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) and Susan Conklin
(Sheldon) and 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 continued 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 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 "Change-up" 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 avid and 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.
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.
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 Homes, 477-4400.