Obituary of Theodore Eddie Kucey

KUCEY - Our community, the church and the Kucey and Dumanski families have suffered a great loss in the sudden and tragic deaths of Ed & Eleanor, who passed away on Monday, November 14, 2005 near Springside, Saskatchewan. ------------------------------------------------------------ Eleanor Marie Kucey was born on June 17, 1930 on the family farm, 4 ½ miles southwest of Sheho, in the Pohorlowetz School District; a daughter of Matt and Anne (nee Pachyshnyk) Dumanski. She was raised on the family farm and received her education there. On July 22, 1953 she was united in marriage to Ed Kucey. The couple settled in Yorkton. Son Reg was born in 1954, son Stuart in 1958 and daughter Tamara in 1966. As well as being a full time mother and homemaker, Eleanor found time to work at Sears and the Bay, and later as a ceramics instructor for the Parkland Ability Centre in Yorkton. In 1974 Eleanor and Ed moved to Raymore when Ed became Superintendent of the Raymore School Unit. Eleanor continued teaching ceramics after they moved to Raymore. In 1978 the family moved to Regina, where, among other things, she worked at Sears again. Following Ed's retirement in 1978, the couple returned to Yorkton to make their home. Eleanor always like to keep herself busy, she loved doing petit point, her home was filled with her beautiful handi-work. She also made pysynky, and her family agreed that her pies were simply the best. Eleanor and Ed greatly enjoyed the company of their family and many friends, her home was always open and welcome to visitors. Eleanor was active in the church and church choir and was a steady volunteer worker for the hall and for bingo's. Even a broken leg a few years ago didn't slow her down. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Sadly predeceased by son Stuart (Bud) and daughter Tamara on September 2, 2000, and by a brother Leon Dumanski. Eleanor is survived by her son, Dr. Reg and his wife Jamie of Rossburn, Manitoba; grandchildren: Justin, Shannon and Crystal; a brother William Dumanski and his wife Marg of Regina; a sister Marilyn Arneson and her husband Daniel of Squamish, BC, and their families. Theodore Eddie Kucey was born on December 26, 1930 on the family farm, south-west of Insinger, in the Yemen School District, the eldest of 8 children born to Matt and Mary (nee Skihar) Kucey. Ed received his education in the district. He then attended the Sheho High School for two years to get his teaching certificate, and would spend the next 49 years as a dedicated educator in Saskatchewan. His first teaching assignments were in one room schools, before coming to Yorkton in 1953. On July 22, 1953 he was united in marriage to Eleanor Dumanski. The couple settled in Yorkton, where Ed taught and later became principal. In 1974 Ed became the Superintendent for the Raymore School Unit, the family resided there for four years before moving to Regina as Superintendent for the Regina Board of Education. Following his retirement in 1978, Ed and Eleanor moved back to Yorkton. Ed continued to be involved in the education system as he worked for a few years after retirement for the Yorkdale School Board. Besides his teaching career, Ed was active in the Lions Club. He was also an active member of Holy Transfiguration Church, having served in all executive positions, many of them twice, and was recognized for his efforts with awards many times. Hobbies included gardening and spending many contented hours during the summer months working around the yard. A favourite winter activity was doing puzzles. His enthusiasm was so great for both that people found themselves always joining in. Ed could always be counted on to help, whatever the task. He and Eleanor volunteered countless hours for the hall and for bingo's, or helping with the fall harvest on the farm and doing income tax forms. He was also a major organizer for the CNIB on behalf of the Lions Club, and had also worked diligently to raise money for the Yorkton Hospital. He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the good fortune to meet him. Sadly predeceased by son Stuart (Bud) and daughter Tamara on September 2, 2000, Ed is survived by his son, Dr. Reg and his wife Jamie of Rossburn, Manitoba; grandchildren: Justin, Shannon and Crystal; brothers and sisters: Johnny (Sonia) Kucey of Saskatoon; Adella (Paul) Hansen of Theodore; Orest (Hanna) Kucey of Calgary; Morris (Lorna) Kucey of Saskatoon; Iris Benjamin of Winnipeg; Cecilia (Jim) Ashbaugh of Chilliwack BC; and Delores (Terry) Chaykoski of Swan River MB; and their families. ------------------------------- The communities that Ed & Eleanor lived in benefited from their presence. If you wanted something done you asked "Kucey's" and you were assured of getting help. When you visited, you were treated as royalty and never left hungry. There was always a laugh in the house and everyone felt better for knowing them. Prayer services were held on Friday evening, November 18, 2005 from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton. The funeral service was held on Saturday, November 20, 2005 fron Holy Transfiguration Church. Rev. Father Roman Kocur and Rt. Rev. Fr. Mitred Archpriest Nicholas Orest Rauliuk officiated. Cantor, Gerald Yaholnitsky, assisted by members of the Parish Choir led in the singing of the responses. The crossbearer was Andrea Kucey, the bannerbearers were Teresa Kucey and Laurie Arneson. Attending in groups and forming honor guards were the Ukrainian Womens Association, Olena Pchilka Branch and members of the Order of St. Andrew. Also attending were members of the Superannuated Teachers and the Lions Club. The interment service for Ed & Eleanor took place in the Garden of Gethsemene in the Yorkton Memorial Gardens. Arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens