Walter Andrusiak

ANDRUSIAK, Walter born January 29, 1941 – August 23, 2018 aged 77 years.

  Walter was born to parents Nick and Stella Andrusiak (nee Lasko) in the R.M. of Livingston. He received his education in Evadale School.  In 1958, he started working in a sawmill. In 1960, he started working as a mechanic in Norquay and later in Regina, Arran and Pelly. In 1971, he started working in Kamsack for the school division for 32 years.  After retiring from School Division he worked at the 8&39 for Kim Off.  When Walter worked as a farm hand for McCloskey farm, Darlene worked as a nanny there.  He said when he received his paycheck from there that he bought her an engagement ring.  He said, it was when he worked for Mike Novakowski’s garage in Norquay and was polishing up his car when a group of young ladies walked by and he was instantly love struck by her great set of legs.  On July 10, 1965 in Pelly United Church he married Darlene Coretta Ochitwa and together they started their married life in Pelly.  In 1970, they moved to Padolia where they farmed and he worked in Arran as a mechanic.  In 1975, they bought the farm from his uncle Metro and Aunt Mary Pelechaty.  They were blessed with five children. Pamela (Ron) David, Loretta (Jeff), Sheldon and Michelle (Trent).  Their greatest blessings are their seven grandchildren Kelsey Chernoff (Brody Beliveau), Tyler Chernoff, Rylan Hydamacka, Jordon Andrusiak (Megan Dixon), Jesse Andrusiak, Levi and Cody Nystrom.

                Walter was member of the Pelly United Church and Chairman of the Church Board.  He had a lifelong devotion to the farming of grain, cattle, pigs, and chickens.  He took pride in the kid’s presentations at 4H.  Mechanic work was what he enjoyed most, tinkering with helping family and friends and neighbours keeping their vehicles on the road.  He enjoyed singing with Darlene at various community events and at times was joined by other family members.

                Their best vacation were their trips to Alberta for family weddings and a trip to Vancouver where he was on a training course.  It was their first time flying and as they flew over Calgary he told Darlene to look out and see the mountains and she told him “You know where you can put your mountains”.  While they were visiting with Walter cousin Carol and Jaye Ehrlich, who owned a pet store.  Carol stated they were like two kids at the Zoo for the first time.  Due to life challenges over the past year, Walter was no longer able to stay at home and made the Norquay Health Centre his final home.

                Walter is survived by their five children, seven grandchildren, sisters Mary (Walter) Lengert, Violet (Ken) Fullerton and brother’s Julian (Valerie) Andrusiak, Eugene (Sandra) Andrusiak and Dennis (Faye) Andrusiak along with numerous nieces and nephews.

                He is predeceased by his loving wife Darlene, parents Nick and Stella Andrusiak, brother-in-law Stan Wira, sister-in-law Sonia Kurytnik, in-laws Nicoli Ochitwa and Anne Ochitwa-Hansen and nephews Michael Andrusiak and great nephew Carter Dancsok.  Walter will be sadly missed by so many.   

                Funeral Service was held August 29, 2018 from Pelly Community Hall, Pelly, Sk., with Laura Dahl officiating.  Interment followed at Greenwood Cemetery, Pelly District, Sk., Those who so desire may make memorial contributions to Pelly United Church Fund.  To leave a note of condolence for the family please visit wolkowski.ca

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