Gregory Michael Bohachik
April 5, 1962 - September 2, 2009
It is with great sadness that we announce the accidental death of Greg Bohachik on
Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at the age of 47 at his home in Prince Albert, SK. He
is survived by his beloved daughter Shannon and wife Val Olsen of Prince Albert ,
parents Harry and Eleanor; sisters Cathy (John Skinner), Nancy (Rob Earing),
Susan Conklin (Sheldon); nephews Adam and Ryan Conklin, of Saskatoon.
Greg was born in Saskatoon and attended St. James Elementary and Holy Cross High
Schools, graduating in 1980. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in Music
Education from the University of Saskatchewan in 1984 and began a successful 15 year career as a band teacher for the Saskatoon Catholic School Division. He also taught a variety of other subjects. In 1991, Greg married Val Olsen. Upon the birth of their
daughter Shannon in November 1997, Greg felt privileged to take a 2 year hiatus
from his career to stay home and be a full-time dad. "Shanny" was the light of his life.
In 1999, Greg and Val moved to Prince Albert where he resumed his teaching career
at St. Francis and Holy Cross Elementary schools. This fall, he was very excited to
begin a new phase in his career, working at St. Mary's High School. Greg’s lifelong love of music began as a child when he picked up his first accordion. Throughout the years he became an accomplished musician, playing a wide variety of instruments. He especially loved the saxophone and the guitar. As a teenager, his involvement in the high school band led him to become a member of the Lion’s Band. He was very committed to the Saskatoon music community, playing in and conducting numerous genres of bands. Greg was very proud to be the director of the Saskatoon Jazz
Society Big Band, conducting as well as playing for 12 years. Greg's genius inspired
him to form the 8 piece rock band "Changeup" which performed at many venues. Two of his favourite events in which his bands participated were The Saskatchewan Jazz
Festival and the American Pavillion at The Saskatoon Folkfest. Upon his move to
Prince Albert, Greg founded and directed the Millenium Swing Orchestra. So diverse
was Greg in the field of music that in the early days of his career he had also lent his
talents to CFCR community radio as a deejay for "The Swing Shift". Greg was
passionate about sports, a love he shared with his daughter. He played baseball
and softball, was an accomplished golfer and loved to curl. Greg especially
enjoyed taking Shannon to Rider football and P.A. Raider hockey games and recently
the Calgary Stampede. He was an exceptional trivia buff - particularly in sports – and
a die hard Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan. His most recent foray into athletics was as an avid runner. He participated in several competitive marathons in Saskatoon and Vancouver. The 10K run was his specialty and he often placed in the top of his age group. Greg's vast interests included travelling to places such as South Africa, Mexico
and Disneyland. He took pride in his skill as a cook and loved to feed his friends and
family. He was a fabulous host and found it a joy to entertain. He will be remembered
as a kind, compassionate and generous son, brother, husband, father, teacher and
friend. His family will forever cherish memories of summer camping trips,raucous card
and board games, trips to the farm and family get togethers. He will be greatly
missed and will live forever in our hearts. The Vigil for Gregory will be held on
Wednesday, September 9th at 7:00 pm and the Mass of Christian Burial will be held
on Thursday, September 10th at 1:00 pm. Both services to be held at Holy Spirit Parish Roman Catholic Church, 114 Kingsmere Place (corner of Taylor and Kingsmere)
Saskatoon. Rite of Committal will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations
may be made to the charity of one's choice. Arrangements are in the care of
Ken Scheirich of Hillcrest Funeral Home, 477-4400.