Obituary of Paul Chaban

The family of Paul Chaban, of Melville and beloved husband of Leona Kirschman, sadly announce his passing on Friday, March 1, 2024. He was 88 years of age.

The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, March 7th at 10:00am from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. 

CLICK HERE for Live-Stream access any time after 9:50am on Thursday.

The interment will follow in the Melville Municipal Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church as gifts of remembrance.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home, Melville.

Paul Chaban was born to Rosie (Pillipow) and Dymetro Chaban on the family farm in the Goodeve District, June 20, 1935. Paul received his education in Goodeve and finished grade 12 in Regina.

Paul worked various places in Saskatchewan while working on a construction crew and in a Moose Jaw bakery prior to joining the CN Signal Department in July 1956.

Paul met Leona at the “Beanery” where Martha was the cook and Leona was a waitress. Paul was treated well at the Beanery due to his relationship with Leona and was often given extra helpings of meat and potatoes. Food being the way to a man’s heart, Paul proposed to Leona after 2 months of dating. Paul and Leona (Kirschman) were married 6 months later in Melville on February 20, 1960.

Once married, Paul and Leona lived in Spyhill and Ituna, then deciding to settle in Melville in 1966 as their forever home. First at the family farm Paul purchased from Leona’s family and then in the town of Melville.

Paul and Leona were blessed with two wonderful children, Tim in 1964 and Michelle in 1966. Three Grandchildren and 4 Great Grand Children.  Paul always joked that the best thing about being a grandpa was sleeping with grandma! Enjoying 64 years of marriage together, Paul and Leona still enjoyed watching “The Price is Right”, The Waltons”, Saturday Night Polka Fest, but most likely watching Saturday Hockey Night in Canada, especially when the Leafs were playing! 

For many years Paul would carry something Special under the seat of his car for any occasion. At this time, the cork would be removed and immediately discarded. DIBORJA!

Paul was very involved in St John Ambulance, Melville Curling Club, Melville Senior slow pitch, Donor’s Choice, and Treasurer for St. Elias Cemetery. Paul was an avid sports fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Blue Jays, Saskatchewan Rough Riders, and Melville Millionaires. Paul was often seen at the Mils games as a long-time supporter and season ticket holder.

Paul retired in 1990 from the CNR but farming continued.

Paul entered his eternal rest on Friday, March 1, 2024 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 88 years of age.

Paul was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grand Father who will be greatly missed.

Paul now joins in heaven: his parents, Rose (Pillipow) and Dymetro Chaban; brothers, Bill, John, and Jim Chaban; sisters Ann Chaban and Olga (George) Boyko; brother-In-Laws, Ken Kirschman, Norman Zentner; sister-In-Laws, Eleanor (Gus) Hallwas, Nancy Kirschman, Millie Kirschman.

Paul leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Leona of 64 years; son, Tim (Monique) and their children Dillon and Madison Chaban; daughter, Michelle (Blaine) Anderson and their children Tyson, Maxwell and Alexander, and great grandchildren, Miah, Brynnlee, Kyla and Keastyn; sister-In-Laws, Delores Chaban, Edna Zentner, Christine Kirschman; brother-In-Laws, Alfred Kirschman, Mervin Kirschman; also left to cherish Paul’s memory are many nieces, nephews, and friends.