Gregory (Benny) Benjamin Uchacz

With great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Benny Uchacz. Born in Ituna, SK on February 8, 1935, he left us on October 11, 2024 in Calgary, Alberta.

The youngest of fifteen children, Benny grew up on a farm in Ituna, SK where he worked alongside his siblings, and participated in various sports. At a young age, he learned to play the guitar, igniting a passion that would fuel a remarkable music career spanning over 75 years.

After completing high school in Moose Jaw, SK Benny pursued a Business Administration program which led him to a career in accounting with Canada Packers in Moose Jaw. It was during this time that he met Helen Tremblay who would become his loving wife and partner for over 66 years.

Benny and Helen later moved to Regina where he worked in the oil and gas industry as a marketing representative. His career included companies such as BA Oil, Gulf Oil, and Petro Canada. Throughout his career, he moved the family to Calgary, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Vegreville and Saskatoon before ultimately settling in Calgary, for the last time. After retiring, Benny and Helen enjoyed over 30 winters in Apache Junction, AZ where they formed lifelong friendships, shared laughter, and embraced the joys of potluck gatherings and ‘happy hours’.

As a self-taught musician, Benny formed several bands, starting with ‘Benny Uchacz and the Rhythm Ramblers’ including a television show in Regina during the 1950s. He played guitar and bass and sang country classics. In Calgary, he played at local venues including the Calgary Stampede, 264 Legion, the Kirby Centre, Minus One Club, and the Banff Springs Hotel to name a few. When in Arizona, he was part of a three-person band, Bee Dee and Mee, performing many nights for local residents at the Golden Vista Resort and other venues.

Family was everything to Benny. He cherished the many gatherings in Ituna, Moose Jaw and Courval, and other places where his siblings settled. These large family get-togethers were filled with love, laughter, music, lots of food, and memorable “shotskis.”

Benny was predeceased by his parents, Samuel and Mary; his brothers Peter, John, Mike, Joe, Nick, and Bill; his sisters Pauline Petruka, Sr. Metrophane (Anne) Uchacz, Helen Czerkulon, Kay Polovick, Mary Sikorski; and two siblings in infancy.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Helen, and their four children: Janet (Mel) Hart, Laurie (Stuart) Ross, Greg (Maura) Uchacz and Jody Uchacz. He is also survived by his grandchildren Zachary (Kelly) Hart, Dylan (Taylor) Hart, Maximea Goulet, Keanna Dube, Bennett and Charlie Uchacz, and great-grandchildren Benjamin and Maxwell Hart. Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Jenny Sali, sister-in-law Gisele Smith, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

The family wishes to express deep appreciation to the dedicated staff at Dulcina Hospice for their outstanding care of Benny and the family. In lieu of flowers, a Gift in Memory of Benny may be made to the Dulcina Hospice, c/o the Dulcina Hospice/Covenant Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Catholic Community (800- 85 Street SW) on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow in the Gathering Area. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared through www.evanjstrong.com. Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES SOUTH 403-265-1199  

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