On September 17, 2013 Jacob (Jack) James Gawel passed away at Weyburn General Hospital with son, Darren, at his side. Jack's journey of life began September 25, 1945. He was the fourth child of five children born to Harry and Wanda (Kopec) Gawel and was raised on the family farm one mile west of Cedoux. Jack attended grade school in Cedoux and then Queen Elizabeth School in Weyburn. He received his high school education at Weyburn Collegiate and drove bus while he attended that school. After high school Jack farmed with his Uncle Emil and began to pour cement floors and basement foundations. He later went to work for Weyburn Builders, learning construction. In 1969 Jack headed to Fernie, BC where he worked for a construction contractor, framing houses. As well he learned interior finishing. He returned back to Saskatchewan and began to work for Panteluk Road Construction. In 1973, he and his brother Ron decided to go farming. Jack was able to maintain the third generation homestead of land started by his grandfather, Jacob Gawel in 1902. He received the Century Family Farm Award for this. On July 4, 1970 Jack married Pearl Chinski. They made their home in Cedoux where they raised five children, Shelley, David, Jason, Darren and Darla. Every summer Jack would take his family on a vacation to various places in Saskatchewan, Alberta or British Columbia. They did lots of camping and fishing. Jack loved fishing and every year in June he would go on a trip to a northern Saskatchewan lake with the guys. This continued until he suffered a stroke. Aside from farming Jack continued carpentry. He built and remodeled several houses including his own home in Cedoux, the RM office in Cedoux and lastly his log cabin. Jack continued farming until 1995, when six months after having heart surgery, he had a stroke. Following two years of therapy, though not fully recovered, he was able to enjoy many more years. Jack always had a project on the go. He constructed a small paddle boat, built fishing shacks, an ultra-light airplane (built with brother, Ron) and the log cabin. His last project was supervising the restoration of an old house for his son, David. Hobbies included playing cards, going to garage and auction sales, collecting crocks and miscellaneous antiques. Another of his interests was coins. Jack was known by all for his wit and sense of humor. His humor existed throughout his illness until his journey on earth ended. We love you Jack, husband, father and grandfather. Jack was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Wanda (Kopec) Gawel; brothers, Robert, Kenneth and Ronald Gawel and brother-in-law, Ivan Hein. Jack will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 43 years, Pearl (Chinski) Gawel of Cedoux; daughter, Shelley (Dean) Paslawski of Choiceland, and their children, Tyler and Tanner; son, David Gawel of Cedoux; son, Jason Gawel of Regina, and his daughter, Kianna Paul; son, Darren (Amy Lucas) of Gibsons, BC; daughter, Darla (Deral Haner) of Sylvan Lake, AB and children, Rylan (Katie) Silljer, Shaelyssa Silljer and Bryer Silljer; sister, Patricia (Darwin) Hoimyr of Carlyle; in laws, Gunda Hein, Leo (Vicky) Chinski, Maynard (Loraine) Chinski, Paul Chinski, Julian (Pat) Chinski, Frank (Laurie) Chinski and Brian Chinski as well as several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was held on Saturday, September 21 at 1:00 PM from Zion Lutheran Church. Officiating was Marjorie McLeod, CLA with Pastor Martin Olson assisting. Urn Bearer was grandson, Rylan Silljer. Honourary pallbearers were Jack's grandchildren, Rylan Silljer, Tyler Paslawski, Tanner Paslawski, Kianna Paul, Shaelyssa Silljer and Bryer Silljer. The eulogy was given by Dean Paslawski. Following fellowship at Zion Lutheran Church, interment took place in Cedoux Cemetery at Cedoux. For family and friends so wishing, donations may be made to Zion Lutheran Church at 504 Windsor Street Weyburn, SK S4H 0W9 or Weyburn & District Hospital Foundation at Box 1416 Weyburn, SK S4H 3J9. We the family of Jacob (Jack) Gawel would like to thank all our family, friends and neighbors for their many prayers, expressions of sympathy, compassion, support and thoughtfulness shown to us by cards, floral arrangements, food, deeds and words of encouragement and for your presence as we celebrated Jack's life. Thank you to musician, Phyllis Massier, Zion Lutheran Ladies for serving the lunch, the Weyburn Co-op for supplying the meat trays for the fellowship after the service and Wayne Wheeler for his assistance with special songs. A very special thank you to Dr. Allan Fong and the nursing staff on 3rd floor of the Weyburn General Hospital for the wonderful care you gave our husband, father and grandfather prior to his passing. Thank you to the staff of Fletcher funeral Chapel for their professionalism. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels, Weyburn, 306-842-5432
