Obituary of Gerald Yaholnitsky

<p style="text-align: justify;">Gerald was born on August 27, 1936 to Augustine and Katherine (Kyba) Yaholnitsky. He was raised on the family farm near the Dnieper District, north of Rhein. One of six children, he attended Cedric Elementary School, and Verigin and Yorkton for secondary school.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As a young boy Gerald had a vested interest in farming, as his father and grandather were both farmers. After completing his schooling, Gerald began farming full time with his father. As he matured, he found a passion for sales and working with people. He entered the workforce with Sears Canada, then became owner/operator of Case Power and Equipment Company, with offices in Canora and Yorkton. In 1974, Gerald became owner of Atlas Building Systems and Sales Ltd. Over the years, Behlen Industries, his primary supplier, recognized him with numerous awards for outstanding sales performance.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Outside of his work, Gerald found a great passion for his Ukrainian heritage and Ukrainian Orthodox faith. In his formative years, Gerald was devoted to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Mazeppa, as it was his family&rsquo;s home church. He immersed himself in the study of liturgical music and lyrics throughout his life; a passion he inherited from his father Augustine, and shared with his twin brother Russell. It was this calling that led him to become a cantor/choir director: a role he served in for many years. Gerald&rsquo;s wisdom informed, educated, and trained many future cantors.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Despite his busy business career, Gerald always found time to fulfill his cantoring duties, at times driving hundreds of miles to faithfully attend choir practice each week. With his loving partner Mary Prokopetz, he drove choirmates throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba, sharing their musical gift at countless services and functions.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Gerald and Mary enjoyed many wonderful years together. Their love, along with their faith, was the driving force in each of their lives. When Gerald began to struggle with his own health, Mary devoted herself to caring for him. She visited him daily in the nursing home, bringing his favorite meals for him to enjoy. This continued until her passing in July 2022.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Gerald&rsquo;s faith also called him to serve on various boards, which included: Camp Trident at Crystal Lake, Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton, Ukrainian Orthodox Men&rsquo;s Association (TYC), Director of Central Eparchy Board, delegate of the Sobors of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, and one of the founding members of the Order of St. Andrew - Yorkton Branch.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Gerald was predeceased by his partner Mary Prokopetz, parents Katherine and Augustine Yaholnitsky, twin brother Russell, brother Modest, and sister Nadia Sochaski.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">He leaves to cherish and celebrate his memory: sister Ruth Slegel, sister Vera Webster, four nieces (Karen Wasylenko, Carla Bosma, Donnalee Weinmaster, Tania Whitmore), two nephews (Scott Webster, Mark Sochaski), as well as special friends Scott Rudoski and Bernie Fisher. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>