Dwayne Fredrick Kuzenko

In keeping with Dwayne's wishes, a graveside service at Riverview Cemetery will be held in the spring of 2023.

Dwayne was born December 14, 1957 to Mike and Florence Kuzenko (nee Chernoff) at the Kamsack Hospital. Despite early health issues, Dwayne brought much joy to Mom, Dad and Grandpa Kuzenko who lived at the Family Farm. 

Dwayne attended all four schools in Kamsack, graduating grade 12 at the KCI.  While in school Dwayne joined the school band playing percussion. He would often practice at home on the set of drums Mom and Dad got him.  He played with the Legion Band, marching on Remembrance Day, and he also joined the band “Morning Mist” playing at dances in the area.  Music was an important part of his life.

Dwayne’s favourite class in High School was Biology.  He liked to learn about plants and animals.  This was his passion that continued his whole life.  Dwayne and Wendy would often walk along the creek looking for snails and tadpoles, or hanging birdhouses.  Nature and all living things were important to him.  Over the years, Dwayne brought home animals and birds that needed caring for, such as a crow, a hawk, a gopher and a baby rabbit to name a few.

Dwayne may have pursued a career in Biology, but he was needed on the Family Farm.  Grandpa had retired to Kamsack, and there was too much work for Mom and Dad.  Dwayne took it in stride and tried to be the best farmer he could.  He took great care in his farming practice from seeding to harvest to haying and fencing.  He learned from Dad, when doing a job it needed to be perfect.  His equipment was washed, vacuumed and polished.  He was very proud of the farm he helped build. His proudest accomplishment was when he built a shop so the machinery didn’t have to be outside anymore.

While farming he apprenticed as an electrician, he worked at Saan store and Macleods. But farming is a demanding occupation.  Dad was an auctioneer and was often gone to auction sales so the running of the farm fell to Dwayne.  He left his job in town to farm full time.  The days were long and the work never ending.  We all worked together to build the farm, and in doing so many cherished memories were made.

When Dwayne had spare time, he taught himself to play guitar.  Some of his happiest times were when family would come and everyone would sit around the bonfire playing guitar and singing. He also enjoyed growing flowers and had a gift to revive any plant.  Every summer he would get flowers from the greenhouse and plant them in pots, begonias being a favourite.  In winter, he did woodworking and painting, creating beautiful keepsakes.  Winter also meant playing cards with friends and family, another happy time for Dwayne.

One Christmas Dad and Mom bought Dwayne a computer.  In no time at all Dwayne became very proficient on it.  His expertise was often called upon to help with technological problems.  There really wasn’t much Dwayne couldn’t fix, from machinery, to electrical issues to computers.  He was talented and gifted in many areas, but especially in taking care of us – his family. He would do all he could to help us, even if it was hard for him.

Dwayne’s health the last couple of years was very difficult.  We were blessed to have Dwayne for 65 years.  Just 12 days after his 65th birthday, on December 26th, God called Dwayne home, with his family at his side.  Dwayne was everything to us, and now we have a hole in our home, our lives and our hearts, and we wonder how do we go on from here.

Rest in peace Dwayne (Chukie), until we see you again.

Dwayne was predeceased by Grandpa and Grandma Kuzenko, Grandpa and Baba Chernoff, father Mike Kuzenko, and many uncles, aunts and cousins.  Left to mourn are his Mom, Florence; Sister, Wendy (Dale Nelson), Uncle John (Nina) Kuzenko and many cousins, friends and neighbours.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dwayne Fredrick Kuzenko, please visit our floral store.