Ernie Zookewich, formerly of the Willowbrook district, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2016 at St. Joseph's Nursing Home in Saskatoon. He was 81 years old. He had been a resident of the Home since March 25, 2015. He received exceptional care and spiritual guidance from the Sisters and staff during his stay at St. Joseph's Nursing Home. Ernie was born June 23, 1935 in Yorkton Union Hospital. Ernie lived and farmed in the Willowbrook district his entire life until his failing health no longer allowed him to live alone. He was a hard worker and loved being a farmer. He had a keen interest and knowledge about the many aspects and challenges of farming. He enjoyed harvest time and all the excitement and activity associated with the busy season. For several years he was a member of the local Sask. Wheat Pool committee in Willowbrook. In addition to grain farming, he also raised cattle and had other farm animals. Ernie was very much an outdoors, nature loving person. He absolutely enjoyed seeing deer, moose and other wild life visit his yard, although occasionally there were some not so welcome visitors! Ernie had a unique and often humorous way of expressing himself. He was honest and told it like is! He enjoyed having neighbors or family drop by for a visit and to talk about how things are going for them and hear any news they may have about any important issues or concerns in the neighborhood. Ernie was an active and supportive member of the local Ukrainian Catholic Churches. Ernie is survived by his brother Ed (Verl) Karpinski and Christine (Greg) Loberg and Charlie of Saskatoon, his sister Mary (Al) Lozinski and their children, Dena (Marc) Colleaux and Jennifer and Lucas, Darren (Elaine) Lozinski and Lauren, Katherine, Daniel, Olivia, Braydon and Megan Brownell, Tim Lozinski, Laurie (Mikael) Drabyk and Ava and Makayla, all of Saskatoon. Ernie was predeceased by his father Andrew Zookewich in 1937, his mother and step father, Annie and Stanley Karpinski in 2007. The Funeral Liturgy was held on Wednesday, September 21, from St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church with Rev. Father Ray Lukie C.Ss.R. as Celebrant. The cross bearer was Daniel Lozinski and the epistle reader was Laurie Drabyk. Responses were led by Ed Pindus & members of St. Mary's Parish Choir. The interment took place at St. Mary's Parish Cemetery, Beaverdale, with David Hill, Myron Kulasa, Marten Wlock, Levi Hull, Ernie Somogyi and Richard Yaremko serving as casket bearers. Memorials in memory of Ernie may be made to the Willowbrook Ukrainian Catholic Church Renovation Fund or to St. Mary's Church, Beaverdale. Condolences can be sent to the family at .
