NICK WERENKO
Nick Werenko passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 26, 2007 at the age of 88, with his family by his side at Riverside Health Care in Fort Frances, Ont.
Nick will be sadly missed by his children, Elaine Sivonen (Werenko) and David Werenko; grandchildren, Nicholas Sivonen (Bobbi), John Sivonen, and Gregory Amstine; and great-grandchildren, Avery and Parker Sivonen.
He also leaves behind his sister, Pauline Gushulak and many close friends.
Nick was predeceased by his wife, Mary Werenko (Grzech); and grandson, Eric Sivonen.
He also was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Oksana Werenko; brothers, Steve Eluik, and John and Matt Werenko; sisters, Stella Smith (Werenko), Anne Malenovich (Eluik), Helen Alexiuk (Eluik), Mary Weperuk (Werenko), Jean Boychuk (Werenko), and Kay Schultz (Werenko).
Nick was born March 1, 1919 in Sundown, Man. His early years were spent helping on the family farm. Due to the Depression years, Nick left the family farm seeking employment, travelling and working where he could to survive.
He moved back to the farm, where he cared for his father. After his father’s death, he moved to the Rainy River District (Stratton), where he and his brother, John, owned and operated a sawmill.
From Stratton, he moved to Fort Frances, where he and his brother began a logging operation at MacDonald’s Inlet. They also owned and operated a service station in Fort Frances, where the west-end mini-mall is now located.
Nick met and married Mary Grzech, and continued working with his brother until he went out on his own, which found he and his wife working in Glenorchy for Angus McEvoy. He built roads and hauled wood for Angus while his wife worked as a camp cook.
He eventually took over Angus’ business and continued working in the area for himself and other contractors, building roads and hauling wood until his retirement.
Even in his later years, his love for outdoor work never left him as you could frequently see him driving his lawn tractor and working around his yard.
Nick will be forever remembered for his hard work ethic, sense of humour, and most of all his passion and love for family and friends.
Nick was a man of many talents who was always willing to share advice. He was a very well-respected man who was appreciated for looking out for others before himself.
Nick was loved by young and old alike, and will be greatly missed.
“All your hard work is over now and it’s time to rest from your labours.”
“Goodbye and God Bless you Dad, Grandpa & Great-grandpa.”
Visitations and prayers will be held Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007 from 7-9 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Fort Frances, Ont.
A funeral mass will take place Friday, Nov. 2, 2007 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Fort Frances, Ont., with Monsignor George Bourguignon officiating.
Luncheon will be held at the K.C. Hall in Fort Frances following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
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