Victor Schigol

Victor Schigol passed away at the Canora Hospital on May 19, 2017, at the age of 87 years.
Victor was born on August 25, 1929 to Joseph and Mary (Hrycyk) Schigol in Wakaw, SK. He resided with his parents and sister, Lily, in Yellow Creek, SK, where he completed his public schooling. Victor enjoyed his boyhood and shared many stories with his children and grandchildren about his adventures in rural Saskatchewan. He then attended the University of Saskatchewan, where he completed his teaching degree and in later years an advanced teaching degree.
On July 13, 1952, Victor was united in marriage to Irene Kindrachuk who had completed teacher training and also had been from Yellow Creek. They began their married and teaching life together in Mikado, SK, where they stayed for six years before moving to Canora, SK.
While in Canora, they started a family and raised David, Marilyn, Peter and Larissa. Victor was the principal of the Canora Composite High School for many years. He especially enjoyed teaching economics and years later, many past students remember their school days with Victor “the principal.”
Besides teaching in Canora, he travelled and mentored teachers in the developing countries of Belize, the Honduras and Nigeria. Victor was the Captain of the Air Cadet Squadron Canora #566. He was a proud leader advocating for many opportunities for his squadron such as rides in gliders, attending camps and instilling team work. Victor was an active member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, volunteered at the Canora Ukrainian Museum, Trident church camp, was a member of TYC, U of S Congress and led restoration of the historical Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Heritage Church.
Victor and Irene left Canora for several years when Victor accepted the role as superintendent of Northern Lights School Division. There they enjoyed the northern geography, fishing, boating, hiking and the culture of the north before retiring.
Victor and Irene built a family cottage at Madge Lake and enjoyed their time with family and friends there. Victor appreciated nature, especially bird watching, gazing at stars, northern lights and working on carpentry projects. He also enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting with his sons and any time he could spend at the lake. Victor liked to keep busy, keeping his home in top shape and planting his garden full of flowers and produce. Victor took great joy in helping Larissa with her children, often referring to himself as the ‘taxi-driver’ chauffeuring his grandchildren to various activities, supporting and visiting his children. Victor had strong family values, was a man of integrity, vision, intelligence, independence and kindness. He often had a ‘twinkle in his eye’ with all enjoying his sense of humor. Victor was an avid gardener, master carpenter, loved to read, help others and further his knowledge. He enjoyed visiting Mexico, many places in Canada, Hong Kong and China with Irene. He was a dedicated husband all the years of his marriage and seeing his family visit brought him the greatest joy, where he would welcome you with a wide smile. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered by those who we fortunate to share their lives with Victor.
He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Mary, sister, Lily, and wife Irene. He is lovingly remembered by his children: David (Louise) Schigol of Saskatoon, SK, Marilyn Schigol (Ramey Campbell) of Canora, SK, Peter (Judy) Schigol of Yorkton, SK and Larissa Scherban of Canora, SK; his seven grandchildren: Jesslyn, Max, Olivia, Dawson, Maria, Hannah, Megan and great grandson Adarius; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
In Victor’s honour, Prayers will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 7:00 pm from the Chapel of Leson’s Funeral Home, Canora. The Funeral Service commences Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 10:00 am, from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, Canora with Rev. Fr. Michael Faryna, officiating. Interment will follow in the Canora Cemetery. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity or to the Canadian Cancer Society, as tokens of remembrance, in memory of Victor Schigol.