SAM ARTEMENKO of Assiniboia, SK, went to live with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 9, 2011. Funeral Service was held Tuesday, November 15th, 2011, at the Killdeer Community Hall, Killdeer, SK. Pastor Terry Severson and Pastor Bob Scott of the Apostolic Church officiated. Ministry of Music was led by Josh McDonald, Justin Mizu and Chelsea McCann. Daughter, Susan, gave the tribute to her Father. Pallbearers were: Rick Pituley, Albert Salaba, Wade Knoss, Cameron Dawson, Dallas Dawson and Irvin Mielke. Interment followed in the Killdeer Cemetery. Donations in Memory of Sam can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Sam was born October 22, 1923 to Stephen and Mary Artemenko (Novak) and predeceased by brothers Andy and Walter; sisters Annie Panko, Stacia Walsh and Rose Riggs. Sam is survived by daughter Susan Leduc, granddaughter Rachel Leduc, longtime friend Doris Leduc and many nieces and nephews. Sam took over operating of the family farm, Lonesome Butte, seven miles south of Killdeer, where he was born, when his father died in 1952. Sam had a true love for farming/ranching and livestock, especially loved riding horseback and herding the cattle with a faithful dog alongside. Longtime friend, Doris Leduc, came to live at the farm in 1957, where they worked together to grow and prosper the ranch. Sam lived his life with honesty and integrity; lending a helping hand to the neighbors and never expecting anything in return. He believed in serving the community wholeheartedly with good hard work, even hauling neighbors’ cattle to auction, accepting nothing for payment. He saw a need and he filled it whenever possible. Sam farmed two miles east of Grasslands National Park and so enjoyed when people would drive into the yard and ask him to take them on a tour of sinking hill, the rattlesnake pit, and initial rock. He would drop everything he was doing, we all jumped into the pick-up and ‘head for the hills’. Some of the greatest laughs and joy were shared on these tours and with complete strangers -- they were not strangers for long. Dad loved to share his knowledge of the land. Round-up and branding with the neighbors was also something Sam looked forward to, a group of men working together with the livestock brought him great joy. Sam retired and sold the farm in 1997 and moved into Assiniboia. He enjoyed 14 years of retirement, staying connected with farmers and ranchers at the ‘coffee shop’ at the Franklin Hotel. Truly Sam will be remembered by many for his wisdom and knowledge at the auction sales. He knew cattle and horses and was a good businessman, and was willing to share it with others. Susan saying, she always enjoyed going to the auctions with her Dad. She learnt great things from just observing her Dad interact with people, especially how he treated them with respect. “Dad, Grandpa, longtime friend, we love you, we miss you. Thank you for your sacrifices and hard work; being generous and providing a good life for us. The memory of you shall be with us always . . .” Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK.
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