In Loving Memory: Nick Owchar – Mission View Funeral Chapel

With heavy hearts—and deep gratitude for a life well lived—we announce the passing of our beloved father, Nicholas “Nick” Owchar. Nick passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, at the William J. Cadzow Healthcare Centre, with family by his side, just two months shy of his 88th birthday.

Nick is lovingly remembered by his children: Nicole (Shaun Cormier), Greg Owchar, and Reg Owchar; his cherished grandchildren: Emily Owchar, Anastacia (Garrett Cooney), James Owchar, and Ayrton Owchar; and his sister and last surviving sibling, Linda Cherniwchan. He was predeceased by his devoted wife of 54 years, Annette Owchar, in December 2022; his parents, Bill and Minnie Owchar; and his brothers, John and Mike.

Born in Poplar Bluff, Saskatchewan, in 1937, Nick was the second son of Bill and Minnie Owchar. He spent his early years helping on the farm and enjoying time with his beloved Gido and Baba Kinaschuk. After the family relocated to Hylo, Alberta, Nick ventured to Edmonton and even as far as California to work—but his love for family and the land brought him back home.

In 1969, he married the love of his life, Annette Mahowich, and by 1970 they had begun raising their family. Together they bought a farm, and Nick purchased his first dozer, clearing land not just for his own use but generously for neighbours and friends as well. A skilled equipment operator and an even more gifted farmer, Nick was a trusted resource in the community, always ready with advice or help. In the 1980s, he purchased a grain moisture tester and taught his daughter how to use it so local farmers could test their grain.

Nick was a fiercely devoted father. He rarely missed a school concert, sporting event, or community gathering if it involved his children. From wiener roasts in the Sandhills to hockey games in Hylo, Nick was always there. He valued tradition, especially Ukrainian culture, and made sure his children knew how to dance—kitchen dance parties during Ukrainian Hour on the radio were a family staple. He instilled in them a deep appreciation for family, community, and giving back.

Nick also had a competitive side—especially when it came to Crib. He and Annette played regularly, and after her passing, he continued the tradition with his kids and sister Linda, never missing the chance to “play the rubber” and claim victory. Nick was an excellent hunter and marksman, teaching his children how to live off the land, fish, and appreciate nature. He loved long hikes, crop-checking drives, and spontaneous stops so his “favourite daughter”, Nicole, could pick wildflowers for her mom.

Each morning began with a 6 a.m. phone call from his brother Mike—Nick would answer pretending he’d been awake for hours, and the next day, Nick would call Mike a couple minutes earlier … .and so it would go! Coffee at Almac or A&W was another daily ritual, where stories flowed as freely as the coffee. When his kids joined him, he beamed with pride.

In his later years, Nick lived with Nicole in Fort McMurray and attended weekly Crib nights at the senior’s centre. When they invited Nicole to play, she hesitated, saying she wasn’t a senior. Without missing a beat, Nick quipped, “Almost!” He had a sharp wit and great sense of humour right until the end.

Nick leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and loyalty. His presence will be profoundly missed, but the lessons he taught and the memories he created will live on in all who knew and loved him.

Nick’s family would like to thank the staff at the William J. Cadzow Healthcare Centre and the staff at LacAlta Lodge. A special thank you to his sister, Linda Cherniwchan, for going above and beyond to help our dad after mom passed.

Respectfully submitted by the family.