Harold James Anaka

Harold James Anaka was born September 9, 1947, in Canora SK to Peter and Anna Anaka and was the oldest of four children.  Growing up on the farm, his first language was Ukrainian.  When he started school, it’s there he learned to speak English.  He attended Goodhue School until Grade 5, and Stenen school for his middle years.  When attending Stenen school, he would catch a ride or walk to and from school, stay with his God Parents during the week and return home to spend time with family on weekends.  He later graduated from the Sturgis Composite High School, and continued his education in Business and Management.  While in high school he had his eye on Carol German but was too shy to ask her out.  Carol went off to work in Regina and he was like a lost puppy.  Carol returned to help her parents and they finally started dating.  After 5 years of courting, they were married on July 20,1974.  They welcomed their first daughter, Michelle in 1978, followed by Carla in 1982.

     Harold started his career in Yorkton working for Weber Brothers and Standard Motors.  He also worked various roles at Formo Motors, Sask Forest Products and Beaver Lumber.  Finally, Harold devoted the remainder of his career to Yorkton and McDiarmand Lumber for 25 years.  At that same time, he also worked side-by-side with his father on the family grain farm.  He later took over the farm and farmed until his health started to decline, and eventually decided to fully retire from farming 4 years ago.

     In his younger years, Harold enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping.  He could hardly wait for hunting season, to set up bush camp with his brother-in-laws Ray and Walter near McBride Lake.   Later into retirement he loved to help Carol make perogies, tarts, clean mushrooms and cut cabbage.  His favorite was to decorate shortbread cookies at Christmas.

    Harold’s other passion was music.  From the young age of 12, he self-taught music on many instruments – but base guitar and violin was his favorites. He played for countless social events with his father, along with his brothers and many other talented musicians, and eventually his daughter Carla.  He played music up until 10 years ago and decided to retire from performing.  However, he always liked to pick up the violin and play when he had the chance.  He took great pride in showing the nephews his violin and letting them play, and he was even more proud to have the opportunity to share the violin with his grandchildren Quinn and Averie as they listened and danced around the living room. 

    When Harold learned he was going to be a Grandpa he was very proud and happy.  He would tell people I have 2 grandchildren Quinn and Averie, and he enjoyed every moment with them.  He loved to Facetime with Quinn and Averie and learn of their adventures, whether it was about Quinn’s hockey and baseball, or Averie’s cats and lambs.  Harold looked forward to his Grandchildren visiting – and there were always lots of laughs.  He loved reading books with Quinn and watch him work with his hands and fix and put things together, and chuckling at Averie’s assertive and bubbly personality, telling Grandpa at the supper table “Grandpa, push up your sleeves”, “need a bib” and painting his nails.   He loved the cards and crafts the kids made for him, and always reminded Carol to have their favorite foods and some presents when they visited.  Grandpa also always gave them money to buy treats or toys.

    Harold is predeceased by his parents Peter and Anna Anaka, father and mother-in-Law Joe and Annie German & brothers in-law Dennis German and Alvin Cote.

    He is survived by his wife Carol, daughters Michelle (Rory), Carla (Marcelin), Grandchildren Quinn and Averie, brothers Dan (Collette), Ron (Marci), sister Marlene (Jack) as well as brothers and sisters-in-laws Kathleen (Ray) Pottle, Walter (Gwen) German, Betty (Darryl) Lockwood, Jerry (Betty) German, Peggy Gizen, Diane Cote as well as Aunts Phyllis Anaka, Vicky Rougeau, Pearl Petrash, and Hazel Phillips as well as generations of nieces, nephews and cousins.  Harold held a special place in his heart for his Godchildren Marc Starner, Shaeleen, Kyle, Curtis Anaka, and Kerrilynn Trost, as well as many other lifelong friends.