Chicilo, David I

David I. Chicilo passed away peacefully in Coronation, Ab. on March 26, 2018, at the age of 77.
David was born on Sept. 23, 1940, in Canora, Sk. to Anton and Caroline (Brezinski) Chicilo, their first child. His given name was Ignatius David Chicilo.
He grew up on the family farm near Buchanan, actively helping as soon as he was old enough to, and attended school at Buchanan.
In October 1965, David married Isabel Muzichuk. They were blessed with a son, Myles, born Oct. 2, 1966. David and Isabel farmed near Buchanan, growing grain and raising cattle.
David’s career as a heavy equipment operator began at the young age of 17. In 1979 David left the farm and further pursued his career in construction.
He loved nature and working outdoors, moving earth naturally became his lifelong passion. His career spanned over 40 years, ending only due to poor health.
David worked for several construction companies, including Haskewich Constr., Wyonzek Constr., George Wilson Constr., and Anderson Constr. , all in Saskatchewan.
Dave moved to Alberta in the 80’s and worked for construction companies doing oil lease construction and reclamation work. His final employer was Hughes Oilfield Construction.
Dave enjoyed all construction projects, but it was the people he met along the way who formed his fond memories…his buddies at work and the local farmers he worked for when he was clearing brush.
David had endless entertaining stories of the many people he met on his adventures.
Fondly known as Buff in his younger days, he was a very social person. He loved getting together with family and friends to share a meal, play cards and tell jokes.
Buff loved to go dancing and enjoyed listening to old time and Ukrainian music.
He also enjoyed fishing, playing baseball in his youth, watching/listening to sports, and cheering for his favourite teams; the Toronto Blue Jays and the Edmonton Oilers.
Although he didn’t live near family and worked long hours, he kept in touch with loved ones with daily phone calls. He would want to know how everyone was doing, how seeding or harvest was progressing on the farms, offer his wise advice and share a laugh.
David spent a few years in Assisted Living at the Coronation Care Centre and moved into Long Term Care in August 2014 where he resided until his passing.
David was predeceased by his father, Anton Chicilo in 1975; his mother, Caroline Chicilo in 1982; his son, Myles Chicilo in 1996, his former spouse, Isabel Muzichuk in 2009; and his brother Terry in 2013.
He is lovingly remembered by his daughter-in-law, Joanne (Tim) Fidek; his brother, James (Ardelle) Chicilo; his sister, Carol (Dennis) Ewchuk; his granddaughter, Krystal (Jeffrey) Vaudreuil; his grandson, Dustin Chicilo; his step-grandchildren, Matthew Fidek, Ivan Fidek, and Faith Fidek; his great-grandson, Rocky-Bear Vaudreuil; his great-granddaughter, Sunny-Rae Vaudreuil; his nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.
Funeral services were held on Sat., April 7, 2018, from the Chapel of Preeceville Funeral Home with Rev. Fr. Michal Pajak, O.M.I. of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church officiating. The urn bearers were Joanne Fidek, James Chicilo and Carol Ewchuk.
Honourary bearers were David’s grandchildren, Krystal Vaudreuil and Dustin Chicilo and great-grandchildren, Rocky-Bear Vaudreuil and Sunny – Rae Vaudreuil.
Interment followed in the family plot in the Preeceville Town Cemetery.
Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to Coronation Continuing Care or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation as gifts of remembrance.
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.preecevillefuneralhome.com
Arrangements were entrusted to Preeceville Funeral Home.