Doris Sawchuk

Doris Sawchuk passed away peacefully on November 28, 2018 at McKenzie Towne Long Term Care Centre in Calgary at the age of 94 years.

She was born on the McEwan Farm on May 11, 1924. As a young child she struggled to see. Upon visiting an eye doctor, he explained that she was born with misplaced lenses in both eyes. At that time there was no treatment or cure, so she went through life nearly blind. At school she had to sit at the very front of the classroom, so the teacher could hand her assignments to her because she could not see the chalkboard. She grew up on a farm a few miles north of Rouleau with her seven brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles and friends that visited. Her love of horses grew at that farm. Dorie often recalled how some of her happiest days were packing a small lunch and going bareback riding across the prairies with her sister Barb. Despite Dorie’s limited vision, she did not let it inhibit anything she did.

In 1946, Dorie met Peter Sawchuk and they married in 1949. They worked on the farm and neighbouring farms for a few years before Peter started road construction. Dorie of course went along too, taking the role of cook for the road crew. In September 1954, their first son, Terris (Terry) was born, and in August 1961 they had another son, Peter (Larry, Sam). Dorie and Peter purchased a new home in 1961 on Van Horne Ave. in Regina. They lived there for 40 years and were the center of the community. Dorie was always there to help neighbours and friends, and to the kids, was the WARDEN of the block. She could make roast beef with yorkshire pudding on a hot plate. Really. All those years growing up in the dirty thirties, poor vision, dirt poor, cooking on a cook car for a bunch of rowdy men, and all the hardships she faced, made her the person she was. She was full of life, love and laughter.

Dorie and Peter moved to Calgary in 2000 and lived with their son Peter and his wife Jodi for thirteen years, before finally moving into a senior facility. She was well known and loved for her sharp tongue, great cooking and passion for life and laughter. Dorie loved with her entire soul and will be missed.

Dorie was predeceased by Peter, her husband of 51 years in 2001. She is survived by sons Terry of Regina, Peter (Jodi) of Calgary; her grandchildren, Haylee and Sam, of Calgary; her brother Larry Boan (Carol) of Osoyoos, BC; her sister Bonnie of Calgary; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and acquaintances.

A memorial service will be held in the summer.  

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Wild Horses of Alberta Society (Box 4154  Olds, Alberta T4H 1P7; 1-403-556-6167; https://wildhorsesofalberta.com. 

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