Obituary of Darren Bohdan Kowaluk

To Watch Recording of Service click this link https://video.ibm.com/embed/recorded/133334633

January 9, 1964 – January 16, 2024

It is with unbelievable heartache and sadness that the passing of Darren Bohdan Kowaluk is being announced.  Darren passed away Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at the age of 60 from Hereditary Hemochromatosis liver disease, in the comforting arms of his wife as they lay together.

Darren will be deeply missed by his ever-devoted and loving wife Bev, best friend, and soulmate of 30 years (married 25+), parents Bohdan & Rachel Kowaluk, sister Linda (Randy) Bowzaylo, brother Larren (Sheri) Kowaluk, the in-laws, many nieces/nephews, and a TON of cousins.

Smarty pants that he was, Darren’s education path took him from the formative years of Brevoort Park School and Walter Murray Collegiate, to Kelsey Institute (now Sask PolyTech) Electronics, and eventually University of Saskatchewan Arts & Science with a major in Pubology, completing his practicum at Louis Pub on campus in record-setting time of 1-year earning a degree titled “What a Waste of Money”.

Maturity, to a degree, finally caught up to him and he knuckled down in his studies through employment with the City of Saskatoon, obtaining a Power Engineering Fireman’s Certificate, 1A Driver’s License, Water Treatment & Distribution Levels 1, 2, & 3, and a Supply Chain Management certificate.

Besides being known as entrepreneur “Johnny Ginseng” owning a Sangster’s Health Centre for 3 years and doing a stint with Flexi-Coil, Darren retired from a 16-year career with the City of Saskatoon covering a couple of seasons with Parks, and Roadways, finishing at the Water Treatment Plant as Buildings & Grounds Foreman, and ultimately Assistant Storeskeeper.

Darren’s handsome good looks launched a modelling career in his 20’s with Pizzazz Agency and SHE Modelling, taking him to Toronto as “Bart Bohdan”, then eventually into print and ‘father’ roles later in life.

Music was Darren’s entire life.  He was an immensely talented musician, singer, songwriter having many bands, touring the province, playing corporate gigs, and cruising the Senior’s Home circuit with Mom Rachel and late Aunt Lillian.  Sports were rewarding activities for Darren from an early age; hockey, basketball, football quarterback, and competitive baseball with the Saskatoon Outlaws, being inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame.

Special thanks to Hepatologist Dr. Lawrence Worobetz, Royal University Hospital Drs. Jonathon Dean & Ihor Hayda, as well as, all Nurses & Care Aides in 5100 Medicine, Family Dr. Mandeep Chhina, and the compassionate St. Paul’s Hospital Palliative Unit including Dr. James MacMillan, Nurses & Care Aides, and the Spiritual & Music Therapy Groups.

A memorial service for Darren will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Saskatoon Funeral Home, 338 - 4th Avenue North, Saskatoon SK with inurnment to follow at Saskatoon Woodlawn Cemetery.  The service will be live streamed via a link at the top of this page on the day of the service for those unable to attend.