Nestor Stefanyshyn

Nestor Stefanyshyn, beloved husband of Judy Stefanyshyn, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the Preeceville and District Health Centre. He was seventy-six years of age.

     Nestor Myron Stefanyshyn was born on October 10, 1943 in Canora, Saskatchewan to his parents Peter and Stella Stefanyshyn. Four years later his sister Rosemarie was born. He attended Halycry School until grade 7 when he quit school and helped his parents on the family farm. He had “music in his blood” and at the age of 15, he bought his first guitar of which he was very proud as he had saved his money to buy it. A school teacher helped him to learn play it. A few years later, he joined the Stefanyshyn boys band. Through the years he played with various bands and in the mid 60’s he and three other friends decided to form their own band called “The Parklanders”. They were very popular and were kept busy playing for weddings and other functions, always enjoying themselves tremendously.
     On October 6, 1967, Nestor married Judy Carlson in the Invermay United Church. They were blessed with 4 children which were tragically taken in 1978. Nestor and Judy welcomed their chosen son, Jason Michael, into their hearts and life in 1982.
     Nestor worked in the creamery in Preeceville for years. In 1974 he got a job with Morksy Construction as a heavy equipment operator. They were building the highway east of Preeceville at that time. He thoroughly enjoyed this job and worked for various construction companies and rural municipalities for 25 years, always trying to find work close to home so he could put his crop in in the spring, do his haying and harvesting. A farm accident in 1991 made it difficult to climb up and down on the machinery so in 1994 he decided to rent his land out.
     Nestor suffered a massive stroke in 1999, at the age of 55, which changed his life forever, leaving him with many challenges including mobility issues and weakness on his left side. Getting his scooter greatly improved his quality of life as he was able to drive around and visit the neighbours instead of having to walk. The stroke prevented him from doing all the things he loved to do, fishing, hunting, picking mushrooms, playing cards, playing his guitar, making sausage and cutting firewood to sell – but mostly caring for his livestock that he and Judy had on the farm during their 39 years they farmed. He had a great love for animals, especially his dog – a collie named Peeshu, who accompanied him everywhere – he even tried to go hunting with Nestor. That ended abruptly when he got chased home. Peeshu even learned to smile for Nestor and the rest of the family.
    Nestor was predeceased by his children Darren, Marcianna, Corey, and Kelly; his parents Peter and Stella; a sister Rosemarie; two brothers and a niece in infancy; and his father-in-law Gustav Carlson. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Judy; his son Jason and nephew Dwayne; three little girls who called him Papa – Amber, Hailey, and Rebecca and their parents Krystal and Brett, his “little sister” cousin Roseileen (Brian), mother-in-law Verna; brothers-in-law and their families – Calvin (Darlene), Travis and Dana, Owen (Raelene), Paige and Hilary; sister-in-law Sharon (Eugene) and family, Leslie and Blaze godchild Karen and his 2 most loyal and supportive friends Ron (Betty) and Brian (Shirley).

     A Private Family Service was held on Saturday, January 25, 2020 from Trinity United Church in Preeceville, SK with Rev. Miles Russell officiating. The organist was Karolyn Kosheluk. Jason Stefanyshyn, Judy Stefanyshyn, Ron Waugh, Brian Brodziak, Calvin Carlson and Eugene Churko served as casktebearers. The interment took place in the Preeceville Community Cemetery. Memorial Donations in memory of Nestor may be made to Trinity United Church Memorial Fund as gifts of remembrance.