Charlie Mintenko

On Aug. 10, 2018, we said goodbye to a man who we know has touched the lives of so many people, as a storyteller, counsellor, musician, handyman, truck driver, apple pie lover and friend. Charlie Mintenko was born on April 17, 1952 in Russell, Man., and grew up on a farm. After graduating high school and putting some miles on his Mustang in Winnipeg, he made his way to Langenburg, Sask., where he met his sweetheart, Charlene (nee Nerbas). They married on June 29, 1974, and moved to Grayson later that year. In 1987, they settled in Yorkton. Charlie held many working titles over the years, from grain buyer to rink custodian, mechanic, bus driver, electrician and fuel truck driver. But it was his decades playing music that brought him a special joy. His family knows that many people share memories of his fender guitar, jokes told with a thick Ukrainian accent and Johnny Cash songs that would fill dance halls across Saskatchewan and Manitoba. We also know he helped many people through their journey with Alcoholics Anonymous, and admire the courage and wisdom he showed in his 36 years of sobriety.

Along with his wife of 44 years, he is lovingly remembered as Papa Bear by his children; Julie (Neil) Parisloff and her family, Zander, Kyra, Joshua, Brittany (Matthew) and Brynn; Kelly (Julie) and his son, Keaton; and Courtney (Kyle) Markewich. He is survived by his big sisters, Ann (Mervin) Kendel and Barb Bartkiewitz, his brother-in-law Garry (Sharon) Nerbas, along with his nieces and nephews.  Charlie was predeceased by his parents William and Margarette Mintenko, parents-in-law Eddie and Amanda Nerbas and brother-in-law Rodney Nerbas.

Charlie was always there with a hug for so many people - whether they were a longtime friend or someone he was meeting for the first time - and his family knows we will all miss those hugs

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