Wynnyk, Steve Julian
Steve Julian Wynnyk
With heavy hearts we reluctantly announce the passing of Steve Julian Wynnyk. Steve passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 at the age of 82 years. He had a passion for being around people and made many feel welcomed and cherished throughout his long life. He accomplished more in one lifetime than most can imagine, having been an athlete, a catholic priest, Teacher, president of the City of Regina Transit Union, Transit Operator and Training Officer, Public Speaker and Meat Cutter, among others. Steve brought his unique passion and enthusiasm to each task, always leaving a lasting mark.
Steve’s kindness and generosity touched many around him and will be held in the hearts of his family and many friends. Having moved from his home province of Alberta at a young age, he furthered his education in both Saskatchewan and Ontario. In his early 30’s, he moved to Saskatchewan permanently to start and raise a family.
As with many aspects of his life, Steve often did things in an unconventional way and love was no exception. Having started and raised his family with his wife Rose, he was heartbroken when the union came to an end just over 20 years after arriving in Saskatchewan. Although he was sorry for losing his wife in Rose, he found that the relationship in fact did not end, but was transformed into a loving, supportive friendship that lasted for the remainder of his life, which he was grateful for. Steve was blessed to find love again and spent the rest of his life with his beloved Iona in his cherished Village of Eyebrow, Saskatchewan. Together, Steve and Iona spent close to 25 years in the community which completely embraced him. He quickly found himself caring for the town in his later years, often mowing lawns, shovelling snow and giving back to his new home even as his health began to decline. Whenever Steve returned to Alberta or was asked by visiting family and friends where he was living, he would proudly state that he was living in Eyebrow, which he was quick to add was located 30 miles from Elbow. Steve’s wit, charm, generosity, and self-deprecating humor was infectious.
He was predeceased by his father and mother, Demetro and Sarafina; siblings: John, William, Nick, Joseph, George, Paul, and Ethel; sisters-in-law: Olga, Harriet, and Judy; and brother-in-law, Hiens Molner. Steve is survived by his partner, Iona Ivey; son, Steven (Katja) Wynnyk; daughter, Ann-Marie Wynnyk (Jay Thom); granddaughters, Kelsey and Kyra; great-granddaughters, Tara and Ayva; good friend and mother to his children, Rose Wynnyk; Iona’s daughters, Loreena (Rod, Taylor and Jordan), and Donna (Darryl, Ethan, and Aiden); and sisters-in-law: Nancy, Mabel, and Hilda.
A Celebration of Steve’s Life will be held on Thursday, November 14th, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in the Eyebrow Community Hall. Pastor Sharon Schultz will officiate and interment will take place in Eyebrow Cemetery at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Steve’s name may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, Unit 26 – 1738 Quebec Ave, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550.
Daryl and I send our sincere condolences to you, Iona and all of the family. Steve was a very caring and thoughtful person. He always brightened my day when I saw him – he had a knack of just making your day a little better. He will be missed very much especially his big smile. You are in our thoughts and pray that God gives you comfort.
Iona,so sorry to read of Steve’s passing. He was a very kind,likeable man who will certainly be missed.
Our sincerest sympathy, Wanda and Barrie
I worked with Steve for many years at Regina Transit on the operations side of the department. We spent many days talking about Bus Operator training programs, our families and life experiences. Steve was a mentor to me. Condolences to the family, he will be missed.
I will be thinking of my Uncle Steve today as you celebrate his life. I will remember him as someone who was a deep thinker and excellent publicspeaket
Wayne and I send our condolences to Iona and the family and friends. Steve was a gentle person and always seem to bring that out in everyone he talked to. He had done a lot in his life and was a big help to all that came in contact with him.
To Steve’s family. I just found out about Steve’s passing and extend my sincerest condolences. I met Steve during an earlier time when he was a priest and managed a few visits while he worked for the Transit Services. Although the paths of our life’s journeys did not cross again I often thought of the many laughs and conversations we shared. Vichnaya pam’yat (Eternal Memories).