Obituary of HORBACK – Romaine

February 26, 1930 – February 27, 2011 Romaine passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 27, 2011. He was born on February 26, 1930 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Romaine was an avid hockey player and at 16, he was scouted by the Chicago Blackhawks. His mom was not ready for him to be away from home at that age so upon graduating from high school his focus turned to the newspaper business. He worked for the Enterprise Newspaper in Yorkton and it was in his home town that he met and married the love of his life Helen Diachina. They were married in 1952 and their son Ron made his arrival in 1954. The family moved to Calgary a few years later, where Romaine was employed with the Calgary Herald for the next thirty-six years. He worked as a printer and then a foreman in the composing department. At age 62, he retired and he and Helen spent their remaining years gardening, traveling, watching sports, having fires in the backyard and playing with the grandkids. They were members of St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church for many years. Romaine was predeceased by Helen in 2006 after fifty-four years of marriage. He was also predeceased by his mother, Jean Diachina; his brother-in law, Thor Diachina; and his dear cousin Wally Dumka, who was like a brother to Romaine. Left to mourn his loss are his son Ron and his wife Denise; grandchildren Chris and Jenna; brother-in-law Wally Diachina and wife Olga; and Dianne Diachina, wife of Thor. A special thanks goes out to neighbour James Segstro, who was always available to lend a hand and helped to ensure Romaine could stay in the home he and Helen had loved. That meant the world to him and we are thankful for your assistance over the years. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so prior to the service at 9:00 a.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca or to the charity of the donor’s choice. In living memory of Romaine Horback, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.