Obituary of STEVE STOYKO

STEVE STOYKO Peacefully on June 4, 2016, after spending the day surrounded by family, Steve Stoyko passed away after complications of a stroke. A kind and caring man with a great big heart, he was always known for his friendly and sociable personality. He was hardworking and always willing to lend a helping hand. Although he had slowed down due to his health, his strength and determination was evident right to the end. Steve will be lovingly remembered and celebrated by his wife of 47 years Rose, son Greg, daughter Janet and son in law Martin King, grandson Kieran and granddaughter Kiersten King, sister Nadia Karan (Ed), brother Walter (Gail), brother Ted, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Harry and Olimpya Stoyko, and sister in law June Stoyko. Steve was born May 28, 1928 in the village of Baluchin in western Ukraine. The oldest of 4 children, he immigrated to Canada in 1937. He worked the family farm in the municipality of Springfield east of Winnipeg, farming with horses in early years before tractors. He became a school trustee in Eastdale School district in the 1950's and Transcona-Springfield in the late 50's and 1960's. He helped in the construction of Eastdale Church in the 1950's with Father Ruhn. In 1964, he began working for CP Rail as a labourer in the shops, then as a carman and auxiliary in containers. He was on the First Aid teams for many years while working at Intermodal Terminal. In 1993, he retired after 29 years of service. Steve moved to Winnipeg in 1967, but continued to maintain the family farm for many decades. He no longer had animals, but enjoyed tending large gardens and welcoming family and friends to share in the harvest. In 1969, Steve married Rosa Caradonna, after meeting at an Italian wedding of a mutual friend. He was a proud and loving father to Janet and Greg. He visited Rose's family and toured Italy in 1971, seeing Bari and Rome, and was honoured to see Ukrainian Cardinal Slypay in St Peter's Basilica. In 1999 they visited Bari and Florence. In 1993, he visited family in Ukraine and toured Poland, and continued to keep correspondence with them until his passing. Steve was a member of St Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church men's club perogy crew and in bingo. After retiring, he enjoyed meeting with old coworkers and friends over coffee in Garden City Shopping Centre. He was always there for his grandchildren as they grew up. Either babysitting when they were young, or offering support and advice as they grew. He was proud to attend his grandson's university graduation in Calgary last June. He also enjoyed viewing video and pictures of his granddaughter's high school graduation last week in Florida, in the dress that he chose for her. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the staff of Health Sciences Centre ER, MICU, and Seven Oaks Hospital 5U2/3 and ICU for the compassionate care that Steve received. Should friends wish, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Steve's name. Services will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Prayers will be said Friday June 10 at 7:00 pm, with funeral services on Saturday June 11 at 10:00 am, Father Isidore Dziadyk presiding. A luncheon will follow, before interment at Holy Family Cemetery. Vichnaya Pam'yat