Obituaries

EWANOWICH, Steve Andrew

Sadly, my father Steve Andrew Ewanowich, passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon at 4:30 PM at the age of 86. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Verna. He also leaves behind his daughter Luanne and sons Greg, Larry and his wife Tracy, three granddaughters, Amber, Paige and her husband Caleb, Kristie and her husband Matt, two grandsons Ashley, and his wife Hailey, and Dustin as well as three great grandsons, Cypher, Hendrix, and Kolten.

Dad was born Sept.18, 1930 in Andrew Alberta where he grew up on a farm. He went to work in the oil patch as a young teenager. He met my mother, Verna Heid, fell madly in love and married her at the age of 22. He continued to work in the oil patch until 1967 when he and Mom decided to move from Red Deer Alberta to Kelowna, B.C. where he started his own water well drilling business, SAE Water Well Drilling. This later became Steve's Drilling when he started to also drill elevator shafts for many office towers and apartment buildings throughout the Okanagan and southern interior of B.C. and even Washington State. Many of the water wells in the Okanagan valley were drilled by my Dad. He brought water, the elixor of life to so many families here in B.C.

Dad worked hard until the age of 74 when he started to have tremors in his right arm. He had Parkinson's Disease, so he finally retired and sold the business. I was working with him at that time.

One thing my brother and I learned from my Dad was the value of a hard days work and he rarely missed a day, sunshine, rain or snow. He was an honest, hard working man who supported his family through good times and bad. He never quit or gave up on a challenge or a struggle. My brother and I both got our work ethic from him and we both still put in a good hard days work ourselves, rarely missing a day, thanks to Dad teaching us from a young age.

Dad loved to travel when we could as a family and later on in years with my Mother. We had many wonderful adventures with him, visiting Disneyland, California, Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah, Idaho ,Montana and all over B.C., Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
He loved to go dancing with Mom on a Saturday night and he did enjoy his country music. He always had a smile for you. He was a devoted church member and he gave a lot of his time to his church and helping his friends in times of need. One thing you can say for sure about my father is that he would give you the shirt off of his back if you needed it. He was generous to a fault and though he was strict he had a big, giant heart.

Dad loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren so much. Yes, he could be stern when it was necessary but he always did it out of love and he was quick to forgive and forget even though we tried his patience many times. We could not have asked for a better father.

His last few years were not easy. With Parkinson's and Dementia he slowly lost his strength and abilities. But even through all that, he could at times have the biggest smile and even though he could not speak you knew you were loved. We will miss him dearly. A big piece of our family is gone to his rest.

Mom and I were by his side the day he passed. It was probably the hardest day of my life but I would not have missed it for the world. Many of us never get that chance to say one last "I love you", but I did. I will never forget those last moments. When he drew his last breath it started to rain. Water, the theme that ran throughout his life.

So on Friday afternoon at 2: 30 PM, we will lay him to rest at Kelowna Memorial Cemetery with an intimate family prayer service.

Instead of flowers or cards we would request that a small donation to the Parkinson's foundation or a donation to Sutherland Hills Rest Home on Hall Road in Kelowna, towards their activities fund would be appreciated.

We will all miss his love and infectious smile. But we know he is no longer ill or suffering, a prisoner of his body. He is finally free of the bonds of human life. His spirit will live on in our lives forever more. God bless and keep him.

Dad also leaves behind three sisters out of a family of nine children, Aulga, Elenor and Irene.

OK this was not easy to write, but I hope I did it justice. I know I probably missed something or someone but as you can imagine it has been a difficult week for myself and my family. I apologize for any omission. Through it all we remain family, and together in love we will move ever forward with strong hearts and everlasting faith.

We love you Dad!

Gregory Ewanowich

Condolence Messages

Mar 22, 2017
Dad is no longer suffering and off onto his next adventure.

He'll be awaiting your arrival on the other side.

Thinking of you-

Love,

Brenda, Brendon and Heather
Mar 21, 2017
My condolences to you all. Dad is free to begin his new adventure now and will be waiting for you all, on the other side.

Thinking of you-

Love, Brenda Tillapaugh, Brendon and Heather
Mar 18, 2017
Mrs Ewanowich and family, so sorry to hear of Mr Ewanowichs' passing. Sending prayers and hugs at this difficult time. Love Julie Morgan
Mar 18, 2017
Thank you all so much for your kind words and sympathies. The service was beautiful. Just what Dad would have wanted. God bless you all.
Mar 17, 2017
Sorry to hear of your father's passing but glad his suffering is over. Peace at last. Our thoughts are with you and the family.

Hans and Rena Norel.
Mar 17, 2017
Hi Greg, sorry for your loss. Thinking about you.

Shirley and Cameron