On Sat., Aug. 16, 2014, family and friends of Diana & David Petlak celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.
The celebration began at the St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church where the honoured couple renewed their wedding vows. Most Reverend Michael Wiwchar, CSsR, Bishop Emeritus of Saskatoon Eparchy presided over the ceremony. Two members of the original wedding party, Bridesmaid Diane (Moleski) Balaski and Bestman Don Petlak were present. The beautiful ceremony concluded with the blessing of and placement of an anniversary diamond ring on Diana's finger. Following congratulations from guests present everyone then proceeded to the Goodeve Community Centre for cocktails.
Upon arriving at the Community Centre, everyone signed the guest book and entered the beautifully decorated Gymnasium. Tables were covered with golden tablecloths, 50th anniversary balloons floated in the air and other appropriate decorations were everywhere. A special table of framed congratulatory messages and a wall of photographs taken over 50 years were of interest to all. Everyone took special interest in the wall of 10x13 photographs taken before, during and after the wedding of the honoured couple fifty years ago.
At about 6:30 p.m., Emcee Jason Petlak called everyone to dinner. At this time, Dave presented Diana with a vase containing a bouquet of two dozen red roses. Bishop Emeritus Michael led grace and had a few comical remarks for the honoured couple. Guests then enjoyed a delicious buffet-style meal which was provided and served by Six Pack Catering from Yorkton's Chalet Restaurant.
After dinner, Emcee Jason introduced the head-table. He then provided the honoured couple's story, from the beginning to the present. Son, Stuart then presented a slideshow of the couples shower and wedding set to music of 1964. Everyone was totally enraptured by this presentation.
Congratulatory messages were read from Governor General David Johnson, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield, Premier Brad Wall, Senator Raynell Andreychuk, Yorkton-Melville MP Garry Breitkreuz, Cam Broten, Leader of the Opposition in Saskatchewan and Trent Wotherspoon, MLA for Regina Rosemont.
Toasts to the honoured couple were given by son Stuart, Dave's brother Don and Diana's brother Ernie. This was followed by remarks from the honoured couple. At this time Dave also proposed a toast to his beloved wife, Diana. The cutting of the anniversary cake came next. The program closed with remarks from Emcee Jason.
Dancing to the music of Ed Hickie began at about 8:00 p.m. A delicious late-evening lunch brought the anniversary celebration to a close.
Diana and Dave would sincerely like to thank their sons Jason and Stuart for organizing and putting on this anniversary celebration. It was unexpected but greatly appreciated. Thank you also to approximately 100 friends and relatives from Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan who attended. Your cards, gifts and congratulatory wishes were greatly appreciated. Thank you one and all.
