Samuel (Sam) Alan Humeny

It is with saddened hearts that we share the passing of Sam Humeny, loving husband, father, Dido, uncle and friend. Sam passed away in his home in the loving presence of his family, bringing a close to a life well lived. He was the family anchor, protector and took each day in stride with enjoyment and grace. He passed away in his 100th year. Sam was born in Fraserwood, Manitoba and moved with his family to a farm near Eatonia, Saskatchewan at the age of four. He shared many stories of growing up on the farm and had an abundance of energy for work and play. After graduating from Eatonia High School, Sam joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and served as a Wireless Mechanic during WWII in Canada and England (1942-1945).

Upon returning to Canada, Sam immediately enrolled in the College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan and obtained his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Class of 1949. After graduation, Sam worked as a Project Engineer with the North Dakota State Highway until 1951. That same year he met and married Virtue Maxymishyn in Saskatoon. The couple moved to Regina where he joined Poole Construction until 1954 and then moved back to Saskatoon where he worked for Boychuk Construction and welcomed two daughters.  In December of 1956, Sam and his young family moved to Calgary where he joined The City of Calgary as Design Engineer. Sam became the father of his third daughter a few years later.

Dad worked for The City for almost 32 years in the Engineering Department, becoming Manager of the Streets Division during a time of incredible growth in Calgary. During his career he was active in many professional organizations. He took great pride working for The City and enjoyed overseeing extensive construction projects. He was most proud of the $100 bet he made with an Alderman that he would get Deerfoot Trail completed on time. Deerfoot did indeed get completed on schedule and he was paid with a wheelbarrow of 10,000 pennies. Dad was a good sport and thought it was hilarious.

Dad retired in 1988 and was able to enjoy over 30 years of travel and visiting with family and friends. He remained actively involved with St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the associations of TYC and The Order of St. Andrews. Dad was a Charter Member of the Calgary Winter Club when it opened in 1960 and enjoyed badminton, tennis, curling and many social functions at the Club in his younger years and beyond. Education and involvement in the community was very important to Sam and he gave back in service wherever and whenever he could. He loved puttering in his yard, watching the robins, tinkering with cars, and diligently stirring his simmering morning porridge. He was also a consummate dancer and was known to swing his partners around the floor with exuberance.

Sam’s priority was always his family. His support and dedication to his immediate and extended family never wavered. He was happiest with his family whether it was enjoying gatherings, BBQ’s, or vacations. He was a big fan of desserts, especially pies, which he enjoyed as much as he could. Family dogs were also an important part of his life, and they were clearly devoted and loyal pets. Sam was intelligent and wise, interested in and willing to talk to anyone about almost everything. Anyone who knew him was aware he enjoyed robust discussions on many topics. He was a man of good nature and people enjoyed being around him and drew from his warm manner and strength. He was known as a very fair and steady man and held no judgements.

In recent years, although he became physically weaker with numerous health challenges, he continued to be very alert and engaged. He always enjoyed being up on current events and even voted by mail for both recent elections. Sam continued to live in his home with his wife and the support of dedicated caregivers and family. He truly appreciated all his caregivers, and the family is most appreciative of their continued commitment.

Sam is survived by his wife Virtue of 70 years, his daughters Catherine Humeny, Sandra (Ian) Mackay, and Patricia (Randel) Dalgleish, grandchildren Hayley & Jenner Dalgleish, along with many nieces & nephews who he loved to visit with. He was predeceased by his parents William & Anna Humeny and all his siblings. If so desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sam’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation of Canada, The Canadian Cancer Society, or the Veteran’s Association Food Bank. A private funeral service will be held at St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church. 

A larger gathering to celebrate Sam’s life will be held in a few months where we welcome all family, friends, former colleagues, and neighbours. His love and kindness, spirit, strength and determination will live on with us forever.

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