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Steve Metka

Steve  Metka

Passed on: November 12th, 2014

Steve Metka 1920 -- 2014
Steve Metka passed away in his 94th year on Nov 12, 2014 in Chilliwack, BC. He was born in Sterling, AB on Jan 7, 1920, second youngest in a family of fourteen brothers and sisters, all who predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his wife Helen (Partaik) and his eldest son Joseph (Rhonda). He is survived by his son Robert (Shirley) and three granddaughters; Austin Metka, Rachael Metka and Lee Daly.
Steve was only five when his father died. His mother and older siblings worked hard to provide for the family through the dirty thirties in Moose Jaw, SK. When the country was in need, Steve and several of his brothers enlisted. He proudly served as a bomber pilot for the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, flying missions over the English Channel and training new pilots. Steve never lost his passion for flying even though he was prevented from getting a private license because of shrapnel damage to his vision. The meticulous planning and execution skills developed as a pilot served him his entire life. Not long after his return from the war, Steve married Helen and started his family life in Moose Jaw where the boys were born. After receiving his journeyman papers, he worked as a plumber with Richardson and Dracup rapidly becoming foreman. With their backing, the family moved to Gravelbourg, SK. where he and Helen opened a Marshall Wells store along with a plumbing and heating business. When Helen's failing health required proximity to hospital care the family moved to Saskatoon where Steve worked in plumbing and heating sales. He retired from Sears not long after Helen's death in 1982. In 1996, Steve made the move from Saskatoon to Chilliwack alone. He loved to golf and in spite of failing eyesight he continued to play well into his eighties with the help of golf buddies who needed only to tell him where his ball landed. During his golfing prime he achieved 3 holes in one.
Steve was stationed in England during the war and spoke fondly of the family with whom he stayed. He also visited his sons in Jakarta, Singapore, South Africa and Florida. In his last years he was mostly content to enjoy walks, coffees and meals with the dear friends whose help allowed him to live independently and at home right to the end.
Helen was the love of his life and he was completely devoted to her. Together they created a vibrant family, successful business and wonderful collection of friends. They worked hard, played hard and always had time to help others. Steve moved the family to Saskatoon in 1968 so Helen could have better hospital care and he would have more time to help her. After Helen passed away in December 1982, Christmas became a solemn occasion for remembering her. An avid athlete he played championship level hockey, base ball, golf, curling and bowling. He shared and passed on his love for sports as coach and instructor, willing to help anyone who was willing to give 100%. It was doing the best you could that counted! Steve loved the game of hockey. He played as a young man and as a senior, coached as a father, and always followed NHL games knowledgeably and passionately. His family knew not to call him during the game! Henderson’s Funeral Homes & Crematorium in care of arrangements, 604-792-1344.
www.hendersonsfunerals.com

 

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