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STEVE DEREWIANCHUK Obituary pic

STEVE DEREWIANCHUK

Born: May 05, 1935

Date of Passing: Mar 18, 2026

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STEVE DEREWIANCHUK

(Vita STEVE)


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 and Anastasia Derewianchuk immigrated from Ukraine. He was the third youngest of 14 children and the bonds they formed persist to this day.

Steve is survived by his sisters, Anne, Genia, Nellie; and his brothers, Peter and Alex. He was predeceased by his brothers, Walter, Roland, Jarvis, Matt, Boris; his sisters, Mary, Stella, and Elsie.

Following High School, he tried his hand at a variety of jobs which included a year of school teaching. 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 three grandsons, Eric (Laura), Marc (Morgan), Robert (Chantelle); and their great-grandchildren, Orre, Axelle, Gabriel and Emma.

Steve jumped at the chance to return to Vita as District Supervisor in 1969 following a stretch in Selkirk which he greatly enjoyed. He became a pillar of the community; serving on boards (Credit Union, Hospital, School), fundraising for the construction of the Vita Arena, and serving as a councillor and 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 Manitoba. 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.

Steve retired from Manitoba Hydro in 1993, giving him time to pursue his first love, baseball. He played for numerous teams 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 and Iris Ewanchevich 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) Ewanchevich, Kylie (Lonnie) Gillis, Allysa Ewanchevich, Dylan and Robyn Yaremchuk, Brayden Ewanchevich; and grandchildren Ireland, Georgia, Boston, Charlotte, Greyor, Tenley, Rogan, Nyla, and Bennet.

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 in Steinbach, MB.

A heartfelt thank you to ALL the staff at the Vita Hospital 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!

Arrangements by:

BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL CO-OP

1-204-346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030

www.birchwoodfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 21, 2026

Condolences & Memories (5 entries)

  • Pat, it is with my deepest regrets that I read about your devastating loss. I take a moment of silence to honour the dignity of your former husband. My Heartfelt Sympathy, Philip - Posted by: Former student from The Early Childhood Clinic (E.C.C.) who was pleased to attend The Second Reading (of Bill 232: The Autism Strategy Act at The Manitoba Legislative Building on Treaty One Territory) on: Mar 21, 2026

  • Rest in Peace Steve. You truly left your mark in this world. Sympathy to Iris, Ruby Ann your families and all the Derewianchuk family - Posted by: Pat Frank Gaetz (Friend) on: Mar 21, 2026

  • Breaks our hearts to see that Steve has passed away. I knew Steve and his loving family since i was a litte girl. He was always so kind and loving and very generous with his hugs and kisses. His sister Elsie was my Auntie through marriage with my dear Uncle Bill. Steve is in Heaven with Jesus and his angels and his loved ones who are no longer with us. Heaven has been blessed by another very special Angel called Steve. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones and friends. We will miss that everlasting smile he always had for everyone. Rest in peace our dear one. Someday we will all meet again. With love and Respect, Sylvia and Gordon Bowen,nee Dowhy. 💘💘 - Posted by: Sylvia and Gordon Bowen,nee Dowhy (Family and friend) on: Mar 21, 2026

  • Dear family sharing your loss with our sympathies to each of you , Steve always had a smile for us over the years , we shared in his accomplishments I. Politics and in sports . May he rest in the peace and mercy of the lord now , until we meet again. Ray and Monique Mayner - Posted by: Monique and Ray mayner (Acquaintance and friend) on: Mar 21, 2026

  • When we first met in 1978, Steve had that special talent of kindness and caring. He truly loved his community area and would lend his helping hand to many. He loved discussing current events and took great interest in "your happenings." Rest in peace Steve and our condolences and prayers to your family. - Posted by: Jack & Christine Kowalchuk (Friends) on: Mar 21, 2026

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