Steve Arsenie was born on October 18, 1926, on the Arsenie homestead close to Brooksby, to Michael and Ann Arsenie. He was the oldest of five children, was raised on the homestead, and attended Maryville school. While attending school, young Steve nurtured his love of music, bought his first guitar and played with “The Melody Boys”. He also played the saxophone and enjoyed playing with various bands and jamming at family/community functions. After leaving school, Dad stayed at home to help with farming. He also worked on a threshing crew, with the CNR and at a saw mill.

On October 3, 1948, Steve married Mary Panchuk, daughter of Stanley and Julia Panchuk. They started farming on their own in the Taelman district near Gronlid and raised cattle, hogs, chickens, turkeys, and grain. A farmer’s life is not always an easy one, but Dad worked diligently to improve the farm and instilled a strong work ethic in his children and grandchildren. Dad was a member of the Gronlid local school board, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool committee and the RM council. His quiet demeanor was an example to all of how to live a humble life, dedicated to family and community.

Dad’s faith was an integral part of his life. His day did not start or end without a prayer. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox church of Gronlid and held various positions on the executive including president and secretary/treasurer. Dad also treasured his time as a cantor (reader) in the church.

Dad and Mom enjoyed fishing, traveling south, and visiting family in Alberta and Manitoba. They were extremely proud of their grandchildren, attending sports events, Ukrainian dancing, school band concerts, and various other activities.

Dad and Mom continued farming well into their eighties and later retired to Melfort. When Mom’s health began to decline and she moved to a care home in St. Brieux, Dad moved to St. Brieux to be closer to her. Later he moved back to Melfort, to Nirvana Pioneer Villa, then to Parkland Place, where he lived until his passing.

Dad is remembered with love by his son Bernie (Debbie) Arsenie, Gina (Greg) Campbell, Jode (Mark) Derenisky – Carter and Caidence, Christopher (Emily) Arsenie – Ellie, Rory, Luke, Miles, and Leah; daughter-in-law June Arsenie, Kaley (Eldon) McLeod – Reese and Gage, Jeff Arsenie, Megan (Darren) Mitchell – Charlee and Finley; son Myron (Theresa) Arsenie, Shaunda (Taras) Sorokan, Derek (Robyn) Arsenie – Denver and Emmett; daughter Janet (Andrew) Hawrysh, Anthony (Jenn) Hawrysh – Angelina, Melanie (Bryan) Sopatyk – Natalie, Alanna (Dalton) Clouthier; and daughter Alice (Linden) McFarlane, Joel (Janel) McFarlane – Max, Rhea McFarlane (Colton Fritzler).

Surviving Dad is his sister Pauline Wowchuk and sister-in-law, Stella Arsenie, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mary; his son, Don; his parents, Michael and Ann Arsenie; sister Lena (Joe) Smigelski; brother, Bill (Olga) Arsenie; brother, Orest Arsenie; and brother-in-law, Pete Wowchuk.

The family extends their gratitude to Nirvana Pioneer Villa and Parkland Place for the compassionate care while Dad resided with them.

He will be greatly missed!

Friends so wishing may make memorial contributions to St. Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, or to a Charity of One's Choice.