The family of Eugene Owerko from Kelliher, SK is heartbroken to share that he passed away on July 3, 2026, at the age of 89.
Eugene was born on January 23, 1937, in Ituna as the eldest of two children to Alexander and Mary Owerko. He is survived by his children: Kelly (Treena) Owerko, Alexandra, Austin (Ashley), Mathew from Okotoks; Kim (Terry) Evans; Scott, Kayla and Seth from White City; Jason Owerko and Nikolas from Regina. He also leaves behind his brother Stan (Marge) Owerko, sisters-in-law Rose Fushtey and Mary Misiurski along with several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Olga Owerko just one month before their anniversary of 63 years together, as well as his parents Alexander and Mary Owerko, father-in-law Nick and mother-in-law Pauline Prymak. Other loved ones who passed before him include sister-in-law Annie (Louie) Macza and brothers-in-law Ted Prymak, Elmer Fushtey and Lorne Misiurski.
Eugene grew up south of Ituna on the family farm and went to school in Ituna. His father worked for CN Rail Gang, so during summer breaks Eugene helped out with him. In the fall he joined his Uncle Johnny’s threshing crew south of Jasmin. After high school graduation, Eugene hopped a train to Moose Jaw to attend Teachers College. His teaching career started at various rural schools including Midale (Midale, SK), Eskdale (south of Leross), St. Joseph (south of Jasmin), before he spent an impressive 38 years at Kelliher School where he served as Vice Principal while teaching math and science but especially enjoyed coaching sports teams.
Eugene had a love for sports; he participated in many but especially enjoyed golf, hockey, curling and held a special fondness for baseball where he became an adept bush league pitcher. Even into his 70s he continued to curl.
While working in Kelliher he met Olga whom he married on August 4, 1962. Together they created a loving home in Kelliher where they raised three kids: Kelly, Kim and Jason while supporting their interests in various sports like hockey, baseball as well as figure skating and Ukrainian dancing. Eugene liked to call it “hobby farming” just outside of town; initially owning cattle with brother-in-law Ted but later shifting focus entirely to grain farming where he farmed alongside Olga for an impressive span of 43 years.
Eugene was actively involved in the community volunteering with local organizations such as the Ukrainian Catholic Church along with both the Kelliher Arena and curling rink plus the Lions Club. In recognition of his dedication towards the Lions club over many years he’d earned a plaque for reaching over 30 years service along with lifetime membership back in 2018.
People will remember Eugene for his strong faith coupled with immense love for family along with being quite a jokester – always teasing friends, family members especially grandkids with playful pranks.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to all staff at William Albert House who took great care of Dad (and Mom).
Prayers were held on Sunday July 26th 2026 from St Margaret Mary Roman Catholic Church formerly known as St Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church located in Kelliher followed by Funeral Liturgy which took place Monday July 27th 2026 featuring Rev Fr Jeffrey Stephaniuk officiating. The cross bearer honored him by carrying forth Seth Conn while Mathew Owerko read epistle. The honor guard included members from The Kelliher Lion’s Club. Internment ceremony followed suit afterward featuring both Olga & Eugene resting side-by-side within St Vladimir Parish Cemetery, Kelliher where urn bearers were Scott Evans & Austin Owerko
Memorial donations may be directed towards The Kelliher Lion’s Club appreciated gifts honoring his memory.
Вічна Памиять! – Eternal Memory
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