Peter Chaykowski

Pete Chaykowski was born to Ross and Helen (Wonsiak) Chaykowski on May 5, 1932, on his parents’ homestead. He was the oldest of seven children (sister Barbara passed away in childbirth) and went to Robbinsdale #1 School up to Grade 8. Pete went to Grade 9 briefly in Rose Valley but quit school to help his parents with the family farm.
Pete’s dad bought bikes for the three boys and Pete helped out by delivering milk for the local Robbinsdale teacher, Mr. Tymko. On Fridays after school, Pete stayed behind and joined the young people’s group where Nancy Pugh, Margaret Nelson, and Thora Blair taught scripture verses and they sang hymns. Pete said he always liked prayers and prayed every day of his life. Pete’s spiritual life was also enhanced by going to Catechism. He always believed in God and trusted in Him.
He spoke highly of his mom and helped her with many things including making cakes as she wasn’t able to read recipes. She helped him out by helping Pete pay for his accordion.
Pete and his brothers (and sometimes some neighbours and relatives as well) trapped muskrats and gophers and sold gopher tails, crows’ feet and animal pelts. He also picked seneca roots. This was a common thing to do for some spending money.
He took courses in diesel and gas engines and maintenance at the University of Saskatchewan School of Agriculture in Saskatoon, which allowed him to help out more when he returned to the farm. In 1955, Pete attended a telecommunications course in Regina at the Saskatchewan Government Telephones building which then allowed him to be an installer and serviceman for the local Dairy Dell Telephone Company in the Rose Valley area. He also worked at cutting bush near Grand Rapids, Manitoba.
Later in his teens, Pete’s life took a turn when he started playing in several different orchestras at weddings, school dances, anniversaries, reunions, and fundraisers, among other events.
On November 27, 1965, Pete married Patsy Sowtis, daughter of Harry and Annie of Fosston. David was born in 1967 and Julie in 1970. Pete repeatedly expressed how blessed he was to have children and he enjoyed it as his family grew and the grandkids and great-grandson came along. Pete said he was so happy that all his extended family is happy and healthy and he didn’t lose any of them during his lifetime. He said he was ready to go home to be with the Lord and was not afraid to go.
Pete was predeceased by his infant sister Barbara; parents, Ross and Helen; brothers, Bill and Nick; and his niece Sandra Gall.
He is survived by Patsy, his wife of 51 years; son David and his wife Kim and their children, Kurtis, Kirsten (husband Jordan and son Max), and Deanna; and daughter Julie and husband Paul and their children, Carlene, Aliya, and Daniel.