Paul Victor Kowerchuk, 1940-2015. It is with heavy hearts and great sorrow that we his family announce Paul's passing. Paul was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer in 2010, and after a 4 and a half year battle he lost his heroic fight. On January 24th, 2015 Paul passed away peacefully at his home in the arms of his loving wife. A memorial service was held on January 31, 2015 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness in Battleford, SK, with Paul's long time friend Mitchell Bendixon of Lloydminster officiating, Interment of cremated remains will take place at a later date. Honorary pallbearers were "all of Paul's friends". Memories of Paul will live on in the hearts of: his loving wife of 54 years, Nori; his children: Brad (Linda) Kowerchuk and their children: Stephanie (Joel) Robertson, Chantale (Andrew) Sutherland, and Christopher Kowerchuk, Brenda (Dean) Siemens, and their children: Randy and Bailey, Carmen Kowerchuk, Jody (Michelle) Kowerchuk and their children: Avery and Dane, Nicole (Stephen) Anderson and their children: Drew, Ellie, Nate and Mia; brothers: Steve Kowerchuk, Nick (Natalie) Kowerchuk; sister: Ann Starycki; sisters-in-law: Dorthy (Stanley) Mills, Margaret (Sam) Parrish, and Irene (Bob) Greer; brother-in-law: John (Arlene) Rowland's. Numerous nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters at the Kingdom Hall and countless friends and acquaintances that have shared in Paul's life over the years. Paul was predeceased by: his parents William (Polly) Kowerchuk, parents-in-law Jack (Florence) Rowland's, brothers Walter Kowerchuk and Mike Kowerchuk, sister-in-law Betty Kowerchuk. Paul was born June 12, 1940; he was the 5th of 6 children. He grew up on the farm near Whitkow, SK. He always had great stories and would often reminisce about his childhood. He attended Corporation School, which was a small one room school house. At the age of 15 he moved to North Battleford and began his career in the automotive industry. Paul met Nori, the love of his life in January of 1960, and they were married on November 25, 1960. Their love and joy grew as they were blessed with 5 beautiful children and later 11 grandchildren. In 1971 he found another great love, when he came to know and love his creator Jehovah. Paul was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in May of that year. He was a faithful and dedicated servant of Jehovah and served as an Elder for many years. His faith never waivered and he relied on it throughout his illness. Even though he could no longer attend meetings at the Kingdom Hall, Paul faithfully studied and listened to every meeting from his home phone. Paul's love for his Creator and for his family remained steadfast and grew stronger during his illness. Paul's career in the automotive industry took him from North Battleford to Glaslyn to Saskatoon, and finally back to North Battleford where he worked at the local Canadian Tire store as the service manager. After 25 years in the automotive industry, Paul started a new career in agriculture. For many years he and his 'Mack truck delivered liquid feed to local farmers. Eventually Paul and Nori opened PN Feeds and worked as owner/operators. They were fortunate to employ all of their children in the store. In 1998, Paul bought his ranch: Almosta Ranch' and turned it into a cow-calf operation. Running both the store and the ranch was busy and he had to rely on the help of good neighbours, especially in calving season. After 25 years at PN Feeds, he went on to be General Manager of Country Feed & Pet, with Stephen and Nicole; he worked there until he was too ill to do so. Paul loved serving the community as a local business person; he always supported other small business in our community, and serving every customer with a smile was his philosophy. Paul was a very devoted husband, father and Papa. He always had time and compassion for his family, whether it was a listening ear, a hand to lend, or the fact that he had an answer to every question. Paul's way of setting an example was through his hard work, and that lead to irreplaceable skills that we have learned from him. Whether it is running a business, or working hard on the farm, or simply having fun, he has given us the ability to mistakes and not only learn from them, but find the humour in life along the way. Paul loved spending time at his cabin in Cochin, and made many great memories there, including remaining undefeated in Chinese checkers. Paul was also famous for getting his grandchildren into 'trouble' with his shenanigans, and could often be heard saying 'oh oh here she comes, were in trouble now'. For anyone who was blessed to know Paul, they knew of his sense of humour, kindness, compassion, wisdom, love, honour, strength, and how a handshake meant his word. Memorial donations in Paul's memory can be made to: Watchtower Society, PO Box 4100, Georgetown, Ontario L7G 4Y4 or to a charity of the donor's choice. From the Family: We miss our Papa and long for the day when he will awake…free of cancer and ready to brighten everyone's lives.
Cards of Thanks
The family of Paul Kowerchuk would like to express a sincere thank you to all of those who did so much for us in our time of sorrow, for all who sent flowers, brought food, all of the phone calls and visits. To all our Brothers and Sisters who did such a great job at both the Kingdom Hall and at the luncheon. Thank you as well to his health care team: Dr. Tootoosis and the team at the North Battleford Medical Clinic. Scott Parker and the team from Home Care, Dr. Abbos and the team from the Cancer Clinic, and all of the nurses and staff at both BUH and RUH, who cared for him during his hospital stays over the years. Trevor Watts of Eternal Memories has been entrusted with arrangement.
