Murray Shishkowski

Murray Shishkowski passed away peacefully March 18, 2025 at the age of 90 years.

Murray was born November 26, 1934 on the farm 2 miles south of Glenavon, Saskatchewan. He was the first son and the third of five children born to John and Eva Shishkowski. Within a couple of years, the family moved to the Frycz Homestead one mile south of Candiac when grandpa and grandma Frycz retired. Murray enjoyed farm life with his parents, sisters and brother. He eagerly participated in the sports activities offered at the Candiac school with baseball being his favorite. Although he liked and did well in school, once he turned 16 he decided to follow his heart and work alongside his father on the family mixed farm. He also worked on threshing crews and helped construct several buildings with his father such as the barn and shed as well as the Candiac rink, livery stable, and later converting it into the Town Hall. Curling, playing baseball and watching wrestling at the Candiac pool hall with his father were favourite past times.

During winter months, Murray would work in Regina with the most memorable, driving the Coca-Cola delivery truck. It was at this time he met Agnes Kolbe. They were married June 16, 1962 and settled into the family farm as his parents retired to Regina. This union was blessed with four children Cathy, Barb, Greg and Val.

Over the next 14 years, they successfully grew the farm by purchasing/renting additional quarters of land and acquired the Regina Bull Sale Grand Champion – WTK Farrow along with a few registered cows and heifers. Can View Polled Herefords was born. This was such a busy time, tending to fields of grain and hay, showing cattle during the summer and harvesting during the fall; chores and calving in the winter and spring. Numerous cattle were sold to overseas buyers. In 1976, the marriage dissolved.

In 1980, the old farmhouse was replaced with a new ranch style bungalow and on October 30, 1981 Murray married Kathryn Gerrard (Lothian). Over the next several years, the herd was dispersed to make way for his new venture as salesman for Behlen and Lode King grain and hopper bins . This new business employed many local high school and university students. Murray and his crew were recognized by Behlen to have the best set up crew in Canada and top sales for a number of years. He received many awards, plaques and even a trip to Hawaii for his hard work and dedication. In 1985, the Saskatchewan government approached Murray to operate a quarantine station to export cattle from his farm.

In 1997, Murray and his son Greg, designed safety ladders with cages for the bins and Rite Step Ladders was incorporated. They continued to build these ladders after they sold the Behlen dealership. In 2014, Murray and Kathy retired to Wetaskiwin, Alberta after the three generation family farm was sold.

Murray was an active member of a few churches over the years beginning with St. Michael’s Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church in Netherby, which his parents were founding members. Following his mother‘s footsteps, he became the treasurer at this church for many years. In 1984, Murray and Kathy joined the Church on the Hill in Glenavon. Murray became a member of the Board of Directors and an elder of the church . He happily ensured the grass was mowed and snow removed. After moving to Alberta in 2014, he attended a couple of Wetaskiwin churches.

Murray was very community oriented, sitting on numerous boards over the years such as the Candiac Wheat Pool and became the chairman, Credit Union Board, Montmartre RM Chairman, Candiac Curling Rink and Townhall Board and the C&D Water Corporation Board Chairman. He also provided funding and volunteered during the construction of the Circle Square Ranch.

Despite a busy schedule, travel was a big part of their life. Murray and Kathy made many memorable and adventurous trips to Texas by plane and by car visiting numerous American States. Murray, especially enjoyed his many trips to Alberta and BC to visit family.

Murray was a people person and loved visiting or meeting new people whether at an agricultural event such as the Western Agribition, Farm Progress Show, town fair, farm auction, implement or truck dealership, community or church gathering. Pretty much wherever Murray went, he greeted everyone with a smile and “Hello” in true small town fashion. He loved shopping “to see what was out there”. Be it at the mall or Costco, but by far his greatest joy was checking out new farm equipment. Murray was a big Saskatchewan Rough Riders fan and proudly wore his Riders hat everywhere.

Murray was predeceased by his parents, John and Eva Shishkowski; sister Sylvia Geleta; brothers-in-law Peter Geleta and John Horrick; and his wife Kathy.

Murray is survived by his children Cathy Callan (Robert), Barb Shishkowski, Greg Shishkowski and Val (Rob)Allen; grandchildren Michael (Blu) Callan, Derrick Callan, Nazsiwa Shishkowski, Anthea Shishkowski, Jordan Allen and Conner Allen; great-grandchildren Rayla Callan, Fiona Callan and Atlas Young; sisters Doreen Horrick and Violet Schumacher; brother Alex (Doris) Shiskowski; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Our family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the exceptional and devoted staff of the Lacombe Long Term Care for the phenomenal care provided, ensuring dad’s final life journey was filled with kindness and happiness. He loved talking, joking around with and singing with everyone there.

Murray lived a long and healthy life filled with hard work, family, gatherings, fellowship, and travel. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and acquaintances.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at the Ponoka Funeral Home on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. (livestream available below) and at the Church on the Hill in Glenavon, Saskatchewan on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

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