Laurie Derkatch, beloved husband of Mary Derkatch of Mikado, SK, passed away at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre on January 12, 2017, at the age of 83 years. Laurie was born February 24, 1933, the eldest child of Joe and Olga (Ostafie) Derkatch. He attended Mazeppa school, a small cottage school a mile and a half from his childhood home. When he was old enough to operate a tractor, he helped his father on the family farm. Laurie met the love of his life, Mary Boychuk, at a Vionne school picnic; they were neighbours on the farm living only 7 miles apart. They were united in marriage on October 10, 1953. After they were married, they moved to Moose Jaw where Laurie worked as a painter at B.A. Oil Refinery. In the spring of 1955 they made their home in Canora where Laurie drove truck for the Orange Crush Company. In 1960 they relocated to the Mikado area where Laurie and Mary took over the family farm from Laurie's Dad. That same year they were blessed with their first child Cheryl. In 1968 Laurie began driving school bus for the Canora School Division which he continued for 33 years. Laurie and Mary had their second child Kevin, born August 26, 1968. In 1972, Kevin became ill and passed away, January 11, 1973. In 1976, Laurie and Mary welcomed their third child, Derek. Laurie and Mary continued to operate the family farm until their retirement. Laurie was very active in sports, playing hockey for many years in Mikado, was an active member of the Mikado curling rink and was well known around the ball diamonds; many of his fondest memories were created with the Burgis Lakers ball team. While Derek was growing up, Laurie enjoyed coaching him in hockey and baseball. Laurie was also fond of music and for many years he played guitar in the family band that performed at events around the Mikado area. Laurie was also an active member of the St. Mary's Polish National Catholic Church in Mikado. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Laurie was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Olga Derkatch; his in-laws, Sam and Anne Boychuk; son, Kevin and brother-in-law, Edward German. Laurie will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his loving wife, Mary; daughter, Cheryl and son, Derek (Robyn); his dog, Yogi; sisters, Alice German and Jean (Allen) Kobylka and his brothers-in-law: Bill (Marge) Boychuk, Lawrence (Jean) Boychuk and Ron Boychuk; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Prayers were held on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 7:30 pm and the Funeral Service commenced Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 11:00 am, both from the Chapel of Leson's Funeral Home, Canora with Rev. Nancy Brunt officiating. Interment followed in the Sliding Hills Christian Cemetery, Mazeppa, SK. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the S.P.C.A. Saskatchewan or to the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, Department of Medical Imaging as tokens of remembrance in memory of Laurie Derkatch. Family and friends unable to attend may sign an online guest book for Laurie at . Arrangements were entrusted to LESON'S FUNERAL HOME, Canora.
