Obituary of STEPHEN (STEVE) PASTERNAK

STEPHEN (STEVE) PASTERNAK August 24, 1923 – March 15, 2020 At the age of 96 and after a life well-deserved, God decided it was Steve’s time. Peacefully, our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle left this earth in the early morning hours of Sunday, March 15, 2020. Our father will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his children, Janice (Ron), Cynthia (Rick), Lavina (Jack) , Gary (Katherine) and Robert (Jacquie); his grandchildren Christopher (Monica), Scott (Jennifer), Nicholas, Jennifer (Daryl), Arlo (Wilson), Andrew, Zorya, Annachie, Brandon (Shannon), Hannah (Corey), Rachel and his precious great-grandchildren Jayden, Carter, Parker, Penny, Eduardo, Emmett, Oliver, Carolina. Dad was born in Sandy Lake, Manitoba on August 24, 1923. Being the youngest in his family, he was the last to leave the family farm to begin his life journey. This led him to Yorkton, Saskatchewan to attend an all boys school and then to Mundare, Alberta to attend the seminary by invitation. By that time dad’s faith was already shaped by his parents and becoming a priest was his hope. But this was not what was to be for him. As dad would say, he didn’t receive the “calling” to become a priest. So, he left Mundare, Alberta and came to Winnipeg to work, joining his brother Willie and later his brother John. Dad lived his life as a bachelor and continued to be part of the church, enjoying his time with his brothers, playing music (dabbling with the violin and the lap steel guitar) and going to dances. It was at one of these dances, which were very popular in the 1940’s, where he met his future wife, our mother, Katherine. They married in 1950, their family grew to 6 children and dad worked hard to support his growing family. He continued to be a faithful servant of the church, sharing his gifts of music and singing. He was the choir director for a period of time and he had the privilege of being the cantor for St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church for over 60 years. Besides his strong devotion to the church and his family, dad also enjoyed watching sports on T.V., from Saturday Night Hockey, to baseball (Toronto Blue Jays), football (Go Bombers go!) and curling. After retirement from E.H. Price at age 65, dad developed new T.V. watching habits that would continue until his passing. Mom and dad were able to share their life together for 44 years before her sudden passing in September 1994. Dad then became the primary caregiver to his son Paul and when Paul died in July 1995, dad’s life changed once again. He accepted and adapted to what life was to be, enduring each challenge with independence, resilience, and determination. Health changes in his latter years led him to his last adventure. For the last 2 years dad lived at Holy Family Home. Everyday spent at Holy Family was a gift that we were given. He showed us a quiet strength, gentle nature, and a belief that “what will be, will be” (“It’s not my time yet.”), as it was up to God to decide when it was his time (even though his hope was to live to be 100). So it was on that early Sunday morning, dad was called by God to come. He was carried in the arms and comfort of the angels to be joined with his departed loved ones, his beloved wife Katherine, his son Paul, his precious great-granddaughter Gracie, his parents George and Katherine, and his siblings Mary, Pearl, Margaret, Anne, John and Willie. Steve’s family would like to thank Doctors Terry and Andrea Babick and the staff at Holy Family Home (too many to name) for the care provided to our father. In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice in his memory. A private family service and interment has taken place on March 19, 2020. A Memorial Liturgy to be held at a later date. Vichnaya Pam’yat – Rest Eternal