Andy Bucko

With heavy hearts we share that our dear father (Tato), Andy Bucko, passed away suddenly in his Regina home on December 17, 2020. Left to cherish his memory are his children Sherri (Conrad) Doidge, Jody (Ashley) Wallster, Jason (Jacqueline) Bucko, and Crystal (Jason) Bencharski. Gido loved his 12 grandchildren Andrew and Nicole Doidge; Hunter and Braden Wallster; Crew, Thea, and Hayes Bucko; and Spencer, Nevin, Everett, Berkley, and Quinn Bencharski. He is survived by his siblings Ann (Arnold) Davey, Sylvia Bzdel, Kathy Stefan, Paul Bucko, Eugene Bucko, Raymond (Karen) Bucko, and Harold (Barb) Maximovich; sister-in-law Rose Maximovich; and beloved nieces and nephews. Andy was predeceased by his father Paul Bucko (1955); his step-father Mike Maximovich (1980); his mother Mary Maximovich (2007); brothers Mike Bucko and Stephan Maximovich; brothers-in-law Walter Woynarski, Stu Stefan, Joe Bzdel; and niece and nephews.

 Andy was born April 24, 1947 in Wadena, Saskatchewan and grew up on family farms near Mozart. Andy started his working career in Regina at Stelco as a steel worker and then a cab driver. In 1973 Andy and his family moved to Mozart and he started his 39-year career as a truck driver with Crawfords (Plains Poultry/Sunnyland/Lillydale) in Wynyard. During this time, he now owned his childhood family farm where he cared for and loved many different and unusual animals. In 1992, Andy moved to Wynyard. Andy always dreamed of moving to his childhood farm, which he did in 2010 for a couple of years until his health declined. In 2012 Andy retired and stayed with his children. He then moved to Regina, where he resided the past 2 years. 

 Dad had a passion for horses and loved spending time with his family and friends. The highlight of the year was the Wagon Trek where his camp was known as Andy’s Hillbilly Haven. These were the best times for everyone…after the first few miles. Dad was strong, tough, and athletic. In high school he thrived in football and track. At any age he was ready to challenge a race and usually won. As a live-haul trucker he was known to joke around with the young chicken-catchers and some of them remember losing a race to Dad. Dad was a captain of the Mozart broomball team and he flooded the Mozart rink every year where we all enjoyed fun times. Our house in Mozart was a central place to play 3-spot, hold after-cabaret parties, have coffee, and visit with friends. Our school friends loved being around Dad. He was energetic, fun, treated us like an equal, and made sure we knew that how we felt was important. For those that knew Dad, knew that he got heavily involved in Monarch games, sitting with the opposition’s fans causing havoc. He was very proud of his family and loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports. He loved to watch his son play hockey and was the team’s biggest fan. He loved watching track, hockey, and football and could also be known to spend 8 hours in the gym to watch 3 minutes of performance.

 Andy loved people and will be remembered for his crooked grin, quick and mischievous wit, teasing humour, and charm. Andy was easily-tempered, impatient, and also soft-hearted. He was accepting and could make everyone a friend. His thought and generosity could really make someone’s day.

 Thank You Dad for the way you cared for and taught others. Thank You for teaching us the value of hard work and making the best 4-H signs. Thank You for teaching us to be independent, boost a car, change a tire, how to saddle and ride a horse, and give others second…and more chances. Thank You Dad for making us believe we could do anything if we worked hard enough. We love you!

 A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.