SARETSKY: Jacob Virgil
Jacob Virgil Saretsky died peacefully at his daughter Arlis's home surrounded by family in Saskatoon on Friday, July 5, 2013. He was 93 years old and lived a full life, rich with family and friends. Jake was born on August 23, 1919 to Alex J. and Anna (nee Gurski) Saretsky in the Burr District. He obtained his education at the Willow Ridge School. As a young person he enjoyed helping out on the family farm. In 1941 he joined the Canadian Army and went overseas for 4 years with the "Irish Fusiliers" as a Corporal and then a Staff Sergeant. In 1945 he returned to the Burr area and began employment with the Sask. Wheat Pool in Attica, SK. On July 11, 1950 he married the love of his life Mary Paproski and they began their busy lives together. They also operated a general store, post office, gas station and a small farm. In 1958 they moved to Peterson where Jake assumed responsibility for a larger, busier grain handling point. He then also began selling crop insurance with the Co-operators. There were numerous hobbies and likes that kept Jake busy throughout his life, including raising six children. He was a marksman in the army which was beneficial when it came to hunting. He also loved fishing. Jake was very involved in sports especially curling and baseball and he also became a district fast ball umpire. Jake was a skilled gardener. His heart was near to the earth and loved to work in his vegetable garden. Tomatoes were his specialty; he produced many great tomato crops with an abundance of fruit. While planting and pruning his many varieties of fruit and shade trees he was able to enjoy watching and listening to the birds especially the meadow lark that was his favorite bird. A very spiritual man Jake was very involved with the St. Agnes R.C. Church in Peterson in many capacities which included the choir and "Lay Presider". Mary and Jake were skilled dancers and loved this activity. Jake was always actively acquiring knowledge. He loved reading, and filled his relaxation time with reading, especially books about Saskatchewan and world history and current events. A very strong, lifelong Co-op supporter and had memberships in many local communities. Jake's deepest love was the Saskatchewan Prairies; he was very passionate about the geography of the land, open space, people, agriculture and the sunsets. Jake always made time to stop and chat and enjoyed social activities but his family's presence was his best love. A man of peace he did not like war and conflict - fighting was a waste of precious time in his eyes. As a meadow lark sings praises and love so did Jake as he always had positive things to say and focused on the good in people. This is a wonderful example to share and instill in his family and friends. Jake will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his six children and three grandchildren: Arlis McQuarrie of Saskatoon; Gerard Saretsky(Jeanette McKee) of Saskatoon and family Allison Saretsky of Toronto and Whit Saretsky (Catherine Elmer) of Lloydminster, AB; Reg Saretsky of Calgary, AB; Arlene Saretsky of Saskatoon; Lori Saretsky of Vancouver, BC; and Susan Saretsky (Daryl Christophe) and daughter MacKenna all of Calgary, AB; three sisters: Anne Smith, Cecilia Blanch of Humboldt and Joan Pritchard of Victoria, BC; one brother Felix (Lorraine) Saretsky of Emma Lake; sisters-in-law: Veronica Saretsky, Barbara Saretsky both of Humboldt and Yvonne Saretsky of Richmond, BC; brother-in-law Maurice Vinet of Saskatoon; and by numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and members of the Paproski family. Jake was predeceased by his wife Mary (July 2, 2007); parents Alex J. and Anna Saretsky; siblings: Madeline (Homer) Nesbitt, George Saretsky, Agnes Vinet, Emil Saretsky, Rudi Saretsky (in infancy), Rudy Saretsky, Mildred (Frank) Klassen and Lenore (Ralph) Neis. A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, July 13, 2013 at St. Augustine R.C. Church Humboldt at 2:00 p.m. Celebrated by Fr. Greg Roth. Internment followed at St. Agnes R.C. Church Peterson. Memorial donations in Jake's memory may be directed to Humboldt District Hospital Foundation, St, Paul's Hospital, Saskatoon and St. Agnes R.C. Church Peterson. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to MALINOSKI & DANYLUIK FUNERAL HOME Humboldt.
