children belonging to Fred and Nayda Chernoff (nee Podovinnekoff). Rick grew up on the family farm and attended both Veregin and Kamsack Schools, where he played many sports including his favorites baseball and football. After graduating in 1971, he made two trips to Yukon looking for adventure and work, but his heart always brought him back to the family farm.

Rick loved farming, working with cattle, fencing, hunting, fishing and canoeing with his friend Roy Chursinoff.  His biggest love though, was music. Rick was both talented and passionate about music.  Rick was an entertainer – singing, writing, playing the guitar and banjo.  In the early 80’s he was a founder of the band Border Mountain Bluegrass which took them to many small town bars, weddings, socials and barn dances.  Together in 1986, with band members of Border Mountain, they recorded an album at Studio West in Saskatoon.

Carpentry was a skill passed down from his father, Fred, which Rick became very proficient at.  He was a natural story teller and a prankster with a crazy (sometimes sarcastic) sense of humour which everyone learned to tolerate.

He was blessed with four children Amy, Becky, Kelsey, Tyler and two grandsons Knox and Kruze.  He loved spending time with them outside fishing, building snow forts and horseback riding.  Rarely was a hockey, basketball or football game ever missed.  He shared a special bond with Tyler who definitely inherited his musical talent and loved jamming with him.

In the years following, his decline in health he was grateful to find his church family, where he was once again able to share his love of music.  The “Guitar Man” played and sang at church, nursing homes and other gatherings, weekly.  Practicing hymns and gathering for bible study were enjoyable times for Rick.

He is survived by his daughters Amy Oswald; Becky Chernoff (Fred Perepiolkin); Kelsey Chernoff (Brody Beliveau); son Tyler Chernoff, grandsons Knox and Kruze, sisters Wendy Chernoff; Lisa (Brad Watson); brother Jason (Trish) and their children Carson and Harper.  Also left to mourn his passing, are many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Rick was predeceased by his parents Fred and Nayda Chernoff.

Donations in memory of Rick can be made to the Parkland Evangelical Church Memorial Fund.

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