Kenny Michael Bashutski

Please click here for Kenny Bashutski's Livestream for his Funeral Service on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 @ 2:00 pm

Kenny Michael Bashutski was born on November 24, 1955, in Lestock, Saskatchewan, to John and Anne Bashutski of the Wishart district. He was the fourth of ten children in a large and lively family. 

 Growing up, Kenny attended school in Wishart. He often reminisced about mornings spent rushing from the barn straight to the bus, much to the frustration of the bus driver who didn’t appreciate his chore boots. As a child who suffered from motion sickness, Kenny usually sat at the front of the bus or even in the doorway, a pail often in hand. School wasn’t Kenny’s favorite place—he was a hands-on learner. His curiosity led him to take apart Christmas presents just to see how they worked.

Kenny left school early and ventured out to the West Coast to try different jobs before eventually returning to Saskatchewan. He enjoyed a 35-year career with SaskEnergy, and even won a bid to work on the East Coast for a time, bringing his daughters and granddaughter to explore the area. After retiring, he continued working—hauling gravel, mowing ditches for the R.M. of Emerald, assisting with road construction, and helping Bashutski Custom Harvesters haul equipment across the U.S. 

 On May 7, 1977, Kenny married Connie Lindemann, his loving wife of 27 years, and together they settled on a farm near Wishart, just a few miles from where he grew up. From the time they met, they could be found on the dance floor at any local cabaret, tearing it up with their infectious energy. They raised three daughters, who were very active in sports, activities, and family trips. The family’s winters were filled with time in the Skidoo shack, and summers were spent on camping adventures.

 As a family, they also shared a passion for Ukrainian dance and spent many years entertaining crowds as part of the Wishart Hopak Dance Troupe. These performances created treasured memories and brought joy to their community.

 Kenny loved hockey and broomball and spent many evenings playing on multiple teams on the same night. His passion for sports extended beyond his own interests—he cherished following his daughters and grandkids to their sporting events and was their biggest fan. At the same time, his girls spent many weekends following him to the rink, hauling his hockey bag and cheering loudly from the stands. As a lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan, he shared his love for the team with his eldest daughter, creating cherished memories.

 Kenny was a jack of all trades—if he couldn't fix it, it wasn't broken. He used these skills to help anyone who needed a hand, whether it was fixing furnaces, vehicles, farm equipment, or anything mechanical. His expertise was especially appreciated at the Zemlak Family Farm near Elfros, where he often found himself dragged into projects. He marveled at the boys' knowledge and enjoyed sharing insights while learning from them. 

 Kenny’s favorite pastime was hunting those pesky beavers. He spent countless spring and fall days monitoring beaver activity, quietly staking out their dams and patiently waiting for that familiar swish in the water. He took great pleasure in destroying their handiwork while keeping the water flowing smoothly throughout the R.M.

 Kenny’s girls were so grateful that fate brought Kari Zemlak into his life. She brought the sparkle back to his eyes, and in the last 13 years, he gained five more kids, their spouses, and more grandkids. The two of them shared a passion for travel, embarking on many adventures together—from warm destinations to old historical places, and even an Alaskan cruise. Kenny’s favorite trip was their journey to Normandy; as a war buff, he was in heaven. If an adventure was proposed, Kenny was always ready to go.

 Kenny had a larger-than-life personality. His smile could light up a room, and the twinkle in his eyes, paired with his famous smirk, will never be forgotten.

 Left to mourn his loss are his three daughters: Jaimie (Mike), Carrie (Kyle) and Marley. His grandkids: Taylor, Cassey, Hayden, Kaleb, Calli, Ryder, Hailee, and Berrett

 His bonus family, Kari and her family: Chris (Deanna), Laurie (Ryan), Tyler (Elizabeth), Andrew, Josh (Samie) and her grandkids Natalie, Nicholas, Sawyer, Hardy, Russel, Wyatt, Violet and Stella

 His siblings: Mervin (Connie), Margie (Frank), Donald (Melanie), Joan (Brian), Larry (Loretta), Allen (Janice), Karen (Lyle), Michael (Jenny), David (Becky)

 He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a wide circle of friends. Kenny will be remembered for the love and laughter he shared and the joy he found in both family and community.