It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle Benny. We are sad that we no longer will have our family leader with us, but through his wisdom, sense of humor, work ethic and quiet unassuming demeanor he was a role model to many. Benny died suddenly on Monday, July 27th due to complications from a recent operation. He was born in Wilno, Ontario and is predeceased by his parents Vincent, and Catherine, and brothers Zigmund and Edmond Kutchkoskie, and sisters Barbara Shulist, Katie Yeretch, and Mary Luckasavitch. Throughout his life, Benny had a very close relationship with his many nieces and nephews. He married his sweetheart, Ephrasine Burchat on August 30th, 1955. The wedding date was very close to the annual Wilno Chicken Supper, and their priest said he would only marry them at such a hectic time of year on one condition – they had to promise to work at the chicken supper that year and every year after. They took that promise very seriously and fulfilled it until they could no longer work due to their health. Benny was the chief Potatoe Boiler, managing a crew of 5 boiling apprentices and Ephrasine worked at baking pies for 60 plus years. They encouraged their children and grandchildren to also volunteer for the church and their community. Benny and Ephrasine would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary August 30th of this year.
Benny worked at McCrae’s Lumber and Canada Veneers. He started working in the bush at a very young age: He was a strong and dependable worker, never complaining and always putting in a good days work to support his family. He retired at the age of 65 and spent his days in his workshop making axe handles, repairing tools for others, and cutting wood on his farm. He enjoyed having more to time to hunt and fish with friends and family, and he eagerly helped his children and babysat his grandchildren. He loved music and taught himself to play the fiddle. He enjoyed his role as spoon player with the Stoppa Lake Melodiers, often entertaining his fans by playing his spoons on his head, with a huge grin.
Benny will be sadly missed by his wife Ephrasine, children Patrick, Raymond (Colleen), Rita (Greg), Hilary (Wendy) and Christine (Michael) and his grandchildren: Chris, Amanda, and David Kutchkoskie, Laura Shulist, Skyler, Olivia, Sam, and Isaac Kutchkoskie, Russell, Robyn and Mitchell Summers.
Our angel is in heaven now watching over all of us until we meet again.