October 12, 1932 - December 21, 2020
It is with complete sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Steve Pawliuk, on December 21, 2020, at the age of 88, the result of a heart attack.
Steve was born October 12, 1932, in Ispas, Alberta, the eldest child of Humphrey and Elizabeth Pawliuk. As a small child the family moved to Surrey, BC, and it is there that he met Rita, the love of his life. Steve and Rita married in 1956, and they spent their early married years living in small, BC coastal communities, Namu and Port Renfrew to name a few, where Steve worked mainly in the fishing industry. Their firstborn, Wesley, was born during this time, and four years later, their daughter Wendy was born in Vancouver. In the early 70's Steve joined the maintenance department at Vernon Jubilee Hospital as a Steam Engineer and worked at VJH until his retirement as the Millwright Machinist.
Steve was a strong union man beginning with the UFAWU and then with the HEU. In the HEU, Steve held every position from chairperson, secretary treasurer, bargaining committee member, and he was always a shop steward. He joined all hospital committees, and particularly loved being on the social committee - making the bed for the bed races and floats for the Vernon Winter Carnival parade, being on the curling and slow pitch teams, organizing Halloween and Christmas dances, and golf tournaments.
Family meant everything to Steve, and he and Rita hosted countless family reunions during their many years living on Okanagan Lake. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his family or friends. In retirement, Steve and Rita traveled, taking many memorable cruises, and spending winter months Mexico. In recent years, Steve and Rita moved in with Reider and Wendy, and the four of them spent the last four years as "roomies at the 2515".
Steve was predeceased by his son Wesley, his parents Elizabeth and Humphrey, brother Victor, sister Angie, mother-in-law Grace DiGuistini, father-in-law Angus Gillis, and brother-in-law John Gillis. He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Rita, daughter Wendy (Reider), grandson Nathan [Kiesha], granddaughter Stephanie, step grandchildren Kirstin and Reider Jr., and great granddaughters Everly and Ophelia. Steve was so proud of his grandchildren and the adults they became. He also leaves behind his daughter-in-law Kelly, Julie, Haylee and great grandson Chance, brother Alex, sisters Dorothy and Evelyn, family friend Bob Cail, and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration in honour of Steve will be held once group gatherings are permitted. For those wishing to do so, donations in Steve's memory can be made to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Rest peacefully, our dear Steve. We love you and miss you.