Obituary of Peter Semko

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 Peter Semko

1934 - 2023

The family of Peter Semko wishes to announce his peaceful passing after a short battle with cancer on April 23, 2023.

Dad was born the fourth child to Peter and Anne Semko in Glaslyn, SK on October 16, 1934. The family moved to Saskatoon when dad was seven years old. He was yet to speak English but very quickly made many lifelong friends.

Dad borrowed his first pair of skates from a friend and thus began his love of skating and hockey. A self-professed rink rat, he played for the Saskatoon Wesleys, U of S Huskies and attended the Detroit Red Wings training camp. As a back-up plan, Dad attended Teacher’s College but soon decided his passion for golf was where his heart was. He worked in the back shop at the Saskatoon Golf and Country Club from age 11 first as a caddy and eventually as Assistant Golf Professional under his mentor, Pat Fletcher. He subsequently continued to work under Pat at Royal Montreal Golf Club and credited him for his start in golf and love of the game. When Dad’s parents moved for an opportunity elsewhere, he lived with the Fletcher family in Saskatoon and eventually Montreal. It was during that time where he began a lifelong friendship and brotherhood with Allan Fletcher, son of Pat.

Dad returned to Saskatoon and married mom, Sherrill McAskill, in August 1959. Four children soon followed and life was busy. In 1961, Dad became the Head Golf Professional at Holiday Park Golf Course where he contributed to the completion of the golf course construction project. He was also instrumental in the concept, design and construction of the Executive Nine at the course. He then moved into the role of Supervisor of Golf Courses for the City of Saskatoon while continuing as the Head Professional. He was active in the Saskatchewan Professional Golfer’s Association, serving six years as President and also served as Vice-President of the Canadian PGA and as Captain. While Captain, he was instrumental in bringing the CPGA National Championship to the Saskatoon Golf and Country Club in 1971, a first for Saskatchewan. In later years, he was honoured to be inducted into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame and the Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Saskatchewan PGA and lifetime memberships into the Canadian PGA and Saskatchewan Turfgrass Association.

Dad had been involved with many golf course designs and builds throughout Saskatchewan. That experience and passion for the game led to dad and mom taking a leap of faith by building Greenbryre Country Club which opened in 1979. It was dad’s dream fulfilled, working with his family including son David who followed him into the golf business, and Jay and Shauna who supported the business through various roles. Dad was a great leader and coach to staff and students at Greenbryre for 28 years when they sold the club and retired in 2007.

Dad was regarded as a mentor to many Golf Professionals throughout the province. He was a gifted golf instructor with infinite patience!  He thrived on his wonderful relationships with people and never forgot a name! He was a man of high integrity and treated everyone with respect no matter what the circumstance. He had humble beginnings and was one of a kind. A true gentleman.

He was predeceased by wife Sherrill in 2017, daughter Whitney in 1964, his parents Peter and Anne Semko, in-laws John and Lola McAskill, sister Les Campbell, brother-in-law Pat Bobyn, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Don and Judy McAskill and sister-in-law Elaine McAskill.

He leaves behind his children Jay Semko, Shauna (Don George), David (Nicole) Semko.

Grandchildren Christine (Kevin Wood), Brianna (Mark Burtt), Michael (Alana George), Alexandra Biddell, Jackson Semko, Olivia Semko, Grace Semko and Ella Semko. Great grand-children James, Ethan and Liam Burtt, Declan and Natalie Wood and Gabriella George.

Sisters Holly Bobyn and Vi (Bill Ormshaw), brother-in-law Bob Campbell and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to express gratitude to physicians Dr. Dick Baltzan and Dr. Alexander Watts.  We would also like to acknowledge nurse Lionel from the 7^th floor nursing team, and the palliative care team at St. Paul’s Hospital for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, for those so wishing, donation may be made in memory of Peter to the Canadian Cancer Society. Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Wednesday May 17, at 2:00 pm at Knox United Church. The Service will be livestreamed and can be accessed by clicking on the link above.