David Ivanochko

David Jack Ivanochko was born at home in the Hubbard District of Saskatchewan, on January 10, 1946, the 2nd child of Bill and Edna Ivanochko.

David grew up loving farm and country life. As a child, he attended Hardrock country school until Grade 8, and then Ituna high school. Dave always wanted to be a cowboy, and realised the beginnings of that dream when, as a teenager, he started working at the PFRA pastures of Ituna- Bon Accord, and Garry, and working on road construction.

In 1972 he married Sheila Young from St. John’s, Newfoundland; from August of ’72 until end of June, ’73, he and Sheila lived in Heart’s Content, NL, where Sheila taught and Dave experienced life in rural Newfoundland… fishing, farming, sealing, and hunting with the locals.

They returned to Saskatchewan in the summer of 1973, with the philosophy that “you can teach anywhere but you cannot be a cowboy in Newfoundland.” David managed the Swan Plain Pasture north of Danbury in 1974, where their first son, Peter John, was born. He then rode at Insinger Pasture in 1975. In 1976 daughter Kelly arrived, and at that time David accepted a job as a Conservation Officer, managing the Goodeve Wildlife Protected Area, and riding game patrols with the other officers. Daughter Terri arrived in 1978, and shortly after that the family decided that they would like to make “home” a little further north, settling in the Danbury area. Around then Dave fought the Woody Lake fire, worked for local farmers, trapped, and summertime rode at the Calder-Togo Pasture.

Periodically through the 80’s Dave worked on road construction for his brother John, and also with A&D Pump Service, Preeceville. In 1982 the family purchased a ½ section of land on Loch Lomond, just west of Preeceville, which they have made home ever since.  Here Dave felt that he was living in his own little “Heaven on Earth”.

Dave and Sheila slowly began expanding the farming operation. In 1992 when they decided to expand their family, Dave officially retired from working out and became a full-time farmer and stay-at-home Dad. Dave found this a true privilege, as he felt he had often missed much of the lives of the first 3 children while working away. In 1992 Christopher was born, quickly followed by Hilary in 1993. Their family was now complete, and for the next 20 years Dave enjoyed the relaxed pace of life on the farm.

In 2012 Dave was diagnosed with Lymphoma and life now became interspersed with medical appointments, etc. This, and aging, may have slowed him down but it never stopped him. He delighted in watching Peter and family establish and expand Three Roses Ranch, helping when he could (or when he was allowed!) and was always ready with suggestions and advice. At a moment’s notice he would help neighbours with whatever needed to be done, always approaching the task as fun, and enjoying the fellowship of working together.

In the early hours of the morning of November 15, 2024, Dave passed away very peacefully with his beloved wife of 52 years at his side.

David was pre-deceased by his mother in 1988 and father in 2011.

His siblings Bob, John, Dick, and Kathy, their spouses, and a large number of nieces, nephews, and offspring will hold him in their hearts for years to come.

David’s legacy of patience, work-ethic, rapport with creation, love and forgiveness will be forever cherished by his wife, Sheila, children, Peter and spouse Juanita (Olivia, Maggie, Lizzie), Kelly (Miranda – great-grandson, Stephen), Terri (Jack), Christopher, and Hilary.

Rest peacefully Dave/ Dad/ Grandpa.

A visitation for relatives and friends was held from the chapel of PFH on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. The Funeral Service was held on Thursday, November 21, from Trinity United Church, in Preeceville with Reverend David Mugadzi officiating. Karolyn Kosheluk played the piano for the hymns “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God”, “Give to Us Laughter”, “Will Your Anchor Hold”, “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry” and “Joy Comes with the Dawn”. The service started with Maggie and Lizzie Ivanochko lighting candles.  Tributes were read by Kelly Ivanochko and Olivia Ivanochko. Tara Ivanochko and Paul Keeling read the eulogy. Terri (Ivanochko) Apostle introduced the song, Love Me Tender, by Elvis Presley and explained it’s special meaning. Christal Ivanochko read the scriptures.

Memorials in memory of Dave may be made to Trinity United Church as gifts of remembrance.