It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Fred Cenaiko announces his passing at the age of 86. He died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, May 4, 2012. He is survived by his loving wife Helen of 62 years, sons David (Bev), Lloyd (Ulyana), Harvey (Cheryl), daughter Ruth and 13 grandchildren, Chris, Daniel, Colin, Mark, Mia, James, Jason (Marion), Justin, Scott, Mark, Kirk, Rachelle and Ashley.

“Dr. C” was born in the village of Chesterhorb, Poland (formerly Ukraine) in 1926. His father, mother and two older brothers John and Peter immigrated to Canada in 1929 where they homesteaded in the Quill Lake region of Saskatchewan.

Fred had several passions in life. One of them was medicine and his desire to care for and heal people. He was a life-long student of medicine who was not afraid to try alternative forms of medicine as long as the desired result was accomplished. He will be remembered for his devotion as a family physician to the community of Wakaw and area for 56 years.

Fred’s other passion was his walk with his Heavenly Father, evidenced by his love for people, especially the disadvantaged. He was the driving force behind starting the Wakaw Baptist Church in 1956 and faithfully taught an adult Sunday School class for 56 years. He served as president of the Baptist Union of Western Canada and also was a life-long member of the Gideons. His passion for serving others extended globally through his numerous Medical mission trips to the country of Honduras. He established the Cenaiko Foundation which provides funding for numerous Christian agencies working in the world to alleviate poverty, pain and suffering for thousands of people each year.

Fred also served Wakaw in numerous community positions including town mayor, president of the school board etc. His life-long achievements did not go unnoticed, as he was awarded the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 1990, and the Order of Canada in 2006.

Fred was multi-talented…he was a painter, a photographer, a gardener, a businessman and as a young man, an avid sports fan. He loved to laugh and will be remembered for his sense of humor. No doubt his patients will remember that ever-present whistle as he walked up and down the hospital corridors. Dr. Cenaiko will be sorely missed by the countless lives he touched during his life of service.

A celebration of Dr. Fred’s life will take place at the St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church in Wakaw, May 9th, at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow in the Wakaw Town Cemetery.

Friends wishing to make a tribute, may do so to the Cenaiko Foundation (Box 39, Wakaw, Sask. S0K 4P0) or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to kushnerykfs@sasktel.net. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kushneryk Funeral Service, Wakaw, SK. 233-4403