It is with great sadness we announce the passing of David (Dave) Edward Malainey on March 18, 2021. Dave was born and raised in Yorkton, Saskatchewan April 08, 1947 where he received his education and grew up playing hockey, baseball and badminton. Being the only child in the family he met and married his first love and life partner, Lilyan which was a huge change for him as he immediately adopted eleven Zemlak brother and sister in laws. It was during this time he learnt to play Kaiser, Crib and Ukrainian Rummy that usually lasted until the wee hours of the morning and several ounces of spirits.
Dave chose a career in the automotive industry. He prided himself in painting vehicles from a vintage fire wagon, classics and refinishing accident damaged vehicles. Eventually his career lead him into autobody management and he maintained a position on the board of directors with the Technical Institute for the autobody trades. Dave also gave much of his time to the Church as an active member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and served as the program chairman.
Following the birth of his sons’ Dave got back into sport, playing slo-pitch that he thoroughly enjoyed and took his family to summer slo-pitch tournaments throughout Saskatchewan, Manitoba and North Dakota. Dave prioritized family and as his sons began playing sports of their own he began coaching hockey and baseball and took on a role with Sask Baseball as a Zone Director. Much of Dave’s leisure time was spent traveling to cheer and support his sons in their own recreation pursuits including curling, volleyball, baseball and Yorkton marching bands. This was a great time in his life that left numerous happy memories and put several thousand kilometers on his car driving across Canada to support his sons.
After settling in Saskatoon, his newfound joy centered on his grandsons, Jordan and Joshua, watching them play hockey, baseball, football, basketball and all other activities they would get involved in. His grandsons love for sport took him across Canada and into the United States where one would regularly find “Grandpa Dave” sitting in the stands. He is their number one fan and anyone who spent time with “Grandpa Dave” would hear stories of their sport adventures proudly watching them play in the Vauxhall Baseball Academy and attend tournaments at Rodgers Centre in Toronto, Las Vegas, Florida and South Dakota amongst numerous other locations Canada wide. These events were never missed and ” Grandpa Dave ” was as well-known as a member of his grandsons’ teams as any parent, player and coach alike. If he could not attend their events in person he would be glued to his computer to watch their games online.
Dave was predeceased by his parents Frank and Kay Malainey, uncle Fred and aunt Lena Achtymichuk also extended family Carl and Nettie Zemlak, Clarence Zemlak, William Spak, Lawrence Kolybaba and Elsie and Jim Bilan. Dave is survived by his life partner and only love Lilyan, sons Cory (Leatha) and James (Crystal), grandsons Jordan and Joshua. Numerous aunts, uncles, in laws, nieces and nephews.
Thank you to Dr. L Thorpe, Dr. M Lucy and Dr. Schellenberg for your care and thoughtfulness.
A special thank you to Saskatchewan Abilities Saskatoon for being there with specialized equipment for his needs. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Saskatchewan Abilities Council would be greatly appreciated.
A private Celebration of Dave’s Life will be held at a later date in Yorkton, SK. Funeral arrangements have ben entrusted to Bailey’s Funeral Home, Yorkton, and Acadia McKague’s Funeral Centre , Saskatoon.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of David Edward Malainey Thursday March 18th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Yorkton, Province: Saskatchewan