Eugene Kowalchuk, beloved Father, Dido and Great Dido, passed away peacefully late Saturday afternoon of August 24, 2024, in Souris Health Centre, surrounded by many of his family. Eugene was in his 95th year of life.
Left to mourn his loss and celebrate his life well lived are his children; Debra Bastone, Kelly (Charlene), Dallas Kuhr, Kendall (Marilyn), Kimberlee (Jonathon) Morgan, Derek (Fatimah), Damon, Dexter (Val), Kent (Roxanna), Kelvin (Tracy), Darwin (Bonita), and Krista (Derek) Rogers along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as friends and the community.
Eugene is predeceased by his beloved wife, June (nee Arksey), father and mother, Harry and Catherine (nee Bobelak), sisters; Mary Kowalchuk and Anne (Tom) Donnelly, and brothers; William and wife, Nettie (nee Zeleny), John and wife, Olga (nee Kindrachuk), nephew, Billy, daughter-in-laws Sheila (nee Marsden) and Christine (nee Ashton) and niece-in-law, Joyce Kowalchuk (nee Muir).
On September 1, 2024 there was a private interment service for the family at Souris & Glenwood Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life ceremony in the Souris & Glenwood Community Hall, officiated by Tanis Podobni, and with special music by Mary Ritchie, Jim Black and Kevin Bowie and a Honour Guard from the Royal Canadian Legion.
In 1927, Eugene’s father Harry left the Ukraine for Canada to explore the new opportunities. After working for various farmers near Fielding, Whitkow, and Ruddell in Saskatchewan, and sewing and repairing clothes for people in the district, he was able to purchase his quarter section of land (SW-9-46-14W3M, 52.947529, -107.981066). Harry wrote his wife, Catherine, instructing her to sell the property and to come to Canada with their three children; Mary (10), John (8) and Bill (6). The family arrived in the Port of Halifax, via Antwerp, Belgium, on August 12, 1928 and then travelled west arriving August 16, 1928 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Eugene was born on the family farm near Hatherleigh, SK on October 4, 1929, a year after his family emigrated from the Ukraine and his sister Anne in 1931 to complete the family.
Eugene attended school the Hatherleigh School, a one room schoolhouse. In the winters, when Eugene was older, he would drive a horse and sleigh to collect some of the children from nearby farmsteads and transport them to and from school. In 1943, the family moved to North Battleford where Eugene attended high school along with siblings, Bill and Anne. Harry worked as a tailor at Caplan Cleaners while John was left to run the farm.
In 1946, John and Bill heard of a dry-cleaning business opportunity, in Souris, Manitoba, so they and their wives, Olga and Nettie, moved to Souris to purchase and run the business. The boys had informed Harry of the benefits of the new town, so Harry packed up the rest of the family and moved to Souris to join the business providing clothing alterations.
Eugene worked in the dry-cleaning business for 10 years then he did a short stint in the Express department of the railroad for a year before being encouraged by James Diehl to join him in the furniture and funeral business. In 1956, Eugene began working at Diehl’s Furniture and Funeral Home.
Eugene met June Arksey in Souris and they married in 1956, soon after started a family. Eugene continued working at Diehl’s and in 1963 he bought the business. In 1968, Eugene had extensive renovations completed on the building which included the addition of a chapel to the funeral home, an expansion to the display area in the furniture store, as well as an expansion of the living quarters on the second level of the building. Eugene and June ran the business for 24 years before deciding to rename the business Kowalchuk’s Furniture and Funeral Home, in 1987. Eugene’s son, Dexter, joined Eugene in the business, upon his completion of high school. In 1993, Dexter along with his wife Val (nee Deleau) purchased the business from Eugene. Eugene stayed to assist until his retirement in 1999 at the age of 70.
Eugene was very active in the community. He belonged to the Lions Club which helped raise money for projects improve the community and improve the lives of people who were disadvantaged. He performed roles such as the ‘tail-twister” and even the president of the club. He was also a member of the Souris Legion since 1952. Eugene also performed roles such as a baseball coach and volunteered for many of his children’s sport teams whether it be driving the kids and their teammates to another town to play hockey or even manning the canteen at the arena.
Eugene loved playing his saxophone with his band The Playboys and later the Twilighters. Eugene used the extra money from his gigs to help pay for family vacations in the motorhome. Eugene would frequently entertain the folks at the Victoria Park Lodge, the Crescent Manor and even on the stage in the Victoria Park Bowl and many other venues. One special treat for the family members and special friends was that he would call them on their birthdays and serenade them with a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday”. He would have a list of all the birthdays of all the children, spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren which he would have to check daily since there are 108 family members. This was Eugene’s unique way of showing the family that he remembered and cared.
Eugene’s favourite moments were always with his family. He cherished the times when everyone got together – the chaos, the laughter, the shared meals, and the stories that never seem to get old, no matter how many times they were told and let’s not forget the bonfires. Eugene loved sitting around a good fire with family and friends. Eugene had a special way of making everyone feel important, whether you were one of his children, a grandchild, a great-grandchild or someone lucky enough to be part of the extended family. The kids always knew it was special if Dad was able to show up at one of their events because he was always so busy with work and he had to share the attention with the other kids.
The grandchildren all loved visiting Dido in the store because he always had a half piece of Wrigley’s Double Mint gum to give them – never a full piece but always a half piece. It was a small gesture, but one that showed his thoughtfulness and his love for the little things in life. Eugene was even there when the kids were under duress from an injury, where he would call “The Flying Doctor”. The kids were so caught up with him pretending to call and requesting “a saw and hammer” that they forgot about their “owie”.
Eugene also loved to golf when he was able to get away from work. When the children were younger, Eugene would take the kids with him to the golf course to teach them golf etiquette and the finer points of the game but you had to think it was more likely to get the kids out of June’s hair! Even if he only played a few holes, it was not always about the score or the perfect shot for him. It was about being out there, enjoying the fresh air, the challenge, and even the good shots, and wondering why he couldn’t do this every time he was out on the course. Eugene did manage to win a few trophies in his golf career.
Another recreation Eugene loved to partake in was fishing for the big one. When the children were younger, he would take them out to the river and line them up with their bamboo poles and bobbers. Eugene did not get much time to fish himself as he was either getting snags out, resetting the hook with bait, or removing the odd fish or turtle. However, later in life, he enjoyed his annual autumn trek to northwest Ontario for a week of fishing to catch a trophy Walleye. Eugene loved the fish fries and the rousing games of cribbage in the evenings.
Eugene and June loved to travel and were able to go visit Derek, Fatimah and family in Suriname both for their wedding and another trip during Christmas. June said it was the first time that she put a Christmas turkey in the oven and then go to the swimming pool to cool off. They would also extend these trips into the Caribbean to enjoy the sand and surf. Eugene and June also ventured to Yemen to see Kelly and family and continued into various countries including India. Other trips included Hawaii, Europe, Continental USA, Mexico as well as across Canada to visit his children and family or just explore an unfamiliar territory.
Eugene was a man who knew how to live well. He knew how to balance the joys of family with his love of music, how to give back to his community in ways big and small, and how to keep swinging – whether it was on the golf course or in life. His humour, his warmth and his unwavering spirit were gifts that he shared with all of us, and for that, his family and friends are forever grateful.
As we say goodbye, we remember a man who wasn’t just a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend – he was the music that filled our lives, the laughter that brightened our days, and the solid ground we all stood on. Dad, you’ve played your final tune here on Earth, but your melody will live on in our hearts.
The family wishes to thank all the nurses, doctors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and the kitchen and cleaning staff that cared for Eugene in the Souris Health Center. We would also like to give a special thank you going to Dr. David Cram.
In memory of Eugene, donations may be made to the Souris & Glenwood Foundation; Box 518, Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0 or to St. Paul’s United Church New Door Fund; Box 899, Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0.
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Our condolences to the Kowalchuk family. We are so sorry to hear of Eugene‘s passing we always enjoyed his company and conversation when we would meet up with him and we enjoyed hearing him play his Sax. He was such a nice fellow he will be missed.
Sincerely Traci & Clive
We are so sorry to hear this news! He will be missed but his loving family.
With great memories of the kowalchuk family and Souris
Barb McMillan and family
Victoria BC
My condolences to you all
Eugene will be missed. He was the coolest sax player and any time spent with him was always entertaining. His reflections on his early life were alway intriguing and often humorous.
Our deepest sympathy to the all of Eugene’s family. Eugene was a Souris treasure and the kindest man. He will surely be missed by you all (especially those birthday melodies he would bless you with on his sax). Please know that our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Love Kelly & Reid
To the Kowalchuk family,
Our heart are saddened to hear of the passing of the last of the Souris Playboys.
Eugene was one of my father’s dearest friends and he could always brighten my dad’s day. They had so many memories together playing at dances across south western Manitoba. Dad always looked forward to seeing Eugene as he always had a new joke to share that Dad could bring home to us. Seeing them laughing together when Eugene last visited my dad in hospital a few years ago, they were like a couple of teenage boys talking about music, mischief, their gals who had left them too soon, and of course, there were jokes.
May the memories of Eugene always make you smile.
Grant, Suzanne, Holly and Toban Basiuk
We were so very sorry to hear about Eugene’s passing. I have such fond memories of time spent in the “busy” Kowalchuk household as a kid – and was always in awe of what a wonderful father and husband he was. Sincere condolences to you all. Souris will miss him!
Ruth and Trevor Mealy
So sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing. He was a great neighbour, such a kind, pleasant man. Our condolences to all of the Kowalchuk’s at this sad time.
To the Kowalchuk Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time.
Eugene was a very nice man whether it was in the funeral home or in the furniture store. He was always very helpful. We danced many,many times to the music of the Playboys and enjoyed his sax playing
Cherish your memories.
Sincerely,
Dean and Donna Couvier
Fred and Sharon Kelesnik
To the Kowalchuk Family,
My condolences to all of you on the passing of your father/ grandfather. He was a wonderful person.
I notice with sadness, the passing of your father, father in law, grandfather, great grandfather. Eugene was many things to so many. Always a gentleman, always kind and gentle. He will be so sadly missed by his family and the community.
Eugene was a family man, and a community man, who shared his love of music and the importance of living a good life. He will be so fondly remembered and sadly missed.
To the Kowalchuk Family,
Eugene will be missed by all who knew him. I feel fortunate to have been his neighbor for 2+ years. Always enjoyed our visits and I will miss hearing him play his sax. My sincere condolences to all his family.
Our deepest sympathies to the family.
To the whole Family. I have so many great memories of Mr K. The dances at the park pavilion with him playing his sax. All of us kids piled into the car for the trips to the drive-in on the highway for ice cream. When he would come upstairs for dinner or supper and all the little guys from Damon on down running over to see their dad. He had so much love for Mrs K . and all of the kids. He is with his soul mate again, they can dance again. Heaven is a Happy place. My thoughts and prayers for the whole family at this time.
Sincere Condolences to the Kowalchuk family and their families on the loss of your dear Dad. Eugene was always friendly – your parents were great with the Paper kids. Thinking of you all at this sad time, may your memories be comforting. I send you all healing prayers and a comforting hug. R.I.P. Eugene
Our thoughts are with you all. Eugene was a good man and strong community member. He will be missed.
Sandi and Trevor Cowieson
The Kowalchuk family and the town of Souris has lost a treasure as Eugene was such a huge part of his family , friends and community. I have so many great memories of him working in the store, funeral home , playing music, and hanging with his family. I’m so glad that I got to spend some time with him this summer and as I walked away I thought that was my goodbye. He will always be remembered as a gentleman with such a huge heart. Sending my sympathy to all of his family at this sad time.
I am so sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing. His care and compassion was very evident on his regular visits to the PCH. His quick witt and musical ability was enjoyed by everyone! A true loss for the town of Souris. My condolences to all his family, friends, fellow Twilighters and community.
Our deepest sympathies to the Kowalchuk families on the passing of Eugene. Will miss the visits, bon fires, the stories and memories he could recall were immense, and the family get togethers that Dennis and I were always included in . Always looked forward to our yearly birthday song on the saxophone. Will miss him dearly. Love Linda and Dennis.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time! Eugene was a very kind and gentle man .
Our condolences to everyone in the Kowalchuk family. Eugene always had time for a chit chat and was such a caring person, he will truly be missed.
Uncle Eugene will be missed. I have fond memories of going to Souris to visit with John and Olga and your parents place above the funeral home. Love that smile! I would know it anywhere. My condolences you all!
Janice Bidyk (Sylvia (Kowalchuk) and Stan daughter)
Our sympathies to the family. Cherish your memories of your Dad. May he rest in peace.
Deepest sympathies to the entire Kowalchuk family on the passing of Eugene.
We were so very sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing, our deepest condolences to the Kowalchuk family at this sad time.
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Kowalchuk family on the loss of this grand gentleman. What an abundance of memories each of you will have. Remember, share and smile.
Eugene was one of the best.
Kind, honest and full of life and humility.
He will be dearly lost by all who met him.
Deepest condolences to family
My condolences to the Kowalchuk families. Eugene was always such a kind fellow.
Our deepest condolences to the Kowalchuk Family Eugene will be missed by many. Such a sweet man.
Our condolences. A shining example of a life well lived.
Condolences to you Dexter and Val and the entire Kowalchuk family on the passing of your father and grandfather as you relive all the great memories you have of the many years spent with your Dad.
Doug and Helen Fenwick
Our condolences to the Kowalchuk Family. So sorry for your loss. Eugene was a very kind man and he will me missed.
My condolences to the Kowalchuk family. Eugene was always a smiling kind man. We will miss him and his music.
We walked together at the cemetery many times. I’m sorry you have to move on now alone.
I’ll miss his smile of assurance as he sat in the back pew or greeted church folks or encouraged me. I enjoyed his company many times with the community band. He left his mark so many ways over many years. Now, as God has called him home I know Eugene’s spirit will continue to bring comfort in the memories he leaves as His faithful servant. Well done!
So sorry to hear of your loss. Keep your memories close.
Deepest sympathy to all.
Such a wonderful, caring fella! His nature has certainly been passed down in the Kowalchuk family. He took such good care of so many families over the years and we will always remember.
Know that you are all in our thoughts during this sad time.
The Turner’s @ Carroll
To the Kowalchuk family .
So sorry for your loss, Sympathies to you all.
Dexter, Val and the Kowalchuk family we are so sorry for your loss. Dean and I are thinking of you at this difficult time.
I remember your dad letting me use his garage and vehicle for a science project. We were supposed to teach the class how to do something new to us. It was a lot of fun. He was a kind and generous man.
Eugene will be missed in our community. My condolences to you all.
Our deepest sympathies to the Kowalchuk families. Eugene will be deeply missed by his beloved family, his friends, and the community he held dear. Whenever we visited Dennis and Linda and Kent and Roxy we always enjoyed our visits with Eugene, weather around the kitchen table having coffee or the campfire and the fish fry’s in the back yard. Love and hugs from Uncle Dennis and Aunty Penny and family.
I am so sorry that Eugene is gone. He was a long time friend. He and Denny were good friends through the years of the Souris Playboys, then we were long time friends with June and Eugene. After we both had lost our spouses we spent time together, dances, cribbage games and numerous cups of coffee, as well as enjoying many renditions of “Happy Birthday” played on the alto sax. I will certainly miss him as I know all of you will.
Sympathy to you Dexter and Val and family and all of the Kowalchuk families!
Sympathy to you Kim and Jon and family and all of the Kowalchuk families. I never met Eugene but heard many great stories
shared by Kim and Jon. You will have many memories to guide you forward.
My sincere sympathies to the Kowalchuk Families. He was such a good friend to my Dad and they will be playing their saxophones together again.
Sincere sympathy to all the Kowalchuk families
Eugene was one in a million. He was so good to everyone in this town. Our sincere condolences and prayers to the family. Don and Judy Smutko
With our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the Kowalchuk families. Eugene was a grand gentleman and valued member of the community, he will be missed. Our thoughts are with you at this time of sadness.
Bill and Cindy Scott
To the Kowalchuk Family,
Eugene leaves a legacy of kindness and community. He supported the community in so many ways over his lifetime. Always cheerful and friendly, interested in what’s happening, sharing a laugh, spreading joy with his music; a good neighbour. Our families intersected in many ways over the years for which we are grateful. Our condolences to you as you celebrate Eugene.
Sincerely ,
The Whitfield family
Ralph, Pam, Rod and Daphne
Our sincere condolences to all of Eugene ‘s family on the loss of their loving father, Dido and great grandfather. A very kind and fun loving man. May all your memories be a source of comfort.
Erminia (Bastone) and Andrew Maykut . Guelph, Ontario
To the Kowalchuk family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Your father was very special and one of my Dad’s dearest friends through music, playing in the Souris Playboys. The tributes that have been written here are testimony to his character, humour and humanity. A man we were privileged to know and someone we looked up to.
May the many fond memories (and his jokes) lessen the grief in his passing.
Sincerely,
Bob, Josephine, Danielle and Donovan
Deepest sympathy on the passing of your dad. Sorry we cannot be with you today as you celebrate your dad’s life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our sincere condolences to Eugene’s Family. He will be sadly missed.
Sending sympathy to you in this difficult time. We remember Eugene as a friendly and talented man, and how he loved to be involved in music and the community. He was a dear friend to Sharon. Our families will miss his kind spirit.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Zilkey and Kelsey Penner
Henry will always miss your dad’s reply to his “how are you” in Ukrainian. And your dad answered in Ukrainian “very good”. He will be missed by many and especially by you his family. He is truly a man who lived his best life Treasure every memory. With love
Our sincere condolences to the Kowalchuk family . He always had a smile and a nice “Hello” for everyone.Rest in peace Eugene.
Our sincere condolences to Eugene’s Family . Many fond memories will be shared and I’m sure Uncle Jack Godfrey and Eugene are back together playing their Saxophones!
Our condolences to the Kowalchuk family. Eugene was a quiet pillar of our community. His presence will be missed by his family and friends.
Our sincere condolences. Eugene was a kind, gentle soul and was the perfect personality in his field. Sending you strength today and peace in all the days ahead.
My Deepest Condolences to all of your family. Your Dad was a real treasure and will never be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Cindy
My condolences to Eugene’s family, he will be greatly missed from your family and the community.
Our condolences to the family; a life well-lived. He will be missed by many.
Leo and Kathleen
Our heartfelt condolences on your loss.
Condolences To Eugene’s Family. Very Interesting Man To Talk Too. Wish I Had Spent More Time With Him. He Sure Lived A Full Life