Obituary

The family is heartbroken for their loss, yet pleased to announce that Craig Sawchuk of Thorhild County has won his battle against Huntington’s Disease.

Craig was 47 years old and a proud, supportive, loving husband to Julie Krahulec. He joined her in raising their greatest pride and joy, their children, Tyrus (Tatiana Hendriks), Julie aka Jj, Raiya (James Baldwin), and Jordynn Sawchuk, as well as an honorary daughter, Cassie Jerrett (Jesse Watson). Craig was able to enjoy the presence of his two princesses, Kinsley Watson and Taliya Sawchuk, who call him Gido!

Some of Craig’s surviving relatives include his mom, Sonya Roskewich Sawchuk Kozak; sister, Shelley Sawchuk Kraychy West; father-in-law, Ken Krahulec; and mother-in-law, Carol Wallace. He was pre-deceased by his father, William (Bill) Sawchuk; infant brother, Brent Sawchuk; uncle, Pete Sawchuk; Baba, Mary Sekersky Sawchuk; Gido, Nicholas (Nick) Sawchuk; Gido, William (Bill) Roskewich; Baba, Katherine Senetza Roskewich; and step-father, Michael Kozak.

Craig has several aunts and uncles that he loved and spoke highly of. Those who knew Craig knew how much he respected the generations of the family. All mattered in his eyes!

Craig was very proud of his in-law siblings, Milo McCarthy, Adam Verigin, Chris Wahl, and Leila (Brad) Leebody as they stood by him through the disease and helped in the adoption of some of his children. One of his favourite titles was Uncle, and he was blessed with sixteen nieces and nephews, plus countless honorary nieces and nephews.

When it came to work, Craig was a country boy. He was born in Calgary and raised there until he was 13, but thanks to both his Gidos’ farms and his parents going back to farming, Craig always knew where he needed to be.

Hunting and fishing were some other favourites of Craig’s, the few male pastimes that he kept for him and the boys. One of his greatest times as a young man was leasing the Radway Hotel! Other jobs that he was proud of include Novacor by Joffree while living in Red Deer in 1995; Canac, a division of CN, where he was a switchman promoted to supervisor and trainer; Cando, part of the Athabasca Northern Railway, running the train from Boyle to Fort MacMurry, the Waterways Subdivision. Craig returned to power engineering at Dapp Power in 2005 before working for ARC Resources in Redwater in 2008. He ended his career at Cenovus Energy in Foster Creek 2010-2015.

At the request of Craig and fully supported by family, there will not be a funeral. A private gathering will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you make a donation to the Huntington Society of Canada Research Department c/o 5626 – 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1.
To send condolences online, please visit www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com.

GRACE GARDENS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 5626 – 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1 780-645-2677