Symenuk, Dan “Din”
DAN “DIN” SYMENUK
September 30th, 1931 – January 9th, 2023
Dan Symenuk passed away, surrounded by the love and care of his family, on Monday, January 9th, 2023, at the age of 91 years. Din was born a first generation Canadian on September 30th, 1931, to George and Mary (née: Achtemichuk) Symenuk at Fir Mountain, Saskatchewan. Din was the sixth of eight children. As youngsters they lived in numerous communities while their father worked with the railroad. As was common with his generation, Din completed grade 10 and then entered the work world, working for the railway on the welding gang. Eventually he moved on to the Boilermakers as a career. He rose to the position of foreman and the job took him throughout Canada and as far away as Puerto Rico. In 1956 he married Shirley (Willard), and they had four children: Ken, Doug, Sherri, and Michele. In 1971, he moved his family to Mawer, SK where he farmed for over 50 years while continuing to work with the Boilermakers. Din was always busy – repairing and maintaining machinery and vehicles, gardening, doing crosswords and puzzles, playing cards, and welding. Din was well known in the Central Butte area for his welding prowess. He was also respected for his volunteer efforts and community-minded spirit. Din and Shirley spent countless hours watching their kids and grandkids on the ice, the ballfield, and in the gym. Their love of travel took them throughout North America and around the world, and they enjoyed sharing pictures and stories about their adventures. Din was predeceased by Shirley in 2004.
In 2006, Dan married Florence (Cathcart; née: Kidd) and they happily embraced each other’s families, which kept them very busy. They shared many happy years together, keeping busy traveling, attending grandchildren’s activities, going to musical events, and many family reunions and gatherings.
He was predeceased by his parents, George and Mary Symenuk; parents-in-law, Harvey and Iva Willard; brothers: John, Bill, and Fred; sisters, Lena and Helen; brothers-in-law: Keith Porterfield (Mary), Erv Bohrson (Helen), and Gil Gilbertson (Lena); sisters-in-law: Viola (Pete), Mag (John), Lila (Bill), and June (Bill); and daughter-in-law, Sherry (Ken). Dan was also predeceased by sisters-in-law, Marion Kidd and Doreen Mitchell; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Doug and Lorraine Kidd.
Din is survived by his brother, Pete Symenuk; sister, Mary Porterfield; sister-in-law, Doreen Symenuk (Fred); sisters-in-law, Wendy (Fred) Schweiger and Nona (Bob) Toth; brother-in-law, George (Myrna) Willard; and brother-in-law, Gord (Lorraine) Kidd.
Din is survived by his children: Ken (Rhonda Corrigan), Doug (Heather), Sherri (Merle) Spetz, and Michele (Myles) Loeffler; grandchildren and great grandchildren: Ken’s family – Denver Symenuk, Stacy Symenuk (son Deacon), Jesse (Kelsey) Symenuk (daughter Kensley), and Jillian Lavigne; Doug’s family – Ashley Symenuk (Jess Ballendine), Kelsey (Nick) Larocque (son Logan), and Jonathan and Amy Philpott; Sherri’s family – Baydin and Jordin Pastuck, and Natacha (Joe) Entz (daughter Savannah Spetz and son Coy); Michele’s family – Morgan, Mason, and Marly Loeffler.
Dan is also survived by his wife, Florence and her children: Murry Cathcart (Karen Hansen), Connie (Ron) Cuff, and Allan Cathcart; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Murry’s family – Cole and Toby Cathcart; Connie’s family – Brennan (Leah) Cuff (daughter Everly and son Oliver), and Brodie (Shanna) Cuff (daughter Kinley and son Cooper). As well, Dan has a multitude of nieces and nephews and family related to the Symenuk, Willard, Cathcart, and Kidd families.
A Celebration of Dan’s Life will be held on Saturday, January 21st, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Those not able to attend may view the service virtually by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Dan’s memory may be made to The Canadian Diabetes Association, 919B Albert St, Regina, SK S4R 2P6. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Andrew Pratt Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Dan was a great brother in law and a good friend who I new for 62 years. Good bye buddy. Love you. Gordon.
Our hearts were sadden to have read this! He was a good neighbour and a good friend to many.We certainly enjoyed our visits with him and Shirley. We go to get welding done and always had time for coffee and a visit.Great man! Our deepest sympathy to all the family and it will be an empty spot in your lives!
Din truely left his mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Caring thoughts are with you.
Deepest sympathies go out to the Symenuk family take care and hold those memories close.
Sorry for the loss if your brother Pete.
Our deepest condolences to Dan’s family and to our Aunt Florence. Our hearts are heavy and our thoughts and lots be are with you at this difficult time and always.
Love Gail and Phil Foreman and family
Condolences to all the Symenuck family . He was a great guy to me and a man that will leave us with great memories. I remember working along side his brother Pete who was in the sporting and TV business. They all are a great asset to our cities far and wide. Will say a prayer for Dan
My condolences to the family
We are sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing Michele.
Condolences to the Symenuk family.
I myself am a member of the Boilermakers local 555. Dan was friends with my father Jack Shepley and asked Dad to join the Boilermakers in 1965. Rest In Peace Brother
Such sad news Thinking of all of you and your families, Ken Sherri, Doug and Michele. Sending hugs along with our deepest sympathy. ❤️
Had the privilege to work with Dan on quite a few jobs great fellow and mentor
Rest In Peace BROTHER
So sorry to hear of Dan passing. Kirk and I always liked visiting with him. So glad he and aunt Florence had a life together too. He will be missed .
Florence, sending my sincere sympathy to you on the passing of Dan, may your memories bring you comfort and peace.
My sincere sympathy to you Florence. Ron and I were happy to meet Dan and enjoyed our visits and good times with you. My prayers are with you, cherish your memories.l
So sorry for your loss. The service was a great tribute to a true gentleman. Thinking of you all.
We will miss you Din, thanks for the wonderful times and the memories you added to our lives.
To his family our sincere condolences
Deepest sympathies Florence from across the miles, from across time and from the family who lived across the street in Perdue. May peace and love embrace you at this time.