Donald Suchy
November 2, 1940 – March 17, 2019
Donald (Don) Suchy of Norquay, SK, passed away at the Preeceville and District Long Term Care Unit, Preeceville, SK, on March 17, 2019, at the age of 78 years.
Don was born on November 2, 1940, in Humboldt, SK, to Stephan and Mary (nee Stadnichuk) Suchy. He was raised on a farm near Burr, SK. He attended Attica School, a country school located one mile from the family farm. Because Don was good at school, Stephan wanted Don to finish his education and do something different than farming. In grades 9 to 11, he attended St. Joseph’s College in Yorkton. His parents could not afford to pay for his grade 12 year, so he completed his grade 12 in Lanigan. In his younger years, Don enjoyed playing hockey, curling, and Ukrainian dancing. Don’s love of cars included drag racing with the old 1955 black Hudson with his older brother Wally! Don’s mom was an excellent cook with a sweet tooth that was passed down through the generations. She would often wake up in the morning to find half of the pies, cakes, and tarts gone off the countertops.
Don moved many times throughout his life to pursue different careers. After graduation, he accepted a job at the CIBC in Humboldt, where he trained to be a manager. He continued to work for the CIBC in Dinsmore, Radisson and was transferred to Norquay. Don was married in 1964. Colleen was born in 1965 and Deborah was born in 1966 shortly after moving to Wadena. Don relocated the family to Humboldt and started Humboldt Mobile Feeds, with his brothers, Wally and Julius. He left the business and started his career with SAAN as manager in Meadow Lake. He was transferred to the Prince Albert store, and then become Area Manager for Saskatchewan and Manitoba. While living in Prince Albert, the family enjoyed their cabin at Anglin Lake just north of Prince Albert, where they spent most weekends together swimming, water skiing, fishing and snowmobiling. In 1981, Don left SAAN in order to get off the road and spend more time with his family. He built his own clothing store in Norquay called Don’s Family Clothing. His daughters worked every day after school to « learn a strong work ethic ». By the time the girls were done helping him shingle the store, he said « my boys are pretty good. » He encouraged his daughters to get post-secondary education and careers to support themselves. Don reminded the girls many times he was spending his money during his retirement years! He eventually expanded to a second store in Preeceville. Annual fishing trips with friends and relatives at Jan Lake were special. How much actual fish was caught is debatable, but they did take turns cooking and whoever complained got double duty. Don sold the Norquay store and took on the maintenance job at the low rentals housing units in Norquay. With his love of farming, he also
Born: November 2, 1940 Place of Birth: Humboldt, SK, Canada Death: March 17, 2019 Place of Death: Preeceville, SK, Canada
worked for several farmers including with his sister Betty and brother-in-law, Ardean in Pilger, and Schweigert farms north of Norquay. Don was multi-talented, able to fix, build, and figure out any task. He renovated many houses in his lifetime, built two new homes, and a store. Some of his more memorable projects include transforming a school bus into a motor-home and building a fibre-glass boat. The grandchildren especially enjoyed riding the retrofitted bobcat fondly known as, « The Don-Deer ». In his « spare » time, he completed taxes for family, general fixing and repairs for friends and neighbors. He was a self-taught mechanic, plumber, carpenter, farmer, electrician, and accountant.
After selling the Don’s Family Clothing store in Preeceville, Don would travel annually to Florida. With a love of travel, he was able to see many parts of the world including Cuba, Dominican Republic, Philippines, and walked with crutches throughout Hong Kong determined not to miss out on anything. After officially retiring, he spent winters in Yuma, Arizona. Don enjoyed beautiful summers at Crystal Lake tinkering in his shop, fishing, and spending time with his friends, family, and grandchildren. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. His last few years were spent in Preeceville Long Term Care. His mind remained sharp and he had a good sense of humor up until his final days. Don enjoyed visits with family and friends. He had the Suchy sweet tooth and loved his desserts. Much time was spent playing crib and he took a quiet pleasure in skunking everyone. Don was deeply loved and will be missed. He will be forever in our hearts. Don is predeceased by his parents, Stephan and Mary (Stadnichuk) Suchy, and his brothers, Julius and Walter. He is survived by his daughters, Colleen (Lorne) Robinson and Deborah (Darren) Humphries, grandchildren: Allison, Abby, Carter, Lexi and Maya, and his sister, Betty, as well as many family members and friends.
The family would like to express their appreciating to the Preeceville Long Term Care Staff for the compassionate care Don received. In Don’s honour, a Memorial Gathering will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 23, 2019, Leson’s Family Centre, Canora, SK. A Private Family Interment of Cremated Remains will follow at a later date. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Preeceville Long Term Care (Blanket Warmer Fundraiser), as tokens of remembrance, in memory of Don Suchy.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Donald Suchy 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Canora, Province: Saskatchewan