Obituary of Elmer Shewchuk

SHEWCHUK, Elmer [Шевчук, Eлмер], age 74, of Sherwood Park, AB, unexpectedly passed away in Edmonton, AB, while in Hospital on April 8^th, 2024.

Elmer was born on April 6^th, 1950, in Hafford, SK, and was raised in the Orolow District near Krydor, SK. He was the second eldest son of Nick Shewchuk and Rosalia/Rose (Mariash) Shewchuk. He was grandson to John and Rosie (Skochko) Shewchuk (Orolow District, SK) and Kazmir and Mary (Ziniexrich) Mariash (Krydor, SK). Elmer was educated in Orolow District, Krydor, Yorkton (St. Joseph’s College), and Blaine Lake, SK.

After finishing high school, Elmer began a short welding career in a design metal shop in Saskatoon, SK, which led him to a lifelong career in grain management, starting with United Grain Growers (UGG) in Macklin, SK. Elmer worked as Assistant Elevator Manager, Elevator Manager, District Manager, and Area Manager for UGG, Agricore United, and Viterra for 43 years of continuous service. He had a lifelong passion for agriculture, farming, and working in the grain industry, as shown by his commitment to his past customers and farming friends. As the agricultural industry flourished, so did Elmer’s career with UGG. He received the prestigious “Top Ten Achievement Award” for 10 consecutive years of outstanding sales achievement and led the way for UGG Macklin to hit the one-million-bushel mark in 1982.  As District Manager and Area Manager, Elmer led a wide variety of teams through changes to business operations, the agricultural industry and overall business competition.  In 2009, Elmer became an elite certified member to grade assess for Canada’s largest grain handler. 

Elmer was not just a dedicated professional, but also an active member of the communities he lived in. He was involved in various activities, including hockey, curling, and volunteer firefighting. He served as the treasurer for the Kinsmen Club and was a member of the Macklin Gun Club. His love for the outdoors was evident in his hobbies of hunting and fishing. He was an avid snowmobiler and had attended many snowmobile rallies in rural Saskatchewan and Alberta for several decades. He enjoyed travelling, especially to warm destinations, and spending time with friends and family. Over the past several years, he particularly enjoyed spending time at the family home in the Okanagan. He would spend many hours observing nature, sitting by the lake while watching farming videos and listening to classic country music on his phone.

Elmer always said one of his greatest accomplishments was his family, particularly that of his granddaughter, Matayah. He loved his family and was proud of their accomplishments, taking a keen interest in learning about their personal and professional developments. He was always willing to provide solid advice and support.

Elmer is lovingly remembered by his caring wife, Bernice (Fischer) Shewchuk of more than 51 years; daughter and son-in-law Lee Ann and Rodney Metz (Medicine Hat, AB); son Troy Shewchuk (Sherwood Park, AB); granddaughter Matayah Metz (Minot, ND); brothers, Ernie (Verna) Shewchuk (Saskatoon, SK), Walter (Irene) Shewchuk (Orolow District, SK); and in-laws, David (Alvina) King (Sherwood Park, AB); Jerome (Ludwina) Fischer (Martensville, SK); Edwin (Marsha) Fischer (Calgary, AB); Joe (Pat) Reschny (Calgary, AB); David (Cindy) Fischer (Macklin, SK); Elmer (Suzanne) Fischer (Red Deer, AB); Gail Sieben (Edmonton, AB); and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, parents, parents-in-law (Pete and Rose (Sieben) Fischer (Macklin, SK), sister Rosemarie Shewchuk (Hafford, SK) and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ted and Doreen (Fischer) Schaefer (Red Deer, AB).

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 19^th, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Macklin, SK. Cremation Rite of Committal will follow at a later date.

Eternal rest grant unto Elmer, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. A life’s work well done.