Peter Kowalyk

Peter William Kowalyk was born at the Dauphin General Hospital on January 24, 1939 to William and Cassie ( nee Burak) Kowalyk. He grew up in Sifton on the family farm along with his younger brother Paul. Peter completed his schooling in Dauphin.

Shortly after his education, he got on with the Canadian National Railways where he worked as an operator agent for 33 years and also a dispatcher out of Winnipeg for 6 years. His life with the railway took him to many towns in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. He loved his job although he knew that leaving his family behind to fend for themselves was not easy for them.

Peter married the love of his life, Nellie Lesiuk on September 30, 1961 at the Holy Ascension Church in Petlura, Manitoba, enjoying 57 years of marriage. After they were married they lived in Dauphin for a few years. Work then relocated them to Canora, Saskatchewan and in 1965 they moved to Roblin where they enjoyed the new community until the present time.

They were blessed with a daughter and two sons through the years and later with one grandson and three granddaughters. Cheryl works in Banff Alberta and Darrell (Kerry) and their daughters Melyssa and Chantal, made their home in Brandon, Manitoba. Kevin (Sharon) and their son Brett and daughter Bailey made their home in Roblin, Manitoba. His family members will mourn his absence dearly.

Peter was a member of the Roblin #6425 Knights of Columbus, as a recorder. He was a member of the Roblin Holy Redeemer Ukrainian Catholic Church where he was a Sacristan for 30 years. He prided himself on his devotion to his work with the Knights and the Church.

At home he tended to the yard and garden, enjoyed helping in the kitchen and with household chores. On the dining room table is a huge daily journal in which he wrote each day in his intricate hand writing. He recorded their activities, the daily weather, the activities of the children and grandchildren and so on, leaving behind a beautiful legacy.

Peter was predeceased by his father William on April 22, 1976, his mother Cassie on May 11, 1996 and his brother Paul on March 25, 2007.Peter was a loving husband and a super dad who was always willing to help his family and friends. He enjoyed his coffee friends and met daily with them in his retirement years. He loved family dinners and enjoyed those visits with his in-laws, both parents and siblings through marriage. He was a truly social and special person and friend and will be greatly missed.

The family thanks all those involved with trying so hard to save his life that Wednesday morning. May God bless you greatly?

A Prayer service was held on Sunday December 2, 2018 at 7:00 PM at the Holy Redeemer Ukrainian Catholic Church, and the Funeral Liturgy on Monday, December 3 at 10:00 AM with Father Yaroslav Strukhlyak officiating. Peter’s grandson Brett Kowalyk served as crossbearer and the cantor was Marvin Prochyshyn.  Delivering the eulogy were Peter’s 3 granddaughters: Baily Kowalyk, Chantal Kowalyk, and Melyssa Kowalyk. 

Carrying Peter to his final resting place in the Roblin Catholic Cemetery were pallbearers: Peter Lesiuk, Ray Benson, Dennis Sloan, Jerry Yeroshak, John Burtnack, and Boris Prokopowich.

Family and friends gathered for refreshments and a time of sharing of memories in the lower level of the church following the service.

Memorial donations in memory of Peter Kowalyk may be made to Roblin Fire & Rescue.

Vichnaya Pamyat

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