Orest Protzak

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 Orest Peter Protzak was born April 14, 1943 in Parkerview, Saskatchewan. He was the 4th of 5 children born to William and Mary Protzak. He is predeceased by his parents and sisters Anne (Bill), Iris (Terrance) and Olga as well as his nephews Barry and Glenn and his nieces Charlene and Rondy. He leaves to mourn his wife Veronica of 62 years, his daughter Pam, and her children JP, Trey ( Nicole), Matea (Eric) and daughter Michelle (Murray) and their children Drew (Andrew), Carter and son Dion (Treena) and their children Ayden and Zoe. He is also survived by his sister Sylvia, his sister-in-law Mildred (Dave), Nancy, his brother-in-law Claude and numerous nieces and nephews.

He passed away peacefully at RUH having said goodbye to his loving family and many friends. Even in these last moments Orest maintained his signature sense of humour and good attitude.

 After high school he attended Saskatoon business school and obtained a certificate of bookkeeping. His first job was at Chucks Service Station in Yorkton after which he went to work with his brother-in-law in Northern Saskatchewan. He worked there just long enough to be able to afford to buy an engagement ring. He returned to Yorkton and worked at Atomic Transport before moving to Esterhazy where he obtained a position at the IMC potash mine working underground as a surveyor. After working there for 7 years he moved to the PCS Rocanville mine site, beginning in the underground then moving into the warehouse. After getting promoted into the purchasing department, he stayed there for a total of 37 years and retired as the Purchasing Agent and warehouse supervisor. Orest's office was always a favourite of visitors who would stop in frequently to have a few laughs during the work day.

 Always drawn to the farm Orest commuted regularly to the Insinger area farm to work along side his Dad until 1985. He was always happiest outside in the sun with his face full of dirt. Farming was in his DNA.

 His life in Esterhazy was very busy with an incredible network of great friends and 3 kids in multiple sports and activities. He was also a volunteer fire fighter, a member of the Parkland Health Region board and a town council member for 9 years, sitting on multiple committees. Orest was always committed to contributing in important ways to the community. He and Veronica regularly attended and supported the United Church. He willingly lended a helping hand to whoever asked. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, curler, slow pitch player, and most of all golfer. Orest loved camping, snowmobiling, and riding the quad through the trails.

 Orest and Veronica enjoyed an active retirement moving to Saskatoon and wintering in Coolidge, Arizona in their second home, the camper. Wherever they were, there were always friends nearby ready to get together to play cards and laugh till very late into the night. He drove people absolutely crazy with his aggressive 3 spot strategy. Card games were always on the agenda. 

Orest's easy going demeanour and great sense of humour meant he was always fun to be around. A great guy and a great friend, he will be very sorely missed by many.

A Memorial Service will be held at Grace-Westminster United Church, 505 10th Street East, Saskatoon, on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.