Stefan Derewianchuk

Obituary

It is with sadness that we announce the death of Steve Derewianchuk on March 18, 2026

Steve, a first generation Canadian, was born, in Vita Manitoba on May 5, 1935. His parents, Alexander & Anastasia Derewianchuk immigrated from Ukraine. He was the 3rd youngest of 14 children and the bonds they formed persist to this day.

Steve is survived by his wife Iris of 30 years, sisters Anne (Eugene deceased) Podolsky, Genia (Raymond deceased) Van Kooten, Nellie (Walter deceased) Diduck, and his brothers Peter and Alex (Eloise). He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters in law Walter (Sarah), Roland (Alma), Jarvis (Ann), Matt (Helen), Boris (Kay), and his sisters and brothers in law Mary (Mike) Kiziuk, Stella (Matt) Kyrzyk, and Elsie (Bill) Skryba.

He was blessed with nieces and nephews whom he adored. His door was always open. They shared many good times together and were there for him when he needed their presence.

He described his early years as typical “farm life” which included chores, always being outside and sharing meals as a family. He would always say “We didn’t have much but, Mom and Dad worked hard and we were never hungry”. He carried on the tradition as you never left his home hungry or without something from his garden.

Steve completed his High School in Vita and tried his hand at a variety of jobs. He worked in the “Bush”, spent some time with his brothers on the railroad, and obtained his teaching permit which led to a one-year career as a teacher. He found his true calling with Manitoba Hydro where he remained for 37 years.

His first Hydro posting took him to Pipestone. MB where he won the hearts of the community with his Baseball Prowess. It is also where he met his first wife, Pat McRae, with whom he shares their daughter, Ruby-Ann (Raymond), their 3 grandsons, Eric (Laura), Marc (Morgan), Robert (Chantelle), and their great-grandchildren Orre, Axelle, Gabriel and Emma.

Steve settled into Hydro and the community of Selkirk. But, when an opportunity to be the “Hydro Man” in Vita presented itself in 1969, he could not resist. In Steve’s heart, Vita was always Home. He spent the remainder of his Hydro career in Vita.

He became a pillar of the community. If there was a Board (Credit Union, Hospital, School), he was on it. He was part of a team of dedicated volunteers who held weekly Bingos to raise funds to construct the Vita Arena. Steve’s Bingo calling is as legendary as his calls behind the plate. Many waited anxiously to hear Legs 11, Clickety Click 66 or Scooby Doo 22. He served many years as a councillor and/or Reeve for the L.G.D. of Stuartburn. In 1973 he was elected to the Manitoba Legislature and remains the only N.D.P candidate to win a seat in Southern Mb. He worked tirelessly to pave roads, build Personal Care Homes and improve health services in the area. Steve served one term in Government and returned to Hydro in 1978.

Retirement from Hydro in 1993, gave Steve time to pursue his first love – Baseball. He played for numerous teams (Eastman, Coyotes, Flashbacks) in the Seniors Slo-Pitch league. Many years his team won or was runner up in the League. There are many highlights but, representing Manitoba in Kansas City in 1995 and playing with his brother, Peter, in Las Vegas in 2000 stand out. He was inducted into the Manitoba Baseball of Fame in 2007 for his individual contributions and incredible talent. In 2008 he was honoured to share a Team induction with family and friends who played for the Vita Cubs from 1955 -1960.

On June 3, 1995 Steve & Iris Ewankevich married. They travelled throughout Manitoba, Minnesota, Oregon, and Nevada for Baseball. Steve’s family grew as he welcomed Iris’s children: Rick (Karen), Robert (Judy), Roseanne (Tim) Yaremchuk and their children, Trista (Issac) Friesen, Eric (Suzanne) Ewankevich, Kylie (Lonnie) Gillis, Allysa Ewankevich, Dylan and Robyn Yaremchuk, Brayden Ewankevich and grandchildren Ireland, Georgia, Boston, Charlotte, Greyor, Tenley, Rogan, Nyla, and Bennett.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 10:30 am, with Viewing commencing at 10:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Mb.

A heartfelt thank you to ALL the staff at the Vita Hospital and Home Care who provided the most compassionate and professional care.

In Memory of Steve, make a difference in your community, welcome a stranger, make a friend, and consider a donation to the Vita Arena or a sports complex in your community.

Rest in Peace Steve – You made a difference!