Dad was born on January 1st, 1922 in Ketchen, Saskatchewan to the late Fred and Tekla Boyko. He grew up on the family farm just a few miles out of town. Coming from a large family, Dad and his brothers cut cord wood in exchange for groceries to help out. Years later, Dad’s brothers married and each farmed near Porcupine Plain where their older sister and family already lived. It was then that Dad decided to move himself and his parents as well.
Dad’s relationship with The Lord began in 1959. He enjoyed reading the Bible, memorizing scripture verses, and singing praises. His faith in God kept him strong until the very end.
Dad met the love of his life, Joan Fontaine, in 1961 and they married in 1962. A year later, they began their family which consisted of 5 children: Valwin, Valerie, Cindy, Cameron, and Gail.
In between the busyness of raising his family, Dad continued farming and worked as a foreman carpenter for
the Co-op for several years. With the help of Mom, of course, Dad built the house that she currently resides in.
Dad loved to garden. No doubt it was one of his favourite pastimes. He couldn’t wait for the snow to melt so
that he could begin his planting. As the rest of the family would agree, the garden(s), not just one, were huge.
Buckets upon buckets of peas to shell, potatoes to gather and haul, hundreds of corn to husk, the list went on
and on. But, Dad absolutely loved it. He enjoyed admiring his wondrous garden without a weed to be found.
Dad’s grandchildren and great grandchild were one of his greatest pleasures in life. He loved the busyness, the laughter and giggling, the cuddles and hugs. Oh how those hugs brought smiles to Grandpa’’s face.
Dad was moved into the Nursing Home in June of 2010. This was an extremely hard decision for the family but felt it may be the best option. Although it was difficult for Mom to continue to look after Dad’s needs at home, unconditional love shone through her heart. She visited often, taking Dad for walks, soaking up the sun, reading and listening to music together; all the things they enjoyed. We admire your commitment, Mom. “Love never fails“, it can only grow stronger in their case. Mom and Dad were a true example of that and the love they shared is inspiring to us all. We will carry it in our hearts forever.
As Dad’s body began to fail him in the last few weeks of life, he had made it known to Mom that he was ready to go to heaven. As he rapidly declined, his family gathered by his side to support, love and care for him. Teary goodbyes were said and he was free to go be with The Lord. A few short days later, Dad passed away peacefully.
At 92, Dad was the last remaining of his siblings. Survived by his loving family including his wife, Joan:
children Valwin (Sherry), Tyler - Brighton, Aaron and Ashley: Valerie(Tom), Brayden and Carsen: Cindy(Robin), Jaenjira, and Alyssa: Cameron, Keely and Shae-Lynn: Gail(Brett), Juliana: as well as his sister
in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.