George Panasuk

Visitation: Tuesday, February 3, 2004 at the Bainville School from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, and Wednesday, February 4, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Funeral Service: Wednesday, February 4th at 3:00 PM (MST) at the Bainville High School gymnasium.

Interment: will follow in the Bainville Cemetery in Bainville, MT

Funeral services for longtime Bainville resident George Panasuk will be held Wednesday, February 4th at 3:00 PM (MST) at the Bainville High School gymnasium. Pastor Lyle Thorpe of the Bainville Faith Fellowship will officiate and burial will follow in the Bainville Cemetery. Friends may call at the Everson Funeral Home of Williston Tuesday from 9:00 AM until 6:30 PM (CST), Wednesday from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM (CST), and at the school for the hour preceding the service.

George died on Thursday, January 29th, 2004, surrounded by family on his farm northeast of Bainville after a short battle with colon cancer.

George was born March 26, 1924, to Nazary M. and Katherine Panasuk, Ukrainian immigrants and early homesteaders near Bainville. The 10th of 13 children, George was born on the family farm, an original homestead only a few miles from the present Panasuk home where he passed away. George attended rural school through eighth grade and graduated from Bainville High School in 1943. Upon the death of his father, when George was 19, he inherited 120 acres and began farming with strength and determination. He won the affections of Irene Torgerson, and they married February 5th, 1949. They initially lived on the original Panasuk property, but subsequently built their own farm nearby over the next 55 years. They raised seven children with many achievements including several college degrees and two military service records. Three of the sons farm and ranch near Bainville, just as their father did. George was extremely proud of his family and their accomplishments.

George will be remembered by many people who knew him in a variety of ways. He knew nearly everyone in the town of Bainville and many people throughout Roosevelt County and the surrounding area. He was a lifelong farmer and rancher, and in the early 1960s he began buying cattle for an Iowa feed lot as a livestock order buyer, an occupation that became a significant portion of his business. His gregarious nature served him well, and he became a well-known personality in many stockyards across the region. Throughout his life George fostered many friendships from his livestock work, many dating back to his first transactions.

When George wasnt working his farm, he could often be found enjoying one of his pastimes. Fishing was a particular favorite of his, and most years he and some of his close friends traveled to Canada to catch walleye and northern pike. Long winter evenings were regularly spent playing pinochle, and his aptitude for the game resulted in the winning of several local tournaments. His social involvement was not limited to personal hobbies, but also included a number of community activities. He was a lifelong member of the Culbertson Saddle Club and enjoyed the trail rides and cattle drives. He could regularly be seen in local parades driving a horse and buggy or even as grand marshal. He was also involved in community service and was an honorary member of the Bainville chapter of FFA and a supporter of 4H. In addition, George served on the Bainville school board for many years. No doubt, many people will remember Georges generosity and kindness. He was more than happy to lend equipment or help with crops or cows during times of need. He readily passed out his extensive knowledge of farming and ranching to those who asked.

George is survived by his wife, Irene M. Panasuk, of Bainville, MT, five sons and two daughters: Dana G. (Brenna) Panasuk, Williston, ND; Miles G. (Cyndy) Panasuk, Bainville; Mary K. (Gregory) Peed, Bend, OR; Mark T. (Jan) Panasuk, Douglas, WY; Scot T. (Diane) Panasuk, Bainville; Todd M. (Brinda) Panasuk, Bainville; and Amy Beth M. (Kelly) Miller, Provo, UT. He is also survived by four brothers and four sisters: Leda Hunter, Kelseyville, CA; Eva Cottingham, San Rafael, CA; Philip Panasuk, Minot, ND; Sam (Ailsa) Panasuk, Auburn, WA; Esther Shippe, Studio City, CA; Edna (George) Hoynes, Malta, MT; Willie Panasuk, Sidney, MT; and Andrew E. Panasuk, Anaconda, MT. Also surviving him are sixteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents; four brothers, Alex, John, Paul and Peter.

The Everson Clayton Stevenson Chapel of Culbertson is in charge of arrangements.