WOROBEC: Austin

September 8, 1919 - April 27, 2025

Austin Worobec passed away peacefully on April 27th at the age of 105 with his family by his side.

He was born on the farm near Venn, Saskatchewan in 1919 to Peter and Tekla Worobec. Austin was the middle of two brothers and also had eight sisters. He attended Geneseo School and later, Ridgeford School when the family moved. As a young man, Austin worked for several farmers in the area and then for a short time in Vancouver, B.C. where he was an armature winder. He eventually returned to Saskatchewan to begin farming again and continued until well into his 80’s.

For a time he spent winters in Saskatoon where he attended agricultural classes and eventually met his wife, Regis, who worked at the Royal Bank. They married in 1965, had two children, and lived in Saskatoon during the winters and farmed in the summers. They made a permanent move to Watrous in 1975. He was his wife’s primary caregiver when she fell ill in 1988 until her passing in 2004. He enjoyed music, he enjoyed singing and played both the guitar and harmonica. He also loved cars and in his younger years would regularly take a road trip out east to pick up a new car.

Austin was predeceased by his wife Regis (nee Boudreau), parents Peter and Tekla (nee Kuz), brothers Steve and Mervin Worobec, sisters Annie Tymchak, Olga Swystun, Mary McDade, Helen Shreve, Leona Redding, Margaret Worobec and Alexandra Worobec. He is survived by son Dale Worobec, daughter Karen Worobec, and sister Nellie Collins, as well as a large number of nieces and nephews and extended family.

Although he had dementia for the past several years, his spirit continued to shine through - his kind and gentle manner, his love of music. We were so fortunate to have known and loved him. He was a kind and gentle man, honest and hard working, trustworthy, reliable and loyal. He was quiet-spoken, with sparkling eyes and a beautiful smile. He was mom’s handsome husband, a loving father, a devoted son and brother and a beloved uncle and friend.

He remained in his own home until this year, when he moved to Manitou Lodge. People often ask what his secret to longevity was. We think it was a lifetime of hard work and a healthy lifestyle, along with living simply but well, and always having a purpose. Even in his last year, he wouldn’t let anyone do the dishes while he still could. He truly was a special man. He loved his family, he loved farming, he was a strong Catholic, and he was a lifelong learner.

A sincere thank you to Watrous and District Home Care and Manitou Lodge staff who were kind and loving towards Austin, treating him with dignity and respect to the end. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Watrous Homecare, ℅ Jill Tarasoff, Box 130, Watrous, SK S0K 4T0 (cheques payable to Saskatchewan Health Authority).

The MASS OF THE CHRISTIAN BURIAL will take place at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church, 506 Main Street, Watrous, SK on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Peter Olisa officiating. Interment will follow at the Watrous Cemetery. A Funeral Luncheon for friends and family will be held at St. Ann's Parish Hall following the graveside service.

For online condolences or tributes please visit: https://fotheringham-mcdougall.com/