Harold Gogol

Harold Gogol, beloved husband of Jocelyn Gogol of the Amsterdam District, SK, passed away peacefully at the Canora Hospital on June 13, 2018, at the age of 68 years.
Harold was born October 18, 1949, in Canora, SK, the youngest son of Myron and Katie (Bellows) Gogol. He grew up on the family farm near Amsterdam, SK and attended Antonia School, Amsterdam School and eventually Canora.
In the early sixties, near his home, Harold was involved in a serious accident that changed the course of his life. After a long stay in the hospital, he quit school and decided to go to Millar Bible School, which he attended for 1-½ years. It was a wonderful experience for him and he made many life-long friends there.
It was during this time, Harold began to realize his talent for music, especially singing as a tenor. He attended Hyas Baptist Church, where he began singing in trios and quartets, and even winning a few talent contests. Also, around this time, he purchased his beloved green “Torino” car and enjoyed many a drag race with friends.
Harold obtained employment at W.C. Woods in Guelph, ON, but returned to the farm to help his dad. In 1974, he married Jocelyn Serdachny and they took over the family farm. Together they raised their three children: Elicia, Ian and Nathan. Harold loved farming, even with all its ups and downs, good years and bad. As his health began to decline, he was so grateful that Nathan had began taking over the farming operations, carrying the farm into the fourth generation.
Harold continued to faithfully attend Hyas Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday school and was on the church board. He also served on the Ketchen Lake Bible camp board. The little country church and Bible camp were very dear to his heart.
Harold greatly enjoyed his three grandchildren who fondly called him “Pops” due to their enjoyment of “popsicles” together. Together, they created many wonderful memories, enjoyed wiener roasts in the shop, ski-doo”chair” rides and many combine rides.
Harold loved visiting and his home was always open to anyone who would stop by. Many rainy-days, the driveway would be full of trucks, the coffee would be on and there would be hours of visiting and talking about farming. Over the years, many friends and family loved to come and visit and stay at the farm. There were also many meals and BBQ’s shared among them.
In the spring of 2016, Harold began to experience health complications and was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He began five weeks of treatment in Saskatoon and the prognosis seemed to be good. Unfortunately, by May he began feeling poorly and it was discovered the cancer had returned and spread. Harold then sought treatment at the Tom Baker clinic in Calgary, AB, where he received wonderful medical treatment.
His faith and unfailing love for his family gave him the strength to face each challenge that came his way. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and friend. There are no words to adequately describe how much he will be missed.
Harold was predeceased by his parents, Myron and Katie; brothers, Clifford (in infancy) and Norbert; father-in-law, John Serdachny; brothers-in-law, Leonard Serdachny and Allen Serdachny; sisters-in-law, Vicky Gogol and Elaine Gogol; and nephews, Brad and Scott Gogol. He is survived by his wife, Jocelyn; daughter, Elicia (Collins); sons, Ian and Nathan (Sheena); brothers, Elgin and Wendell Gogol; grandchildren, Quinlan, Jaxon and Ellaya; and his mother-in-law, Tena Serdachny; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
In Harold’s honour, a Going Home Service was held on Monday, June 18, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. from the Chapel of Leson’s Funeral Home, Canora, SK, with Darrell Vion officiating. Interment followed at the Canora Cemetery, Canora, SK. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Canora Hospital Auxiliary or to Ketchen Lake Bible Camp, as tokens of remembrance, in memory of Harold Gogol.