Emil Prochera

         Emil was born to Peter and Mary Prochera (nee Baranowski) in Kryder, Saskatchewan. Sometime later, the Prochera family moved to Hafford, Saskatchewan, where Emil provided his assistance on the family farm.  In 1962, after moving to Canora, Emil met the love of his life, Phyllis Gogol. On June 29, 1963, they married and were the first couple to be married in the new St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, in Canora.

        Together they purchased the Lunn Hotel in Canora. Emil ran the bar while Phyllis tended to the cooking in the restaurant. Emil and Phyllis were blessed with three children Bart, Nancy and Lorena.  After many long hours and dedication at the hotel, Emil along with his brother Joe, opened up Modern Motors and White Farm Equipment, which just happened to be right across the street from the Lunn Hotel. The Prochera brothers sold countless farm implements, agricultural parts and tires over the years. A true testament to their dedication to the agricultural producers of the day. There were very few famers in the district who didn’t own a piece of Modern Motors equipment, especially the White 5542 combine, a very popular model at the time.  When Emil was available, he was a member of the Canora Fire Department, dedicating his time and effort, all the while still operating a business. It was one of his ways he gave back to the community. Emil and Joe retired from the business in the 1980’s. Throughout the years of hard work, Emil and Phyllis were gifted with trips to Disneyland, Jamaica, Arizona and several other places in-between. They also found time to do many trips to Saskatoon to visit family and friends. In later years, to keep himself busy, Emil became a guard at the Canora RCMP Barracks as well as, delivering daily copies of the Regina Leader Post to Canora and the surrounding communities. He drove thousands of kilometers over those years in his little blue truck, doing his part to keep everyone informed of provincial and world events.

        Emil loved being outside and tending to the lawn, garden, and flowers, not only at home, but many years at St. Joseph’s Church. Emil served as the caretaker to both inside and outside of the church. Emil and Phyllis were members of St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church for over 60 years, assisting wherever they could during that time.  His devotion and love to the church was unwavering.

        During the summer, he could be found every afternoon in his lounger, under the apple tree, with his hat tilted slightly, fast asleep.  He was never scared to back down from many of life’s challenges.  His kind, sensitive, and caring nature will always be remembered by his family and those close to him.  He will forever be in our hearts. 

        Emil is survived by son; Bart (Karen), grandchildren; Bailey (John), great-grandchildren; Parker, Hudson, grandsons; Tate and Rylen (Reegin). Daughter; Nancy (Lyndon), grandchildren; Shane (Melissa) and great-granddaughter Kaidence, grandson; Shadd (Bayley), great-grandchildren; Aidyn, Ryker, Kasen and grandson; Shale.  Daughter; Lorena (Trevor), grandchildren; Hailey(Matthew), great grandchildren; Rozalyn, Violet, and another bundle of joy due in November,  grandson Kody, brother Joe(Bernice), sisters-in-law; Eleanor(James) Flundra, Diane Gogol,  brother-in-law, Jim(Carol) Gogol, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. 

        Emil was predeceased by his loving wife, Phyllis, his parents Peter and Mary, brothers Paul and Walter, and by sister Helen.

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