Happy Father's Day Dad

On Sunday April 6, 2003 and at approximately 7:00 PM, I was in a Halifax hotel room having a sandwich for supper when my brother Brad called me. He said: "Harve, our Dad just passed away". He then provided some details.

My Dad passed away in a hospital room in Melville, Saskatchewan. No family member could be with him at the time, however, a very kind nurse was present with Dad to make sure someone seen him "graduated from the human world into the spirit world".

I miss my Dad. I miss hugging him and I miss just being physically close to him. There were times (at the end of his life) I would just sit close to him with my arm on his shoulders. We wouldn't say much; he would smile and I knew he enjoyed the moment.

I was a wonderful spring day when we said good-bye to Dad at his funeral in Ituna. It was an honour to say a few words about Dad's life and it was especially important for me to make amends for Dad.

This was my Dad ...

"Fred was born on March 11, 1926 on the family farm located on NW 6-26-8-W2M in the Homefield district of Saskatchewan. He was fifth child born to Demetrius and Annie (nee Mohyla) who originated from the Western Ukraine and immigrated to Canada in the early 1900’s. Fred had seven brothers; Mike, John, Joe, Steve, Metro, Anton, Louis and two sisters; Mary and Angeline.

Fred attended Nanton School, finished grades 8 and 9 by correspondence and received his high school education at St. Joseph’s College in Yorkton. During his high school era, Fred was a member of the military reserves but was not called to duty due to the end of World War II. After graduation, Fred worked on the family farm, was secretary for Nanton School and had a brief employment with the Department of Highways. He had fond memories and many stories to tell about his adventures in his “bush camp” employment in Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan.

In the fall of 1953 his life was to change forever as a result of an innocent purchase of a pie at a Fall Social and Dance at the Smokeside School near Homefield. The pie was made by a 17 year old beauty named Martha. This led to romance and eventually marriage. On July 11, 1954, Fred and Martha were married in Ituna and celebrated their special day at Martha's family farm in the Homefield district. Their honeymoon was spent travelling to Ontario visiting Niagara Falls and spending 6 weeks working on a tobacco farm in Simcoe, Ontario before returning to the farm (NW 7-26-8W2M) that Fred purchased from his brother John in 1952. His farm was expanded after the purchase of a quarter section of land from his father Demetrius and another 2 quarters from Mike Mohyla.

On October 25, 1956, Fred became a father for the first time when Martha gave birth to Harvey Frederick Fedyk. Additional children blessed Fred’s life and include Mariane Christine (January 02, 1958), Loverne Bernice (October 10, 1959), Barry Wilfred (August 12, 1961), Daniel Alfred James (October 2, 1964) and finally Bradley Dwayne (February 21, 1972).

Fred loved mixed farming, especially raising cattle. He was noted for his skills in the care of cattle during the calving season and was sought after for his knowledge by his neighbours. He loved the outdoors and was widely known for his true passion … hunting and trapping. His favourite seasons were spring and fall. During this time Fred was alone on his trap lines and enjoyed hunting for deer, moose, geese and ducks in the fall. He was recognized by the Hudson Bay Company for his trapping skills and was awarded Trapper of the Year on several occasions. He was a member of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation.

Fred’s twilight years were spent on the family farm; he enjoyed gardening and helping his sons with farm work. His greatest joy were his grandchildren … he loved each one with a great deal of passion and warmth. They are his legacy and his was proud of each and every one. Gido will be sadly missed.

In 2002, Fred accidentally broke his hip and this required surgery. Due to his age, recovery was slow. Fred became a resident of Ituna Pioneer Lodge were he received excellent care. He longed to go home to the farm he loved but poor health prevented this from occurring until this week. He made his final visit to the farm during his trip from Yorkton’s funeral home to Ituna. The farm will not be the same without him …husband, Dad and Gido. The journey is complete and you are now in God’s hands. We will always love you."

I am now the Gido and my job is to make my grandson's cry like my son cried at Dad's farewell ceremony that fine spring day in 2003.

During these past few months, I have relied on Dad's spiritual help fighting the monster . I have felt his presence at my most stressful times. Thanks Dad for putting your arms around me when I needed it.

Happy Father's Day Dad!

Harvey

P.S. Please send more toonies.