FUNERAL DETAILS: scroll to the bottom of the obituary. TO LEAVE A CONDOLENCE MESSAGE: click on the “Memory Wall” tab above TO MAKE A MEMORIAL DONATION: scroll to the bottom of this page. It is with a sense of great sadness that we announce the passing of Vern Sawchuk on Monday, October 4, 2021, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Melville, Saskatchewan, at the age of 54 years. Vern was born on November 1, 1966, in Balcarres, Saskatchewan, son of Walter and Jean (nee Martin) Sawchuk. He was the baby in the family. He grew up on the family farm at Ituna and attended Ituna School and Melville Comprehensive School. Vern began his working career at the Deer Park Bus Garage in Melville. Yearning to be more involved in farming, he left the garage after 15 years and began working for local farmer and friend Morris Feduk. It was here that he became known as “Pickr2”, as he spent many hours and years picking stones, so many hours that Mr. Feduk had a personalized license plate made for Vern! Vern worked alongside “Pickr1”, the late Steve Matechuk, for many years. He and Steve became very good friends. They enjoyed each other’s company so much that they would stop for coffee breaks together on the field and then have lunch together, again on the field! In 2010, Vern started working for his brother Cameron on both the farming and construction side. It was also here that he worked alongside his brother and best friend Keith, which he very much enjoyed. Due to declining health, in July 2020, Vern moved to St. Paul Lutheran Home in Melville and enjoyed his new extended family. Vern was a member of Melville Show Stopper’s, the Passion Play and the Western Development Museum in Yorkton. It was through his friendship with the late Steve Matechuk that Vern became involved with the Yorkton Threshermen’s Club. He truly enjoyed the grounds buzzing with excitement, the smell of fresh-baked bread, fresh-drawn lumber and turned sod. Vern also enjoyed snowmobiling, grass drags and a good game of crib! He was a very sociable individual, often seen interacting with patrons and staff at Western Pizza and Tim Horton’s. Vern also enjoyed stopping for coffee with friends and family on a regular basis. He liked to refer to himself as the ‘best looking man in Melville’!! Vern took special interest in attending family functions and attending his nieces' and nephews’ events when he could. Vern was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Jean, and infant brother Herman. He leaves to cherish his memory: his brothers, Cameron (Robilyn), Barry (Glenda), Craig (Debbie), Rodney and Keith, and sister Patty (Ray); twelve nieces and nephews; thirteen great-nieces and nephews; aunts, cousins and friends. Vern was a special person to all who knew and loved him. Vern made many friends who have helped and supported him during his life. Your kindness is truly appreciated.