Joseph Stephen Semeniuk Edmonton, Alberta Obituary

Joseph Stephen Semeniuk

After a long struggle with cancer, Joseph Stephen Semeniuk, 66, passed away on December 9, 2016 at the Misericordia Community Hospital in Edmonton, AB. Joe was born on March 9, 1950 in Myrnam, AB to Stephen and Mary (Chykaliuk) Semeniuk. The second of four children, Joe spent his childhood on the family farm. Following graduation (and after accidentally blowing up his high school’s chemistry lab), he moved to Edmonton to pursue higher education. Following a series of occupational adventures, including a single day at the chicken processing plant, Joe found himself in Northern Saskatchewan working at the El Dorado mine in Uranium City. In search of warmer weather, Joe eventually moved to Fort McMurray, where he discovered his passion - protecting others. After 15 years on the security team at Suncor, he returned to school, earning his diploma in Occupational Health and Safety from BCIT, and graduating as the top student in his program. On his watch as a safety officer at BJ Pipeline and Processing Services, Joe cut down the rate of workplace accidents and protected the lives of his fellow employees. Joe met his wife Barbara at BCIT. Their only daughter, Dianne, was born in 1992. Joe was a proud and fiercely protective father, scaring off more than one potential suitor. Joe and Barbara eventually went their separate ways but remained close friends. Joe was devoted to his faith, dedicated to his friends and family and determined to improve the safety and wellbeing of others through his work. Despite declining health, Joe kept up an active social life, especially enjoying the company of his beloved cats, Kirby and Sheba. His booming laugh and delightfully off-colour sense of humour left lasting impressions on those lucky enough to know him. We all miss him dearly, but are comforted by the fact that he is free of pain and in a better place. Joe is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Rosemarie (George) and Sonya (Frank); his brother, Michael (Mary Ann); his daughter, Dianne (Alan) and her mother, Barbara. He was a proud uncle and great-uncle to his siblings’ many children and grandchildren. Memorial Service Friday, December 16 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, 12603 – Ellerslie Road, Edmonton. Interment Saturday, December 17 at 12:00 p.m. at Bohdan Community Cemetery in Myrnam, AB. In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2.
December 9, 201612/09/2016
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Obituary

After a long struggle with cancer, Joseph Stephen Semeniuk, 66, passed away on December 9, 2016 at the Misericordia Community Hospital in Edmonton, AB. Joe was born on March 9, 1950 in Myrnam, AB to Stephen and Mary (Chykaliuk) Semeniuk. The second of four children, Joe spent his childhood on the family farm. Following graduation (and after accidentally blowing up his high school’s chemistry lab), he moved to Edmonton to pursue higher education. Following a series of occupational adventures, including a single day at the chicken processing plant, Joe found himself in Northern Saskatchewan working at the El Dorado mine in Uranium City. In search of warmer weather, Joe eventually moved to Fort McMurray, where he discovered his passion - protecting others. After 15 years on the security team at Suncor, he returned to school, earning his diploma in Occupational Health and Safety from BCIT, and graduating as the top student in his program. On his watch as a safety officer at BJ Pipeline and Processing Services, Joe cut down the rate of workplace accidents and protected the lives of his fellow employees. Joe met his wife Barbara at BCIT. Their only daughter, Dianne, was born in 1992. Joe was a proud and fiercely protective father, scaring off more than one potential suitor. Joe and Barbara eventually went their separate ways but remained close friends. Joe was devoted to his faith, dedicated to his friends and family and determined to improve the safety and wellbeing of others through his work. Despite declining health, Joe kept up an active social life, especially enjoying the company of his beloved cats, Kirby and Sheba. His booming laugh and delightfully off-colour sense of humour left lasting impressions on those lucky enough to know him. We all miss him dearly, but are comforted by the fact that he is free of pain and in a better place. Joe is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Rosemarie (George) and Sonya (Frank); his brother, Michael (Mary Ann); his daughter, Dianne (Alan) and her mother, Barbara. He was a proud uncle and great-uncle to his siblings’ many children and grandchildren. Memorial Service Friday, December 16 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, 12603 – Ellerslie Road, Edmonton. Interment Saturday, December 17 at 12:00 p.m. at Bohdan Community Cemetery in Myrnam, AB. In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2.

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Events

Dec
16
Service
Friday, December 16 2016
02:00 PM
St. Margaret Anglican Church
12603 Ellerslie Road
EDMONTON, AB T6W 1A3
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