Iris Windjack

September 21, 1931 – December 3, 2022

We sadly announce the peaceful passing of Iris Windjack on December 3, 2022 at The Summit Personal Care Home in Victoria.

Born September 21, 1931 on the family farm near Insinger, Saskatchewan to Stephan and Basilina (Lena) Springenatyk, Iris was the consummate hostess who revelled in feeding and caring for family and guests and had a particular soft spot for cats.  Many of her recipes have become the mainstay of family cooking.  Iris met Walter Windjack at a Fowl Supper in 1949 and on October 1, 1950 they were married at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Ortodox Church in Westbrook, Saskatchewan.  This marked the beginning of their love story that spanned over 65 years.

In 1952 Iris and Walter moved to Melville, Saskatchewan where son Rod was born in 1953.  Soon after, the little family moved to Duval, Saskatchewan, and a Principal post for Walter.  Son Perry was born in 1962 before the family moved to Strasbourg, Saskatchewan – eight miles away – allowing all of the close friendships to carry on and flourish.  In 1969 the family moved to Kamsack, Saskatchewan and expanded their circle of friends even more.  1972 saw a move to Weyburn where Iris spent time working for the local Co-op Store, discovering a talent for retail sales.  Iris and Walter made lasting friendships wherever they called home, enjoying every community they lived in and busily kept in touch with one and all.

In 1996 after Walter’s retirement, they moved to Westbank, BC.  Finally, after many summer and winter road trips from Saskatchewan to BC to visit Iris’ Mom, Dad and siblings, Iris was able to call BC home.  Westbank was their introduction to condo life where they lived in close proximity to Iris’s sister Jo and husband Bill, her brother Gus and wife Rochelle and Walter’s brother Ted and wife Rose.  With Westbank as their home base, Iris and Walter spent many summers at son Perry’s ranch in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan and many winter house sits on Vancouver Island to be near Rod’s family.  Visits, as they always had been no matter where home was, were always filled with card playing and the enjoyment of the people around them.  Iris was an avid curler, bridge player, crotchet expert, knitter, cat person and a keen listener.  She loved music and always was on top of current events, movements and fashion.

Iris was predeceased by her brother Orest Springenatic, brother Roy Springnatic, brother Gus Springnatyk, daughter-in-law Marci Windjack, brother and sister-in-law Ted and Rose Windjack and brother-in-law Ed Odway.  She will be deeply missed by her sons Rod (Bev) and Perry, grandchildren Allayne Olson (Calvin), Nicola Reiersen (Kristen), Christopher Windjack (Emily), Brodie Windjack, Sydney Windjack and great-grandchildren Mason Anaka, Luke, Bennett, Rhyan Olson, Quinn and Maeve Reiersen and August Windjack.  She will also be missed by her sister Jo (Bill), sisters in law Goldie, Gail, Rochelle and Gloria as well as number cousins, nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to The Summit staff for their dedication to Iris and her well being.

Interment will be held at a future date for family members.  Please consider donations to your favourite charity in Iris’ name.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com