DAN “DIN” SYMENUK
September 30th, 1931 – January 9th, 2023
Dan Symenuk passed away, surrounded by the love and care of his family, on Monday, January 9th, 2023, at the age of 91 years. Din was born a first generation Canadian on September 30th, 1931, to George and Mary (née: Achtemichuk) Symenuk at Fir Mountain, Saskatchewan. Din was the sixth of eight children. As youngsters they lived in numerous communities while their father worked with the railroad. As was common with his generation, Din completed grade 10 and then entered the work world, working for the railway on the welding gang. Eventually he moved on to the Boilermakers as a career. He rose to the position of foreman and the job took him throughout Canada and as far away as Puerto Rico. In 1956 he married Shirley (Willard), and they had four children: Ken, Doug, Sherri, and Michele. In 1971, he moved his family to Mawer, SK where he farmed for over 50 years while continuing to work with the Boilermakers. Din was always busy – repairing and maintaining machinery and vehicles, gardening, doing crosswords and puzzles, playing cards, and welding. Din was well known in the Central Butte area for his welding prowess. He was also respected for his volunteer efforts and community-minded spirit. Din and Shirley spent countless hours watching their kids and grandkids on the ice, the ballfield, and in the gym. Their love of travel took them throughout North America and around the world, and they enjoyed sharing pictures and stories about their adventures. Din was predeceased by Shirley in 2004.
In 2006, Dan married Florence (Cathcart; née: Kidd) and they happily embraced each other’s families, which kept them very busy. They shared many happy years together, keeping busy traveling, attending grandchildren’s activities, going to musical events, and many family reunions and gatherings.
He was predeceased by his parents, George and Mary Symenuk; parents-in-law, Harvey and Iva Willard; brothers: John, Bill, and Fred; sisters, Lena and Helen; brothers-in-law: Keith Porterfield (Mary), Erv Bohrson (Helen), and Gil Gilbertson (Lena); sisters-in-law: Viola (Pete), Mag (John), Lila (Bill), and June (Bill); and daughter-in-law, Sherry (Ken). Dan was also predeceased by sisters-in-law, Marion Kidd and Doreen Mitchell; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Doug and Lorraine Kidd.
Din is survived by his brother, Pete Symenuk; sister, Mary Porterfield; sister-in-law, Doreen Symenuk (Fred); sisters-in-law, Wendy (Fred) Schweiger and Nona (Bob) Toth; brother-in-law, George (Myrna) Willard; and brother-in-law, Gord (Lorraine) Kidd.
Din is survived by his children: Ken (Rhonda Corrigan), Doug (Heather), Sherri (Merle) Spetz, and Michele (Myles) Loeffler; grandchildren and great grandchildren: Ken’s family - Denver Symenuk, Stacy Symenuk (son Deacon), Jesse (Kelsey) Symenuk (daughter Kensley), and Jillian Lavigne; Doug’s family - Ashley Symenuk (Jess Ballendine), Kelsey (Nick) Larocque (son Logan), and Jonathan and Amy Philpott; Sherri’s family - Baydin and Jordin Pastuck, and Natacha (Joe) Entz (daughter Savannah Spetz and son Coy); Michele’s family - Morgan, Mason, and Marly Loeffler.
Dan is also survived by his wife, Florence and her children: Murry Cathcart (Karen Hansen), Connie (Ron) Cuff, and Allan Cathcart; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Murry’s family - Cole and Toby Cathcart; Connie’s family - Brennan (Leah) Cuff (daughter Everly and son Oliver), and Brodie (Shanna) Cuff (daughter Kinley and son Cooper). As well, Dan has a multitude of nieces and nephews and family related to the Symenuk, Willard, Cathcart, and Kidd families.
A Celebration of Dan’s Life will be held on Saturday, January 21st, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Those not able to attend may view the service virtually by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Dan’s memory may be made to The Canadian Diabetes Association, 919B Albert St, Regina, SK S4R 2P6. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Andrew Pratt Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com