Andy Pluhator

Andrew Russell Pluhator April 14, 1944 – April 18, 2023.  It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our father at the age of 79 of Wadena Saskatchewan.  Andy passed away peacefully in his home.  Andy was the fourth child born in Wadena Saskatchewan to Mary Kucharzyshyn and Mike Pluhator who immigrated to Canada from Western Ukraine in 1928 and farmed northwest of Wadena.  Shortly after he was born, his family retired from farming and moved into Wadena to operate the movie theatre. While attending Wadena Public School, High School, and one year at the University of Saskatchewan, he was heavily involved in the family theatre business.  This included an indoor theatre and a newly constructed drive-in.  His involvement in the theatre continued until TV and video recorders resulted in a decline in attendance.  Andy spent time working with Dan Zazula, Paul, and Bradley Stephanyshen at Wadena Corner Service.  He attained his journeyman mechanics certificate, which enabled him to provide excellent advice to young car enthusiasts.  He was always ready to help anyone needing to repair vehicles or farm equipment.  Andy also became a parts person with Stewart Burton at Burton Auto Supply/Home Hardware in Wadena.  Jim and Sharon Bell owned Indy’s restaurant which Andy helped operate for a few years.  Around the time electronic printers and copiers were trending, Andy was retained by CANON to service equipment in area hospitals, schools, and offices until his retirement.  In his retirement, Andy enjoyed helping the Sowa family and the Haskey family with part-time farming endeavours.  He enjoyed driving his truck to look at the crops and visiting his long time friend Ken Kerluke.  The family really appreciates Ken’s help and support during his declining health.  In his 20’s he attained his private pilot’s license and enjoyed flying.  He eventually had a co-share in a plane with some friends in the Wadena area.  Andy and his lifelong companion, Buttons the family dog, did a lot of different activities together, including ice cream cones at the Dairy Bar, motorcycle rides, airplane rides and other various excursions.  Andy is survived by his wife Lynne of Wadena, son Todd (Sandra) of Saskatoon, daughter Leah of Saskatoon, and daughter Rachel (Shawn) of Beaumont; brother Borden (Patty) of Saskatoon; grand-children Darian, Tyson, Oaklen and Scotlyn, his in-laws and many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his father Mike Senior in 1962, his mother Mary in 1999, an infant brother Harold born in the Ukraine, and brother Michael in 2015.  We would like to thank the Tisdale Dialysis Team for the excellent care they provided. VICHNAYA PAMIAT - God Grant Him Eternal Rest.  In lieu of flowers, donations can made to the Kuroki Ukrainian Catholic Parish.  The family invites all who wish to join them at a service which will be scheduled at a later date.