We Remember

SKUTSHEK, Paul Peter

Paul Peter Skutshek peacefully passed from this life to the next on Friday June 19th 2015, surrounded by his children and daughter-in-law.  He was born April 1, 1925 in Zhytomyr, Ukraine. He grew up in Horschtschick, a small village in a German enclave located about 200 KM from Kiev. He was the youngest of 12 children born to Maria and Joseph Skutshek.

Paul grew up in Stalinist times. Food was scarce, many starved and people lived in fear of their government. He and his family shed many a tear. However, resourceful and hard working parents turned his tears to joy by providing food, security and solace.  The winds of war carried the family from the Ukraine to Germany as refugees. In 1943 he turned 18 and was granted German citizenship. He was drafted, trained and sent to war. He was captured at the Battle of the Bulge and spent the rest of the war as a prisoner of war. After the war he worked for the US army.

He emigrated to Canada in 1951, settling with his sister and parents in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Like many immigrants, he worked for the CNR, first shoveling coal off of boxcars, and eventually working his way up to the bridge and building crew. In May of 1953 he married Eugenie Politz, literally the “girl next door” from Paul’s hometown. By the time their first child Edward was born in 1956, Paul had learned English and was promoted to the position of Clerk in the CNR office. Some time after their daughter Desiree’s birth in 1958, Paul studied architectural drafting at night school. By the time their son Paul Jr. was born in 1963, Paul Sr. was drawing plans and supervising the construction of homes for Dominion Lumber in Winnipeg. He designed and built three family homes in Winnipeg.

The summer of 1968 the Skutshek family packed bare necessities into a U-Haul trailer and headed west to Kelowna. Paul and Eugenie came to Kelowna with a  dream, to start their own business, a construction company. They formed Paul Construction, Ltd. The first few years were difficult. They worked together as a finely tuned team. Paul drew the plans, lined up the trades and supervised the construction of homes. Eugenie learned bookkeeping and kept the company books impeccably and the home fire burning so that Paul could devote himself wholeheartedly to building and designing. From 1968 to 1985 Paul designed and built hundreds of homes and several commercial buildings in and around Kelowna. He took great pride in all that he did.  Paul was known for honesty and integrity in his business dealings. He was active in and served a term as President of HUDAC of Kelowna, a builders association.

Paul and Eugenie were people of faith. They were married and raised their children in the church. They became members of Christ Lutheran in 1968.  They began attending and then joined Grace Lutheran Church, West Kelowna, following their son Edward’s acceptance of a call to serve as the congregation’s pastor in June of 2000. Paul and Eugenie were active in worship, Bible Study and service.

Paul’s family was his pride and joy and his solace. He and Eugenie were truly an exemplary couple. Their marriage was a partnership in every sense of the word. They built a business and raised a family together. Each loved and sacrificed for the other and together they sacrificed for their children. They instilled their work ethic in their children. They encouraged their children become educated and strive to be the best they could be. As a consequence their children studied law, architecture and theology.

Paul and Eugenie loved one another dearly. When Eugenie died May of 2013, Paul could not be consoled. He insisted that half of him had died. He waited eagerly for the next life, in the Kingdom of God, with Father, Son and Holy Spirit and reunion with Eugenie forever.

Paul is predeceased by his parents and siblings. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Desiree and her son Noah;  son Paul Jr. (Gordon Palmer), and son Edward (Denise) and their son Jonathan, together with numerous nieces and nephews in Canada, the US, France, Poland and Russia.

The Skutshek family wishes to express their deepest and sincerest gratitude to the staff of the Kelowna Hospice for the exemplary care that Paul received during his last days and to Dr. Michael Bobyn, his family physician, for the extraordinary care Paul received right up to the very end. A service celebrating Paul’s life will be held at Grace Lutheran Church on Saturday June 27th at 11:00 AM. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Central Okanagan Hospice Association. Funeral arrangements by Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, Tel: (250) 860-7077.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.

 

Service
Saturday June 27th at 11:00 AM

Location
Grace Lutheran Church

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Central Okanagan Hospice Association, #104-1456 St Paul Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2E6

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for SKUTSHEK, Paul Peter is scheduled for Saturday June 27th at 11:00 AM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Grace Lutheran Church

1162 Hudson Road West Kelowna, BC

Phone:


Special Requests:

None.


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Condolences

  • Janet Craig says:

    Desiree, Paul Jr & Edward my thoughts and Prayers for you and your families. It was such a peasure over the years at my time in Kelowna working with Paul & Jean as there Banker they were truly a special couple. It is a peaceful feeling to know they are once again together.

  • Michael & Allison says:

    Neighbours for almost 30 years we had many roadside chats with Paul. He was possibly the most positive man we had ever met. His love for his family was always a part of his conversation. Rest in peace and thanks for kind words you often spoke.

  • Patti Jennens says:

    I am thinking of you all during this difficult time. Such a nice man your father was. Working with Dr. Bobyn for so many years gave me the opportunity to get to know your parents, particularly your Dad. He was always so friendly and eager to know what was happening in my life. You will miss him dearly yet I’m sure you will have memories to last a lifetime. He will be so very happy to be reunited with your Mom. Sincerely, Patti Jennens-Ansell

  • Kristina Chase says:

    Paul was such a wonderful man and always gave that special hug. I’m sorry for the family’s loss, but happy for his journey to connect with his Jeanie who he loved so intensely! I’m in Vamcouver helping with my Grandaughter and sorry to miss Paul’s service on Saturday

  • Camillo Tinto says:

    To Ed, Desiree,Paul and extended family We were very saddened to learn of Paul’s passing. He was a very big part of our early life here in Kelowna. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Camillo and Bambina Tinto and family.

  • John, Brenda & Shawn Dawson (Eagle Eaves) says:

    Paul – Our Sincere Condolences to you and your family

  • HELENE HACK says:

    To the Skutshek Family
    Sincere condolences to you all.
    I am sorry I am unable to attend the funeral services this morning.
    Paul was a special friend and we will miss his presence.
    We are blest to have known him.
    HELENE HACK

  • Marissa Hutchison says:

    Pastor Ed, I’m so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was a very kind man, and his story is an incredible one. Our prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Hope you, Deni, and Jon are doing well.

  • Jack Beck says:

    I had the pleasure of meeting Paul 2 years ago, doing some work at his house. Paul was the nicest man you would ever meet. May he rest in peace.

  • Dario and Elaine Grison says:

    We are very sorry for your loss. Paul was such a nice man and neighbour. I wanted to share a cute story with you. When walking past your Dad’s house with my little granddaughter, we stopped to talk to Paul many times when he was out in his yard. He would always speak of his wife and how much he missed her. I was touched by his loving way he would speak of her. One day he began the conversation with “I lost my wife”. My little granddaughter, who was 3 at the time, listened intently to the conversation. Later that day she said to me “Gramma, Paul lost his wife. He should go and find her!” Well, I guess he has found her now. May he rest in peace in her loving arms.

  • Margaret Klingbeil says:

    My heartfelt condolences on the death of your father. John and I always thought so much of your parents. They were such a good example for everyone. Your father was indeed exemplary , When I first heard of your father’s death the first thought that came to me was “Auf Wiedersehn Paul”
    . With much love to your family. You were blessed to have such wonderful parents.

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