Steve Cherwonick

Cherwonick: Steve ---90, retired in Kelowna, BC (formerly of Edmonton, Alta) passed away peacefully with family at his side on May 23, 2013. He was courageous in his battle against bone cancer. Steve was a loving husband, wonderful father, proud grandfather and great friend to many. The third of five children he grew up on a small farm near Rossburn, MB. In 1940 he joined the Canadian Army as an Artillery Gunner and served overseas until the end of WW II. After the war Steve worked as a seismic surveyor and met his future wife Mary Reyke in Gull Lake, SK. In 1954 he moved to Edmonton, AB as a Land Surveyor and ran a successful business until retirement in 1977. Steve enjoyed many happy years at his acreage gardening, woodworking and dabbling in local political activities. In 1977 he retired and spent many happy years on their acreage home near Devon, AB, working in his garden and flower beds. Mary passed away in 1995 and later he married Maxine McHale. In 2009 they moved to the Kelowna, BC area. Despite geographic separation from his family in Halifax, Steve maintained close ties with his son’s family. He was a kind and loving man, who consistently set an example for honesty and integrity in both his personal and professional life. Blessed with the gift of storytelling based on his many and varied life experiences he entertained friends and family, especially his adoring grandchildren. Steve will be missed by all who knew him. He was a son of the late James and Albina (Klisch) Cherwonick. Steve was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Left with many fond memories are his wife, Maxine; son Gary (Jane Marie); grandchildren, Bryan and Katelyn; nephews Jerry, George, Jim, Bobby; niece Betty-Anne. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his devoted wife Mary of 45 years; sister Ann and brother-in-law Maron; brother Mike and sister-in-law Kathy; brother Matt and sister-in-law Helen; brother Pete and sister-in-law Leta; nephew Harold. He will be greatly missed and carried in our hearts forever. Donations in Steve’s memory may be made to the Cancer Society. A Celebration of Steve’s Life will be be held on Thursday, May 30th, 2013 at 10:30 AM at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #26, 1380 Bertram Street, Kelowna. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mem.com, clicking on stories and typing in Steve Cherwonick. Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna. 250-762-2299