Mr. Orest Derkach of Yorkton, beloved husband of Hilda Derkach passed away peacefully with his wife and daughters by his side on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina. Orest was born in Kelliher, SK on December 12, 1948 to Michael and Mary Derkach. He spent the majority of his life in Yorkton and this was where he considered home. He met Hilda in 1971 and were joined in marriage in 1972, a marriage of 44 years. Hilda was his true love and could always bring out his kindness. They welcomed two daughters to their family - Kim in 1976 and Pam in 1977. His family was dear to his heart and made his life complete. He worked various jobs over the years but especially valued his job at Sacred Heart High School in the Maintenance Department. He had a special relationship with the Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate, the teachers, and all of the young adults that passed through the halls. His humour and personality will be remembered. Orest also very much enjoyed being a shuttle driver for David Dedman. This was a perfect fit for his social nature. Even though he did not have the opportunity to complete his own formal education, he valued the importance of education and he instilled this in his children to become independent women. He spent many hours with his eldest daughter, Kim, watching hockey and football, cheering on the Flyers and the Roughriders. In 2004, Orest welcomed Brian as his son-in-law into the family. Even more precious to Orest were the two little girls that made him a Gido - Grace in 2009 and Emily in 2014. He loved his little "cupcakes" and the special relationship that they had. Every time he walked by their pictures in the hallway, this brought a sparkle to his eye, a smile to his face and warmth to his heart. Some special moments for Orest were spending time camping and travelling with his wife, children, and granddaughters. He loved touring around Yorkton visiting and going for coffee. Being around people and making new friends brought him great joy. In the later years, Orest and Hilda travelled to Yuma, Arizona for the winter where they spent time with family and made new special friends. When he retired, he spent countless hours in his garage making birdhouses and forever organizing his numerous tools. He could create almost anything out of the tiniest piece of wood. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Hilda, his children, Kim, and Pam (Brian) Molnar and his granddaughters, Grace and Emily, his two sisters, Stella (Bob)-nephew Jeremy and Evelyn (Wade)-nephew Kyle and his brother, John. He also had a special relationship with Hilda's brothers and sisters and their families. He will also be missed by many special friends that he made over the years. Orest was one of a kind and his memory will not be forgotten. You are loved. Rest in Peace. Have an extra dollop of sour cream on your perogies, Dad! The Prayer Vigil was held on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton with Ingrid Prost & Deanna Pellatt presiding. The reader was Kim Merasty and Words of Remembrance were shared by Stella Lee. Allison Kruger accompanied the choir with the singing of the hymns, "You are Near", "Psalm 27", "Precious Lord Take My Hand" and "Peace is Flowing Like a River". The Funeral Mass was held on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Franklin Emereuwa as the Celebrant. The readers were Kyle Jasper & Kim Merasty and the Gift Bearers were Hilda Derkach & Sr. Suzanne Kokuruds. Rita Hilbig accompanied the choir in singing the hymns, "Amazing Grace", "Psalm 23", "On Eagle's Wings", "Be Not Afraid", "Song of the Angels" and "Though the Mountains May Fall". The interment took place in the Garden of St. Luke at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Brian Molnar, Blair Jasper, Russ Smith, Scott Gelowitz, Jeremy Lee and Kyle Stachura as the casket bearers. Memorials honouring Orest's life may be made to The Health Foundation as gifts of remembrance. Condolences can be sent to the family at .
