James Lysyshyn

In Loving Memory of

James "Jim" Lysyshyn

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Saturday, August 21, 2021

2:00 p.m.

Chapel of Tompkins Funeral Home

Wadena, SK

Please join the family virtually here: https://fb.me/e/2yZQU14vL

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, stepfather, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle, James “Jim” Gordon Lysyshyn. Jim passed away peacefully on March 16, 2021 from complications of prostate cancer.

He will be greatly missed by his stepchildren Freda (Andy) Lysyshin of Nipawin, SK, and Zolton (Elaine) Molnar of Prince Albert, SK; grandchildren Amanda (Jarrett) Hagel and great grandchildren Aidin, Emma-Mae, Sophie Hagel of Regina, SK and Michelle (Cody) Rommel and great grandchildren Brayden, Cypress, Ky Rommel of Nipawin; SK; siblings Kathy (Richard) Griffith of Saskatoon, SK, Ted (Joanne) Lysyshin of Saskatoon, SK, Andrew (Freda) Lysyshin of Nipawin, Sk, Howard (Sonya) Abrey of Blaine Lake, SK, Edwin (Mary Lysyshyn) Messenger of Kelvington, SK as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Jim was predeceased by his wife Emily, parents Mary and Metro and sister Sonya.

Jim was born to Metro and Mary Lysyshyn on a beautiful spring day, June 2, 1944 at the Rose Valley Hospital in Rose Valley, SK. As the second of five children, Jim was a quiet, more reserved child. He could often be found contemplating the world around him, tinkering with tools or equipment, and quietly helping around the farm.

As his younger siblings came along, Jim took the role of big brother to heart, helping them do their chores or covering for them when they did not, staying home from school to help with seeding and harvesting, watching out for them at school, and taking a good old fashion ribbing in stride from his younger brothers. During his adolescence, farm chores developed into a deep passion for farming. This passion flourished into adulthood, and eventually saw him take over the family homestead.

Jim became known throughout the community for his patient and kind heart. His kind and generous character lead him to marry the love of his life, Emily Mary Molnar, on October 16, 1981 and just like everything Jim did, he took on the role of husband with a love and grace only Jim had. This love and commitment helped him adjust in his new role of stepfather to Freda and Zolton who are both grateful to be known as his children and to know Jim as their father.

Jim had a love for the prairie life that rivaled the vastness of the prairie sky itself. His farm, family and community were the treasures he held dearest. If he was not found on his farm or in his fields, he could be found in a neighbour’s, and if it wasn’t his equipment he was working on, it was someone else’s.

Jim loved playing just as much as he loved farming. He loved a good polka and spinning dance partners across the floor. He loved family get togethers, late nights playing King Pedro, and rescuing grandchildren, nieces, and nephews from stunts they were almost brave enough to follow through on. His kindness stretched out to animals as well and often there would be a rescued calf, kitten, or chicken in the house. His sense of humour and giggle was welcome at every cafe table and in every neighbour’s house.

In his retirement Jim moved from the farm to Kelvington where he enjoyed playing shuffleboard with Edwin, visiting with his friends Les and Lana, and further grew his love for Saskatchewan by falling in love with the North. Jim made Besnard Lake and its people his second home where he found a new labour of love, working at a fishing resort.

Jim will be remembered as the kindest man who treated everyone he met with a quiet and compassionate dignity, and even while we will deeply miss holding his hand, we can all remember him as the man who lent his hand to whomever needed it.