Obituaries

October 9, 1930 – September 8, 2023

Paul John Evaskevich, beloved husband, dad, and grandpa, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2023, at 92. He leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and community involvement that touched the lives of many.

Paul was born on October 9, 1930, in Kirriemuir, Alberta, the youngest of fourteen children to Anna and Alexander Evaskevich. His life journey led him to Grande Prairie in 1953, where he found the love of his life, Coreen Hotte, whom he married on July 15, 1961. Together, they embarked on a remarkable journey filled with love and adventure with their three children, Dorothy, Maureen, and Grant. Paul was a dedicated husband and father who worked tirelessly to provide for his family, ensuring they felt cherished and cared for every day.

Paul’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to obtain his real estate license shortly after moving to Grande Prairie. He founded Granco Real Estate and, by 1965, had acquired Alberta Lands and Rimrock Realty, expanding his ventures into building houses and apartments. Paul and Coreen realized their dream when they purchased Hidden Valley Ranch and built their dream home in 1991. The ranch became a hub of joy and celebration, where they hosted sled rides, barn dances, and unforgettable gatherings for friends and family.

Family always held a special place in Paul’s heart. He was unwavering in supporting Coreen, their children, and their grandchildren. His warmth, hugs, attention, and generosity knew no bounds, and he never asked for anything in return. He reveled in playtime with the children, eagerly embracing each opportunity for fun and laughter. He served as a pillar of strength, offering guidance and encouragement to his children and grandchildren, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.

An avid outdoorsman, Paul’s love for adventure and the great outdoors was contagious. He shared his passion for hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, skiing, and trail riding with his children and grandchildren, instilling a deep appreciation for nature in them. A true cowboy at heart, having grown up on a ranch, he cherished his Wapiti Lake trail rides with friends.

Paul’s wanderlust led him and Coreen to explore every corner of the globe. Music played a central role in the Evaskevich household. The melodies of cowboy songs, sung in harmony by Coreen and Paul with their guitars, filled the home. He even attempted to teach everyone the art of yodeling, without much success.

Despite the demands of raising a family and building a successful business, Paul remained deeply committed to giving back to his community. His dedication was evident through his involvement with the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, as founding chairman of the Downtown Association, and in leadership roles with various organizations, including the Grande Prairie Real Estate Board, the Home Builders Association, and the Northwestern Polytechnic (formally Grande Prairie Regional College). Paul’s philanthropic spirit extended internationally, as he volunteered in Warsaw twice with Canadian Executive Services. His dedication was recognized with awards such as Kinsman of the Year and Rotarian of the Year, NWP Award of Distinction, and the Centennial Award. In 2022, Paul and Coreen generously established the Paul and Coreen Evaskevich Health Education Scholarship at Northwestern Polytechnic.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his thirteen siblings. He is survived by his loving wife, Coreen Evaskevich; his children Dorothy Evaskevich (Cam Marshall), Maureen Evaskevich, (Del Dorscheid), and Grant Evaskevich; as well as his cherished grandchildren Zachary MacDonald, Jessica MacDonald (Alex Kucey), Drew Cameron, Kate Cameron and Brielle Evaskevich (Brielle’s mom Kim), and niece Marilyn Stenvall, along with many nieces and nephews.

The service will take place at Bear Creek Funeral Home on Saturday, September 30, at 1:30 p.m., followed by a reception. The interment will take place in the Kirriemuir Cemetery in Kirriemuir, Alberta on Monday October 2 at 11am. Instead of flowers, a donation can be made to the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.

To join the service by livestream please click on the link below.

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780 830 7742 bcfh.ca