Metro Deneka

Obituary

Passed on September 12, 2022

Our Dad passed peacefully into God’s hands on September 12th, 2022 in the company of his family at the Arborg Personal Care Home in Arborg, Manitoba.

Dad was born in Celo Lubliniec, Poland on August 16th, 1927 baptized as Demetrius Deneka, born to parents Andreas (Andrew) & Catharina. He was born into a family of one sister, Katie (Lisowick) and two brothers, John and Tanis.

Left to cherish his memory, his wife Emily of 69 years and his two daughters; Sharon & Steve Melnychuk of Arborg and Angela & Wayne Smikles of Stonewall, and Brother Tanis (Dennis) Deneka of Winnipeg. Grandchildren; Christopher Melnychuk, Trevor Melnychuk, Stuart Melnychuk, Natasha & Magnus Smikles-Mason, Andrew & Lisa Smikles, Nadya & Corey (Proulx) Smikles, and Great-Grandsons, Dalton & Keaton Smikles.

Dad immigrated to Canada in January of 1936 with his mother Catharina and siblings to join his father Andrew on a homestead in Okno, Manitoba. Although the community of Okno was largely Ukrainian speaking he spoke of his struggles with the English language and sense of belonging. Despite these obstacles, his friendly and outgoing personality and great big smile led to a great many friendships throughout his lifetime.

Storytelling was a favourite pastime allowing him to reflect back to his younger years. Stories of cutting lumber, jobs of fall harvesting in Deloraine, walking 14 miles to town with a full cream can. During his younger years he loved playing baseball and community picnics were a great place to toss a ball and crack a bat. Breaking land with horses and picking stones contributed to his determination to learn and develop into the man he became.

He met many famous people who stayed at the Marlborough Hotel in the mid 50’s while employed P/T as a night porter. Many were professional wrestlers and a magician of whom he was a big fan. Hard labour came naturally to Dad and while employed with Canada Packers and Motorways loading freight he met many lifelong friends. Having had multiple career paths throughout his lifetime Dad gained many experiences but his greatest sense of pride was spent on the farm.

Dad and Moms first farm was in Okno, but the tiring labours of constant stone picking led them to purchasing and moving to a farm in the Arborg area in 1973 that they called home. Here they met many new friends and community members being actively involved in the St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Silver MB. Dad was also actively involved in the construction and fundraising of the Silver Hall.

Festivals, rodeos and fairs were a highlight for Dad and Mom especially Morris Stampede where he loved watching the rodeo events with horse and cattle showings. These events gave them time to rest from daily farm duties and enjoy themselves. While checking out neighbouring crops sometimes found him driving too slowly and occasionally meandering on a divided highway. On occasion he spotted deer to remind him of upcoming hunting season following harvest, as he loved hunting and prided himself with many racks. Attending auction sales were a great outlet to visit with acquaintances and he often come home with a box of something he didn’t need.

Work ethic, honesty and prayer was everything to Dad. He believed in the efforts of a hard days work would be worth the rewards. Honesty and prayer were attributes that he lived by as he faithfully attended Sunday Liturgies.

Dad was loyal to his family and loved jam packed family gatherings filled with music, dance, drink, endless food and his favourite was a nice box of chocolate. He told us that during his journey to Canada the ship docked in England. There were people who welcomed them and gave them chocolate. According to Dad it was the best chocolate you would ever taste, which was likely his first introduction. Saturday nights often led to tuning up his harmonica for the Saturday night Polka Party on the radio station broadcasting from Portage. His love of Ukrainian and fiddle music was his passion.

In reflection of who he was and what he meant to each of us, we are reminded that he was many things to many people over his 95 years.

A Funeral Service in Celebration of Dad’s life will he held on Monday, September 19th, 2022 at 11:00 am in the Arborg Community Hall. Father Yaroslav Buduykevych to officiate, followed by internment at the Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Arborg. Pallbearers will be his six grandchildren: Christopher, Trevor, Stuart, Natasha, Andrew, Nadya.

The family would like to thank the Arborg Home-Care Staff who kindly attended to Dad. Also thank you to the Dr.’s and Healthcare Staff at Red River Place, Selkirk and Arborg Personal Care Home and to Dr. Donnelly for Dad’s care.

If friends so desire memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Rest In Peace Dad ~ Vichnaya Pamyat

 

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